As NBA rumors in the summer of 2012 have been heating up for the Miami Heat, it appears they may not even be done after acquiring free agent Ray Allen from the Boston Celtics. Other moves could include adding Rashard Lewis to their roster from Washington Wizards, or big man Elton Brand, who was recently waived from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Now that Ray Allen's deal is all but inked, the word is that the championship Heat will look to further solidify that already supreme lineup. Already having one of the best guys in the league on your team is plenty, but add in the services of D-Wade, Chris Bosh, and then bring Hall of Famer Ray Allen to that mix, and you've got elite status. Not to mention having rising stars like Mario Chalmers, and key contributors like Udonis Haslem or Shane Battier who do the intangibles.
So what more can be added? Well according to a recent Bleacher Report article, there are several potential moves, including Marcus Camby who is a defensive and rebounding juggernaut. However, two other moves the team could make include bringing either Rashard Lewis, or Elton Brand to Miami. Both of these guys have been NBA All-star players, who have contributed mightily to their teams, and would certainly be welcome in South Beach.
Lewis spent his last few season with the Washington Wizards, a back-to-back lottery team. While playing alongside John Wall may be fun, it's probably not ideal for Lewis as his career is in its 14th year. Most guys want those NBA championships. The assumption here is that guys like Allen and Lewis (who ironically excelled together in Seattle) would be brought in to replace sharpshooter Mike Miller who has been experiencing nagging injuries.
As for Elton Brand, he's an unrestricted free agent who was waived by the Sixers just a day ago. He's been considered a consistent worker for his teams, averaging a near double double throughout his career with Chicago, the Clippers, and Philly. He's also provided about 2 blocks a game, something that would benefit the Heat inside, when Udonis Haslem or Chris Bosh are getting a breather.
Having a player of Brand's caliber on the waivers has to be alluring for most teams, but most teams aren't the Heat. The attractiveness of winning that first title is enough to get most players to take a pay cut late in their careers. Just ask Ray Allen.
Is it possible all these guys will play on one roster together? Maybe, maybe not. This may remind some fans of that "elite" squad the Lakers put together several seasons ago, which unfortunately for them, lost in the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons. The team included plenty of stars (some past their prime), but they were unable to get that elusive championship. Among those on the team were Shaq, Kobe, Gary Payon, and Karl Malone. It might have been LA trying too hard to help the "Mailman" win a title, or the fact that Detroit was just a better, younger, and more talented all-around team who outplayed a bunch of older stars.
However, the Heat have something very special in their "Big 3," and even if one of these stars were to fall to injury, the other two would make up for it. Not only that, but when you bring in players like Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Elton Brand, and/or possibly Marcus Camby, parts become sort of "replaceable" at times. Superstars can rest more and contribute even more. The veterans can shoulder the load if necessary. In the end, it's all about winning that championship, something Rashard Lewis and Elton Brand would love to taste.
Do you think the Miami Heat will acquire either Elton Brand or Rashard Lewis somehow, or will they keep the current team as is? Is Mike Miller done in Miami?
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(Image Source: Wikimedia)
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