Dwyane Wade is the reigning Best Damn Guard of the NBA. However, look for Kobe Bryant to make a push as his stamina and knee strength round into form. And for the purpose of our BDG board, I will continue to play Lebron James at the guard spot as opposed to small forward, even over the objection of Charles Barkley who’d like to see Lebron share less ball handling responsibilities. To put it bluntly, I disagree with you, Sir. Charles. It’s LBJ’s ball handling that makes him a threat from every conceivable spot on the offensive end. Take away this function and teams will be better prepared to deny the passing lanes and LBJ’s penetrations by cheating in the paint. In my mind, Lebron is a combo one-two guard playing small forward. He has the potential to perfectly blend every aspect of Magic Johnson’s and Michael Jordan’s respective games into one complete package. Only D-Wade stands in his way. It would be nice if Mike Brown stops openly petting him. He’s delaying the kid’s toughness.
As for Wade, he has been playing with much inconsistency and frustration early on. Remember, this is a kid who watched every game of the Bulls’ two three-peats. As a result, he expects his team to go out and compete like champions every night. “Ah, but heavy is the head that wears the crown.” Wade’s desire to hold serve during the regular season is both naive and unrealistic. With three straight years in the playoffs, combined with two Olympic runs, Wade’s stamina is severely depleted — even if he’s not willing to admit it. Young Wade must continue to trust in the guidance of Pat Riley by curtailing his frustration. When the time comes, Riles will allow him to release his inner Kraken. In the meantime, Wade should concentrate on developing team chemistry by assuming the role of Miami’s primary playmaker. Reputations are solidified in the post season, D. You’ve earned a ring — now play for legacy.
Thus said, the Cleveland Cavaliers are my early pick to threaten the Miami Heat for Eastern Conference supremacy. The Cavs boast tremendous depth and balance at practically every position except the 5. Picking up a legitimate sergeant at arms a la Alonzo Mourning to relieve Zydrunas Ilgauskas, my X-Factor. If Cleveland fails to address Z’s frequent mental lapses due to his disdain for American officiating in the paint the Cavs will not dethrone Miami.
Of greater importance to Cleveland’s success is Lebron’s ability to rid himself of his hitch — specifically his sometimes telegraphed passing — due to the fact that he is still learning both the game and his teammates. Unless he finds a way to eliminate it by the start of the playoffs, Cleveland will remain at least one year away from capturing the eastern Conference crown.
I don’t like playing my hand this early in the season, but with so many pundits having taken a page from my empirical approach, I’ve been forced to get out to an early led this season. Therefore, look for sporadic BDG posts leading up to the post season.
Photo: David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images
BEST DAMN GUARD © 2006. All rights reserved.