Tom Haberstroh

  (2:02 PM)

Greetings, folks. Here to take your questions on the Heat, my Nuggets piece today (http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7535457/nba-denver-nuggets-continue-win-carmelo-anthony), the NBA in general or my general confusion of my Red Sox's offseason. Let's go.

Zach Abbott (New Zealand)

Im not sure about pat riley as a GM. giving chris bosh that amount of money was ridiculous since he is one of the dumbest players i have ever watched, his offensive game is based on disgusting pump fakes. Then givin chalmers 12 mil over 3 years, mike millers contract and anthonys contract when they should of waited a year and got dalembert 2 years 10 mil

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:02 PM)

Zach: I'm not sure about your abilities in assessing GM's.

Alex (Sydney, Australia) [via mobile]

Do you think Kenyon Martin offers any value to the Heat given his desire for guaranteed playing time and reputation as a disruptive personality?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:03 PM)

Alex: Let's get this out of the way now. Kenyon Martin agreed to a deal with the Clippers, as first reported by the LA Times. Not in the Heat's plans now. Denied!

Rajeev (Las Vegas )

Lebron acknowledged that the heat suffer from complacency in his recent interview. Barkley and others have criticized the heat before. Do you see this as a problem? Are there other championship teams that like to 'turn it on/off'. Thanks tom!

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:05 PM)

Rajeev: I think the on/off switch is a myth, however I do think that the Heat kind of forget sometimes that, you know, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are on their team. Don't expect highlight reel dunks every time, but I think the one knock you can have on LeBron (and other players on the Heat) is that they're more passive than aggressive sometimes. But I think the issue is overblown. They came thisclose to winning it all last year.

Peter (Toronto)

As a Raptors fan, we secretly didn't want to sign Chris Bosh to a max extension. We all breathed a sigh of relief when he left because we knew that his contract would kill us for the next 5 years as the team would fight to finish .500 every year. However, Bosh is a great fit as a 3rd option on a contending team. Was just curious if you agree with my opinion about Bosh not being a 1st option on a contending team? Have a great weekend :)

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:07 PM)

Peter: I think he's perfectly suited as a No. 2 and No. 3 option. Elite bigs need another No. 1 to win a title and Bosh got two of them. I think Toronto is headed in the right direction.

Andres (California) [via mobile]

Does Lakers have any chances to go to playoffs?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:09 PM)

Andres: Any chances? Is this a real question? Of course they do. Are they a lock? No, but you can pencil them in.

Blake (Ft. Lauderdale)

Do you think Milwaukee could potentially give you the Heat real fits in the 1st round of the playoffs ?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:10 PM)

Blake: Milwaukee has something on the Heat and that something is Scott Skiles' defense. The Heat would hate to see them in the opening round. That crew plays hard.

omarvls (North Hollywood, CA)

TOM, I BELIEVE THE E.CURRY PROJECT WILL WORK OUT FOR THE HEAT- THE LITTLE HE'S PLAYED (YAH SEEMS LOST AND OUT OF SHAPE) HE'S SHOWN HE CAN SCORE & HAVE A PRESENCE IN THE PAINT-IF HE CAN LEARN THE SYSTEM AND BE BETTER CONDITIOND AFTER THE ALL-STAR BREAK I THINK IT WILL BRING MIAMI CLOSER THE A RING

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:11 PM)

omarvls: I THINK EDDY CURRY CAN GIVE THEM A FEW GOOD MINUTES AT THE END OF THE BENCH. HE'S A GREAT STORY, BUT NOT NEAR CONTENTION YET. I REALLY HATE WRITING IN ALL CAPS.

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:11 PM)

... and by contention I mean, contention for rotation minutes.

Kevin (Hollywood, FL)

In your Q&A with Spoelstra, there was talk about the Heat's perimeter and 3pt defense. Not sure if you will have an answer during this chat, but could you analyze the Heat's 3pt defense since Riley's arrival to the franchise (SVG and Spo ran/run essentially the same Riley defensive system)? Perhaps my eyes are lying to me, but it seems that the team has always struggled to defend the 3pt line. Rotations and help defense are great, but there can be such a thing as over-help, no? The Heat defensive philosophy seems to have too many defenders suck into the lane on even mild penetration, allowing wide open 3's off of kick-outs, when they might have been better off forcing the driving player to shoot the 8-12 footer. Dallas exploited the Heat's over-help in the Finals, and it has been a theme in many of their losses so far this season.

