Heat-Bobcats Summary

(Note: Data compiled from box scores at http://www.basketball-reference.com)

Best Plus Minus: Lebron James (+38 in 158 minutes). Much like last year's 1st round Heat series, there isn't a lot to take from this plus-minus data. Every Heat unit seemed to best the Bobcats' units, so no one really stands out. The most interesting thing that Lebron did on the court was maybe look at MJ, although he's confirmed that he didn't.

Worst Plus Minus: Kemba Walker (-34 in 153 minutes). If it's possible for a player to gain national respect during a 4 game sweep, I think Kemba did it. It wasn't long ago that some people were trying to prove Kemba could even play in the league, and look at his play against the two time champs: efficient scoring, decent playmaking, and quite a few eye-opening plays. Hopefully Charlotte doesn't follow its prior pattern of drafting point guards in the lottery every few years...there's a keeper already on the roster.

Series MVP: Josh McRoberts (Net +34 in 153 minutes). It's a testament to the fit between player, scheme, and team that McRoberts is in this spot. His career previous to Charlotte only offered hints of the floor-spacing, part-time point forward he's been as a Bobcat. His market value will be difficult to gauge, but I could argue that his on court production won't be better than it was in Charlotte if he leaves.

Series LVP: Dwyane Wade (Net -41 in 133 minutes). Just like I said for Lebron, there's nothing to take from the plus-minus data for the Heat. The most important thing for Wade is that he looked healthy for the overwhelming majority of the four games, and that's the only thing that matters for him going forward.

Reverse Jerome James Award: Rod Higgins and Rich Cho. In June of 2012, when people were scratching their heads about the Mike Dunlap hire, I mused about the real questions to answer regarding the roster. Fast forward two years, and it's time to give credit where credit is due.

• hired Steve Clifford as head coach
• signed Al Jefferson for 3 years, $40.5mm (averaged 22-11 this season in 73 games)
• traded Hakim Warrick for Josh McRoberts (averaged 9 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast, 36% 3PT)
• traded Corey Maggette for Ben Gordon and Detroit's 1st round draft pick (coming this year or next)

While anyone can poke holes in the draft picks a team didn't make, the rest of the roster management has been undeniably good. Relative to the Bobcats' last trip to the playoffs, the future looks notably brighter.