Top Five Players in the NBA Right Now

Even though the NBA was going through a lockout this time last year, things are back on track, and it looks like the 2012/13 season will be one to remember. Here are the top five players in the NBA right now:

1. LeBron James
Without a doubt, LeBron is the best player in the NBA, and he'll probably end up dominating the league for years to come. Not only is LeBron a scoring machine, he's arguably the best non-point guard in the NBA at getting his teammates involved. At only 27 years-old, LeBron has already earned three MVP awards (He was also the 2012 Finals MVP). And with a career average of 27.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, I'm sure they'll be many more accolades in his future.

2. Kobe Bryant
My biases might be affecting my judgment here, but I still think Kobe is better than everyone in the NBA except LeBron. Kobe is slowly approaching the end of his career, but he's still as dangerous as he ever was. With Dwight Howard and Steve Nash there to help him carry the Los Angeles Lakers, I expect Kobe to stay healthy during the 2012/13 NBA season, and I'm sure he'll put up impressive numbers.

3. Kevin Durant
At only 23 years-old, with a career average of 28.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game; it's probably only a matter of time before Durant secures an NBA title. Things didn't go well for Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2012 NBA finals, but that should give him extra motivation for the upcoming season.

4. Dwight Howard
Howard has been hampered a bit by injuries recently, but he's still the best center in the NBA. His scoring continues to improve, and we already know how good the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year is when it comes to grabbing rebounds and blocking shots.

5. Kevin Love
Love is one of the most promising young players in the NBA right now, and he's arguably the second best power forward in the league. He averaged 26 points and 13.3 rebounds per game last season, and at only 24 years-old, I'm sure he still has a lot more of that left in his tank.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.

Sounders FC Secure Spot in CONCACAF Quarterfinals with 3-2 Win Against Marathon

The Seattle Sounders FC advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2012/13 CONCACAF Champions League on Sept. 19, defeating C.D. Marathon 3-2 in Honduras.

With the win, the Sounders can rest their star players when the two teams meet again on Oct. 14, at CenturyLink Field.

"It's tremendous," Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid told reporters after the game. "It's a goal we set for ourselves -- that we want to qualify tonight -- and we were able to accomplish that. It means that the last game now, which is during the last week of our season right before an important game with LA ... we can go into that game relaxed and free of mind. I was really proud."

Seattle opened up the scoreboard early in the contest, when Sammy Ochoa nodded in a Mario Martinez cross into the post.

Marathon got their chance to equalize towards the end of the first half, thanks to a penalty kick awarded after Seattle goalkeeper Michael Gspurning was called for a foul inside the box. Mario Berrios capitalized on the ensuing penalty kick, bringing Marathon back into the game.

The Sounders started off a bit slowly in the second half, but Eddie Johnson gave them back the lead in the 62nd minute, making the most of a well-played pass from Andy Rose.

However, Marathon was awarded with another penalty kick five minutes later, and Berrios converted once again.

Fortunately for the Sounders, Brad Evans found the back of the post in the 78th minute, heading a Osvaldo Alonso feed past Marathon goalkeeper Jose Mendoza.

Given the fact the Sounders' offense struggled during their last outing against the Portland Timbers, it's nice to see them scoring goals once again. Seattle's offense did struggle a bit in terms of creating shots, but they made the most of their opportunities, scoring on almost half of their attempts.

The Sounders will now get two days off, before hosting the MLS Western Conference leading San Jose Earthquakes on Sept. 22. The Sounders currently trail the Earthquakes by nine points in the conference standings, and a win on Saturday will go a long way in their quest to finish the season with the top spot in the west.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 3 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.
 
Sources:
Joshua Mayers, "Brad Evans: 'This win under our belt will help us along the way…'"
Player and game information from ESPN and SoundersFC.com

Top 5 Small Forwards in the NBA Right Now

The small forward position in the NBA continues to evolve, and many of today's 3's are capable of playing multiple roles on the court. Here are the top five small forwards in the NBA right now:

1. LeBron James
"King James" isn't just the most skilled small forward in the NBA; he's also the best player in the league. He consistently puts up unreal numbers every season, and he took away all doubts about his clutch abilities during the 2012 postseason, leading the Miami Heat to their second NBA title in franchise history. The Heat are currently poised to become one of the great dynasties in NBA history, and I expect LeBron to take his game to an even higher level next season.

2. Kevin Durant
Durant consistently puts up impressive numbers, and he took the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals earlier in the year. At only 23 years-old, Durant will only get better as time progresses, and it's only a matter of time before he secures an NBA title.

3. Carmelo Anthony
"Melo" hasn't been as consistent lately, but he's still spectacular to watch when he's on. Unlike LeBron and Durant, Anthony isn't 100 percent committed on the defensive end, making him a liability at times.

4. Rudy Gay
Rudy is certainly one of the rising stars in the NBA, and he seems to improve every year. The Baltimore native has already proven that he's a reliable scorer, and he pulls down his share of rebounds as well. The 26 year-old still has a few things to learn in terms of getting his teammates involved, but time is on his side.

5. Paul Pierce
Pierce might be in the final chapter of his NBA career, but he's still one of the best small forwards in the league right now. The 34 year-old averaged 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last season, and the 10-time NBA All-Star still has a little bit left in his tank.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
 

Top 5 Defenders in the NBA Right Now

While many NBA players would rather put points on the board, some remain committed to the art of defending. Here are the top five defenders in the NBA right now:

1. Dwight Howard
Howard had his share of problems last season, but he's still the best defender in the NBA when he's 100 percent focused on basketball. Howard -- who's still recovering from back surgery -- is expected to miss the first couple of months in the 2012/13 NBA season, but I expect him to put up serious numbers when he eventually suits up for the Los Angeles Lakers.

