10 NBA Teams That Could Dethrone The Miami Heat
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The Miami Heat are one championship win away from that elusive ‘three-peat,’ something that hasn’t been done since the days of Shaq and Kobe. As the season inches near, we look at some obvious (and not so obvious) challengers to the throne.
The Holy Grail within the National Basketball Association is the pursuit of creating a dynasty. It is something that legends such as Michael Jordan, Bill Russell and the aforementioned Los Angeles Lakers tandem did almost with relative ease. It is also something that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh predicted early on when they merged their talents on the court in the summer of 2010.
While Miami Heat team president Pat Riley may have the trademark on the contracted word, there are quite a few consistent challengers to the champ’s place amongst the all-time greats. If the team thought winning back-to-back titles was hard, just wait till the season gets off and they have Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant and the Indiana Pacers to face again.
As the South Beach superstar’s quest is fraught with peril, we offer 10 NBA Teams That Could Dethrone The Miami Heat.
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Photo: NBA.com
Photo: NBA
The Chicago Bulls
We already talked about why Derrick Rose will silence his naysayers. Add to the equation Jimmy Butler‘s strong basketball I.Q., Taj Gibson‘s commitment to shutting down LeBron, and coach Tom Thibodeau‘s emphasis on defense — and whispers of “comeback kings” are uttered throughout the Windy City.
Photo: NBA.com
The Houston Rockets
It may not take this team as long to mesh as speculated by analysts. With Jeremy Lin‘s improved shooting touch, the acquisition of Dwight Howard as a defensive stopper, and James Harden proving to be a perfect go-to superstar — the Rockets are armed with enough starting firepower to blow the Heat out the stratosphere.
Photo: ABC
The Los Angeles Clippers
Hiring and inducting into your organization a coach such as Doc Rivers is a sure-fire sign that you want more than just a first-round playoff W. The growth in their mentality, a dedication to increasing their defensive fortitude, and the death of “Lob City” could be the death knell of Miami’s chances at a three-peat.
Photo: NBA.com
The San Antonio Spurs
Sure, these guys were just one game (one shot even) from making this conversation null and void. But with the new season comes another chance to prove why Tony Parker and Tim Duncan are the best one-two punch in the business. Add to the mix, Kawhi Leonard, and we can end up seeing history altered in favor of those boys from the Lone Star state.
Photo: NBA.com
The Brooklyn Nets
In their first year, they managed to go to the playoffs. Backed by loftier expectations, the Nets have added veterans Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Jason Terry—who all have championship hardware—to increase the chances of bringing a ring back to the home of Biggie and Jay Z.
Photo: ESPN
The Indiana Pacers
Having come so close to claiming the Eastern Conference crown last season, these guys are hungry to take their team to the next level. Their defensive mentality and big man brutality in the paint make them a hard match for the Heat to handle. With NBA All-Star Danny Granger back from injury, you can expect the team’s upcoming campaign to read, “Championship or Bust”.
Photo: NBA.com
The Dallas Mavericks
Having already defeated the Miami Heat in a best of seven series, the Mavs aim to return to prominence after a disastrous 2012-2013 season. Adding pieces such as Fab Melo and Monta Ellis to the roster could be enough to improve their season, while getting the best of the Heat’s “big three” when it counts the most.
Photo: ESPN
The Memphis Grizzlies
This team continues to play at an increasingly high level. While the Heat continue to patch up their weak inside defense, the Grizzlies have a great “Twin Towers” approach with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Plus, keep in mind that Tony Allen is earning that $9.7 million contract as the first line of defense against LeBron James.
Photo: NBA.com
The New York Knicks
The team has made incredible strides forward under the Mike Woodson administration. As one of the only teams who had successful bouts against the Heat during last season, they have a solid defensive core in Raymond Felton and Tyson Chandler. Include the young explosiveness of Iman Shumpert at the two, alongside Carmelo Anthony, and the Knicks have the power to end the basketball championship drought in New York.
Photo: NBA.com
The Oklahoma City Thunder
Despite the loss of James Harden to the Houston Rockets, this team is too talented not to make another serious run at the title. With Kevin Durant sharpening up his steak knife, and Russell Westbrook nearing full strength, these two devastating scorers should create plenty of problems for the Miami Heat. Don’t forget that Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka are still in the paint beating up trespassers, and you can expect this team to make huge strides towards taking the throne this year.