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:14 PM)

Kevin: You can't lock down every area on the court, but if you need to bring the hammer on something, you could do worse than protecting the basket -- which the Heat do very, very well in their system. I believe they're the best basket protecting team in the NBA (opponent FG% at the rim). They'll probably sharpen their perimeter defense as the season progresses and it will help when Dwyane Wade's foot becomes fully healthy. Even if it's not his shooter, it's a chain effect if one player can't rotate quickly.

Jurgen van Doorn (Den Bosch ( The Netherlands) )

Tom,What are the changes that Kenyon Martin or Joel Przybilla taking their talents to South Beach? Who's a better fit for the Heat?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:15 PM)

Jurgen: Like I mentioned earlier, KMart is a Clip. But Przybilla? I think the Heat will go after him hard. Huge body and an exceptional rebounder. Outside of that, I don't know how much he has left in the tank. By the way, can't believe he's already 32!

Andrew (New York)

Why didn't you ask Spo to assess the team's fourth quarter performances?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:16 PM)

Andrew: Maybe next time around. I don't think he's concerned right now. Spo would likely call it an "unreal" issue. "There's real and unreal," he likes to say.

Brian (Ft. Lauderdale)

How is Spo's rotation going to play out in the Playoffs if everyone is healthty? I did the math, and if you factor in 40 mpg for the big 3, and 30 mpg for UD, and 20 for Joel, that leaves 70 mpg for Rio, Cole, Battier, and Miller to split. Is he going to insist on a PG on the floor at all times, or is Cole going to have severely reduced minutes?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:18 PM)

Good question. I like the minutes game. I'll also throw 5 mins for Eddy Curry/whichevercentertheyhavebythen. 25 for Rio, 20 for Cole, 15 for Battier, 5 for Miller. Does that add up?

Brian (Ft. Lauderdale)

Why isn't "Chicago can't beat good teams" as big of a story line this year as it was for the HEAT last year? Since January 7th, Chicago has played 5 teams with winning records (at the time they played), and lost all 5. They are 12-0 against the dregs of the league during the same time period

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:20 PM)

Brian: Is that stat right? If it is, I'm surprised it hasn't gotten more attention. But don't compare Derrick Rose and Chicago to LeBron and the Heat. Opposite ends of the spectrum in fan relations. It's early too.

Josh (Chicago)

After the Bulls loss to the Heat Sunday, I heard some of the media talk about the look that Wade and Lebron gave to each other right after the game. Some of the media suggested that the look was because Drose didn't come shake their hands. I totally disagree, that was Wade and Lebron looking at each other thinking about what a battle the conference finals will be. This wasn't just any regular season game, both teams played their hardest and the Heat barely beat an unhealthy Bulls team at home and they know it.

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:22 PM)

Josh: I didn't see this, but if people are really trying to interpret this, then I think we need to take a deep breath and go for a walk or something.

Ty (Belchertown, MA)

are the 76ers legit contenders in the eastern conference?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:22 PM)

Ty: Third-best team in the East right now. Until Indiana swings a deal for Eric Gordon or OJ Mayo.

Grant (OKC)

Which PG moves are the most likely for the Lakers to make this year? Also, what are the chances D12 ends up in LA this year?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:23 PM)

Grant: I like Ramon Sessions for them. Good match for both teams.

Michelle (Nevada)

Is Wade injury more severe than what we think?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:24 PM)

Michelle: I think so. But 75% Dwyane Wade is still better than most.

Mimi (MIA)

Will Spo Start to play LeBron the whole 4th Q so he can develop rhythm and some much needed confidence? I really think that would work for LBJ?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:24 PM)

Mimi: He has been, but I'd like to see more. Success breeds confidence. I think that's a huge key for LeBron to get over the hump.

Drew (Portland)

Can you explain Ray Felton's awful season to this point? Do you think there is any hope for the Blazer's to compete in the playoffs this year?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:25 PM)

Drew: Portland should put a ban on cupcakes within 300 feet of Raymond Felton.

Lacey (Kentucky)

Why do fans always blame LeBron for Losses and discredit him for wins? I'm sick of the double standard with LeBron!

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:26 PM)

Lacey: Because LeBron made a lot of people upset by the way he handled his career choice.