2. Tyson Chandler
Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry might get the credit for the Dallas Mavericks' 2011 Finals victory against the Miami Heat, but they wouldn't have been able to get past LeBron and company without Chandler. The 2011/12 NBA Defensive Player of the Year's aggressive, high-energy personality rubs off on his teammates, and I was impressed with the way he impacted the New York Knicks last season, instantly turning them into one of the top defensive teams in the NBA.

3. LeBron James
Most people associate LeBron with spectacular dunks and shots, but he's also one of the best defenders in the league right now. He's capable of guarding virtually every position on the court, and he never seems to take a play off.

4. Serge Ibaka
Some NBA fans might be surprised to find Ibaka on my list, but the 23 year-old has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end. He averaged 3.6 blocks per game during the 2011/12 NBA season (league high), and his best days are still ahead of him.

5. Andre Iguodala
There so many players in the NBA deserving of the fifth spot, but I had to give it to Iguodala. He's one of the best perimeter defenders in the league right now, and I'm sure he'll have an instant impact on the Denver Nuggets' defensive mentality.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
 

LeBron James Isn't Satisfied with His Accomplishments so Far

The basketball gods have been very kind to LeBron James in the past year, and the Miami Heat forward seems confident heading into the 2012/13 NBA season.

LeBron led the Heat to their second NBA title in franchise history during the 2012 Finals, and he followed that up by leading Team USA to a gold medal during the Summer Olympics.

Many criticized LeBron for his decision to take his talents to South Beach, but it was clearly one of the best moves the Ohio native has made during his career, making it all the way to the NBA Finals in his first two seasons with the Heat.

James' multiple clutch performances during the 2012 Playoffs proved once and for all he is indeed one of the greatest players in NBA history, and many basketball fans now recognize him as the best player in the league right now.

LeBron seems hungry heading into the 2012/13 NBA season, and he won't be satisfied with anything less than a second title.

"I'm not satisfied with my career or what I've done so far," LeBron said during a media session. "I've accomplished a lot of things, a lot of goals, but I'm not satisfied with that. … I don't think about what the other greats have done. I know the history of the game, I know what's been accomplished in this league throughout the years, but I'm my own man and I have to make my own mark."

The Heat picked up Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis during the offseason, and they'll need all the extra help they can get in their quest to repeat. The Heat shouldn't have any problems dominating their Eastern Conference counterparts next season, but they'll get some stiff opposition from the west.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs have retained most of their talent, and the Los Angeles Lakers have turned themselves into title contenders by adding Steve Nash and Dwight Howard to their lineup.

Miami's road to a second consecutive NBA title certainly won't be easy, but they do have all tools needed to get the job done.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
 
Sources:
Ethan J. Skolnick, "Miami Heat Media Day 2012: The title defense begins"

Sounders FC Secure Playoff Berth with Draw Against Whitecaps

The Seattle Sounders weren't able to get three points on Sept. 29, but they did clinch their fourth consecutive playoff berth with their 0-0 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Unfortunately for the Sounders, their chances of ending the season with the top spot in the Western Conference are slim to none, and they're now looking at finishing with the second seed at best.

The Sounders had a few chances to score goals, but they just couldn't get anything past Vancouver goalkeeper, Brad Knighton. Fortunately for the Sounders, their defense held up, allowing them to hold on to the third spot in the west.

"Obviously we've done a lot of work all season, so it's great to finally have that officially secured, but our goal is still to get second place so we're disappointed in not getting three points today," Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid told reporters after the match. "At the end of the game they had a fantastic chance with Camilo [Sanvezzo] so we can be fortunate that we didn't walk out down. We had some chances as well, the deflected shot by [Steve] Zakuani could easily have gone in as well, we had a couple of other shots as well but [Brad] Knighton came up with some saves."

The Sounders have played four matches in the past two weeks, and they'll now get some much deserved rest. They won't have to suit up until Oct. 7, when they host the Portland Timbers at CenturyLink Field.

With only four MLS games left for Seattle this season, they'll need to make the most of their remaining matches. The Los Angeles Galaxy are currently tied with the Sounders in the Western Conference standings with 49 points, and any mistakes at this point in the season might end up sending the Sounders to the postseason with the fourth seed in the west.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 3 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
 
Sources:
Joshua Mayers, "Mauro Rosales: 'We know that we are in the playoffs with that point…'"

Chris Bosh Looks Forward to Proving Critics Wrong

Chris Bosh will be the Miami Heat's starting center during the 2012/13 NBA season, and the most underrated member of Miami's "big three" doesn't seem to mind the change.

As far as Bosh is concerned, the move to the center position was inevitable, and the lanky big-man is looking forward to showing his critics that he can hold his own against the best centers in the NBA.

"Not even those two. I've played them before. It's nothing I haven't seen," Bosh responded when asked if he was worried about taking on the likes of Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum. "Yeah, they do have a weight advantage, but that's only in your mind. And you know, if teams feel they have an advantage, tell them to dump it down there if they can. That's my answer to everything. If they say, 'Bosh can't play the five, we have the advantage.' If people think that, tell them to dump it down there and we'll see what happens."
Given the fact the Heat's biggest weakness has been the center position for the past two; I like the idea of moving Bosh to the five spot.

It's pretty obvious the Heat are one of the smaller teams in the NBA, so they'll might as well maximize their roster for speed. With Bosh playing center, LeBron James' ability to play any position, and the addition of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to Miami's roster, stopping the Heat on the break won't be an easy task.

Bosh will also help the Heat open up things on the offensive end. His ability to knock down long-range shots will pull opposing centers out of the paint, making it easier for LeBron and company to drive to the hoop.

