The NEW Big 3!

Everybody's been raving about the combination of Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh this off-season during free agency. I think it's a smart move, however I do think it will take some time to work.

Let's take a look back at the last team in which they had 3 all-stars in the prime. We don't have to go far, remember the Celtics, who did it in 08. They brought Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen tojoin Paul Pierce, but the only difference is the Eastern Conference was horrible then. The Heat have to get through the Magic, Celtics, Bulls, Hawks, and maybe even the Bucks.

Granted, if the Heat get the right role players to go with these guys then they should definitely fly through the East.

One of the main questions people have been asking is, how will the blend when they all have to have the ball in their hands?

I do believe to start the season, it'll be conflict but as the season rolls around they'll get more comfortable with each other and learn how to share the ball effectively. The thing that mighthurt them is when playoff time comes. Whose going to have the ball in those crunch time situations. I think Wade would be the best at those situations, and he's proven it more on numerous occasions. However, I do believe James will have the ball if it comes down to it.

Besides their egos clashing another big concern is the fact that they don't have a bench tocompliment their 3 stars.

They re-signed Udonis Haslem, and supposedly are close to signing Mike Miller. But who else can they get to support the big three and still not go over the salary cap. There aren't many free agents left who can be consistent enough to play on the Heat.

The last concern I believe the Heat will have, is whether Bosh plays power forward or center. It could really determine his effectiveness and the Heat's chances. If he has to play center, he'll face the likes of Amar'e Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, Shaquille O'neal, Al Horford and Kendrick Perkins (when fully healthy). Those are all big bodies, and I don't know how comfortable he'll be playing those stronger guys. Now at power forward it doesn't get easier because he'll have to go up against Garnett, Rashaad Lewis, and Carlos Boozer.

Either way, his ability to play both ends at a high level will be key for Heat.

Oh yeah, let's not forget that the Heat still haven't proven anything. Everyone is just giving them high praises because of their three stars. However, the Los Angeles Lakers have been to the Finals three straight times, and have won the NBA title back-to-back years now. I'm still not understanding why they aren't the favorites for this upcoming season. They have the same starting lineup from last year, and the bench just got a whole lot better with the Steve Blake signing. They should sign Shannon Brown back, and maybe another key scorer or defensive stopper which would be a perfect fit.

I'm not saying the Heat won't win, and maybe be one of those greatest teams ever. It just won't be this year! I think they still have some work to do, and I think the big three have to get used to each other more because they'll be playing together for a long time.