They didn’t “let” Shaq bail. Shaq told them all along he’d stay and they believed him. That’s why, Howard will NOT be in Orlando after 3pm tomorrow. No way they are going to keep him without him voiding his opt-out right. They need that guarantee.
Bulls have no chance of getting him. Who they going to trade to Orlando? Boozer? Yeah, no. :lol. That’s why, as a Heat fan (since 97), I’m not really worried about Chicago. It won’t be easy, but Chicago can’t beat Miami 4 times in a 7 game span. They have an albatross contract in Boozer and don’t have money to go out and sign max. player help for Rose. Rose needs ‘his’ Pippen. He needs a night in/night out 20ppg scorer. Until he gets that, he will just be Lebron during his Cleveland years. Good enough for lots of wins, MVP’s, Allstar Games, etc. but without enough power to actually win the conference or the title.
Heat lost tonight, but I’m not worried one bit. Chicago was CRAZY hot from 3 (rare thing in the NBA) and John Lucas III had the game of his LIFE and they still barely won the game at the end. Even with the HUGE rebounding advantage, Chicago barely won.
I agree with JVG. He will end up in NJ. Trade will be Lopez, one 1st round pick or two, and possibly Brooks. Otherwise, he’ll sign out right.
The trade I do want to see though is Melo for D. Williams. That would put Howard in Dallas (if Dallas can unload Marion to clear the necessary cap space).
Bottom line…NBA is exciting again. Rivalries, players moving, etc. Can’t wait for the playoffs. I consider myself one of the biggest NBA fans around (not so much NCAA fan - can’t stand the fact that players are only around for a maximum of 4 years - although I do have 3rd row season seats to UAlbany games). I love football too, but basketball is just somethin else for me. Wish my back was healthy so I could go play ball for hours on end like I used to.