Can the Miami Heat still play small ball with a healthy and happy D12 and the Rockets?

El Gnomo = El Trollo

 

This is certainly an interesting question OP. I would guess that the Rockets would take a page out of the Spurs playbook and shut down LBJ and let the rest of the Heat try to win the games. Certainly Howard at the 5, Parsons at the 4 (unless a PF mobile and quick enough to guard LBJ magically appears). The key to that strategy is to have a defense quick enough on switches to harass the Heats 3 point shooters when Howard doubles on James anywhere 12 foot or less from the basket. That probably will not develop this year - but maybe by 2014-2015?

 

The biggest weakness in Miami is they have no shot blocker. You see that in the final once Parker got into the paint, it is automatic score. Too bad Pop used Manu in game 6 and 7 that lost them the ring.

 

Doesn't matter. Heat have shown the ability to win against a team that has one of the best defensive (and overall) centers in the NBA.

Plus, the Heat don't have the money to get a decent 5 anyway.