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Lord of the League: Why Not Wade?

"The Flash" takes a breather against the Detroit Pistons.

Although Dwyane Wade is not in the running to capture this season’s Lord of the League crown, he’s still a huge threat as spoiler.  After dropping 31 points, 16 assists and 7 rebounds on the Detroit Pistons en route to a 103-91 Heat victory, Cleveland would do well to avoid Miami in the post season.  With Jermaine O’Neal now manning the post, Wade just might be brazen enough to steal a post season series or two. 

Michael Beasley drives against the Detroit PistonsNonetheless, with many fans, pundits, etc., already touting Kobe Bryant and Lebron James as the best player and heir apparent in the game, respectively, one has to wonder what D-Wade must do to add his name to the conversation? 

Without a doubt, Wade is having perhaps his finest season, which comes on the heels of his show-stealing performance in Team USA’s gold medal victory in Beijing.

However, Wade’s first order of business … turn talented rookie Michael Beasley into an all-pro …

Photos: Victor Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

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Posted by meandovine on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009 at 10:05 pm.

30 Responses to “Lord of the League: Why Not Wade?”

Are you sure Wade’s not in the running? Oh wait, after they moved Marion, I can see your point.
Actually, from what I’ve seen, he’s on par with James and Bryant as to what he means to the team and/or how he can put a team on his back.

Beasley isn’t ready, though. They traded the guy that was. Unfortunately, in today’s NBA climate, it’s more about the bottom line money wise than ever before. And the Heat just blew their chance for contending this year. Wade’s numbers will increase as a result, but the team will be no better for it.

Left by Rick O on February 24th, 2009

I’ve been thinking. I suppose if O’Neal can stay healthy and maybe realize that he may not have too many more shots at it, they could make some noise. And maybe increased playing time will bring Beasley’s game up another level, provided he doesn’t hit the wall, as young players tend to do.

Left by Rick O on February 25th, 2009

I wonder how Ricko really feels about the Marion deal?

Wade is up there. In terms of scoring efficiency, I think he’s even a bit up on Kobe.

I have to agree with Ricko about the Marion deal though. I’m not too high on Jermaine O’Neal’s game. He’s too tall, talented, and experienced to still be such an inefficient NBA player.

Left by ShooterB on February 25th, 2009

That’s right, Ricko, rethink your position.

“MeanD knows all.”

My-ham-mee will make more noise than Phoenix in the post season. However, both you and Shooter are correct, the underachieving O’Neal must stay healthy to realize his potential, which is fast disappearing.

My point is Wade now gets to demonstrate yet another facet of his all-around game — which is years ahead of Kobe’s at the same age.

If Flash can get any mileage out of J.O. — while turning the aloof and irreverent Beasley into an all-pro — he will show once again that his game is far more mature and potentially noteworthy than Kobe’s ever was or will ever be. I know this is a powerful statement. Nonetheless, I assert its validity.

Again, the Heat as presently constructed are better off with J.O. than Marion.

8)

Left by meandovine on February 25th, 2009

Shooter,

The next time you care to agree with Ricko, and thus, disagree with me, keep your effing comments to yourself …

By the way, I noticed that RSB has been down a couple of days. The offer still stands for you to join us at THE LEAGUE. We have your writing digs all cleaned up and ready to go. Simply let us know when you’re ready to do your thing as only Shooter can do it.

Holler back, playa!

8)

Left by meandovine on February 25th, 2009

Mean,

After telling him to keep his effing comments to himself, how can he refuse??

LOL!

Left by Rick O on February 25th, 2009

I think I see my mistake now. Never start a sentence with “I have to agree with Ricko”.

I really don’t watch enough of Miami to know if they are better off with Jermaine. I just assumed that Ricko was right, since he knows everything.

But your point is well taken, I should keep my effing comments to myself and just stick to the sports I know – Extreme Bullfighting, Rattlesnake Rodeo, and Nude High Diving. My bad.

Even if I could write right, what right would I have to write right here? Right?

Left by ShooterB on February 25th, 2009

Shooter,

Ricko and I both would love to have you here. Your work is incredible! Hell, I’ve expressed it more than once. Please know that you’ll have full access and ownership of your work. Also, liek I told Ricko, you can archive all of your work here if you’d like but you’ll have to do all of the initial transfer. I’ll clean it up from there if there are any formatting issues. Hell, we’ll even give you your own password. LOL!

