Merged: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

[ABM]

http://celticshub.com/2010/07/14/espns-haberstroh-explains-who-will-beat-the-heat/

Tom Haberstroh had an interesting column today on ESPN.com (Insider Only, I’m sorry) regarding the prototypical team a GM should assemble to have the best chance in defeating the Superstars from South Beach.

Here are some interesting excerpts:

“…a more effective strategy may be to build an unselfish, deep group that will fully dedicate itself to establishing an impenetrable defense.

In other words, the new model will not be the 2010-11 Miami Heat, but rather the 2003-04 Detroit Pistons.”

Hey-O! Alright! Yahoo!

Haberstroh has got to be talking about the Big Three era Boston Celtics. The Celtics team that has been among the league leaders in defensive rating for the past three seasons. The team that was most recently able to corral three Superstars (albeit a bit past their primes) into playing selflessly and with unbridled trust in each other. The team who year in, year out have been able to seamlessly employ spot starters in the absence of Superstars and enjoy similarly successful seasons.

Haberstroh just has to be talking about the C’s, right? Or, if there is more than one team that fits the Larry Brown Pistons mold, surely the C’s have to be tops on the list?

Nope.

The final list of teams Haberstroh feels has the best chance to beat the Heat next year and beyond are the Portland Trailblazers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Milwaukee Bucks.

For the most part, I don’t disagree. All three of those teams are young, talented up-and-coming teams. For the ‘Blazers, the Haberstroh makes the Pistons connection by likening Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews (assuming he’ll be on the team) to Tayshaun Prince.

“…the Blazers will have two lockdown defenders on the perimeter, Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews (in the likely event that Utah doesn’t match Portland’s offer sheet), and either one could fit the mold of Tayshaun Prince in their starting lineup.”

These role players are nice and the Celtics will undoubtedly need to pick up another player with lock-down capabilities with the exodus of Tony Allen. That being said, the Celtics starting wings are extremely adept on the defensive end.

OK City, Haberstroh reminds everyone, drastically improved their defensive rating from two years ago.

“No team in the NBA improved its defense more than the Thunder did, slicing 4.8 points off their defensive efficiency (remember, fewer points is better) from 2008-09 to 2009-10.”

The Thunder were able to showcase their improved defense all season and Haberstroh’s observation bears repeating. The Celtics, however, finished 5th in overall team defensive rating and the Thunder finished 8th (according to HoopData.com).

The Bucks not only gave the Atlanta Hawks all they could handle in the first round of the 2010 NBA Playoffs, but they did so without their starting center in Andrew Bogut. Haberstroh notes Bogut’s shot-blocking ability was second to only Dwight Howard last year and, whether international or not, Haberstroh’s description of Bogut definitely becomes an easy Ben Wallace comparison. If the Bogut-Wallace connection wasn’t enough, Haberstroh reminds everyone who dictates the defense for the Bucks:

“If Bucks coach Scott Skiles aims to be the next Larry Brown, he’s doing a pretty good job. The former Most Improved Player award winner took over a 26-win team two seasons ago that featured the worst defense in the league and transformed it into a defensively focused squad fit for the playoffs.”

With Tom Thibodeau gone to coach the Chicago Bulls, the Celtics are still searching for their “Larry Brown” but all signs point to capable replacements Only time will tell who the C’s will choose to fill the void, but Thibodeau’s teachings have to be ingrained in the player’s habits by now.

Let me reiterate, Tom Haberstroh isn’t wrong in any of his assertions- his list is just incomplete.

What do you think?

If you agree with me, please comment using your best hybrid Rodney Dangerfield/Stan Van Gundy impression: “I get no respect!“

 

[Nikolokolus]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

We'll see

 

[ABM]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

We'll see

Don't lie...before opening this, you thought there was a good chance it was some Bleacher Report trash, didn't ya?

 

[alex42083]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

I hope we see a big lineup next season of Roy/Mathews/Batum/LA/Oden. With the two 'lockdown' defenders plus Roy, along with LA and Oden down low... it'd be reminiscent of the 2000 team with Pippen/Steve/Bonzi/Sheed/Sabas with the size and talent on the floor to do a lot of different things.

Bosh would have to guard either LA or Oden, and even he isn't that great of a defender. God, I just hope we stay healthy next season.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

Don't lie...before opening this, you thought there was a good chance it was some Bleacher Report trash, didn't ya?

Hehe, that's exactly what I thought it was going to be.

 

[Further]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

I agree. I think the Blazers, if healthy, are the type of team that can beat the heat.

 

[Further]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

I think there are a few things that any team would need to beat the heat. Great D is one, and the Blazers should hopefully have that. Put Batum on James and Wes on Wade. But, another thing that will be needed is the ability to capitalize on their one big weakness, a good inside defender. If Greg, Camby and LMA are all healthy, the Blazers will certainly have the inside power to overwhelm the poorly defending Bosh, and the blocking and fouls to keep him at bay on the other end.