The change of position shouldn't really affect Bosh's numbers, and I expect him to continue to be a big part of the Heat's success next season.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
 

Top 5 Point Guards in the NBA Right Now

The point guard position is arguably the most crucial job on any basketball team, and a solid floor-general is usually a prerequisite of championship squads. Here are the top five point guards in the NBA right now:

1. Rajon Rondo
The Boston Celtics' point guard has really come into his own, and there isn't a team in the NBA that wouldn't like to have his services. Rondo is one of the most energetic players in the NBA, and he's capable of performing all the duties of a point guard. Rajon gets his teammates involved, plays defense, grabs rebounds, and he proved that he's more that capable of being a primary scorer with his impressive performances during the 2012 Playoffs.

2. Chris Paul
"CP3" is the next best thing to Rondo, and he's capable of holding his won against any point guard in the league. Paul averaged 19.8 points and 9.1 assists per game during the 2011/12 NBA season, and that had a lot to do with the Los Angeles Clippers' success last year.

3. Derrick Rose
Rose is also a well-rounded point guard, but he does need to do a better job of getting his teammates involved. The three-time NBA All-Star averaged a career high 7.9 assists per game last season, and he should continue to improve with time, provided he fully recovers from his ACL surgery.

4. Steve Nash
Nash is arguably the best true point guard in the NBA right now, but he is a bit of a liability at the defensive end at times. He's scoring output has decreased significantly in the last few years, but he still has a lot of basketball left in him.

5. Deron Williams
Williams continues to evolve, and he's been one of the best point guards in the NBA for quite some time. There's still room for improvement in terms of his rebounding and defense, but it does seem like he's moving in the right direction. With an average of 21.0 points and 8.7 assists per game during the 2011/12 NBA season, the future looks very bright for Williams and the Brooklyn Nets.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sounders FC Brace for Portland Timbers

Even though the Seattle Sounders have clinched their fourth consecutive playoff of berth, they're still in a precarious spot in the MLS Western Conference rankings.

The Sounders' loss to the San Jose Earthquakes on Sept. 22, destroyed their hopes of finishing the 2012 MLS season with the top spot in the west, and their scoreless draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps has forced them down to the fourth position in the Western Conference table.

Fortunately for the Sounders, they're only three points away from second place Real Salt Lake in the standings, and they'll have a chance to move a little closer when they face the Portland Timers on Oct. 7.

The Sounders are 0-1-1 against the Timbers this season, so they'll certainly have their hands full on Sunday. Fortunately for the Sounders, the next encounter between the two rivals will be at CenturyLink Field, and you can always count on Seattle soccer fans to come out in droves whenever the Timbers are in town.
Attendance for Seattle's next game is expected to exceed 66,000, and that should give the Sounders a mental boost throughout the match.

"It's a great tribute to [the] MLS and to the Northwest rivalries," Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid said about their remarkable ticket sales. "It's going to be an electric atmosphere."

Given how much is on the line for the Sounders right now, it's hard to see them losing on Oct. 7.

With only four regular season games left, the Sounders will need to bring their A-game every time they step onto the field. Home-field advantage will certainly be crucial during the postseason, and the Sounders can't afford to settle for the fourth seed in the west, especially after playing so well all season.

"It's a special occasion, for sure," midfielder Brad Evans said about Seattle's upcoming contest. "It's one that we look forward to. ... This is a massive game for us, as well."

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 3 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
 
Sources:
Joshua Mayers, "Tuesday notes: Alonso held out, White visits"

NBA Made the Right Move by Addressing Flopping

The NBA recently revealed their new anti-flopping rules, and the news has been received with mixed reactions from fans and players alike.

According to the NBA, flopping is defined as, "any physical act that appears to have been intended to cause the referees to call a foul on another player."

Starting next season, players will be issued a warning for their first violation, $5,000 fine for the second offense, $10,000 for the third, $15,000 for the fourth, and it jumps up to $30,000 for the fifth offense.

Flopping has and always will be a part of professional sports, but it seems like it's getting a bit too much in the NBA. Virtually every player in the league does a little flopping every now and then, and it makes the referees' job a lot harder than it should be.

While I agree that something needs to be done about flopping in the NBA, the penalties the league has imposed seem a little harsh. I personally like the idea of issuing technical fouls for flops, as that'll have a bigger impact on the way players conduct themselves. Fines can be saved for serious offenders.

Monetary fines aren't the best way to deal with the flopping issue in the NBA, as it does unfairly punish the lower-tier players. However, it could work out if the league uses good judgment implementing the rule when the 2012/13 NBA season starts, so I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra doesn't seem to mind the new rules, and he even thinks it might have its advantages.

"I'm all on board for it," Spoelstra said. "I think it needs to be addressed. I think the steps they're taking right now, I think will benefit the game. I do. It remains to be seen if it truly has an impact. But I think it's a step in the right direction. … It's not good for the game; nobody likes the flop. A majority of coaches don't like the flop, particularly if you're trying to build a solid defense."

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
 
Sources:
Associated Press, "NBA imposes anti-flopping rules"

Five Teams to Look Out for During the 2012 MLS Playoffs

The 2012 MLS season has been an entertaining one, but it's slowly coming to an end. The postseason will begin in about a month, and there are a handful of teams with legitimate chances of securing the 2012 MLS cup. Here are five teams to look out for during the 2012 MLS Playoffs:

1. San Jose Earthquakes
The Earthquakes have the best record in the MLS right now, and their offense isn't too shabby either. San Jose's ability to score goals has made their defense a bit passive, and that might end up haunting them during the postseason.

2. Kansas City
Sporting KC has dominated the Eastern Conference this year, and their solid play will likely earn them the top seed in the east. Their defense is arguably the best in the league right now, but their offense does struggle at times.

3. New York Red Bulls
The Red Bulls have had their share of struggles lately, but they're still a force to be reckoned with when they bring their A-game. Their offense is one of the best in the MLS right now, and their defense isn't far behind.

