Thursday, July 14, 2011

Prospect of Playing Overseas Shouldn't Be Concern for Heat Fans


Photo Credit: thehoorse24 on Flickr

Ever since Deron Williams decided to play for Besiktas, (a team in Turkey), fans left and right have been wondering who will be the next to follow suit. Amare Stoudemire indicated that he would not play overseas, but later said he would be open to doing so. When I look at the Heat roster, I really don't think anyone (except someone that doesn't get much playing time such as Dexter Pittman) will play overseas. I also think playing abroad isn't a good idea.

Lets take Dwyane Wade for example. He said that he was open to playing overseas, but Heat beat writer Ira Winderman said the chances of him doing that is slim. I agree with him. I love Wade, but he is too injury prone to be playing games that really mean nothing. Wade would try to dunk over three lanky white guys that play no defense and succeed, but he would probably get a stupid injury in the process. I mean if he really wants to do that, all he has to do is play one on one with Chris Bosh during practice. The fact of the matter is, I don't think Wade will play in Europe because of his injury history and his unwillingness to commit to the 2012 Olympics. Wade being unsure of the Olympics, (while LeBron and most of the 2008 team have already committed), leads me to believe that he ultimately won't play overseas during the lockout.

The one starter on the Heat that I think might go overseas is LeBron James so he can strengthen his brand. If he worked on his jump shot as much as he worked on being a global icon, then we would have won the NBA Championship last year. In all seriousness, I can see LeBron going over there essentially playing exhibitions against inferior players and averaging crazy numbers.

All in all, while I do believe the lockout will shorten next season, I don't think the main guys on the Heat will play (or should play for that matter) overseas. I mean anything can happen, Wade and LeBron might go over there if no deal is in sight by the beginning of fall. Having said that, I just think playing abroad is for the middle tier player that wants to be treated like the superstars do here in the states.

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