How The Heat Can Win It All In 2012, And Beyond

Miami's big 3 wasn't enough in 2011, can they improve for 2012 and beyond?

Depending on your affiliation, you are likely still thrilled or devastated by the Dallas Maverick's shocking victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.  Whether you are basking in the glory of seeing Lebron James struggle on the biggest stage of his career, or still recovering from the letdown of what once seemed a guaranteed championship , know one thing... the Heat are here to stay.  Like it or not, we are looking at a team poised to contend, as they said themselves, for multiple championships.  But how can Miami improve their chances of winning it all in the upcoming seasons?  Their options may be limited, but here's where they need to start.

SportsBank's NBA Lottery Mock Draft 1.0 Picks (6-10)

In part two of our mock draft special, we pick up with the sixth pick, which belongs to the Washington Wizards.  The Wizards were one of the NBA's worst teams last season, despite a strong season from rookie point guard John Wall.  So without further ado...

6. Washington Wizards - Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego St.

Although this may seem like a stretch to some, Leonard fits in quite well with where Washington needs to go.  Leonard will be able to step in and instantly improve a porous Wizards defense which ranked 26th in blocks per game, and 24th in PPG allowed.  The versatile 6'7'' NCAA tournament standout is capable of guarding shooting guards, small forwards and the occasional power forward, which increases his value substantially.  Simply put, Leonard has a TON of upside, and if he continues to improve his shooting game he could help form a legit force with John Wall.

Also in consideration: Jan Vesley


7. Sacramento Kings - Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky

The Kings could use a Knight at the point for a number of reasons.  Besides the obvious need for a solid on-court leader, drafting Knight would allow them to move Tyreke Evans to permanent shooting guard, where he is a much better fit.  While his name doesn't carry the same weight as, say, Kemba Walker, Knight is a legitimate point guard who can play defense and shoot consistently.  Moreover, he is a strong character guy, who, together with Evans and fellow Wildcat DeMarcus Cousins, could make Sacramento significant again.

Also in consideration: Jimmer Fredette


8. Detroit Pistons - Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas

Thompson is a phenomenal rebounder who could step in and improve the Pistons roster immediately.  While he will likely never be a star, he is a proven inside presence that will be a step in the right direction for a rebuilding Pistons team.  While they might consider international prospect Bismack Biyombo, Thompson is a safer pick that is more NBA ready.

Also in consideration: Bismack Biyombo

9. Charlotte Bobcats - Bismack Biyombo, PF, Congo

Another strong international prospect, Biyombo has tremendous upside due to his superior athleticism.  At only 18 (reportedly), he will need time to develop a complete NBA game, but the potential is there.  He will bring athleticism and rebounding to a team desperately needing both.  Since not a lot is currently known about him, his performance in upcoming team workouts will greatly determine where he goes come draft day.

Also in consideration: Marcus Morris


10. Milwaukee Bucks - Alec Burks, SG, Colorado

A quick 2-guard who can get to the basket, Burks still needs to improve his outside shooting to succeed at the next level.  While the Bucks may look to add size inside, they will likely get the most value with Burks, especially since he can play both shooting guard and small forward.  Again, Burks isn't likely to be a star, but if he continues to improve, he could become a legitimate NBA starter.

Also in consideration: Marcus Morris

SportsBank's NBA Lottery Mock Draft 1.0 Picks (1-5)

The lottery is over... and the Cleveland Cavaliers are this years big winners.  With the 1st and 4th pick in this years draft, Dan Gilbert's club, still reeling from last seasons loss of a certain superstar, stands to gain the most from this years rookie class.  Yet, despite the fact that most analysts consider the 2011 class to be relatively weak, every team will spend the next month trying to figure out who their next franchise player may be.  Numerous workouts, interviews and camps will alter predictions again and again, but as it stands today, here's how I see it going.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke

The Cav's are in desperate need of star power, and Irving might be the closest thing this draft has.  In a league driven by point guards, Irving will give Cleveland something to rebuild around.  Although some consider him a 'poor man's Chris Paul', Irving will be a solid long-term answer at the point.  Having a few seasons to learn from Baron Davis won't hurt either.

Also in consideration: Derrick Williams

Season in Review: Anthony Tolliver's perspective

Wolves forward Anthony Tolliver

What are some memorable moments you have had this year, what does it mean to play some of your former teams?

This was my first full season in the NBA so this year will always be special to me. Playing well against my former teams (GSW, New Orleans, and San Antonio) this year definitely stick out as memories that I wont forget.

How has the team improved since the beginning of the year? the chemistry?I think that the team has learned how to adjust to one another very well on the offensive end. At times this year we played and competed against the best teams in the league.

What the biggest challenge you have faced during the season?The biggest challenge has been dealing with losing so many games. I have never lost so many games in one season in my life so that has been tough.

What have you improved the most during the 2010-11 NBA season?I think I have really become comfortable with my role as a backup power forward, coming off the bench and bringing energy to the game on the defensive end.

Who has given you the best advice during your basketball career, what advice did they give?My mother always would tell me to let my game do the talking instead of talking smack to other players.

Why do you think Kevin Love doesn’t get much “Love” from NBA fans?What fans don’t notice Kevin Love? Haha. If you understand the game you notice Kevin Love because he is a phenomenal rebounder.

When out of town, what is your favorite thing to do in an off day?I like to relax and watch movies.

If The Playoffs Started Today...

With less than a week to go in the NBA regular season, lets take a look at how the playoffs would shake out if they started today.

1. Spurs vs 8. Grizzlies


2. Lakers vs 7. Hornets


3. Mavericks vs 6. Trail Blazers

4. Thunder vs 5. Nuggets

1. Bulls vs 8. Pacers


2. Celtics vs 7. 76ers


3. Heat vs 6. Knicks


4. Magic vs 5. Hawks










     In this scenario, the East has some particularly interesting match-ups.  While the Bull's will likely cruise to the second round without much resistance, the Celtics, Heat and Magic are left in much more vulnerable positions.