4. Seattle Sounders
A little over a week ago, the Sounders were making a serious push for the top spot in the Western Conference, but they weren't able to accomplish their goal. Instead, they slid down to the fourth spot in the west. The Sounders are certainly capable of making a serious push during the playoffs, but I can't see that happening if they go into the postseason as the fourth seed.

5. Real Salt Lake
Real hasn't been the most consistent team all season, but they do seem to be firing on all cylinders heading into the Playoffs. They've fought their way to the second spot in the MLS Western Conference table, but holding on to the number two seed won't be an easy task. Their last three games during the 2012 season will be against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Sounders, and Vancouver Whitecaps.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 3 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Barkley on LeBron: "I Do Think He Can Be Better Than Michael"

LeBron James is arguably the most criticized player in NBA history, but his critics are starting to come around.

I can't say I blame them for their sudden change of heart, considering how impressive LeBron has been since his decision to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers for the greener pastures of the Miami Heat. James has put up impressive numbers in the past two seasons, and he capped it off by securing his first NBA title and Finals MVP earlier in the year.

Former NBA player, Charles Barkley, has been a vocal critic of LeBron ever since the "decision," but he's starting to see things differently. Barkley now feels LeBron might be better than the NBA's current GOAT, Michael Jordan, when it's all said and done.

"I do think he can be better than Michael," Barkley said during a recent episode of NBA TV's 'Open Court.' "I thought I would never compare somebody to Michael Jordan. But this guy, LeBron James, he does everything well. Michael did everything well. LeBron James is just bigger, stronger, faster. That's the only difference."

Numbers wise, LeBron matches up well against Jordan, but he isn't quite as aggressive. However, LeBron has showed that he can turn up the intensity when he needs to.

James has put up Jordan-type numbers throughout his career, and he seems to improve with every passing season. He's still a long way from winning six NBA titles like Jordan did, but at least he's gotten the first one out of the way. Jordan won his first NBA title at the age of 28, so LeBron (27) is currently ahead of schedule.

The Miami Heat have all it takes to become the next great dynasty in the NBA, but it certainly won't be given to them. The NBA is as competitive as ever right now, and the Heat will have to stay 100 percent focused on basketball if they want to hoist their second consecutive title.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter 
.
Sources:
Associated Press, "Barkley: LeBron better than Jordan?"

Ray Allen Looks Sharp in Miami Heat's Preseason Opener

The Miami Heat started off the 2012 preseason with a loss, going down 92-79 against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 7.

Ray Allen stepped on the court for the first time as a member of the Heat's roster, and the 37 year-old looked like he still has a lot of basketball left in him. Allen -- who played for 27 minutes -- converted on 62 percent of his field goal attempts, walking away with 10 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals against the Hawks.
"I've love shooting it, but I also love the mid-range game, I love posting up, I love passing the ball," Allen told reporters after the game. "I'm not going to force it."

However, Chris Bosh -- who went 8-14 from the field -- was the Heat's most impressive player on Sunday, finishing with 22 points and 6 rebounds in 23 minutes.

"Just to be back out there with the guys, it's a good feeling," Bosh said. "I'm doing a better job of learning how to play and be efficient within the offense. I know where my spots are going to be."
LeBron James took it easy against the Hawks, but he still made the most of his limited minutes, putting up 10 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds.

Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers, Udonis Haslem, and a handful of Miami's players didn't suit up against the Hawks.

Overall, both teams had sloppy performances, but then again, that is the norm for preseason openers.
It's definitely a little too early to start making judgments, but I liked what I saw from Allen. He looked reinvigorated on Sunday, and Miami's road to a second consecutive NBA title will be a lot easier if he delivers similar performances on a consistent basis.

The Heat will now head off to Beijing, China, where they'll face the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 11.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Ira Winderman, "Bosh sharp, but Heat off in exhibition loss to Hawks"

Seattle Sounders FC Hand Rival Timbers 3-0 Thrashing

The Seattle Sounders FC got a much needed victory on Oct. 7, handing the Portland Timbers a 3-0 thrashing at CenturyLink Field. With the win, the Sounders hold on to the Cascadia Cup. But the Timbers can still steal it if they win their next match against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

66,452 Seattle soccer fans -- second largest audience for a regular season game in MLS history -- showed up to support the Sounders against their arch rivals, and they all left feeling satisfied.

"It was amazing, and we were getting 100 percent from everybody," Sounders midfielder Mauro Rosales told reporters after the game. "It was the last game of the year playing against [Portland], and we were able to win 3-0. That is something we can enjoy until next year. We really wanted to do a great job today, and we did it. I am really happy with us."

The Sounders put pressure on the Timbers right from the start, and it paid off 25 minutes into the match, when Mamadou Danso deflected a Fredy Montero shot into his own post.

Eddie Johnson doubled the Sounders' advantage three minutes later, firing a well-timed pass from Brad Evans past Portland goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. Montero increased the Sounders' lead to three goals in the 62nd minute, knocking his own rebound back into the post.

The Sounders escaped with the clean-sheet, but their defense broke down on several occasions. The Timbers dominated the ball, and they had more chances to score goals. Fortunately for Seattle, goalkeeper Michael Gspurning was on top of his game, finishing the match with six saves.

With the win, the Sounders move up to the third spot in the MLS Western Conference table, trailing second place Real Salt Lake by three points. The Sounders' -- who have a two-goal lead in the tiebreaker -- next game is against Real, so they'll get a chance to secure the second spot in the west when the two teams collide on Oct. 17.

Sources:
PortlandTimbers.com, "Quotes & Notes - Seattle Sounders: 3, Portland Timbers: 0…"

David is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing practitioner who has watched and studied MMA for the past 9 years. Send him your questions @davidkingwriter.

