By Huw Beynon
Steve Nash was on hand to announce the Miami Heat had won best team at the ESPN annual awards night, but only two of the heat were there – Juwon Howard and Mike Millar.
Heat star LeBron James won three awards including best male athlete, but he couldn't make the ceremony as he's holed up in Las Vegas training with the US Olympic team.
Already being compared to the dream team of 1992, Team USA are heavy favourites to win gold next month.
“It's cool to hear those comparisons, but at the same time that was probably one of the best teams ever composed, every single guy was in the hall of fame,” says Team USA member Blake Griffin.
A future hall of famer himself, Nash won't be at the Olympics as Canada didn't qualify. But he was enjoying a night out at the Espys in his new home town of Los Angeles, having just signed for the Lakers.
“The opportunity for me to play for one of the greatest franchises in pro sports, one of the most decorated franchises in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, was too good for me to pass up,” he says.
Another big name making a move is Ray Allen – the record holder for most 3-pointers is on his way to Miami to join the champions from rivals Boston, prompting a wave of hate from celtics fans.
“I felt as though I contribute a great deal to the organisation in Boston, and they were so good to me. Then I wondered whether Miami would be a good fit me now,” says Allen.
Add him to Lebron, Wade and Bosh, and who would bet against him claiming a second championship ring.
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