Upon Delayed Updates

EDIT 8/4- I SOMEHOW COMPLETELY FORGOT THAT SHAWN MARION IS ON THE SUNS, AND IS AWESOME. IF HE PLAYS THE 3 AND REBOUNDS PHOENIX LOOKS MUCH BETTER THAN I THOUGHT

Sloth has overtaken me, and I have again failed to update as I should.

A multi-team blockbuster has just gone down in the NBA, including 5 teams and 13 players. Hours after essentially signing Shaq for the rest of his career (barring of course a title contender or LA return swan song trade), Miami acquired Antoine Walker from the Celtics, and (white) Jason Williams and James Posey from Memphis. the rest of the teams involved get slim pickings, with Eddie Jones being the biggest name moving out of Miami, to Memphis.

By making this move, The Heat have shown that they are firmly committed to winning an NBA title, at least in terms of breaking the bread. Shaq and Wade carried a team of contributors to the doorstep of the NBA Finals. E Jones had solid numbers, and played good D, but is clearly on the downside in his career. the move is a bit risky in terms of D-Wade's development, as Walker is a bit of a ball black-hole. I can see Shaq getting frustrated with last second 3's going to Toine when burgeoning "Mr. Clutch" Wade looked like Miller and Horry at times last year. I like the addition of Jason Williams, who should benefit from the Shaq-effect as much as Damon Jones and the rest of the Heat did last year. he is a play-maker, and a definite spark-plug. Again, a risky addition to the chemistry that Miami had, but Shaq should handle any issues there.

If you look at the Heat starting 5 as it could shake out, vs other contenders it looks interesting


Center: 1)Shaq 3)Ben Wallace 4)Mohammed 2)Amare
4)Haslem 2)Sheed 1)Duncan 3)Kurt Thomas
1)Walker 3)Prince 2)Bowen 4)Marion
1)Wade 3)Rip 2)Manu 4)Jim Jackson
4)J-Will 2)Billups 3)Parker 1) Nash

I'll entertain arguments for Amare and Manu at 1, and Prince at 2, but as it looks the Heat have the best player at 3 positions when compared to the title hopefuls from last year (though deficiencies at the 4 and the 1 could hurt, especially if Amare and Kurt switch positions).

I seriously can't wait for this season. Nate Robinson better not get traded.