Dwyane Wade Vows to Prove Critics Wrong During the 2012/13 NBA Season

Miami Heat shooting guard, Dwyane Wade, had his share of injury problems during the 2011/12 NBA season, prompting some in the basketball community to question his abilities.

Questions about Wade's "declining skills" seem to be a constant at Heat press-conferences and other media events, and the 30 year-old has had enough of the undue criticism.

"I'm not really worried about it, I'm going forward," Wade said about the media's obsession with his 'declining skills.' "If anyone asks me anything about that, I'm not answering. I don't want to talk about it. We can talk about all that when I get done playing basketball. Right now, I'm one of the best players in the league, and I come in every year and try to work as hard as I can to try to stay there."

A year ago, members of the media often referred to the Heat as Wade's team, so it's surprising to hear folks question his abilities a year later.

Sure, Wade missed his share of games last season, but his numbers weren't affected that much. He shot 49 percent from the field during 2011/12 season averaging, 22.1 points (3 points lower than his career average), 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. You'll have a hard time finding a single coach in the NBA who wouldn't take those numbers any day.

Regardless of what some basketball fans might think, Wade is still one of the best shooting guards in the NBA, and questioning his skills is simply unreasonable.

Given the fact LeBron James has established himself as the Miami Heat's leader; Wade probably won't score 30+ points per game -- like he did in the 2008/09 season -- during the upcoming season. However, his lower offensive output won't be a result of his age, but rather, his constantly evolving role with the Heat.
Wade has been around for quite some time, so I'm sure he can deal with a little criticism. It'll only fuel the eight-time NBA All-Star, and make him play that much harder.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
 
Sources:
Shandel Richardson, "An aging Dwyane Wade not ready for senior citizenship"

Sounders FC Unable to Secure Crucial Win Against Real Salt Lake

The Seattle Sounders FC would have moved up to the second spot in the MLS Western Conference rankings with a win against Real Salt Lake on Oct. 17, but they weren't able to capitalize on the opportunity.
Instead, the Sounders were forced to settle for a draw.

To be fair, the Sounders were without the services of players like Eddie Johnson (national team commitment), Steve Zakuani (injury), and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (injury), and at times, it seemed like referee, Ricardo Salazar, was the 12th player on Real's squad. Defender Zach Scott was given his second yellow-card of the day and ejected in the 30th minute, leaving the Sounders with only 10 players for the majority of the match.

"Proud of our team," Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid told reporters after the game. "I thought we had to play the game under very difficult circumstances with the amount of players that were missing, but also playing a man down. I thought our team showed a lot of character. We battled. We created some counter-attacking chances. … Obviously, [Michael] Gspurning made a few big saves at the end of the game, and when added time is added to added time it makes it more difficult."

Real had a few good chances to score during the game, but Gspurning wasn't having any of it. He finished the contest with five saves (two spectacular diving stops), leading the Sounders to their third consecutive shutout.

The Sounders still trail Salt Lake by three points in the MLS Western Conference table, so there's still a small chance they'll finish with the second seed in the west. It won't be easy though, since their last two games will be against Dallas FC and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Given how dominant the Sounders have been at CenturyLink Field, their path to the 2012 MLS Cup will be a lot harder if they're unable to finish with the second seed in the west. Fortunately for Seattle soccer fans, the Sounders are capable of competing with any team in the MLS when they are on form, so there's still some hope for the postseason.

David has been a fan of the Seattle Sounders for the past 3 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
 

Dwyane Wade Shines in Miami's First Home Preseason Game

It was supposed to be a preseason game, but the Miami Heat apparently didn't get the memo. The "big three" played like it was a regular season contest, giving fans an entertaining show during their first outing at the American Airlines Arena since Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals.

The Heat dominated the Detroit Pistons from start to finish, walking away with the 105-78 victory on Oct. 18.

Dwyane Wade -- who's 'diminishing skills' have been a hot topic lately -- lead the Heat on Thursday, finishing with 21 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds. Wade also shot the ball better than everyone else on both teams, converting on 69 percent of his field goal attempts. Not bad for an "old guy."

"I'm continuing to get my rhythm, my conditioning," Wade told reporters after the game. "Tonight I kind of broke out a lot of the things I normally do and I felt comfortable doing that. I was able to see a couple things I need to continue to get stronger at, but wasn't bad."

Chris Bosh and LeBron James were right behind Wade, putting up 17 and 13 points respectively. LeBron was also effective at getting his teammates involved, finishing with eight assists.

Ray Allen struggled in his first home preseason game with the Heat, knocking down only one of his five three-point attempts. However, Allen looked good on the defensive end, finishing with three steals.
With the regular season less than two weeks away, the Heat are right on track. The "big three" already look sharp, and Allen and Rashard Lewis seem comfortable with their new teammates. Miami's offense still needs a little tuning up, but their defense couldn't be any better.

Even Pistons head coach, Lawrence Frank, had nothing but good things to say about the Heat after the humiliating encounter.

"Look, they're obviously a great team, with a great coach, great players, great system and fundamentally extremely sound," Frank said. "For us, it's an opportunity to get better."

Miami's next preseason game will be against the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 20.
David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Associated Press, "Heat 105, Pistons 78"
Player and game information from ESPN.com

LeBron James Reaffirms His Loyalty to the Miami Heat

LeBron James is arguably the most talked about player NBA history, and it doesn't look like the trend is about to stop anytime soon.

A recent ESPN report claimed the Los Angeles Lakers were already strategizing on ways to acquire LeBron's services when he becomes eligible to opt-out of his current contract with the Miami Heat in 2014.

Obviously, the chances of LeBron leaving Miami in a few years are slim to none, and the 2012 NBA Finals MVP made it clear that he has no time for mindless speculation. James' only focus right now is leading the Heat to another NBA title.

