Daily Zap 17-11-14

Denver Nuggets (2-7) @ New York Knicks (3-8)

The New York Knicks ended a seven game losing streak thanks to a win over fellow strugglers, the Denver Nuggets. The win was mainly due to Denver scoring just one basket from 16 attempts in the second quarter, while the Knicks scored 31 points. Even when Denver outscored their opponents in the next quarter, the Knicks didn’t worry, still possessing a 20 point lead. It looked like Denver could mount a comeback when they reduced the lead to 12, but Carmelo Anthony helped pull his team through for the win.

Knicks 93 - 109 Nuggets

KEY PERFORMERS

Ty Lawson - 17 points, 9 assists

Kenneth Faried - 16 points, 9 rebounds

Carmelo Anthony - 28 points, 9 rebounds

J.R. Smith - 28 points

Milwaukee Bucks (5-5) @ Miami Heat (5-5)

The Miami Heat fell to their third straight loss, this time losing at home to the Milwaukee Bucks. They may have won the first half 46-38, but the main damage was done in the third quarter. The Bucks outscored the Heat in the third by 26-13, being a great force on the inside. Miami reduced to the lead to three in the final quarter, but the game was over when Brandon Knight nailed two three-pointers in the space of a couple of minutes. Dwyane Wade was sorely missed by Miami, with Chris Bosh (2-17) and Luol Deng (3-11) struggling from the field.

Bucks 91 - 84 Heat

KEY PERFORMERS

Giannis Antetokounmpo - 11 points, 7 rebounds

Brandon Knight - 20 points, 5 rebounds

Shawne Williams - 13 points, 11 rebounds

Mario Chalmers - 18 points

Houston Rockets (9-1) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (3-8)

In one of the ugliest games in recent years, the Houston Rockets managed to grind out a victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If you wondering why the score was so low, it wasn’t due to terrific defence, both teams shot the ball poorly; Houston shooting 28.7% and the Thunder weren’t much better at 29.4%. The Rockets dominance in the paint - they outscored the Thunder 14-0 in the first quarter - was key to gaining an early advantage. But the Thunder rallied to even up the scores, being helped by Houston scoring just nine points in the third. However, it was the Rockets who led late on, 68-65 with one possession left. Reggie Jackson shot an unnecessarily deep three pointer which missed the targets, which maintained the Rockets unbeaten road run.

Rockets 69 - 65 Thunder

KEY PERFORMERS

Patrick Beverley - 12 points, 8 rebounds

James Harden - 19 points, 9 rebounds

Reggie Jackson - 15 points, 11 rebounds

Serge Ibaka - 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocks

Golden State Warriors (8-2) @ Los Angeles Lakers (1-9)

The Lakers defence has been appalling so far this year, but even their biggest critics didn’t expect the Warriors to score 74 points against them in the first half alone. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were the main threats for Golden State, scoring the ball with the ease that we’ve seen many times before. The lead extended to as much as 38 points in the third, meaning they could relax a little in the final quarter, and still comfortably pick up the win. Kobe shot 34 shots from the field which implies that he has been given free rein  by Byron Scott to shoot when and where he wants.

Warriors 136 - 115 Lakers

KEY PERFORMERS

Stephen Curry - 30 points, 15 assists

Andrew Bogut - 15 points, 10 rebounds

Kobe Bryant - 44 points

Jordan Hill - 15 points, 11 rebounds

Daily Zap 11-11-14

New Orleans Pelicans (3-3) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (3-3)

Anthony Davis may be having his best season ever, but even he was shown up by LeBron James’ performance in this game. The four time MVP recorded a triple double and combined with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love for 86 points. Ryan Anderson helped give the Pelicans the lead in the first half, but even he couldn’t prevent Irving and James dominating the third - including an 11-0 run by the Cavs. The Pellies came back in the final quarter, closing the lead to three at one point, but they weren’t strong enough to hold off another Cavaliers surge with a few minutes remaining. 

Pelicans 111 - 118 Cavaliers

KEY PERFORMERS

Anthony Davis - 27 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks, 4 steals

Ryan Anderson - 32 points, 5 rebounds

LeBron James -32 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists

Kyrie Irving - 32 points, 9 assists

Utah Jazz (3-5) @ Indiana Pacers (2-6)

Roy Hibbert scored his highest points total since the 2012-13 post-season to help give the Pacers their first win after six straight defeats. The teams were close all the way through, Hibbert and Gordon Hayward leading their respective sides. But the Pacers managed to restrain Hayward in the final quarter, while Hibbert was give free rein on offense, meaning the Pacers outscored the Jazz 25-17 in the final quarter. Before the game there was good news for Pacers fans, as Paul George took to the floor to shoot with the team.

