Stop it! Enough with the trade-Wade nonsense! (with poll)

[1) While waiting (and waiting, and...) for a Dolphins head-coaching decision to reveal itself, life marches on. I would assume at this point it's going to be Mike McCoy, but you remember what happens to those who assume! Meantime you can still cast your vote from among the three finalists in the blogpost directly below this new one. 2) Join us on Twitter @gregcote]

WOULD THE HEAT BE BETTER OFF WITHOUT DWYANE WADE? : The far-fetched notion bloomed today (bloomed like a rash) on local sports-talk radio, where much aural nonsense is uttered before evaporating none too soon into the ether. In this case knee-jerking Heat fans were reacting to LeBron James' big game last night against the Lakers, a result that left Miami 5-0 with Dwyane Wade out injured this season. The theory is that James is free to be himself when unencumbered by Wade. First, the opposite would be true, too; Wade naturally would score and shine more if James were the one out. Second, the Big 3 came within two wins of an NBA title in Year 1, when this truly was an experiment, something being figured out. Now much of the figuring out is accomplished. It is astonishing that some Heat fans do not know that Miami is a better, more exciting, scarier to defend team with James and Wade than with either but not both. Wade himself had to smile at the better-without-Wade notion, Tweeting late this afternoon: "It is projected to be a cold day outside but #WithoutWade the weather is quite amazing. L2MS" -- the latter Tweetspeak for "laugh to myself." He knows the talk is ludicrous. I do. Do you? Or do you see credence in the notion. I will admit a straight-up trade with Orlando for Dwight Howard is something I'd at least consider, but I don't think I'd do it. I think James and Wade are the best 1-2 punch in the NBA and can't imagine tearing that dream ticket up. Your thoughts welcome. Take a dip in our poll and say why.

Click back. Will be adding more to this latest blogpost...