"I'm here, and this is what it's all about," James said about the ESPN report. "I'm preparing for this season, preparing to defend our title and that's it. This is where ... I'm here now. … That story, I don't know where it came from, but I understand why it came up because of who I am -- it's going to happen."

At this point, LeBron and his teammates are used to the endless speculation, but that doesn't mean they enjoy it. While LeBron tried to be diplomatic about the ESPN report, Dwyane Wade made it clear that he's tired of all the rumors.

"They [media] can leave my teammate alone, man," Wade said in his LeBron's defense. "Get on with that. He's going to be here. We're straight. So they can go and mess with somebody else."

While I completely agree with Wade's comments, I'm sure there will be many more rumors about the Heat for years to come.

Given the intense media scrutiny the Heat have had to deal with ever since LeBron and Chris Bosh decided to join forces with Wade, the "big three" certainly deserve a lot of credit for playing excellent basketball despite the harsh environment, and I'm sure they'll continue to do so.

At this point, it's actually fun to watch the critics reach at straws, in their desperation to derail what seems to be the next great dynasty in the NBA.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.
 

Ray Allen Looks Forward to Miami Heat's Season Opener Against Celtics

Ray Allen rubbed some of his former teammates the wrong way when he decided to leave the Boston Celtics for the Miami Heat during the offseason. For years, the three-point specialist was a big part of the Celtics' success, leaving some members of the franchise feeling betrayed.

Boston's team-leader Kevin Garnet has cut off all ties with Allen, and he isn't the only member of the Celtics franchise that isn't feeling "Ray Ray" right now.

Allen looks forward to opening the 2012/13 season against the Celtics on Oct. 30 (Tuesday), and he hopes to straighten things out with his former teammates.

"I'm not over-emotional; just go out and get a win," Allen told reporters after a weekend practice session. "I want to win the game. It's good to see my past teammates. You have to be excited about this new chapter. You just make sure that you just enjoy what you're doing and pay homage to where I've been."

Even though Allen has some issues with his former teammates, he couldn't be any happier with his new squad. He seems grateful to be on a championship caliber team once again.

"It seems like we're insular, focused on what we need to do," Allen said about his new teammates. "That stuff ... there's chatter between teams always. Where ever we play next, you ask us questions about the next matchup. That's just part of it."

Signing Allen was clearly the best move the Heat made during the offseason, and it should pay dividends during the 2012/13 season. Allen wasn't consistent during the preseason, but I'm sure he'll find his groove as the season progresses.

For the first time since LeBron James and Chris Bosh took their services to South Beach, the Heat will start off their season at the American Airlines Arena, and they'll receive their 2012 championship rings before the contest.

The Heat faithful will be energized for the game, and I expect Allen and company to start off the 2012/13 NBA season with a dominant performance against the Celtics.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.
 

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade Talk About Harden's Move to the Rockets

The Oklahoma City Thunder's decision to trade James Harden to the Houston Rockets was a little shocking to many in the basketball community, and it just might end up haunting OKC during the postseason.

Harden was traded to the Houston Rockets on Oct. 27, in a multiplayer deal that brought Kevin Martin, rookie Jeremy Lamb, two first-round draft picks, and a second-round pick to the Thunder.

"It was shocking but they made the move they felt was right for them," Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade commented. "It shakes up the West a little bit. I think both teams got fair value. I'm not a GM or anything but both teams came out pretty good... I'm not one of those guys who fell back too far. They have good depth; Kevin Martin is a pretty good scorer in this league. We'll see how it shakes out but I still think they're the best team in the West right now."

Given how dominant Oklahoma looked last season, it's a little surprising they were willing to give up a major asset like Harden. The 23 year-old averaged 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game last season, and he looked like a future NBA superstar in the making. Oklahoma's fans embraced him, and a large number could be seen wearing Harden-like beards during their solid postseason run.

However, Martin is indeed a solid scorer -- averaging 17.1 points per game during the 2011/12 season -- so it's easy to see the Thunder's brass' view as well. Kevin should be able to match Harden's numbers on the court, but I don't think he'll be embraced by Oklahoma's fans like the latter was.

Still, with Lamb (12th pick in the 2012 NBA draft), and two future first round picks, the Thunder did get a fair deal for Harden. However, that doesn't mean the Thunder will be just as good without him. Harden was a big part of the Thunders' team chemistry, and it'll be interesting to see how Kevin Durant and company deal with the loss.

"I think we all know that James Harden was a big part of their team," LeBron said. "He was a big part of why they made it to the Finals. They got a couple pieces back that are really good as well. But we don't know how it changes their team until they actually get out there."

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.
 

 

Miami Heat Brace for Season Opener Against Celtics

Later on Today (Oct.30), the Miami Heat will kick off their 2012/13 season against the Boston Celtics at the American Airlines Arena.

Prior to the game, the Heat's players will be rewarded for their excellent play during the 2012 NBA Finals with a championship ring ceremony. Afterwards, they'll try to secure their first win of the season against their rivals.

Ever since LeBron James and Chris Bosh decided to join forces with Dwyane Wade in Miami, the Heat's rivalry with the Celtics has turned into one of the best in the league. The Celtics were a win away from sending the "big three" on an early summer vacation during the 2012 playoffs, but LeBron refused to be denied. "King James" carried the Heat past the Celtics -- for the second straight season -- eventually leading them to the NBA title.

With Ray Allen's decision to leave Boston for Miami, the rivalry between the two teams will only intensify.
The Heat have never won consecutive NBA titles in franchise history (they've only gone all the way twice), but they're poised to do just that this season. However, the road to a "repeat" won't be easy. The San Antonio Spurs and the Harden-less Oklahoma City Thunder are still serious contenders, but the new and improved Los Angeles Lakers will probably be the biggest obstacle in Miami's road to consecutive titles.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Heat and Lakers battling it out in Game 7 of the 2013 NBA finals.