Jazz 86 - 97 Pacers

KEY PERFORMERS

Gordon Hayward - 30 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists

Derrick Favors - 12 points, 8 rebounds

Lavoy Allen - 12 points, 15 rebounds

Roy Hibbert - 29 points

Atlanta Hawks (3-3) @ New York Knicks (2-6)

After a promising 2-1 start to the season, the Knicks have lost their past five games. They were tied at the half with the Hawks in this contest - even though the Hawks only shot 32% from the field in this time. The Hawks opened up a slight lead in the third thanks to an 8-0 run. Carmelo Anthony tried to keep his side alive in the fourth, he even managed to cut the lead down to one, but it was too little, too late as the Knicks sunk to another defeat.

Hawks 91 - 85 Knicks

KEY PERFORMERS

DeMarre Carroll - 9 points, 10 rebounds

Kyle Korver - 17 points, 8 rebounds

Carmelo Anthony - 25 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists

Iman Shumpert - 18 points, 5 assists

Detroit Pistons (2-5) @ Chicago Bulls (6-2)

Derrick Rose made his return in this game, and was instrumental to the Bulls’ win. He set off well, getting eight points in the first quarter, and giving his team a 16 point lead going into the half. But the Pistons won the third quarter, and carried on fighting back in the fourth, reducing the lead to two late in the final quarter. However, Rose and Jimmy Butler were both on impressive scoring nights, and could close out another win.

Pistons 91 - 102 Bulls

KEY PERFORMERS

Josh Smith - 19 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks

Greg Monroe - 16 points, 10 rebounds

Brandon Jennings - 11 points, 8 assists

Pau Gasol - 17 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks

Joakim Noah - 13 points, 14 rebounds

Derrick Rose - 24 points, 7 assists

San Antonio Spurs (3-3) @ Los Angeles Clippers (4-3)

Come the end of the season this game could be pivotal, with both teams expected to compete for the Western Conference title. Both teams seemed to lack a clinical touch on offense, but the game was interesting nevertheless. The Clippers were up by eight in the fourth quarter, but didn’t make a field goal in the last five minutes of play. San Antonio on the other hand improved their shooting, and with 40 seconds left, Kawhi Leonard stole the ball from Chris Paul, and then provided an assist to Manu Ginobili. With one of their last possessions, Jamal Crawford was fouled on the three point line, and made all of his free throws to cut the deficit to just two. Ginobili was intentionally fouled, but the Argentinean couldn’t convert on any of his attempts, giving the ball to the Clippers with 10.1 seconds left. Chris Paul tried to make a lay-up and couldn’t convert, and Blake Griffin couldn’t get a shot off after his rebound.

 

Spurs 89 - 85 Clippers

KEY PERFORMERS

Kawhi Leonard - 26 points, 10 rebounds

Tim Duncan - 18 points, 11 rebounds

Chris Paul - 12 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists

Blake Griffin - 23 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks

Daily Zap 05-11-14

Milwaukee Bucks @ Indiana Pacers

There wasn’t much in this game at the end, but after winning the first three quarters it was clear the Milwaukee Bucks deserved this win. Brandon Knight spearheaded his side’s victory - continuing his very impressive start to the season - with rookie Jabari Parker seemingly settling well into professional basketball after also having a good game. Roy Hibbert was the stand out player for the Indiana Pacers as he continued his return to the form that saw him named as an All-Star last season. The teams were separated by just three points after the Pacers’ Chris Copeland scored a three pointer in the closing stages, but Knight was there for the Bucks to reinstate their lead, and this time it was decisive.

Bucks 87 - 81 Pacers
KEY PERFORMERS
Brandon Knight - 23 points, 7 rebounds
O.J. Mayo - 9 points, 5 assists, 3 steals
Roy Hibbert - 16 points, 7 rebounds, 5 blocks
Lavoy Allen - 8 points, 12 rebounds


Houston Rockets @ Miami Heat

In a battle between two teams with a 100% record, the Houston Rockets faced the Miami Heat. Neither team shot the ball particularly well at the start of the game, but big men - namely Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard - got plenty of second chance points from these misses. James Harden was as efficient as ever, getting to the free throw line ten times, and converting all of these chances. An 18-5 run seemed to give the Rockets some breathing space but the Heat regained lost ground to reduce the Rockets’ lead to six in the last quarter. This is when another tactic from Houston’s repertoire came into effect, with the three ball being shot very well. They finished the game with 46% shooting from behind the line on 37 attempts. Miami couldn’t find an answer to this offensive punch and succumbed to their first loss of the season. Meanwhile the Rockets are now 5-0 with tough games against the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors up next.