Also, at some point I will do a magazine-style redesign which will make it easier for readers to log onto their favorite writer/s here at THE LEAGUE, however, bonding with my newborn has thrown all of my site redevelopment plans off for the time being.

So, have your people contact our people and …

Left by meandovine on February 25th, 2009

Shooter, you are Wright, Wilbur. Well said. (I think). But wrong about one thing. EVERY sentence should be started with “I have to agree with Ricko . . .” As far as nude high-diving goes, I have a few nominations. Butt more on that later. Speaking of morons . . . well, more on that later, too.

Mean-I have no people. The recent job search has proven that. But, as I said last year, I’m all in when it comes to regenerating my blogging knowledge and trying to get back in the zone I was in last spring.

What the f**k are you laughing at????

Left by Rick O on February 25th, 2009

Okay, I composed now …

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha …

:)

Left by meandovine on February 25th, 2009

Meanie that’s a great call on wade. I dont see why he cant be the LORD this year he’s been KILLING the association since opening tip off. And yes what he’s done in his career so far supasses kobe’s career by far. And wade has a team that’s nowhere near the lakers and cavs. He should get serious MVP consideration.

O’Neal if healthy could be huge for them.

And unfortunately after ALL the hype i gave him, i dont think treesley is gonna make it. It would help if the idiot coach would actually PLAY him consistantly but oh well. Dude just doesnt have the commitment to excellence and when he lights up again this summer that will be it for him.

On a personal note Mean, congrats on the new addition.

I’ve got one in the oven right now too, praying for a boy.

Left by RIDGE on February 27th, 2009

Mean D
Another superlative piece .As for Dwyane he’s the guy that the Heat need if they’re to prevail in any way this season. He complements Beasley as a foil. But I still that feel that there’s something lacking on the team as a whole.

And you’re right whilst Kobe and LeBron are being touted as the favorites for MVP honors I think that they’re doing Dwyane an injustice merely because he’s not playing on a team that’s challenging for the best record in the league.

Hey what are your thoughts on Stern’s latest maneuvers ?
Read the article link provided below. I think ought to be something of an eye opener for us all. Especially those who love the NBA. It just goes to show how dire these economic times are and the mere fact that a number of franchises are indeed suffering.

In order to view just click on the link provided.

tophatal ……….

NBA To Borrow $200m In Order To Aid Some Teams Within The League ……….

Left by tophatal on February 27th, 2009

Shooter this doesn’t mean that you’re going to stop covering “Vacuum Cleaner Wars” and “Who Stole my Sock Puppet”?
Don’t pigeon hole yourself to Midget Bull Fighting.

Hi

M

Left by miracle on February 27th, 2009

RIDGE!!!

First off, congratulations on the impending birth of your little one. May God bless you with a healthy and happy child.

Wade is definitely making his case for LOTL …

In my book, however, to have a legitimate shot he needs to lead the Heat beyond where they are likely to go this post season. Nonetheless, Wade will be in the conversation. O’Neal clogging the lane will definitely help Wade’s mid-range game.

It’s so good to hear from you, my brother. Talk at’cha later …

8)

Left by meandovine on February 27th, 2009

What up, Top!

Wade is balling out of his mind. But I’m not surprised …

As for Stern and the league’s financial situation, it is to be expected in these tough economic times. However, I’m not sure the league wouldn’t be experiencing financial difficulties even if the economy wasn’t in the tank.

Hey, I’ll check out that piece.

Holler back!

Left by meandovine on February 27th, 2009

What’s happening, Miracle!

8)

Left by meandovine on February 27th, 2009

Hey Ridge, don’t know if it’s your first or not, but I hope you get what you want. My two oldest are girls, my youngest a son. The girls are adults now, and still call me daddy. If it’s a girl that you are blessed with, don’t be disappointed. There is nothing that could replace the love that a daughter has for her daddy. But my son is the smartest in his class sportswise, so there’s something to be said for that, too.

Left by Rick O on February 27th, 2009

Mean Dovine
Dwyane’s ballin’ like a mad man and if only he was complemented by players that had his zeal. Then perphaps he and the team’d be in with a chance of showing the rest of the league how capable they really are.

With Jemima O’Neal being there supposedly to supply further offensive and defensive presence to me is a complete joke. That’s like having Richard Simmons ride shotgun for you on a double date. LOL, LOL , LOL !!!! . You know absolutely no good’ll come of it at all !

tophatal ………..

Left by tophatal on February 27th, 2009

Mean, 46-8-10

He wont stop.

