2005-06 Miami Heat: 2nd seed in East 24 year-old superstar SG (D. Wade) 37 year-old PG (Gary Payton) Aging, but still dominate big man (Shaq) Two veteran above average SFs (Antoine Walker and James Posey) Young starting PF (Udonis Haslem) 2014-15 Houston Rockets: 2nd seed in West 25 year-old superstar SG (Harden) 37 year-old PG (JET and Prig) Aging, but still dominate big man (Dwight) Two veteran above average SFs (Ariza and Brewer) Young starting PF (TJones) Although there are some striking similarities, there are 3 KEY differences: Coach Pat Riley took over the Heat mid-season and led them to the Finals championship. Riley also won multiple championships with Lakers. McHale has won multiple championships as a player, but has yet proven to be a championship level coach. I do not hate him like many posters on CF, but I am hesitant to believe he will ultimately deliver Houston a 'ship. Back-up Center The Heat had an aging Alonzo Mourning backing up Shaq, but he had veteran leadership and was still putting up good rebounding and block numbers. The Rockets have Joey Dorsey/Clint Capela... Starting PG Much like James Harden runs the Rocket's offense, D.Wade mostly ran the show for Miami in the '06 playoffs, leading the team in assists. However, Jason Williams was a healthy, starting PG that contributed. With Patrick Beverley out, the Rockets must rely on Harden even more to run the offense. I understand that if Houston makes the WCF, Beverley is scheduled to return, but his effectiveness will still be in question. At the end of the day, the only way I see the Rockets going all the way THIS year is if: Harden avg. 30/7/6 Dwight is 2009 Orlando Dwight The three's rain-down like a monsoon
I am sweating bullets. I have absolutely no idea what to expect from this team. Even worse, I have no idea what to expect from the Mavs.
they had a championship coach, more depth (although if healthy we would be deeper), and they were in the east with an easier road to the finals. once there wade dominated. there's also no proof that harden can play well, let alone dominate, in the playoffs.
Harden dominated as a sixth man up to the Finals one time (not in the Finals).... but as the main guy he has more pressure and more eyes on his performance for sure.