Rockets 108 - 91 Heat

KEY PERFORMERS
James Harden - 25 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds
Dwight Howard - 26 points, 10 rebounds
Chris Bosh - 21 points, 8 rebounds
Dwyane Wade - 19 points


Washington Wizards @ New York Knicks

After being blown out by the Bulls in their first game, the New York Knicks have won their past two games impressively, with the triangle offense seemingly working. And it continued in this game, Carmelo Anthony started off hot while Amar’e Stoudemire and Samuel Dalembert collected rebounds down low. But this form seemed to come to a complete halt in the third quarter as the Washington Wizards stepped it up a notch. The Wizards shot 55% from the floor in the third, with Paul Pierce being the go-to guy in their offense. On the other end of the floor the Wizards managed to limit the Knicks offense as they scored just 15 points in the quarter. Anthony went from hero to zero in the latter stages of the game, after starting well he ended up shooting just 8-23 in the game, and also committed seven turnovers. Although the Wizards didn’t dominate the last quarter, it didn’t matter, the damage was already done.

Wizards 98 - 83 Knicks

KEY PERFORMERS
Garrett Temple - 17 points, 5 rebounds
Paul Pierce - 17 points, 5 rebounds
Amar’e Stoudemire - 6 points, 12 rebounds
Carmelo Anthony - 18 points, 6 rebounds



Oklahoma City Thunder @ Toronto Raptors

The Oklahoma City Thunder can’t seem to catch a break. They were only able to suit up eight players for the trip to the Toronto Raptors but this number was reduced by the end of this game. They survived the first half injury free, and amazingly, they even led at the half, after a 30 point first quarter. However the problems began in the third quarter. Kevin Durant’s replacement Perry Jones drove in for a layup, but managed to clash knees with Patrick Patterson, meaning Jones had to leave the game with a suspected knee contusion. Later in the same quarter, Reggie Jackson tweaked his knee and left for the bench - luckily he was able to rejoin the game later. Despite all of this drama the Thunder were still in with a chance of winning this game, until late in the fourth quarter when the Raptors were able to use their squad depth against tired opposition. And still it got worse for the Thunder! Late in the fourth, Sebastian Telfair hit Raptors forward Tyler Hansbrough on the face, which earned Telfair a flagrant foul, meaning he was ejected from the game. The Thunder ended the game with six players left, with Jackson not to full fitness, so there was little surprise when they lost the game.

Thunder 88 - 100 Raptors

KEY PERFORMERS
Serge Ibaka - 25 points, 11 rebounds
Reggie Jackson - 13 points, 14 assists
Patrick Patterson - 14 points, 8 rebounds
Tyler Hansbrough - 12 points, 7 rebounds


Orlando Magic @ Chicago Bulls

Two injury hit sides faced off in the Windy City as the Chicago Bulls hosted the Orlando Magic. The Bulls had to do it without their big two, with Derrick Rose still being out due to sprained ankles, and Joakim Noah catching a sickness bug. Although the Magic’s injuries were less pivotal - Willie Green, Mo Harkless, Devyn Marble and Andrew Nicholson all missed the game - they meant that Orlando only had 8 players for the game. Both teams started evenly, the Magic gaining an early lead but the Bulls soon pulled it back in the second. It was close until the final quarter, which was owned by the Bulls, in particular, Aaron Brooks. The guard who recently joined from Denver put in an incredible shift, managing to block Nicola Vucevic (despite being a foot smaller than him) and converting both his three pointer attempts. He helped give the Magic their fourth straight loss.

