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Thursday, November 24, 2005
Sayson: Miami’s got not heat without Shaq
By Homer Sayson
Second overtime
CHICAGO — After 10 games thus far, Dwayne Wade is having a season that can be best described in a few short, yet meaningful, words – All Star.
The 23-year-old buzzsaw is norming 26.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 8 assists per game as a two-guard. He makes 45 percent of his field goals, 72.4 percent of his free throws, and he also manufactures 1.9 steals and .09 blocks a contest. Unfortunately, Dwayne Wade’s 3-point shooting percentage is lower than a loner’s self-esteem.
The struggles beyond the arc is the most discernable fly in Dwayne’s ointment. As of yesterday, he has missed 16 of 18 treys for a cold, cold 11.1 percent accuracy. His only other weakness is four turnovers per, a slight improvement from last season’s dreadful 4.17.
After stocking their arsenal with nuclear-type power in the off-season, Miami was supposed to be blowing the competition right from the get-go. Instead, the Heat are barely getting by, logging a pedestrian 6-4 record –a mere fifth overall in the Eastern Conference.
With Miami burning, two of its gazillions of fans have pressed the alarm.
“Can the Heat go Shaq-less to the NBA Finals?” asks Dale Bernadas (dberns89104@yahoo.com). “What’s up with the Heat’s incapability to beat the Pacers, and should they also be concerned with Detroit?” echoes Jason Karlo Babiera (karlo85@yahoo.com).
No, the Heat won’t reach the NBA Finals without Shaq.
Wade is wonderful, willing and winsome. But at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, he can’t carry Miami on his back. The Heat needs Shaq, all of his 7-feet and 340lb. Shaq only has a 15-point six-rebound and 3.56 block average this year, but the value of his presence extends beyond mere statistics.
Yes, the Heat needs to worry about Detroit. And they also must worry about Cleveland, Indiana, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Milwaukee. The East is thin, but without Shaq, the race to the Finals is as open as hunting season.
WHERE’S SPREE? “I’m one of your avid fans from Mabolo. I read your Sun.Star Cebu column and listen to your radio segment at both Arangkada at dyAB and NBA updates at Y101. Your segment makes me laugh and feel at ease.”
“I wanna ask a few Qs. Where is Latrell ‘Money Mind’ Sprewell? What team is he playing for?” That’s from Rolando Menina (rolandjm@yahoo.com).
Sprewell is currently out of the league, burned by the fire of his own greed. I don’t know where he is and quite frankly, I don’t give a damn, either. But according to the Chicago Tribune, Spree’s agent tried to work a deal with Atlanta. The Hawks, however, declined the services of a 35-year-old malcontent.
From Ervin Joren (ervzj@yahoo.com): “Which Western Conference guard poses the greatest challenge to the Spurs defense?”
Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets is that man. T-Mac is versatile, can penetrate, draw fouls, shoot from midrange and nail the trifecta. In the words of Spurs coach Gregg Poppovich: “He scares me.”
LAST WORDS. From Ryan Tan (ryance898@yahoo.com): “I’m in Dubai right now trying to earn a decent living. I’m missing your masterpieces, bai. Back in Cebu I used to wake up with great enthusiasm on days your works were printed and I have fond memories of your adventures as you’ve written them in your NBA Finals and boxing coverages.
“I’ve also read your personal notes about issues here and there, including your daughter’s own death-defying health battles. I hope she is doing well, full of vigor like her dad. You even got me fooled when you wrote about the gifts you got from MJ, Shaq and even Kobe.
“Nothing beats your homegrown, unparalleled talent. More power and good luck!”
Now, that’s a fan. Thanks Ryan and enjoy my columns there in the sweltering desert through www.sunstar.com.ph.
(homsay@hotmail.com)
(November 24, 2005 issue)
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