Q: I'm a Miami Heat fan. However, I am saddened by the lack of big moves. Can the Heat rebound this season?
— Jericho Cordero, Manila, Philippines

A: They can't shoot, either. Miami fans need to face this reality: They sold their future (and soul) for that championship. They've got an ancient team built more on reputation than resolve. Dwyane Wade is terrific, but his health is becoming an issue. Those commercials about going down seven times and getting up eight (however impossible that was unless he fell down a lot on his own) made the point. He gets beaten up a lot and may not be Allen Iverson, who somehow can take it. Shaq is no longer able to be a dominant piece, even though coaches still seem to fear his reputation. Pat Riley doesn't have anything close to the kind of team he'd want to coach and I'm guessing he's there as a favor to the owner. They are heading down and haven't reached bottom yet.

Q: The Pistons seem to be looking to their youth in the post. Do you think Jason Maxiel and Amir Johnson will be major factors, or is the bench's inconsistent scoring ability going to be the team's Achilles' heel?
— Michael, Dubuque, Iowa

A: You can say they're hoping, which isn't a good way to go into a season. Many around the NBA think Johnson will be good, but he has little experience. And Maxiel doesn't quite seem able to be consistent and play a major role yet. Plus, Flip Saunders is a veterans' coach and he'll opt in tough times for the veterans. The way the Pistons play their games are close, and the question is how much Saunders will sacrifice to play these guys. Coaches always talk about doing it in preseason, but panic once the games come and play whom they trust. I believe they are in transition this season, which could be a bit of a down season for them.

Q: What do you think of the team chemistry of the Suns? Whether Shawn Marion leaves or not, there might be chemistry issues.
— Mike, Phoenix

A: I find it hard to believe there are big problems when you win 60 games. Would they be talking about chemistry problems if Stoudemire hadn't stepped off the bench and gotten suspended? Every team has issues with personalities. The Suns have some as well, but not so much that it will matter. It does say something when you win 60 games every year and bring this up. But those great Bulls teams of the 90's were always feuding and then celebrating. Guys didn't go out together or hang around much, but they showed up together to get their rings. You have to remember the good thing about pro sports is they are mercenaries and there to perform and get paid. The great majority of guys understand that and do. Overall, Phoenix has one of the better situations because their main guy wants to pass. That's the best chemistry of all.

Q: Have the Warriors really improved this offseason, or did they just shuffle a few bodies around and cave to Don Nelson's demands?
— Robert Pyper, Las Vegas

A: I don't think Nellie got quite what he wanted, but I fear they're in for a bit of a fall. I fear because they were a fun team to watch and the playoff win over Dallas was one of the highlights of the decade. But they are too dependent on a fragile Baron Davis and have brought in too many big men in the last two drafts who aren't ready and whom Nellie won't play. I think they're a little thin and could have a struggle to get one of the last playoff spots with expectations now. It's harder when you are expected to win, and you see it all the time in sports.

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