Dunk of the Week

Blake Griffin is starting to become somewhat of a mainstay in this segment but this time he's even more ridiculous than usual.  On a breakaway against the Heat the other day Griffin brought his talents to South Beach... Enjoy.

Where's the Love?

Yesterday the NBA announced the reserves for this season's NBA All-Star Game.  While players such as Blake Griffin and Kevin Garnett have been planning their trip to Los Angeles for weeks, one player, Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love, was nearly forced to make vacation plans.  Amazingly, despite having one of the more impressive resumes in the NBA, Love was not chosen by league coaches to represent the Western Conference this season...at least right away.  Fortunately for Love, he was selected today as an injury replacement for Rockets center Yao Ming.  Yet the initial snub still leaves me wondering, by what standards can Love not be considered an All-Star?

Yes, he plays for a Minnesota team that is just 11-37, and is lacking significant talent around him, but that hardly negates what he has done on the court this season.  Averaging 21.4 PPG and 15.5 RPG, Love is on pace to be the first 20-15 player since Mosas Malone in the 1982-83 season.  He leads the league in double-doubles and is just 3 shy of Kevin Garnett's NBA record 37 in a row.  He's shooting .563 from the field and is 6th in the league in PER.  For comparison, Mavericks PF Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds per game and is 8th in PER while Amar'e Stoudemire is putting up 26.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per contest.  Thats not to say that Love is just as naturally talented and athletic as those players, he's not, but his combination of hard work, natural ability and 'never quit' attitude gave him stats superior to those players.

In my opinion, lots of things can get you into the All-Star Game.  As mentioned earlier, Love could break a record currently held by a future Hall of Famer.  He's putting up over 20 a game and is easily the leagues best rebounder.  Regardless of what team you are on, those stats don't lie.  Kevin Love is an all star.

Where Amazing Happens

Here's a great one.  In case you haven't seen it already, this is from the other night, when Kevin Durant hits a bomb as the clock expires to give his Thunder a 101-98 win over the New York Knicks.  No doubt this kid is the future of the NBA for a long time...

With Miller Back, the Heat May Be More Dangerous Than Ever

Miller (13) and Big Z (11)

Mike Miller has missed the vast majority of the season due to a thumb injury he received early in the year.  After a somewhat rocky start, the Miami Heat have gelled into one of the NBA's most dangerous teams without him.  Now, at 31-13 (and after some minor injuries to Bosh, Wade and LeBron), the Heat are getting healthier and are poised to make a big run in the second half of the season.  Miller's health, however, may be the surprising determining factor in the Heat's championship aspirations.

Dunk of the Week

Blake Griffin throws down over Pau Gasol and the Lakers.  Sorry for the weird intro and background music, only good footage of it that I could find.

It's Luck Like This That Keep the Timberwolves So Awful

Wolves center Darko Milicic scores 2 points in a recent matchup against the Washington Wizards.  Only problem, he scored it off the jump ball tip...for the Wizards.  Take a look...

Dunk of the Week

Amar'e Stoudemire throws down a hard alley-oop against the Suns January 7th, 2011

Dunk of the Week

Although we've already had this weeks "Dunk of the Week", I couldn't wait to post this one.  LeBron haters oughta love this

Dunk of the Week

Clippers rookie phenom Blake Griffin throws down a MONSTER alley-oop from Baron Davis December 21st, 2010

LeBron Drops 27 as Heat Spoil Christmas in LA

The Miami Heat marched into Los Angeles Saturday night for a Christmas matchup against the defending champion Lakers.  It was the Lakers, however, that did not show up.  LeBron James lead his team to a 96-80 victory with a dominating 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his 3rd triple double with his new team.  Chris Bosh had 24 points and a hobbled Dwyane Wade added 18 points.   More importantly, the Heat played steller defense and made the Lakers look old and slow.  

Although both teams dismissed the pregame hype as simply "television curiosity", it is hard to believe it doesn't mean more to James and Co.  The Heat have now won 14 of their last 15 games, including victories over the Knicks, Suns, Hornets, Jazz and now Lakers.  If the Heat finish December strong with wins against the Knicks and Rockets, they will be 16-1 for the month, and barely behind Boston for the best record in the East.  With Mike Miller getting healthier by the day and with the possible return of Udonis Haslem, the Heat may just be the team they thought they would be.

Dunk FAIL

Recently re-acquired Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu gets stuffed by the rim Tuesday night while playing against the Mavericks.   FAIL.

Update: Arenas to Magic Official

Gilbert Arenas

Dunk of the Week

Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari throws down a sick reverse dunk against the Boston Celtics December 15, 2010.

Free Kevin Love!

For weeks sports writer Bill Simmons has filled up the Twitter world with discussion of Timberwolves PF Kevin Love.  His 18.0 PPG and 14.60 RPG would almost certainly gain him starting minutes on most teams, never mind the lowly T-Wolves.  Yet coach Kurt Rambis is hesitant to start him... much to the dismay of most Wolves fans.  The question is, after Loves 31-31 night, can Rambis still justify not starting him?  After all, it's a feat that hasn't been accomplished since 1982 by Moses Malone.  Even more impressive, the past 4 30-30+ games have been by Malone, Malone, Robert Parish and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.  (Perhaps even more interesting, 2 of the last 5 30-30 games have been against the Knicks).  If Rambis keeps benching Love it can only be a matter of time before the ultimate team player starts demanding a trade.  If the Wolves plan on turning anything around, they'll wise up and start Mr. Love.

-SportsBank