Can the Miami Heat Win it All in 2011?

If the 2010 NBA free agency were a contest, the Miami Heat would have won by a long shot. First off they get Chris Bosh from the Toronto Raptors. Then they steal LeBron James, the 2 time MVP from his hometown. Under the radar, they also acquired Mike Miller, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Eddie House and some other players to give them a deep bench. With their 3 superstars, they seem invincible. But this team has a weak side as well.

Mentally, the huge hype created around the formation of this team can only be a disadvantage. Some expect them to beat the 1995-1996 Bulls record (72-10), others think a dynasty has been formed. There's a big chance they will disappoint with all this pressure.

The Heat are weak at the 2 most important spots on the floor: point guard and center. The Eastern Conference has the toughest matchups in the paint. The Boston Celtics reloaded this summer, giving them 3 tough big men only at the 5 spot, with backup at the PF position. Orlando has the league's best center in Dwight Howard. An eventual matchup against the Lakers would also hurt the Heat because of Gasol and Bynum who can patrol the post.
With guys like Rondo and Paul out there capable of controlling the tempo from the point guard spot, Mario Chalmers, the Heat's starting PG may have a tough time. There will be lots of mismatches on both sides of the court for this team, whoever uses it best to his advantage will come out on top.

Team chemistry shouldn't be an issue. All 3 stars knew as they signed their contract that it came with responsibilities. Their stats will go down and they may each be out of the MVP race. Then again, with less offensive duties, expect each player's defensive intensity to go up.

If the superstar filled roster can manage to play together in a high tempo game, they will have a prosperous 2010-2011 season and prove the doubters wrong. But it won't be handed to them on a silver platter.