"Ultimately, we want to defend our title," LeBron said about Miami's goals for the upcoming season. "But we don't want to shortcut anything. We've never been a team that's been that way. We're going to work each and every day to get better, on the court or film sessions, whatever the case may be."

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.

Miami Heat Smash Celtics in Season Opener

The Miami Heat started off the 2012/13 NBA season with a 120-107 victory against the Boston Celtics on Oct. 30.

Prior to the game, the Heat's players received their championships rings, to the delight of the packed crowd at the American Airlines Arena.

After the ceremony, the Heat went right to work, reminding everyone why they're the team to beat in the NBA.

Miami came out firing on all cylinders, dropping 31 points in the first three quarters. The Heat had an 8-point lead by halftime, and they increased it to 17 points by the end of the third quarter. To their credit, the Celtics tried to make a comeback in the final quarter, but Chris Bosh took over the game, leading the Heat to their first win of the season.

Dwyane Wade led the Heat in scoring, finishing with 29 points and 4 assists. LeBron James missed most of the second half due to cramps, but he still managed to walk away with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Bosh brought his A-game as well, putting up 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

Offseason addition, Ray Allen, tried to shake hands with Kevin Garnett before he checked into the game, but "KG" wasn't having it. He left Allen hanging, not even looking his former teammate in the eye.
Allen didn't get mad; he just got even on the court.

"Ray Ray" shot 71 percent from the field (67 percent from long range), finishing with 19 points in his first regular season game with the Heat. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Allen is going to fit in nicely with the Heat.

Rashad Lewis also looked good in his first regular season game with the Heat, converting on four of his five field goal attempts. He finished the game with 10 points.

The Heat couldn't have asked for a better start in the 2012/13 NBA season, but their journey to a second consecutive title has just begun. They'll now head over to "The Big Apple," where they'll face the New York Knicks on Nov. 2.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.
 

Tensions Fly High in Heat-Celtics Season Opener

The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have been rivals for quite some time, but tensions were particularly high during the 2012/13 NBA season opener between the two powerhouses.

The Heat dominated their Oct. 30 encounter, walking away with a 120-107 victory.

Ray Allen -- who joined the Heat's roster during the offseason -- didn't get any love from some of his former teammates (even when he tried to be cordial), but it didn't seem to bother the veteran a bit. "Ray Ray" couldn't have asked for a better start with his new team, shooting 71 percent from the field in his official debut with the Heat. He finished the game with 19 points.

"I wasn't worried about it," Allen reflected. "It was more my peace offering, because you never know what's said across the airwaves, through the media, through TV. I deal with people. You know, I deal with what we see or what we say face-to-face. And that was an opportunity to say, 'I appreciate everything that you guys have done for me, because you have held a special place in my career and in my heart. . . . There was no hostility."

During the closing moments of the game, the Celtics extended their hostility towards Dwyane Wade. Rajon Rondo "clotheslined" Wade when it's was apparent the game was already over, almost pushing the Miami shooting guard over the edge.

However, Wade kept his composure, but it's was pretty obvious Rondo's actions hit a nerve.

"I'm here to play basketball, man," Wade said after the game. "If you want to do something else, then go do something else. Boxing, this is not it. I was glad I was able to stop myself in that very moment and move on from it. We'll see next time we play."

The next game between the two teams will be on Jan. 27, at the Boston Garden.

Given how intense the season opener between the Celtics and the Heat was, I can only imagine how serious things will get if the two teams end up meeting during the postseason.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.

Miami Heat Fall Short Against Knicks

The Miami Heat looked good in their 2012/13 season opener against the Boston Celtics, but they ran into some problems against the New York Knicks on Nov. 2.

Motivated to give New Yorkers -- who are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy -- at Madison Square Garden something to cheer for, the Knicks went right after the Heat on Friday, starting off their season with a 104-84 victory against the team that knocked them out of the 2012 Playoffs.

Besides giving the Knicks a few too many open three-point attempts and turning the ball over 21 times, Miami really didn't play that bad. Overall, the Heat shot the ball better than the Knicks, and they probably would have gotten their second straight win if Carmelo Anthony (4-8), Jason Kidd (3-5), and Steve Novak (5-8) didn't light them up from long-range all night.

The Knicks took the lead in the first quarter, and they never looked back. They kept the Heat at bay throughout the contest, walking away with the 20-point victory.

LeBron James led Miami's offense against the Knicks, finishing with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. Rashard Lewis was the second highest scorer on the Heat's roster; putting up 16 points and 6 rebounds (he shot 66 percent from beyond the arc). Hopefully, the Heat will get many more similar performances from Lewis in the future.

Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh had rather quiet games, finishing with 15 and 12 points respectively.
While Bosh struggled with his jumper against the Knicks, Wade went 7-10 from the field. Wade expressed his disinterest in playing basketball, whilst New Yorkers deal with the aftermath of a major storm, prior to the contest. He didn't seem interested in playing during the game either.

Obviously, a loss against the Knicks wasn't the desired result, but the Heat don't have any reason for concern. The season has just started, and they'll probably get right back on track when they host the Philadelphia 76ers on Nov. 4.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.

Ray Allen Carries Heat Past Nuggets

24 hours after the Miami Heat suffered their first loss in the 2012/13 NBA season, they bounced right back with an impressive comeback victory against the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 3, walking away with the 119-116 win.

After getting off to a solid start, the Heat fell behind in the second quarter. The Nuggets maintained control of the game in the second half, and with 14 seconds left in the contest (Denver up 116-115), it looked like the Heat were about to lose their second straight game. However, Ray Allen, lived up to his reputation as one of the best clutch three-point shooters in the NBA right now, draining one from beyond the arc in Corey Brewer's face while getting fouled. Needless to say, Allen -- who has converted on 89 percent of his career free-throws -- made the ensuing free-throw as well.