CROWN HIM NOW!!!

And can we re-open these discussions on where the best 2 guard in the game is playing?

Im convinced it’s NOT Los Angles…

Left by RIDGE on February 28th, 2009

I thought the Marion trade would give Beasley a starting job, but that hasn’t been the case. All this crap about Beasley not playing the 3 is simply crap. I realize they want him ready to play the 4, but if you want your best 5 on the floor at the same time you have to play O’Neal at Center, Haslem at Power and Beasley playing small.

As for D-Wade, he’s one of the best players in the NBA and HE is the guy I’d want to take the last shot – not Kobe or Lebron.

Left by thedan on March 1st, 2009

Mean Dovine

That was a monstrous performance put up by D-Wade and it all but sealed the deal. And as far as the Knicks are concerned it shows the difference between playing as a team and a playing with a load of mismatched pieces . The team can’t and never has played as a cohesive unit. It just doesn’t know how to at all ! And nothing what D’Antoni has allegedly brought to the table has been learned by anyone on this roster. Is it any wonder that they can’t wait for the LeBron James’ free agent sweepstakes to begin in 2010 ?

Here’s the piece I’d written concerning Stern and his $200m bailout for those allegedly ailing teams within the NBA .

tophatal ………..

David Stern You’re Allegedly A Better Man That Don’t Insult The Public’s Intelligence _________

Left by tophatal on March 2nd, 2009

ricko & Mean Dovine

Here’s my take on D-Wade’s laying waste to the Knicks .

It basically does tell you the difference between the marquee players such as Dwyane, Kobe and LeBron and the third tier crop of players such as Nate Robinson.

The top guys just bring it ,night in , night out on a consistent basis ! The others could only wish to do that with that sort of consistency.

In order to view just click on the text below.

tophatal …………

I’ll Say It Again ’cause You Can Jump Over The Moon It Doesn’t Make You A Team Player ………..

Left by tophatal on March 2nd, 2009

RICKO- Thanks bro! I have a 13 year old daughter and an 11 year old daughter already (remember those times…) and im the last man in my direct blood line.

This is huge, probably my last chance at it.

But as long as i have a happy healthy child i’ll be happy.

TOPHAT, LMFAO @ JERMIMA!!!!

Left by RIDGE on March 2nd, 2009

And right on que, my lady just left her doctor appointment.

It’s a boy!!!

CIGARS ON ME!!!!

Left by RIDGE on March 2nd, 2009

Congrats on the son, RIDGE!!

Whoopie!!!

:)

Left by meandovine on March 2nd, 2009

Hey TD!

Yeah, I thought Beasley would step up his game a bit more too, but I’m not sure he knows how at this juncture? Nonetheless, he’ll get all of next season to prove himself or Riley’ll be shipping him elsewhere. I have no doubt that Riles believes the Heat can compete for the Eastern Conference crown next season but they’ll need Beasley to be a stud if they are to be successful.

As for D-Wade …

He is da man!!!

Holler back, bro.

8)

Left by meandovine on March 2nd, 2009

CONGRATS RIDGE!!!!!

As MeanD will attest to, I’ll have a plethora of quality names to suggest when the time comes. Ain’t that right, Mean?

Left by Rick O on March 2nd, 2009

Yup, that’s right, Ricko!

Left by meandovine on March 2nd, 2009

Mean Dovine

Yeah D-Wade does appear to have a way of making mortals look lesser than they already are. And it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone at this juncture. And like I said there are but a few real marquee players now within this league that we know by solely by one name or a moniker. And they are D-Wade, LeBron, CPIII and the Mamba aka …..Kobe Bryant. Is there anything else to be said at this juncture ?

And what’s up in Philly at the moment ? What the hell is Eagles’ GM Joe Banner thinking ?

I think that D-Mac ought to be now stepping into either his office or that of Andy Reid’s and layin’ some smack down . How idiotic is that franchise now beginning to look within the NFC East in particular ?


Ridge

I was thinking about calling Jermaine O’Neal … Germaine as in feminist Germaine Greer. But that might’ve been thought as too disrespectful to the feminist herself. As if anything she possesses far more spirit than O’Neal has shown throughout the course of his NBA career !

tophatal………….

Left by tophatal on March 2nd, 2009

I dont know, beasley is a idiot loaf but it’s hard to make plays from the bench.

I dont expect him to be in Miami next year, riley is probably gonna trade him.

Left by RIDGE on March 3rd, 2009

Something to say?