CORNERSTONES
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Going in to this new century, the Miami HEAT are still in search of their first NBA Finals berth.
In the past 5 years, the HEAT have watched the Knicks, Pacers, and Sixers go to the Big Dance.
The three players expected to carry the HEAT into the 21st century are Brian Grant
,Eddie Jones, andAlonzo Mourning.
The burning question for the future is:
Who will lead these warriors into battle?
In Pat Riley's system, the point guard is called upon to lead the team. The past 5 and a half years
Tim Hardaway has been the leader of the HEAT.
Last year, I questioned if Timmy could return to his elite form. I called him the X-Factor to the
entire season. However, after a third straight late season fadeout by Timothy Duane, it's clearly time for Riles to find a new leader.
Without one, the cornerstones will have a tough time bringing Miami that ever elusive NBA Finals appearance.
The x-factor for the upcoming season is the health of Alonzo. If he returns to that form, then Miami will be as good a bet as any to win it all.
Unfortunately for Riles and Randy Pfund, they cannot control that situation. They can, however find themselves a leader who they can depend on to lead them in to the future.
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