With shots like that, you can't even blame Kevin Garnett and company for being bitter about the fact "Ray Ray" decided to take his talents to South Beach.

Allen -- who finished with 23 points and 5 rebounds (6-10 from long range) -- wasn't the only Heat player who played well on Saturday. Chris Bosh also had a monstrous outing, dropping 40 points on the Nuggets. LeBron James had a quiet game by his standards, but he still managed to walk away with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. Dwyane Wade struggled with his shot a bit against Denver, finishing with 14 points and 4 assists.

Defensively, the Heat could have played better, but their offense ended up saving the day. They didn't do any better rebounding the ball either, allowing the Nuggets to pull down 15 more rebounds.

With only three games played in the 2012/13 NBA season, I couldn't be happier with what I've seen from Allen so far. He's converted on 56 percent of his three-point attempts, and it's pretty clear the Heat have a new, reliable clutch option.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.

Miami Heat Look Sharp in Win Against Suns

The Miami Heat improved their 2012/13 season record to 3-1 on Nov. 5, defeating the Phoenix Suns 124-99 at the American Airlines Arena.

The Heat came out firing on all cylinders against the Suns, building up a nine-point lead by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, the Heat led by 12 points, and they sealed the Sun's fate in the third quarter, doubling their lead to 24 points.

The rest of the game was just a formality.

LeBron James led Miami's offense against Phoenix, putting up a game-high 23 points. LeBron also led the Heat in rebounding, pulling down 11 boards.

Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh also played well on Monday, finishing with 22 and 18 points respectively. Ray Allen delivered yet again for the Heat, walking away with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists (75 percent shooting from beyond the arc).

Mario Chalmers looked like the guy who saved the Heat a few times during the 2012 postseason, finishing with a game-high 11 assists.

Overall, the Heat played well as a team against the Suns, and it's obvious the players are all on the same page. Their chemistry looked great, and it's rather clear the Heat are still the team to beat in the NBA.

"I thought that was probably the most unselfish team I've ever played against since I've been in the NBA," Suns' shooting guard Jared Dudley said, per ESPN.com. "It was drive, kick, swing, penetrate, flare, and they were hitting everyone. Even when someone had a good shot they would make an extra pass for someone to have an even better shot."

The Heat's performance against the Suns is arguably their best so far this season, considering the fact they dominated all facets of the game. Their offense was sharp as ever, their defense looked good, and they controlled the boards as well.

The Heat will now get a day off, before hosting the Brooklyn Nets on Nov. 7.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.

Dwyane Wade Adjusting to His New Role with the Heat

Critics have been a little harsh on Dwyane Wade lately, but their words don't seem to have any effect on the Miami Heat shooting guard.

Wade's role on the team has changed due to LeBron James' emergence as the leader in Miami, but "D-Wade" is quickly adjusting to his new role.

Dwyane has made it clear that he isn't worried about individual accomplishments, and the same can be said about the remaining players on the Heat roster. While Wade might be getting used to his new role as the Heat's second option, the 30 year-old is still capable of taking over games, as he proved during Miami's 124-99 victory against the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 5.

"Dwyane was active tonight," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra told reporters after their win against Phoenix, per Sun-Sentinel.com. "He set the tone with his quick twitch on both ends of the court. You saw he had some good life. He's spending a lot of time putting his body in position to respond. … He might not have the nights where he's needed to score 35, 40 points. But the opportunities he has, he can generate a lot of easy opportunities for us."

A year ago, Wade was the de facto leader of the Heat's squad, while James was widely considered his sidekick. However, LeBron established himself as the best player on the Heat's lineup with his multiple clutch performances during the 2012 postseason, and it's Wade who now finds himself playing second fiddle.

Even though Wade has been a prolific scorer throughout his career, he's never really been the most effective player outside the paint. However, he's shot the ball well so far this season, knocking down 53 percent of his field goal attempts (averaging 20 points per game), and he hasn't been too shabby from beyond the arc either.

Wade is obviously paying attention to his team's needs, and it's already paying dividends for the Heat. Wade is no longer Miami's main attraction, but he's still one of their irreplaceable players.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.

Miami Heat Steamroll Brooklyn Nets

The Miami Heat improved to 4-1 on Nov. 7, defeating the Brooklyn Nets 103-73. They dominated the Nets from start to finish, increasing their current win-streak to three games.

The Heat took the lead in the first quarter, and they never looked back, easily cruising to another victory.
"It was good to see another game, sub-40 percent," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said about the team's efforts on the defensive end, per Associated Press. "Our guys were, for the most part, committed to try to make an impact on that side of the floor."

Dwyane Wade led Miami's offense against the Nets, finishing with a game-high 22 points (shooting 10-14 from the field). LeBron James had another solid outing, walking way with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists in only three quarters.

Chris Bosh struggled with his shot against the Nets, shooting 20 percent from the field. Fortunately, Miami got a nice boost from offseason addition, Rashard Lewis, who scored 13 points coming off the bench.
The Heat's role players held their own against Brooklyn, with the entire team shooting 52 percent from the field and 42 percent from beyond the arc.

Still, Miami's defense was the biggest reason they effortlessly beat the Nets, as they held Brooklyn to 19 points or less in three of the four quarters during the contest.

"When we get stops, we're going to break open a lot of games because we can score," LeBron said after the game. "So that's the No. 1 key."

With only five games played in the 2012/13 season, the Heat are already starting to establish themselves as the best team in the NBA. They're already starting to make history, winning their first four home games for the first time in franchise history.

The Heat will now embark on a six-game road trip, and they'll start it off against the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 9.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.