Naj (Houston, TX)

Why doesn't Wade get as much credit as a defensive player like LeBron and Kobe. Wade's stats are always better than Kobe's, yet he always gets defensive second team and kobe gets first team. Wade is the best blocking guard in teh league and he is always in the top 5 or 10 in steals in the league

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:27 PM)

Naj: Stat for you: the players that Dwyane Wade blocked last season were taller than those of DeAndre Jordan's blocks. More on that in the coming days.

Voley (Boston)

Who is your biggest man crush on a basketball player?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:29 PM)

Voley: Probably Serge Zwikker.

Christopher (Germany)

How high would LeBron's PER if he posted his numbers last season?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:30 PM)

Christopher: I think it stays pretty close to what you're seeing now.

Doug (Ohio)

What the heck happened to the defense?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:30 PM)

Doug: Bad game. It happens.

qaadir williams (boston)

Ok Tom they say third times the charm... Clippers Miami finals? What do u think of clips gettin out of the west? (By the way GREAT interview of spoelstra)

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:31 PM)

qaadir: I think they have as good a shot as anyone not named Oklahoma City. Spoelstra's terrified of what they'll look like in a few months.

Rob (NY)

Haven't read the article but tend to agree: NYK w Carmelo look to be the loser of that trade. Nugs look real good w the Rooste and Timmy

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:34 PM)

Rob: I might not have stressed this enough in the article, but a big part of the reason why the Nuggets have seen success since the deal is that there were really good players waiting for their turn. Ty Lawson and Arron Afflalo are superbly efficient and needed some time in the sun. Dealing Carmelo and Chauncey helped give them touches that they weren't getting before. Love Lawson's game immensely.

Nasser (Canada)

Do the Lakers need to Trade for Dwight Howard to become a contending team?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:34 PM)

Nasser: It would help, yes.

Dennis (Reno)

What do think is LeBron greatest Weaknesses and Strengths moving foward with the Heat?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:35 PM)

Dennis: Weakness -- Passivity in big moments. Strength -- Point guard skills in power forward's body.

Kevin (Hollywood, FL)

Have you ever covered an athlete that embraces metrics as much as Battier? Do LBJ and Wade seem to embrace metrics at all?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:37 PM)

Kevin: Last year was my first year on the ground, but I can't imagine I'll find a bigger analytics-addict than Battier. I've heard Arron Afflalo is also big on it as well. But Battier treats this game like a science. Which many don't agree with.

Daniel (Dodge City)

I know Wade and James are better bet i have always thought that Bosh was the key to the Heat's success. What do you think?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:40 PM)

Daniel: Bosh is essential, but he probably won't get the kind of respect because he's not a bruising power forward. He doesn't exactly put the power in power forawrd. But if you look at the list of champion power forwards, you won't find macho bruisers. You'll find highly-intelligent, cerebral stretchy guys like Pau Gasol, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan. Bosh fits the mold.

Luis (Dominican Republic)

When the heat came together i thought the Dwade would be the leading scorer while LeBron was going to avg. close to a triple double, but thing haven't exactly worked that way. Why is Dwade scoring so low this season?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:41 PM)

Luis: He's been hurting. Also LeBron IS averaging close to a triple double. 30-8-7 right now, believe it or not.

Scott (Northglenn, CO)

For a non-insider, can you give us a Cliffs Notes version of your Nuggets article? Or at tleast the premise please?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:41 PM)

Scott: The Nuggets are legit.

Greg Oden (Providence Portland Medical Center)

Am I ever going to play again?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:44 PM)

Greg: I got so bummed out today to read about his latest surgery. Please get healthy, big guy. Has to be devastating not to be able to do what you love to do.

azzy (Montreal)

Last year, the story was that the Heat can't win against great teams and that they can't win close games, now that they are doing that, the story is that they play down to the competition. Is it a cause of concern or not?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:45 PM)

azzy: I've always thought the "playing down to competition" meme is overblown. I wouldn't worry about it. Are they going to play Charlotte, Golden State and Detroit in the playoffs?

Joseph (Charlottesville, VA)

Tom, Wade shook off Spoelstra's zone call the other night. Long term, is this kind of thing good or bad for the Heat?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:47 PM)

Joseph: Good. Kobe blew off Phil Jackson plenty of times, but as long as the mutual respect is there (which it is), the Heat will be happy. Spoelstra actually loved that Wade was able to inject some energy into the defense after the veto.

