The season wasn't supposed to end like this for the defending champion Miami Heat, but with numerous injuries this season, including Dwayne Wade's dislocated shoulder which caused him to miss up to six weeks late in the season, defending a title just wasn't in the script.
Wade averaged 23.5 points per game and 6.3 assists per game, both below his season average. Moreover, though Wade is notorious for having a high turnovers average, he committed even more than usual during this series, averaging 5.8 per game (compared to his season average of 4.2). The big question now is when he will undergo shoulder surgery. It's already known that he won't be partaking in Team USA games or practices this summer.
Conversely, Luol Deng took his game to the next level, averaging 26.3 points per game, 9.0 rebounds per game, 1.8 steals per game, shot 58% from the field and 85% from the line. Deng had a breakout year this season, increasing his scoring average from 14.3 points per game to 18.8 points per game.
the Bulls advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1998, when Michael Jordan claimed his sixth NBA title. They face the Detroit Pistons next, Ben Wallace's old team, in what should be a hard fought battle. Aside from Deng, Chicago will rely on Ben Gordon's offense. He averaged 25.5 points per game in the Miami series.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat will likely face many changes this offseason. The average age for their team is 27 - 28 years old, which means there will be players considering retirement, like Gary Payton (38), Alonzo Mourning (37) and Shaquille O'Neal (35). It's even questionable whether or not coach Pat Riley will return. He had health issues during the season and is also getting older.
Detroit will be a much greater challenge than Miami, if for no other reason than the fact that they're healthier at this point in the season and playing better basketball. Chris Webber and Rasheed Wallace can spread the floor by hitting open jumpers and Tayshaun Prince will likely stick to Deng like glue. Expect point guard Chris Duhon to clock more minutes if Kirk Hinrich gets into foul trouble against Chauncey Billups. In addition, Ben Gordon matching up with Richard "Rip" Hamilton will be especially interesting. Both are shooters who collect their points by running off screens and finding open spots, much like former Indiana Pacers star Reggie Miller.
The Bulls have depth, confidence and talent, in spite of their youth. The Pistons have veteran leadership and poise. Both teams play solid defense and both are playing very well right now, which should make this an interesting and fun matchup for fans.
