A year ago, if you asked any National Basketball Association fan who their favorite team to hate was, there’s a good chance they would say the Miami Heat. Why? The “white hot” Miami Heat won the NBA title in back-to-back seasons, (2011-2012, 2012-2013) with a team that many considered to be stacked. The big three that made up the Heat consisted of the world renowned; LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade. Other major contributors involved; Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole, Ray Allen, Shane Battier, and Udonis Haslem. Since losing in the 2014 Finals to the San Antonio Spurs, the Miami Heat have encountered more than just a few setbacks.
After losing Game 5 in San Antonio, LeBron James walked into the locker room wearing a Miami jersey for the last time. In early July, James made the decision to return to Cleveland where he originally played before joining the Heat. After losing ‘The King’, Miami’s other members of the big three, including Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade chose to stay in Miami.
However, James was not the only member of the 2014 roster to leave Miami. James Jones also went to the Cleveland Cavaliers. All time three point shooter, Ray Allen decided to take the 2015 season off, while another strong outside shooter, Shane Battier retired after 13 years in the league. As the 2015 season began, the Heat’s roster continued to change. New members were added to the team including; Luol Deng, a former Chicago Bull, and Danny Granger, a former Indiana Pacer.
Miami’s leader, Dwyane Wade has not been 100 % ever since 2002, when he underwent surgery to have his meniscus removed. He has had to miss many games due to his injuries, but until this season, Wade sitting out was never a drastic problem.
The third member of the big three, Chris Bosh, has also encountered a traumatic injury this year when blood clots were found in his lungs. Due to this, Bosh will be sitting out the remainder of the 2015 season.
The day before Bosh was rushed to the hospital due to his injuries, the Heat participated in a three way trade involving a point guard, Norris Cole to be sent to the New Orleans Pelicans. Cole was a great asset to the team and was really beginning to come into his own on the court and in a Miami uniform. Through the trade, and the loss of Cole, Miami did acquire Goran Dragic, along with his brother Zoran Dragic.
As of March 10, 2014, the Miami Heat had an overall record of 44 wins and 35 losses. This 2015 season, the team has only won 28 games and has lost 35. Despite all the injuries and setbacks, the Miami Heat are confident they can still turn the second half of the season around. One has to wonder, can they do it with a limited Dwyane Wade, an inactive Chris Bosh, and without the “greatest player in the game” LeBron James? Can the team who has been in the Finals for the last four consecutive years make their way back to the top, or are they too far gone?