Incorrect.
In 1980s and early 1990s many teams used to have a big bench player who they used just to go into the game and commit hard fouls on the other team's star. "Put him on his ass" was the instruction they'd receive when the coach called their name so the other team would think twice about going to the basket. They'd commit personal fouls then that would be called flagrant 2's and earn them a 10 game suspension today. A clothesline in the 1980's was just a normal personal foul!
I'd definitely say the average NBA defense today is more advanced in that allowing zone defenses gives them more tools and leeway, but the defense of decades past was far, far more physical and, under the guidance of the right coach like a Chuck Daly or Pat Riley, could easily rival or exceed today's best defenses in terms of effectiveness against the best offensive teams of their time.
Doesn't mean anything at this point. He could be renegotiating a smaller contract to stay with the Heat and allow them to pursue another big contract guy (ie Carmelo) or shore up their bench. He could be moving to a new team. At this point, it's a crap shoot. Hopefully we don't get 6 solid weeks of "WHERE IS LEBRON GOING?" this time around.
Melo does not fit any of the Heats needs. He is just a big name. I have no idea how he would make this team better. They don't need help with scoring.
Don't get me wrong, I think Melo to the Heat would be the stupidest thing the Heat could do (well, short of re-signing the big three to larger contracts at the expense of the bench). But who knows? I thought Howard and Nash were going to make the Lakers unbeatable.
I think we need a new official free agency thread.
Tim Duncan came back after losing last year, determined to get back to the finals and win this time. Each of them said that their refocus and determination at the beginning of the season was a testament of their character.
Meanwhile Lebron lost and now can't commit to coming back. Perhaps that's a testament of his character as well...