Luka’s Corner

Watching Team USA compete in the Olympics, there is one man who has to be happier with what he sees than the rest of us. He is the president of the Miami Heat and his name is Pat Riley. Witnessing Dwyane Wade’s dominating performances against China, Angola, and Greece, it is a good time to be a Heat fan.

Barring any major injury to Wade in this tournament, the Miami guard will come back better in 08-09 than in 06-07 or in 05-06 (when the Heat won the championship). That is a scary thought to any player in the Southeast Division and in the league. Looking at him in Beijing, he has added more muscle to his upper body and has strengthened his legs to take pressure off of his knees. He is just as quick attacking the hoop, if not quicker, than when he torched Dallas in the ‘06 Finals. I still believe that, in terms of attacking the rim, he has the most moves on the entire USA roster. And, considering that he has shot 5-7 from three-point range, his shot is back as well.

Entering the NBA season, D-Wade could emerge as the best shooting guard in the league. Michael Beasley is already the best rookie entering the season and can become an All-Star in just one season. Shawn Marion is one of the best defenders and finishers in the league. Not to mention that Udonis Haslem is a premier rebounder and low-post defender. Going even deeper down the roster, Mario Chalmers (the steal of the draft) is a defensively-gifted PG and Daequan Cook brings scoring punch off of the bench. Lastly, do not forget that Alonzo Mourning, one of the best centers in the history of the NBA, is returning to the team. This roster does not look so thin after all.

Anyway, looking ahead to the regular season, my prediction for the Heat (as of now) is that they will win the Southeast Division easily. The Heat is back and they will reach the postseason with a 50-win season.