Tony Parker vs. Dwyane Wade

[Nikos]

If Parker played like he did for a good portion of last playoffs than he is in Wade's league. Unfortunely he wasn't able to maintain that level of play after Game 2.

Ideally I am hoping Parker is somewhere near as good as Wade by seasons end otherwise I don't see why Miami couldn't actually beat the Spurs in a series with a healthy Shaq and Wade. Sure the Spurs are more balanced. But if Wade remains playing like a superstar and the Spurs backcourt remains just a bit above average I don't see why Miami could not be seen as a better team if guys like Udonis Haslem and other role players remain respectable.

[Man In Black]

Didn't you just answer your own question with this?

I don't see why Miami could not be seen as a better team if guys like Udonis Haslem and other role players remain respectable

It's like the former Lakers, 2 stars and nothing after that. While those 2 will remain constant, MIA hopes that at lest 1 other contributes. I suppose that it could get scary if Shaq actually changed his mindset from that of primary option to best defensive player of the year but...what's the likelihood of that ever happening?

[Nikos]

Didn't you just answer your own question with this?


It's like the former Lakers, 2 stars and nothing after that. While those 2 will remain constant, MIA hopes that at lest 1 other contributes. I suppose that it could get scary if Shaq actually changed his mindset from that of primary option to best defensive player of the year but...what's the likelihood of that ever happening?

Aside from the dynamic duo of Wade and Shaq they still have Eddie Jones who is capable of solid defense and shooting despite his propensity to underacheive in the playoffs in past years. Udonis Haslem is also a high percentage field goal maker whose hustle and excellent rebounding are a huge asset for Miami. Damon Jones can also hit three pointers at a high percentage and is a decent backup setup man as well. Rasual is a reasonable defender. Doleac is a reasonable backup center.

This team will probably be a very solid defensive team when it is all said and done, and it is reasonable to assume their offense will be up there especially with Shaq's ability to get others high percentage shots. Not to mention Dwayne Wade's ability to score and set others up as well.

If Wade becomes a 22-6-5 type of player, why is it unreasonable to assume the Heat are le contenders?

[OM_fever]

Hi,

I can't understand why everybody is still planning a sportslife performance with only 4 games!

I agree Wade have great athletism but that kind of play could not be perform during its all career. He would struggle in some years when opposing with young and physical opponents. The only way to get consistent would be to improve is field goal percentage, and we would only know that at the end of the season.

Please let time before presuming everything. I'm sure TP would improve this year a lot, at least on his shoot with his summer practice. He has just to find his rythm.

I would compare Wade to Carter, just on the type of play, going straight to the rim, penetrating but not with his speed, just with his athletism (which is great). He could be injury prone, much more than Parker is.

Could someone answer me if Wade is a real leader on the floor, meaning he can distribute the game, changing the coach plan & all that stuff expected from a PG?

(about potential, who knows when TP will reach his max, he can improve in so much points like FT, his 3' shoot & all those little thing that can help him a lot to improve his point average (2 FT succeed + 1 3pointers = 5 points, a lot in an average) and game IQ)

[spurs_fan_in_exile]

I think that any comparison between the two is apples and oranges. While Wade has been rather impressive, he's also had to be. From day one in Miami he had to be the go to guy to make that team work. Parker on the other hand has played his entire NBA career with a team whose offense works from the inside out. Parker has developed under a system where he can afford to have an off night and not have to worry about be crucified the next day, because he's got a two time MVP for a saftey net. Wade has developed a lot more quickly because he's gotten a lot more touches by necessity as much as anything else.

[timvp]

Very nice post, spurs fan in exile. Welcome to the forum.

[Ghost Writer]

Wade is doing now what we all hope Parker will do someday.

Parker ain't bad, but he's not a real floor general and he's inconsistent.

I can't lose sight of the fact that he's still the youngest starting PG in the L.