[Flash is the Future]

@ people judging the Heat without DWade. We're 1-1 with him starting, losing by one point to the team with the best record in their arena, and we'll work from there. DWade just has that big of an impact. It's a whole different ball game when he's out there on offense. And he also happens to be our best overall perimeter defender (oddly enough has really picked up the D this year along with Lebron). Wade hasn't even been playing well so far and the results are staggering. We'll be there, and I have no fears about missing the playoffs. At all.

[DQ for 3]

Here's some facts:

On this day last year, Orlando was 7-3. They finished November at 12-4. Where did they finish? 40-42, nobody remembers that strong early season team in April.

The season before, they started 7-7 in November, but finished with a 36-46 record. Another average start, only to fall apart as the season finished.

And the season prior to that, an 8-5 mark in November, only to finish with another miserable 36-46 record.

I'm not a statistician, but does anyone see a pattern??

Last year, Miami started 6-9 in November, finishing with a 44-38 record. The season prior, 9-6 in November, finished 52-30, and NBA Champions. The season prior, 10-6, ending with a 59-23 mark. And before that, started 0-7, fighting back to a 42-40 record and 2nd round appearance.

Let me say it again - IT'S A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT. Take it from a fan of a team that's actually won something.

[DQ for 3]

*Double post*

[DQ for 3]

Originally Posted by JNice

Could happen. Who knows. Or maybe we'll be back laughing at your posts when the Heat miss the playoffs.

But ... until then, we can ALL laugh at your posts now about bringing up 3pt, slam dunk, and skills challange wins when speaking of the "level" of the Heat franchise. And with Thanksgiving coming up, for that, we can ALL be thankful!

I think you missed the hint of sarcasm when I mentioned the skills challenges, etc.

Originally Posted by Idunkonyou

If you say so. The funny thing is you actually believe I'll care. I won't and even if the Magic win the division and go deep into the playoffs, I won't be bringing up past posts of people who made predictions in November. Just isn't my style, but of course people like yourself, who have nothing else to live for obviously, dwell on the opportunity to talk big on a chat board. Keep it up. I know it makes you feel amazing inside.

Thanks for ruining my night. Now I have no life and the only pride in my life is my ranking on basketballforum. The warmth I once got from "talking big" on this message board is gone. Maybe I should just end my life by closing my account and going on with my miserable real life? Thanks for the kind words - when I'm 31 I hope I'm not wasting my time trying to ridicule people on a message board. I hope you feel better about yourself, you big bully.

[JNice]

Originally Posted by Shaq_Diesel

Here's some facts:

On this day last year, Orlando was 7-3. They finished November at 12-4. Where did they finish? 40-42, nobody remembers that strong early season team in April.

The season before, they started 7-7 in November, but finished with a 36-46 record. Another average start, only to fall apart as the season finished.

And the season prior to that, an 8-5 mark in November, only to finish with another miserable 36-46 record.

I'm not a statistician, but does anyone see a pattern??

Last year, Miami started 6-9 in November, finishing with a 44-38 record. The season prior, 9-6 in November, finished 52-30, and NBA Champions. The season prior, 10-6, ending with a 59-23 mark. And before that, started 0-7, fighting back to a 42-40 record and 2nd round appearance.

Let me say it again - IT'S A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT. Take it from a fan of a team that's actually won something.

What is your point? Is your point that because this happened in the past that makes it increasingly likely to happen again? Or just that anything can happen? If it is the latter, then fine. If it is the former you are incorrect.

It is like the little board they put next to roulette to show you what the previous rolls have been to make you think you've got some advantage in making your next bet. But in reality, the previous rolls have absolutely no impact whatsoever on what is about to happen or is going to happen.

All your "facts" have little or no bearing at all on what is going to happen this season. But kudos for the research.

[Idunkonyou]

Originally Posted by Shaq_Diesel

Here's some facts:

On this day last year, Orlando was 7-3. They finished November at 12-4. Where did they finish? 40-42, nobody remembers that strong early season team in April.

The season before, they started 7-7 in November, but finished with a 36-46 record. Another average start, only to fall apart as the season finished.

And the season prior to that, an 8-5 mark in November, only to finish with another miserable 36-46 record.

I'm not a statistician, but does anyone see a pattern??

Last year, Miami started 6-9 in November, finishing with a 44-38 record. The season prior, 9-6 in November, finished 52-30, and NBA Champions. The season prior, 10-6, ending with a 59-23 mark. And before that, started 0-7, fighting back to a 42-40 record and 2nd round appearance.

Let me say it again - IT'S A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT. Take it from a fan of a team that's actually won something.

There is major flaw in your theory. Well first of all you did no research on what the Magic's schedule is this year. They have a brutal November and December that is laced with tons of back to back sets and away games. After the 2nd week of January, the Magic don't go west again for the rest of the year and they have only 3 or 4 back to backs for the rest of the year. They also have a ton more homes games for the rest of the year.

Oh and the Magic are better team than last year.
SVG >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Hill
Ewing >>>>>>> than any big man coach we had last year
2007-2008 Howard > 2006-2007 Howard
Lewis > Hill and Darko combined
Bogans = starter this year and isn't injuried
2007-2008 Nelson > 2006-2007 Nelson
Hedo = starter and didn't have to serve in military over the summer so he is fresh
2007-2008 Magic bench > 2006-2007 Magic bench, although that isn't say much or at least not until Reddick gets back from injuries and the Magic sign some one with the 2.6 million injury exception.

So I pretty much just debunked your past vs. present theory. Oh sure the Magic could get injuries to key players and start losing a lot of games, but that would be the only reason for it IMO. If any thing this team should have started slower. They had a new starting lineup, new HC, with a new system, injuries to key backups and a hard schedule to boot, yet they are out to a 9-2 start. Baring injuries, the Magic will only get better as the season goes on.

Oh and as JNice said, this is the present, not the past so your posted was flawed to begin.

[JNice]

Originally Posted by Shaq_Diesel

I think you missed the hint of sarcasm when I mentioned the skills challenges, etc.

Ah yes, the good ol' hindsarcasm.

You sure it wasn't more of "grasping for straws?"

[Idunkonyou]

Originally Posted by Shaq_Diesel

Thanks for ruining my night. Now I have no life and the only pride in my life is my ranking on basketballforum. The warmth I once got from "talking big" on this message board is gone. Maybe I should just end my life by closing my account and going on with my miserable real life? Thanks for the kind words - when I'm 31 I hope I'm not wasting my time trying to ridicule people on a message board. I hope you feel better about yourself, you big bully.

It's ok. I just hope you don't jump off a bridge or maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing? We could actually talk about BASKETBALL with out the class clown interrupting.

[DuMa]

definitely the magic are the team to beat in the southeast division but dont count miami out. they are just getting their stride together imho.