Imagining D-Wade and LeBron together in Miami

[NJNJ]

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An inordinately large chunk of the NBA's appeal is attached to its "what if" component.

 

For example, we've all spent a great deal of time wondering what might happen if more than 30 percent of its teams actually played defense. It also might be interesting to find out how compelling the dunk contest might be if the best dunkers actually competed, or what could transpire if the majority of coaches were paid more loot per year than the worst player they coached.

 

With the "what if" provocation on the table, we're here to imagine how the NBA might evolve if two of next summer's A1 free agents ended up working for the same franchise. And for the sake of going to the extreme, we're attempting to imagine Dwyane Wade and LeBron James drawing paychecks in the same city.

 

The possibility of this happening is remote, but not impossible — leaving it right in the middle of our wheelhouse.

 

It should be noted that due to salary-cap issues, it seems much more likely that this holy-smokes tandem would suit up for works shifts with the Miami Heat. The Heat, which currently employ Wade, should — based on current contracts and anticipated cap issues — be able to hire two prime free agents (including Wade) next summer. It would be the most inspiring partnership to hit Miami since Crockett and Tubbs.

 

The Cleveland Cavaliers, who have employed James since he flew in from down the road in Akron, would have to depend on foolish teams to take ugly salaries off their books before even dreaming about having both of the aforementioned stars on their payroll. So, let's just pretend LeBron will forsake Cleveland and the New York City area for the potential of championship glory with his buddy Wade and the Heat.

 

For context, we've consulted an assistant coach currently employed by a team in the NBA's Eastern Conference and a personnel sharpie working for team in the league's Western Conference.

 

OK, on the surface, trotting out three gym-class flunkies with James and Wade would seem like more than adequate as a starting lineup to at least challenge for a berth in the NBA Finals.

 

Before tackling the on-court advantages and tribulations that might arise, please note that — since the invention of television — most championship teams have required the presence of at least two legitimate stars before an O'Brien trophy was processed. The possible exceptions — based on your interpretation of what constitutes greatness — are Larry Brown's Detroit Pistons (2004) and the Seattle SuperSonics of 1979.

 

"Obviously, having LeBron and D-Wade would make any team an instant contender," said the personnel sharpie. "But Miami only has four other players under contract for next season, so you can't overlook how difficult it might be to put an adequate team around them."

 

The assistant coach doesn't think it's a problem.

 

"With two wing or perimeter players on board like LeBron and Wade, the big issue is finding someone to play point guard who can make the open shot and defend the position. The two superstars can initiate the offense, create mismatches or shots through dribble penetration. Anyone who can defend opposing point guards and make open shots will work for them. They already have that in (Mario) Chalmers."

 

CONTINUE READING

[Jenneral]

It would be so sick to see these two playing on the same court just like either of them playing with Dwight. However, the team would be far from unstoppable as their bench would be thin at best.

[Flash]

I see us keeping some guys from our bench now and you know a few veteran guys would be willing to come off the bench if it meant winning a ring with those 2. That being said I think Chris Bosh fits in more with us than LeBron would. Wade and a dominant post player = ring as shown in the past .