Absolutely, but he is still dangerous. I think people are incorrect in assuming the next round will be easier for Boston. I really see this as a toss up given the Heats's experience and coaching. Boston is more talented but the Heat have a lot more savvy.
DJ, your insights are always worth considering.... but do the Heat really have more experience and savvy?
Its a grossly rough measure, and doesn't consider playing time etc etc, but consider playoff games played, and conference+ finals games played.
Summary:
Take away the Iggy and Haslem factors, and Boston has much more conference finals experience -- and most of the Miami conference final playoff experience is Crowder and Olynck!
Boston also has more total playoff games.
Add in Iggy and Haslem and the numbers move to favor Miami. Do they really matter? Should Spoelstra's experience matter?
If so, should we count phone calls and visits, from Tommy H and the Cooz and Mr Russell and the Truth etc etc ...
BOSTON
Smart. 56 games. 12 ECF. I forgot he was hurt for the first 7 (of 9) games last year!
Brown. 55 games. 12 ECF.
Tatum. 39 games. 7 ECF
Kanter. 49 games. 11 WCF (4 in 2018, and 7 in 2016 with okc)
Walker. 22 games
Hayward: 25 games
Ojleye: 33. 7 ECF.
Theis. 18. I still believe that if Theis (or Larkin) is healthy in 2017 they would of beaten cleveland!
First timers!
Grant Williams
RG Williams
Langford
MIAMI
Iggy -- 145 games! 22 WCf and 23 Finals
Haslem. 147 games! 24 ECF and 21 Finals
Butler 61 playoff starts, never gotten past 2nd round.
Dragic. 28 games. 4 WCF (2010, ~14 minutes per game)
Leonard: 26. 4 in wcf in 2018
Crowder: 39 starts.5 ECF with boston in 2017!
Olynyk: 38 games.. 5 ECF with boston in 2017!
First timers!
Abedayo
Herro
Robinson
Nunn: