There was talk of a dynasty. The epicenter of the NBA universe had moved to south Florida. The Miami Heat defeated the Detroit Pistons and went to the NBA Finals. There they defeated the Dallas Mavericks to become the 2006 NBA Champions. That was 2006. There was a parade.

Now, it is a different story. There are no wins in the 2007-2008 season yet. There are five defeats - and no victories. There was not even a preseason win. In the preseason, the Miami Heat were winless in seven games. And, looking back at last year, it was elimination in four straight games. The Miami Heat were eliminated in the first round playoffs by the Chicago Bull. It has been a long time since the Miami Heat have won a basketball game.

This must not be good for Coach Pat Riley’s mental health - as well as his heart rate. It has been a long fall from the pinnacle of the NBA to the lowest rung of the Eastern Conference.

Some have attributed this to Shaquille O’Neal’s decline and not having Dwayne Wade recovered from injury. Whatever the reasons, the cheers are turning to jeers. It is becoming more than a matter of wins. It is quickly becoming a matter of pride - and humiliation.

Catherine Forsythe

Tags: nba, miami heat, shaquille o’neal, dwayne wade, pat riley, basketball