Magic 90 - 98 Bulls

KEY PERFORMERS
Nicola Vucevic - 19 points, 13 rebounds
Tobias Harris - 21 points, 9 rebounds
Pau Gasol - 16 points, 13 rebounds
Jimmy Butler - 21 points, 9 rebounds
Aaron Brooks - 14 points, 8 assists, 3 blocks


Charlotte Hornets @ New Orleans Pelicans

The Charlotte Hornets travelled to their old hometown to face the New Orleans Pelicans, with both teams desperately seeking a win after losing starts to the season. MVP candidate Anthony Davis started slowly, scoring just six points in the first half, but he soon picked his offensive game up, shooting 5-7 in the third quarter. This helped the Pelicans to a 26-17 third quarter lead, gaining a 15 point lead in the process. Although the Hornets soon reduced that lead to eight they couldn’t prevent the Pelicans from re-opening it again, with Ryan Anderson particularly helping on the offensive end of their game.

Hornets 91 - 100 Pelicans

KEY PERFORMERS
Al Jefferson - 20 points, 5 rebounds
Gary Neal - 21 points, 6 rebounds
Anthony Davis - 24 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks
Tyreke Evans - 16 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists


Cleveland Cavaliers @ Portland Trail Blazers

LeBron James’ return to the Cleveland Cavaliers has not been a smooth process, and this homecoming was upset even more after a visit to the Portland Trail Blazers. It started off so well for the Cavaliers as well, they made their first ten shots with James scoring nine points in that time. But this momentum was halted in the second quarter, the Trail Blazers scoring 24 points of their own in this period, with LeBron looking a quieter player. Cleveland’s defence looked shaky but managed to keep the third close, but they soon fell away in the final quarter. To be perfectly honest the Cavs just looked poor in this match. Kyrie Irving shot 3-17 from the field, while LeBron could only find the bottom of the bucket once in seven attempts after the first quarter. Portland’s bench wasn’t convincing either - they scored five baskets together - but luckily their starting five stepped up and gave them the W.

Cavaliers 82 - 101 Trail Blazers

KEY PERFORMERS
Kevin Love - 22 points, 10 rebounds
Tristan Thompson - 10 points, 8 rebounds
Damian Lillard - 27 points, 7 assists
Robin Lopez - 19 points, 6 rebounds

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their worst start to a season since 1957 with yet another loss, again falling to the Phoenix Suns. Kobe Bryant seemed to be back to his vintage self, scoring 18 in the first half, and with the Suns shooting 1-15 at the beginning of the second quarter, it seemed like they might be in contention till the end. But Phoenix soon found their feet, and ended up leading at the half, mainly due to their bench being dominant over the Lakers’ reserve players. Bryant returned to court in the second half, and didn’t leave the game again, head coach Byron Scott deeming him too pivotal to the Lakers’ chances. Luckily Kobe managed to play 44 minutes injury free (he even cleared the first row of fans when chasing a loose ball) and provided 39 points on 14-37 shooting. It wasn’t enough to stop the Lakers losing again, with P.J. Tucker scoring a pivotal three pointer with just under 20 seconds left on the clock.

Suns 112 - 106 Lakers

KEY PERFORMERS
Markieff Morris - 23 points, 10 rebounds
Isaiah Thomas - 22 points, 9 assists
Kobe Bryant - 39 points, 9 rebounds
Jordan Hill - 15 points, 15 rebounds

Melo to say Hello to Free Agency?

It is yet unclear as to where Carmelo Anthony will be playing next year.

He came to New York with the hope that he could win his first NBA championship, but Carmelo Anthony's contract is expiring this summer, and he hasn't got anywhere near a ring.

In fact during his 4 seasons at the Knicks, they haven't got past the first round of the play-offs. So it's no surprise that Melo has been rumoured to be weighing up his options in the free agency this summer, with plenty of potential suitors queuing up to sign him. Carmelo is likely to undertake a similar process to the one Dwight Howard took last year and test the free-market by meeting with different teams throughout the off-season.

Two teams are already allegedly on the list, his current club the New York Knicks (more on them later) and the Chicago Bulls. Joining the Bulls is an enticing offer for both sides, on paper at least. Melo isn't renowned for playing great defence and the Bulls aren't the most attacking side in the world. Tom Thibodeau (head coach of the Chicago Bulls) could help work on Carmelo's defence, and in return Anthony could easily drop 25 points a night, a figure that would propel the Bulls' record through the roof. The thought of a Rose-Butler-Anthony-Gibson-Noah starting 5 with players like Nikola Mirotic, whom the Bulls' are likely to buy the rights to, and D.J Augustin coming off the bench would send any Bulls fan into a frenzy, and with Tom Thibodeau at the helm, the team look like they could be genuine title contenders.

