Miami Heat: 3 Ways That They Resemble 2004 NBA Champion Detroit Pistons
By Noah Decker
Miami Heat: 3 Ways They Resemble 04 Champion Detroit Pistons – Physicality
The Detroit Pistons were and are notorious for their physical play in the 1980’s. They were called the “Bad Boys” for a reason.
1. Physicality
Their 2004 championship team was often called “The Bad Boys 2.0”. This was the same squad that would be a part of the infamous “Malice at the Palace” brawl the following season.
There were several players who played with a toughness about them. Ben Wallace led the pack with his aggression and physical dominance.
Their defensive physicality peaked when Rasheed Wallace joined the team. Everyone worked together to play tough physical basketball, following the precedent set by the 1980’s “Bad Boy Pistons.”
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On the Heat, there are many players who exhibit similar attitudes. Starting with their newest additions, P.J. Tucker and Markieff Morris.
Tucker is one of the toughest players in the NBA. His physical force allows him to play amongst NBA centers despite being undersized at his position.
Similarly, Morris played the role of the toughest player on the Lakers for the past two seasons. He sacrificed his own playing time to back up his teammates.
Another tough player on the Heat is Jimmy Butler. While he is physically tough, he probably won’t ignite a brawl on the middle of the floor, speaking towards his intelligence and how he he’s become one of the most mentally tough players in the NBA.
A modern trash talker, Butler loves to get in other players’ heads. The Heat even have tough players at the end of their bench.
The Captain, Udonis Haslem, was ejected in the only game he played in last season after getting into an argument with Dwight Howard. The Heat are not afraid of anyone and they will show that to everyone they face.
The Heat are so tough, they might average a flagrant foul a game! Literally.