NBA Free Agency: Why a South Beach Superteam Could Ruin the NBA

Jim Rogash/Getty ImagesTwo down, one to go.Reports are claiming two of the NBA's biggest free agent fish have been hooked by the Miami Heat, leaving the biggest fish of them all lurking in free agency waters.Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are reportedly on board to join forces in Miami, while the world will wait until 9 ET Thursday night to hear where King LeBron James will reign for the foreseeable future.But as we inch closer to "Decision 2010: LeBron," many insiders and pundits believe the opportunity to play with Bosh and Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
Wade in Miami's international market will overwhelm, and eventually lure LeBron to South Beach.If LeBron does, in fact, choose the Heat, the team will have capped off the most prolific free agency period in sports history, and possibly staked their claim as the NBA's team to beat for the next five to 10 years.Without a doubt, watching LeBron, Wade, and Bosh play together on a nightly basis would be sublime. Sports has never seen anything like this, beyond the Olympic and All-Star teams. And, on a personal note, I'm on my hands and knees praying for LeBron to sign with the Heat after watching them plummet since their 2006 championship. This team has the potential to knock off the 1972 Dolphins as Miami's all-time favorite team.Set Miami aside, and this is something the entire world could watch in amazement, because watching these three play together would be simply amazing.Imagine Phi Slamma Jamma, the Lake Show, and even a hint of the Harlem Globetrotters mixed into one megastar roster. The possibilities are endless.But, setting my Heat-bias aside, would LeBron joining the Heat ruin the league?First of all, Wade, Bosh, and LeBron playing together could be a literally unstoppable force.The rest of the Heat roster might not be so special, but imagine how Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
much better Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers, and Udonis Haslem would be with these three on the floor. But that's beside the point.Imagine the dominance this team would display over the league. Honestly, who could keep up with this team? Perhaps the Lakers? But Kobe is approaching 32, and would L.A.'s veteran roster really be able to keep up with the Heat's young, mercurial roster?Beyond the Lakers, is there another team that even stands a chance?This is where the NBA runs into some serious problems. Sure, this might be an awesome ride for a season or two (Heat fans will never grow tired), but since when is it fun to have virtually no competition in a league?Rivalries would become meaningless. How could fans get excited to follow their teams for a full season when they know the Heat will claim the championship at year's end?And, what about the team's bottom feeders?The Nets, Wizards, and 76ers would need virtual impeccable drafting and free agency signings if they wished to even compete with the Heat over the duration of their potential dominance.After so many years of one team towering above the rest of the league, it's hard to believe the league's fans would be willing to continue devoting time and money to their beloved franchises. For all we know, LeBron might have zero interest in joining the Heat, fearing that winning championships with two superstars could diminish his legacy.Either way, we will just have to wait and see where the King chooses to rest his crown when Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
he makes his decision tomorrow night.If LeBron decides Miami is his destination, the NBA simply must hope that a super-trio would captivate both its existing fans, as well as a whole new generation that will watch not with an overwhelming pessimism that their team has no legitimate shot at a title, but in, well, amazement.