Beating the Heat

Last year the big three experiment in Miami gave south beach what they expected, an NBA title. And LeBron finally got his ring so the media and stop doubting him. They finally learned how to play together, and even through injuries they ran through the playoffs and hung up a banner. This year with the addition of Ray Allen, Wade's knee healthy and a few other signings they look to be even better than last year, which is a scary thought. But this begs one question. Can any other team in the NBA beat the Heat?

Regardless of what Celtics fans will tell you, they have taken a step back. Peirce and Garnett have gotten another year older and they lost Ray Allen in free agency to Miami. They drafted Jared Sullinger, and undersized big man with back issues, and Fab Melo who was suspended at Syracuse and wasn't projected to be drafted. They will need Rajon Rondo to be their main scoring option and he isn't always reliable, but he can go off like we witnessed in the playoffs last year. Add in Avery Bradley who is coming off injury and they have a number of questions. They could be very good if everything clicks, but the could also be a disaster. With their combination of aging stars and rookies, they will struggle at some point and possibly break down because of age in the playoffs. They can't keep up with the Heat and have no one that can check LeBron. The Celtics are in decline, and cannot beat the Heat.

Another team that probably has the best shot of winning a series against Miami is the Oklahoma City Thunder. They made a solid run last year and made it to the NBA finals, but fell to the Heat. They are a very young team and in a year or two if they keep all their pieces together they could be poised to win a title, but that is a big if. James Harden and Serge Ibaka will both want max contracts and Harden could even be traded before seasons end if Oklahoma City decides not to give him the deal he wants. They are a very good team, but are too young and can't handle the defense the Heat throw at them which was proven in the finals. They just aren't there yet, and it will be hard for them to keep the team together. They can't beat the Heat.

The Lakers? With an aging Kobe and already aged Steve Nash, a hurt Dwight Howard, and a crazier than ever Ron Artest? Child please.