 

[Idog1976]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

I think there are a few things that any team would need to beat the heat. Great D is one, and the Blazers should hopefully have that. Put Batum on James and Wes on Wade. But, another thing that will be needed is the ability to capitalize on their one big weakness, a good inside defender. If Greg, Camby and LMA are all healthy, the Blazers will certainly have the inside power to overwhelm the poorly defending Bosh, and the blocking and fouls to keep him at bay on the other end.

I repped you based on your Avatar alone. I also think the Blazers have the best chance of anyone other then LA of beating the Heat. If the Celtics find the fountain of youth I would give them the nod. Orlando might also give the Heat some trouble if D. Ho can stay out of foul trouble.

 

[huevonkiller]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

Hmm, the Blazers' young core is impressive. If the Heat can get a good defensive big I don't think any other team has a realistic chance.

 

[THE HCP]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

Hmm, the Blazers' young core is impressive. If the Heat can get a good defensive big I don't think any other team has a realistic chance.

If my Blazers stay healthy, watch out! But you speak the truth..... if the Heat get a defensive minded center who can set screens, rebound and outlet the rock, watch out!

 

[Mote]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

If OUR Blazers stay healthy, watch out! But you speak the truth..... if the Heat get a defensive minded center who can set screens, rebound and outlet the rock, watch out!

Fixed !!!

Let's see ... defensive minded- - - sets screens- - - rebounds- - - outlets the rock- - - ... Hmmmmm... I'll see that bet and raise you- - - leads the fast break...

[video=youtube;mhnvYmgRPv0]

 

[THE HCP]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

Fixed !!!

Let's see ... defensive minded- - - sets screens- - - rebounds- - - outlets the rock- - - ... Hmmmmm... I'll see that bet and raise you- - - leads the fast break...

[video=youtube;mhnvYmgRPv0]

Son, you haven't been around here long enough to edit one of my posts!

 

[Mote]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

Son, you haven't been around here long enough to edit one of my posts!

Son? Look here you whippersnapper, I'm old enough to be your uncle! I've also been a supporting (season tickets and purchased hard goods) fan for a lot of years. I even "donated" $5000.00 to the Benjamin Franklin FS & LA in 1976 so I could have one of these:



So let's play nice...OK!

 

[XXPrimusXX]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

Son? Look here you whippersnapper, I'm old enough to be your uncle! I've also been a supporting (season tickets and purchased hard goods) fan for a lot of years. I even "donated" $5000.00 to the Benjamin Franklin FS & LA in 1976 so I could have one of these:



So let's play nice...OK!

PWN'd.

 

[jlprk]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

You're not OLD enough to PWN HCP. I'll do the PWNing around here.

 

[XXPrimusXX]

Re: Teams That Can Beat The Heat: This Guy Thinks The Blazers Lead The Pack

You're not OLD enough to PWN HCP. I'll do the PWNing around here.

Aren't you TOO OLD to be familiar with the term "PWN"? Haha.

 

[zeded]

Teams built to beat Miami...

In advance, apologies if this has already made it on S2.

Celtics hub took up the torch from an ESPN insider article. Interesting read.

http://celticshub.com/2010/07/14/espns-haberstroh-explains-who-will-beat-the-heat/

"The final list of teams Haberstroh feels has the best chance to beat the Heat next year and beyond are the Portland Trailblazers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Milwaukee Bucks."

 

[hasoos]

Re: Teams built to beat Miami...

I think the Timberwolves are built expressly to beat Miami!

 

[Mote]

Re: Teams built to beat Miami...

In advance, apologies if this has already made it on S2.

Celtics hub took up the torch from an ESPN insider article. Interesting read.

http://celticshub.com/2010/07/14/espns-haberstroh-explains-who-will-beat-the-heat/



"The final list of teams Haberstroh feels has the best chance to beat the Heat next year and beyond are the Portland Trailblazers, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Milwaukee Bucks."

:


http://sportstwo.com/threads/164727...eat-This-Guy-Thinks-The-Blazers-Lead-The-Pack

 

[Nikolokolus]

Re: Teams built to beat Miami...

Until we see Miami on the court we don't know what it's going to take to beat the Heat. My money is on central air.

 

[Idog1976]

Re: Teams built to beat Miami...

Until we see Miami on the court we don't know what it's going to take to beat the Heat. My money is on central air.

GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOANNNN!

I thought it was this guy:

You know the SUPER FAN.

 

[zeded]

Re: Teams built to beat Miami...

I knew it must already be here somewhere. That'll teach me to bother.

 

[BGrantFan]

Re: Teams built to beat Miami...

Anybody with front-line depth is built to beat the Heat. How that includes the Thunder or the Bucks does puzzle me, though, although with Bogut and Gooden, the Bucks probably have a better shot if both are healthy.

 

[THE HCP]

Re: Teams built to beat Miami...

If we are healthy, we can compete with anybody!

 

[hasoos]

Re: Teams built to beat Miami...

If we are healthy, we can compete with anybody!

We can even compete if unhealthy. Will they win though?

 

[CelticKing]

Re: Teams built to beat Miami...

Too bad Blazers and Thunder aren't in the East to stop the Heat, you gotta deal with LA first.