Yesterday, free agent guard, Ray Allen, decided to take his 3 point shooting talents to South Beach. He turned down the Celtics offer which consisted of more money, but less playing time. Many people believe that he came to Miami to capture a 2nd title under his belt before he retires. People are also saying that signing Allen makes the Heat the unanimous decision to repeat and win the NBA Title again in the 2012-2013 season, but is that all true? By the look of it, I would say it is true. This one signing changes the Heat from a great team to an almost unbeatable team. When you think about Miami’s weaknesses, what comes to mind? In my opinion it is their role players. Let’s face it, they have mediocre talent coming off the bench, Mike Miller had an awful season and postseason, Shane Battier, besides a resurgence in the NBA Finals, had one of the worst seasons of his career, and that list goes on and on. But now that they have Allen, their bench gets 100x better. Ray Allen is coming off the best seasons of his career statistically, and he can sure shoot the lights out. If he can score 10-15 points a game coming of the bench the Heat bench will be one of the strengths not weaknesses. When you combine a fantastic bench and the best starting line up in the league, what do you get? The best team in the NBA.
Now, there are a few reasons why I think even the signing of Ray Allen isn’t going to help Miami repeat. #1 The Celtics are reloading their team, and have a win now mentality. They have 2 solid draft picks in Fab Melo and Jared Sullinger. They also resigned Kevin Garnett and signed free agent Jason Terry. If they Heat aren’t careful, they could be upset by the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. #2 The Lakers are a championship Contender again. With the signing of Steve Nash the Lakers are a whole new team. Kobe no longer has to carry the offense on his shoulders, and, oh yeah, they also have 2 seven footers! This could mean big trouble for any team who plays them. #3 The young OKC Thunder team is going to be hungry to beat the Heat this year. They want a title now, and want revenge on Lebron and the rest of the Miami team.
So, when it’s all said and done, I do believe the Heat have a legitimate chance of repeating in the 2012-2013 With the signing of Ray Allen they now have an elite bench to go along with the starters Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. They are also getting healthier and healthier each day of the offseason. But even with all this, it doesn’t lock up next years title. There will be teams just as hungry as the Heat to get the trophy. I guess we will all just have to wait and see who’s hoisting it above their head at the end of the season
thatsportskid 