No. Shaq and Kobe were the leaders on that team. Fisher was the leader like Juwan Howard was the leader of the Rockets when he was here. Fisher and Juwan are both professional, vocal guys but not inspirational and certainly not evoking the combination of fear, respect and awe that leaders do. I think you're confusing being a veteran and a professional with being a leader. Nobody ever said that team was Vlade Divac's but they damn sure said it was Chris Webbers and maybe Mike Bibby's. It's one thing to lead the team prayer or whatever before games but that doesn't make a player the leader. Who the hell cares what Divac or Fisher has to say when both guys are/were average players. I agree that Wade leads by example. There isn't a more fearless offensive player in the game. However, if he said he is not a vocal leader then don't expect the Heat to get far until he either becomes vocal or the Heat add another star who is vocal. I disagree. Maybe the odd bunch can reach great success without a clear-cut leader but it is the exception to the rule. Being the team's best player also makes part of that players role to be the leader.
BATTIER is the glue of this team. You wait and see what happens when he's back. Just wait... It's the intangible affect of him being present, just like Hayes.
I like how we're all commenting on who the leader is and why we've had problems in the past because of lack of leadership when we only see them for about 5% of the time. For all we know Scruffy the janitor could be the leader. But it is nice to see the team constantly getting together and helping each other out, regardless of who is leading the discussion.
Ron Ron should be the leader of this team. He is the most battle tested player on the roster thats still in his prime.
A man who is willing to battle is a warrior, but as a leader, he should make sound decisions and give right directions to the whole team. For that, Battier is a better candidate by the example of Obama, the president-elect.
Avery and Fisher were not the leaders of their team, they were vocal, but not the true leaders. Robinson of the Spurs and Shaq and Kobe of the Lakers were the leaders. Your best players have to lead, or you are not going anywhere. DD
Leaders are born,not made. if you've never been one, you're probably never will be one. I agree with DD, it has to be one of you're better players in some respects. Fisher was well respected on that Lakers team, but Shaq set the tone and was the leader with Kobe a close 2nd. Avery was well respected, but Duncan came in a transformed that team mentally as a young player. We have seen that the Spurs are winning with Parker and Manu because Duncan is a franchise player. Your leader has to not only lead by example, but he has to be feared and respected. Ron fits that mold because he's productive,super competitive and he'll give it to you. Dream was like that, moses was also. Yao nor Tracy have that in their personality and Battier and Rafer aren't good enough as players.
Leeb my man, we need to get a beer, it is scary how alike we think. Now go vote in my mental vs physical poll on Tmac's knee. DD
