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Can Greg Oden provide the much needed height in the paint for the Miami Heat?
Weaknesses
The Heat have usually been known to be weak and find it hard offensively against teams with quality big men in their roster. Although they have quite a lot of forwards, they lack a qualified centre in their squad who can impact a game with his height to pull down rebounds on both ends of the floor. Chris Anderson and Greg Oden are both capable of playing centre. However, none of them have a rebounding average or the shot blocking skills which could help the Heat deal with opposing big men in the paint. One of the main reasons last season’s Eastern Conference Finals extended to 7 against the Indiana Pacers was the presence of Roy Hibbert and the impact he created at both ends of the floor.
Heat fans would be hoping that Chris Anderson and Greg Oden can help fill the void that the Heat have in the paint in terms of height of their big men. It is their biggest and (safe to say) only weakness which has led them to losing games or just scraping through them by close margins.
Opponents to fear in the Eastern Conference
The return of Derrick Rose and Danny Granger to the line ups for the Chicago Bulls and the Indiana Pacers respectively would bring their chances of title contention right next to that of the Heat. Don’t forget the New York Knicks; a team who has looked strong on paper and continues to be a threat with acquisition of Metta World Peace into their roster. If at all we do suppose an upset is to take place, place your bets on the Pacers.
However, the Heat’s immense talent would bulldoze the idea of an upset and overcome any hurdle which lies ahead of them in their quest for a three-peat. But they might be taken to the limit of seven games, in the playoffs.
Final word
Considering all the factors listed above, my prediction would be that Miami are set for a three-peat next June. By no means would it be easy, but the facts are on the table for us to see. So love them or hate them, the Heat is most likely going to have another parade on South Beach, celebrating yet another ring championship.
