The arrival of LeBron James and Chris Bosh to a team already boasting Dwyane Wade has raised their championship hopes
The Miami Heat became the most talked-about franchise in basketball in the lead-up to the new NBA season. They tempted "King" LeBron James (frequently regarded as the greatest basketball player in the world) and Chris Bosh (one of the best in the world in his position) from the bleak climbs of Cleveland and Toronto respectively to the scorching warmth of Miami, where they have joined fans favourite Dwyane Wade, who signed a six-year contract extension and is equally regarded as one of the best players in the NBA. These deals are the equivalent of having Pel�, Diego Maradona and Johan Cruyff in the same side at their peak. The three were introduced to Heat fans in a typically giant American spectacle, one that seemed more suited to the last night of Glastonbury.
Unsurprisingly, great success is expected of the new-look Heat, with James and Bosh having the added incentive to triumph as they are yet to win a championship, with Wade having won only one, back in 2006. But as hope rises in Miami, expectations tumble in Cleveland where following the departure James, the home team are not expected to even reach the play-offs. The Cavaliers had been trying to build a championship-winning team around LeBron since they drafted him into the side as the No1 pick in 2003, but now there will have to be a major re-think regarding tactics and strategy. However, it is hard not to feel a degree of sympathy for James, who was understandably frustrated being regarded as the best player in the NBA but with only one play-off finals appearance to his name ? a 4-0 defeat against the San Antonio Spurs in 2007. Surely he had the right to search for glory after so many disappointing seasons in Ohio?
James's move has upset not only the people of Cleveland, but fans of teams across the league. That was evident on Tuesday night as the Heat kicked-off their season at a sold-out TD Garden in Boston, where the Celtic crowd proceeded to boo the 25-year-old every time he touched the ball. The Heat went on to lose the game 88-80.
As James said himself during pre-season, it may take until January before the team fully gels which is perhaps understandable. Therefore, the fact James and co were less than convincing in Boston is no major shock. Also, it is easy to forget the Heat were up against last season's play-off runners-up, who were only beaten by the LA Lakers in the final game of the finals.
The Celtics are in some ways the opposite to the Heat: they have experience of winning championships and a team in which each player knows his role, and it was this which proved the difference on Tuesday. Miami were particularly poor in the first half, with their "Three Kings" looking more like three peasants, managing between them just 10 turnovers in the entire game.
However, for all the mistakes and disappointments of the three men most people were watching, it is easy to forget how good the Celtics were. Their defence was solid and in Rajon Rondo the hosts had the man who created the third highest number of assists on the opening day of any NBA season.
James, though, still shone and almost brought the Heat back into the game single-handedly in the third quarter as what was a 19-point lead for the Celtics was eventually reduced to three as he went on to finish with 31 points.
The Celtics followed victory over Miami with a surprise 95-87 loss against the Cavaliers 24 hours later. But despite the defeat, Doc Rivers's men are likely to remain a force to be reckoned with throughout this season. Last season's runners-up have added to their already impressive squad with one of the biggest names in sport; the larger-than-life centre Shaquille O'Neal, who also decided to leave Cleveland. Shaq may be reaching the end of his career ? or as he calculated in his first press conference, his "final 730 days" ? but he remains a force to be reckoned with.
With the high expectations surrounding Miami and Boston it is easy to overlook other contenders in the Eastern Conference, such as the Orlando Magic, last season's conference runners-up who boast probably the best centre in the league in Dwight Howard, who, like James and Bosh, has found a championship ring elusive. Also, New York will be hoping for a big season after signing offensive powerhouse Amar'e Stoudemire, a player Knicks fans will hope can push their team into the play-offs for the first time since the 2003-04 season.
Kobe Bryant's LA Lakers, meanwhile, have returned from their excursion to London for the European tour earlier this month and as usual will be expected to lead the running in the Western Conference. They have made few acquisitions over the summer, although having won back-to-back championships they may see no need to tinker with a winning formula. Bryant's play-off success has been somewhat overshadowed by James and his summer move, although with yet another championship ring under his belt, the 32-year-old has further cemented his legacy.
There will be much interest in how Oklahoma City Thunder begin the season as much is expected of the explosive young forward Kevin Durant, whom many pundits consider to be a strong challenger for James's MVP title in the coming years. Little was expected of the Thunder at the beginning of last season yet surprisingly they flourished under the direction of Coach of the Year Scott Brooks off the court and Durant, the NBA's Scoring Champion, on it.
Interest will follow the Washington Wizards as observers caste an eye over how the No1 draft pick John Wall performs under the NBA spotlight, especially after performing well during pre-season. Gilbert Arenas also returns to the side on 27 January after serving his ban for firearms offences. Whether he is still a fan favourite is yet to be seen, but either way Wizards fans will expect a great deal from him this year.
Interest in the new NBA season is, then, enormous. Miami remain favourites to lift the play-off trophy next summer but any of the teams that reach the play-offs are likely to pose a serious threat to the Heat.
Samantha Mathis Samantha Morton Grace Park Jill Wagner Susie Castillo
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