When Miami Heat president Pat Riley acquired Antoine Walker and Gary Payton last year, it seemed he was laying the groundwork for Stan Van Gundy's exit. Both players can — at the very least — frustrate a coach, and now Riley is experiencing that first-hand.
The Heat's display Sunday was embarrassing. Payton was upset with a pass from Dwyane Wade that resulted in a turnover and was seen saying "Don't do that to me again'' to his teammate. That led to a heated exchange during a timeout that required teammates to separate the two.
This was Game 4 of the playoffs and the Heat were in trouble against one of the most intense teams in the league. Payton's a veteran who's allegely focused on only one thing: winning his first title. But no way that happens if Miami doesn't stop the in-fighting.
Walker hit some shots Sunday, but the Bulls would be content to let him gun all series. Meanwhile, Andres Nocioni takes the ball at Walker whenever he gets a chance.
This is not a team built to win a title. Shaquille O'Neal is too soft-spoken to be the leader the Heat needs, and Wade's leadership was jeopardized by Payton on Sunday.
Some saw this coming from the moment Riley acquired the two. Wonder how Van Gundy feels about it now.
Another reason why team chemistry is important in a team sport.
We cannot ignore the need for "superstar" talent but we all saw what happened in the 2004 Olympics.
The Bulls have superstars of their own in Hinrich,Nocioni and Gordon.
Walker is playing out of position. Funny I don't see Nocioni shutting down Walker very much either.
Walker was trying to get Payton to lay off of Wade. He wasn't doing any fighting he was stopping the fighting. Maybe you should check your facts before you write this bull $$$$
Anytime Walker goes one on one with Noce, Noce beats him with ease. Walker thrives on chilling by the 3 point line and waiting for other players to send him wide open threes. Guy isn't a basketball player.
Oops!
Update idiots!
Miami, Pat Riley along with those bad players just crushed the Bulls to close out the series 4-2!
Better luck next year?
Ha Ha!
O wow.. the #2 seed beat the #7. You should be very amazed Steve. Who said they sucked, they just cant play together, that why the 7th seed took them to 6. Yes the 7 this wasnt a 1-2 match, and what happened to those "great" players last year. I dont think they won it all, and the heat are goin to lose to the Nets.