Roasting temperatures struck cross country but all is well and cool in Wade
County

With Zo opting to return, championship core is virtually back for next
season. But this wagon's not going anywhere without a Coach. Pat Riley's
currently contemplating his next step on an African safari(could this be
part of next years mystery pit!).

Inspite winning the ultimate, last year was a roller coaster ride
experience. As pieces adjust to new roles, road was bumpy at best. Heat
went through fire and pressure the entire season coming out a gem as World
Champions. But their transformation is not complete...

Last years starting five played 24 games together the entire season. Their
record...20-4. One season under their belt and a playoff run that molded
them. Miami will bring a different Heat this coming season sure to light up
the association. Pat brought players not afraid to shoot when needed. You
all know Antoine Walker is more than happy to pick up the scoring slack
when needed. Heat is Suns East when J. Williams is healthy but with big
stick on defense!

Until a team loads up defensively to stop Heat's offense, Miami's D is
always good enough to stop anybody and will repeat as Champions once again.
Chicago shines the brightest right now with Big Ben. But when it comes down
to crunch time Bulls rely too much on jumpshots and I don't know if Ben
Wallace's post offense helps them on that end.

Shaq is aging but Miami's youth waiting on the bench is quite promising.
Udonis Haslem is my homer fan finals MVP but Wayne Simien with a better
shooting touch is growing slowly and will someday replace Udonis. Dorel
Wright and Earl Barron could also someday be starting and Coach Riley might
be forced to go deeper into his bench this year.

When Coach comes back, Miami Heat bandwagon starts rolling! Come on
board!!! Yes we have plenty of room courtesy of Las Vegas, Dallas still
favored to win next year ;-)

One of the worst things you can do is anticipate a repeat. Somehow it
just dissolves all the dedication, hard work and resilience required to
obtain it.

Two seasons in a row Detroit expected to win a championship and frankly
let themselves down.