Getting over LeBron James was hard enough, but whether or not the Miami Heat have buried the hatchet of the “Big 3” era is now a revelation of the past, or at least it will have to be. Come Wednesday night, South Beach will begin a new chapter of its beloved basketball franchise. However, the new Heat roster will be tested right out of the gates.
For the Washington Wizards, nothing but anticipation and giddiness can be felt. Finally shaking the ghost of Gilbert Arenas and Michael Jordan, the Wizards have begun writing a new history with names like John Wall and Nene Hilario. Earning their first NBA Playoff berth since 2008 and winning their first series since 2005, many have set higher expectations for Washington this season.
A plethora of unknowns await Miami at the beginning of this season, and for familiar faces like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the Wizards have become a worthy adversary. Unlike previous seasons where the Heat owned the Southeast Division, they will have to scratch and claw for every win, as Washington will challenge them for the top spot.
The biggest concerns going into the season opener for Miami are whether or not Wade can keep up with the youthfulness of Wall and Bradley Beal, and if their front court can rebound against the Wizards “rough ‘n’ tough” post players. The likes of Nene, DeJuan Blair and Marcin Gortat don’t necessarily pair well with Bosh and Chris Andersen.
In years past, an opening night loss would have been shaken off and forgotten, but when you are getting over a breakup as messy as the one with James, winning is the only way to ease the pain. Miami has a shot, but a victory may not be in the cards opening night.
Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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