There are also whispers that a return to Denver could be on the cards for Carmelo. This could prove to be an exciting decision, with the Nuggets having plenty of young talent on their roster, such as big men JaVale McGee and Kenneth Faried. Adding Carmelo Anthony to that set-up could give them that bit of consistency that the Nuggets sometimes lacked this year. But unfortunately, it is a move that is very unlikely to happen. The Nuggets have absolutely no cap space, and are not likely to trade young players away in the hope that Melo will rejoin them, for a few more years before retirement.

The Lakers are another team who have been rumoured to be interested in acquiring Carmelo's services. This may not come as a surprise as they seem to be linked to every free agent on the market, but this deal looks like it is more likely to materialise. Kobe Bryant and Anthony are rumoured to be close friends, after playing together in the past 2 Olympics games (winning gold medals in both events). Kobe recently offered advice to Anthony (on the assumption that Carmelo would stay in New York), saying that although Madison Square Garden is the "Mecca of basketball" he should let the Knicks know that he won't tolerate being in a team that isn't contending for an NBA championship. If Melo did move to L.A., it would be interesting to see how the Bryant-Anthony partnership would work. Both players are known for their, sometimes "selfish", shooting form, and it is yet to be seen how well they could work together. An alternative view point is that Melo could be seen as a replacement for Kobe, who is now in twilight years of his career. Despite the Lakers being a prestigious franchise to play for, it's unlikely that Melo will end up there.

A more believable option would be for Melo to move to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets have had a good campaign, claiming their best record for 6 seasons. And with superstars James Harden and Dwight Howard already at the team, the parts are all there for a title-contending team. The trade proposed by most sources will send Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin to the Knicks. This deal works well with both teams. The Knicks regain Lin, which will help their struggling backcourt, and get Asik, who is desperate to get out of Houston. This trade seems almost too perfect, and is seen as a brilliant move by NBA legend Oscar Robertson. He said "If he (Anthony) goes to Houston, they're gonna win everything." Indeed, it could turn the Rockets into a dynasty, especially with young guys like Terrence Jones and Patrick Beverley developing, providing much hope for the future.

Of course, there's always the option of staying in the Big Apple, a choice looking more likely with the latest additions to the backroom staff. They've hired a new President, with Phil Jackson joining the club. Jackson is a known winner, winning 13 rings as a player and a coach and could be a pivotal factor in getting the best out of under-performing players, which the Knicks have plenty of at the minute (Raymond Felton, J.R. Smith, the list goes on). However, there are still uncertainties as to who will take the coaching role, with Jackson's first choice, Steve Kerr, being snapped up by the Golden State Warriors earlier in the month. The Knicks will be able to spend more freely in the next post-season, when players such as Kevin Love, Marc Gasol and LaMarcus Aldridge are available, but the question is whether 'Melo will want to wait until then?

Whether he stays or goes, Melo will always be remembered for his incredible scoring form. Sources close to him say that he's going to take his time to think about moving, but will have to persuade his family, who are very much settled in New York. As a player, he will want to win rings, and at the moment, it doesn't look like that's achievable with the Knicks. 

Movers and Shakers

The Free Agency period is usually one of hectic moves and headline grabbing roster changes, and this time around is expected to be no different.

There are over 100 players entering Free Agency this year, including some big stars from both conferences. Below, I have listed 5 players that are likely to get the attention of the public, and the media, as well as providing my take on what I think will happen.

Paul Pierce
"The Truth" signed a one year contract with the Brooklyn Nets last year as part of a bumper trade deal. However, Pierce hasn't had a great season on the East coast due to a couple of factors. He broke his hand earlier in the season, meaning he missed a few weeks out. Also, the Nets currently have a .500 record, which shows how bad a season they're having, despite predictions that they could win the championship.

Add onto the top of this, his $15 million contract, and you'd imagine it's hard to find suitors for the ageing small forward. But actually, there are plenty of teams supposedly interested. There are rumours of him possibly going to the Clippers, re-joining forces with Doc Rivers in his home town. However, the lack of cap space on the Clippers' part means that this trade is unlikely to go through.

Of course, the Boston Celtics will always be linked with a trade for one of their biggest stars of recent times. It would certainly bring an end to an era, especially as the team is currently in the process of rebuilding. I don't think this will happen though, as the Celtics will be keen to hold on to their many draft picks for the future.

