I don't believe that there is a person on this board that couldve predicted Orlando's dominance over us. We could've possibly traded for Shaq before last years deadline. The series would've been completely different if we had that big load in the middle defending Howard. We would not have needed people to help out on Dwight leaving shooters open around the perimeter. Shaq has manhandled Dwight when they played this season showing us that he is perfect for that future playoff matchup.
Not that I'm trying to be a wise-ass or anything but I certainly did believe they would dominate us. I predicted us to LOSE in 6 games (that is exactly what happened).
Alot of people on the forums here got way to cocky. Just because we had the best record they thought we could beat anyone. They failed to realize that match-ups are huge in playoff series.
Most people here are getting over confident with this years team as well. Yes, we have beaten the Lakers twice. Boston looks old and finished. The VC trade for the Magic has looked awful. However, I refuse to believe that those things makes us the favorite.
Orlando beat the Lakers twice last year yet got whooped in the finals. We beat the Spurs in the 2007 regular season but got smacked in the finals.
Bottom line is that talent wins games in the playoffs. Besides for Lebron, we really don't have that much talent. We have a bunch of role players, several of them have choked in the playoffs plenty of times (Big Z). Others are way to inconsistent to rely on (Mo Williams).
Getting a guy like Iggy would help out tremendously. Anytime you have a chance to get a young, athletic, borderline all-star you do it.
Iggy's ability to put the ball on the floor and create for himself or others would be a huge asset in the playoffs. Especially when teams load up on Lebron, make him give up the ball and our guys miss open shots (it's happened before). Having another guy who can attack is vital.
Why do you guys think Delonte has arguably been our second best player in the playoffs???
The reason is simple, it's his ability and smarts to get to the rack. He doesn't settle for jumpers even when he's open. That is something Mo didn't do in the playoffs and still doesn't do.l
I love Delonte but there is no way the team should put their title hopes on a role player with an unstable mental state.
A Trade HAS to be made, otherwise we will regret it. Mark my words now!!!