Could the Heat possibly be a repeat of the Rockets 95 Championship team, minus the addition of a star player? Wasn't that team riddled by injuries and then they got it all together at the right time to win the Championship? Considering our history, do you guys think that the Heat can be ruled out this season?
Ditto. The Rockets were healthy and kicking into full gear heading into the playoffs in 95, but with the Heat one has to wait and see how Wade's body will respond when (or if) he gets back. One thing for sure though: next to Detroit and possibly the Cavs/Bulls, the Heat have a much easier road getting to the finals. In all honesty though, even if healthy, I don't see Miami beating the Spurs, Suns or even the Mavericks again in the finals. They better hope for the Rockets or some other lesser team to advance to the finals if they want to have a chance in hell of repeating. The difference is that last season, I predicted and expected the Heat would get back to the ECF and this time beat the Pistons (which happened), but I didn't see them beating any elite team out West in a seven game series...the fact that they did made it all the more amazing to watch.
If Wade makes it back fully healthy and conditioned, the comparison to 1995 will be very appropriate. The thought of a fresh-legged Wade in the playoffs should be a scary thought to every other team. Hakeem was completely on another planet. IMO, the Rockets probably wouldn't have won the championship if he hadn't gotten the late season rest due to the clots.