I think he's more likely to stay with the Nets. They won't want to be seen as "losing" the trade. Also, the 16 season veteran provides great experience to a side under the leadership of a rookie coach, in the form of Jason Kidd. Retirement is also an option for him, but I think he'll stay in Brooklyn for a few more seasons.

Pau Gasol
The rumours about Pau Gasol's future at the Lakers have been swirling for some time now. If you believe the whispers, he can't wait to get away from the franchise, and they can't wait to get him off their pay roll. Some believe that his attitude isn't what the Lakers want in their team, where as others cite his age as a problem.

It is true that the team is trying to rebuild, especially with 11 players becoming free agents this year. Their draft pick situation isn't too bad either,  with them having quite a few selections in the foreseeable future. It is fair to say that at the age of 33, Pau is unlikely to have a big hand in the rebuilding of the Lakers.

The key here is how serious the rumours are. If they have an element of truth to them, then this could be the season that he finally leaves. It will also be down to how much money he is willing to accept. His days of earning a maximum salary are over and teams know that. It could turn into a bidding war over the big Spaniard.

Luol Deng
At the beginning of this season, Luol Deng announced that he was going to test the free agency. In January, Deng was traded from the Bulls to the Cavaliers, with Andrew Bynum going the other way (although only for a matter of hours).

Since the trade, he has been solid but isn't exactly putting up show-stopping numbers. Despite this, Deng is still a great player on both ends of the court, and any team would benefit from having him in their roster. And there are teams apparently interested. Potential suitors include the Mavericks, Wizards and Pistons.

Don't rule the Cavs out just yet though. They have plenty of money so can keep paying Deng at a high level. However, their squad is probably a little too inexperienced to challenge for rings right now. So the decision is his. Does he want money or success?

Although he got a trade away from the Bulls, I still feel that he will review his options before he goes anywhere. Wherever he lands up, he will still be an influential figure in the world of basketball.

Carmelo Anthony
When Melo traded to the Knicks from the Nuggets in 2011 he did it to challenge for rings. However, it hasn't worked as he planned and instead is looking at the possibility of not making the play-offs.

As well as this, the Knicks have a poor roster who make bone-headed decisions both on (J.R Smith) and off (Raymond Felton) the court. Add to this the fact that their squad is ageing and it's not looking good for Melo's chances to win a title.

So it's easy to see why he's frustrated. The question is whether he will stick around much longer. The Knicks certainly have the funds to pay him a top dollar sum of money, and a fanbase that puts some teams to shame. But, many people (including myself) don't think he will. He doesn't exactly owe anything to New York and they haven't delivered on their promise of becoming a dominant franchise.

So, where to for one of the league's best scorers ? There are reports that Kobe Bryant has tried to recruit him personally, and although this would be interesting to see what would happen to the Lakers' assists numbers, I don't see it happening.

The Bulls are another team being linked, especially after the departure of fellow Small Forward Luol Deng. I think this would be a good move for both parties. Anthony's defence has been improving in recent years and working with Tom Thibodeau can only improve that. Melo can return the favour by adding a significant scoring threat to a team currently languishing in last place in points scored per game.

Would a big three of Rose, Melo and Noah be enough to win a championship. If Rose stays fit and Noah maintains his level of play, they're heading in the right direction.

[Note : Since writing this article, sources have reported that Joakim Noah has convinced Melo to join the Bulls]

Miami's Big Three
The Heat-les, The Big Three, Miami Thrice, whatever you call them, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have dominated the game for the past couple of years. All of their contracts run out this year, meaning that this summer is one that could change the Heat franchise forever.

Chris Bosh
When Bosh came to the Heat, it was uncertain how he would react to not being the star player for the franchise. However, he's settled in nicely, as you can tell by his two rings and five All-Star appearances. So, why would he leave ? There's very few reasons, but maybe if he wanted to become the franchise player again, but I feel this is unlikely. He should stay.

Dwyane Wade
His knees may not be holding up, but his game certainly is. The shooting guard is being forced to play less minutes, due to his age, but his efficiency has increased, thanks to career high field goal and three point percentages. To be honest, he's only really needed for the Heat's playoff campaign, so it's hard to see him moving.

LeBron James
So now we come to the name on everyone's lips. LeBron's form has been improving and he has stepped his bid to win his 5th MVP title. He came to Miami in the search for rings, and it's worked, as he has two of them. Yet, some people still think he'll leave. I don't see it myself. Maybe if Bosh goes and Wade's knees pack up, but until then, the King will stay in South Beach.