Julian (Baltimore, MD)

Tom, can we really believe that Denver is a solid threat in the West?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:47 PM)

Julian: Yes, why not?

Zack (Miami)

Tom how come you never give any heat players an A+ in your post game grades ? #whyareyouahater

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:49 PM)

Zack: Tough grader, not a hater. Also, probably because where I went to school, they didn't give out A+'s. Only A's.

Joseph (Charlottesville, VA)

Tie game with 2 minutes left in the fourth. Who is the team you don't want to be facing?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:50 PM)

Joseph: The Wizards. Because that means I've played a terrible game.

Jimmy (Kansas)

How could anyone vote against lebron for mvp with the season he is having? It is historical.

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:51 PM)

Jimmy: Because "valuable" is a terribly nebulous word and because people really didn't like the way he handled his decision.

Wayne (Vancouver)

Love your work on Heat Index. Re. late game execution, what do you think they need to do more of? More post-ups? Bosh in high post? Have Wade/Lebron cut after off-ball screens? It's tiring seeing hero ball from LBJ and Wade.

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:52 PM)

Wayne: More deep post entries to LeBron. More touches for Bosh. Lots of off-ball action. Also, more small-ball.

Luis (Dominican Republic)

Which dunk did you liked the most, Lebron over John Lucas III or Blake on Perkins?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:53 PM)

Luis: I'm all about Blake's on Perkins. I think LeBron made this point the other day, but seeing it live, I had no idea he jumped OVER Lucas. I think that matters. Still unbelievable that he did it in stride on an alley-oop.

Eric (London)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the trouble with LeBron in the clutch the fact that his skills just aren't that suitable for it? He's not a great shooter, nor is dribble penetration one of his better assets, and traditionally those two skills have been the ones at which great clutch players have excelled in. Am I wrong?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:54 PM)

Eric: Couldn't disagree more.

sam (chicago)

if you could trade wade for rose thinking ONLY about this season, would you do it?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:55 PM)

Sam: Probably not, because Wade's that good defensively.

Rick RoZAY (Miami)

Have you seen Jerome James?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:56 PM)

Bawse: No, why? What'd he do?

Carl (AMERICA)

You are taking an inordinate number of questions from readers in foreign countries (including lowly Canada). GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:58 PM)

Carl: Hmm, I don't know. Lots of questions from outside state-lines. Also, it might by subliminal since I used to live in a foreign country. (Oi, brasileiros.)

Jam Mueller (Coeur d Alene, Idaho)

It seems like I haven't seen James Jones play in a while. If Battier and Miller stay healthy, do you see any reason why James Jones will get minutes?

Tom Haberstroh

  (2:59 PM)

Jam: Forgot about James Jones in my earlier minutes distribution. Heat are deep and James Jones is on the outside looking in. Good problem to have for Spoelstra. Also, he's not the reason why the Heat lost to the Bucks. Enough already, folks.

Mark (Naples)

What's the latest on Pryzbilla? % he signs with the Heat?

Tom Haberstroh

  (3:00 PM)

Mark: Haven't heard anything, but I'd put it at 40%. Total guess though.

Xander (Philly)

Me thinks the East is stronger than the West this year.

Tom Haberstroh

  (3:01 PM)

Xander: Me thinks you need to read this: http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/PERDiem-120203/nba-west-better-east

Tim (Florida)

Who wins tonight at PHI?

Tom Haberstroh

  (3:02 PM)

Tim: Heat, by a hair.

Jim (AZ)

If Heat and Chitown meet in the playoffs, you think LBJ defends Rose the entire series?

Tom Haberstroh

  (3:03 PM)

Jim: No, because LeBron would pass out. 5 minutes at the end of games is plenty for a 270 pounder guarding a Ducati.

Damon (Santa Cruz)

Are the Jazz pretenders or contenders? If the former, what do they need to do to become a legit threat?

Tom Haberstroh

  (3:04 PM)

Damon: Pretenders, in my book. Trade their bigs for young assets. Marinate, hope to get lucky in the lottery, and follow the Sam Presti model.

Alex (USA)

Tom, Please dont go

Tom Haberstroh

  (3:08 PM)

Alex: But I must! My hour's up. Thanks for the questions, everyone. Talk soon. Be safe and have a spectacular weekend.