I agree with you that Kobe probably drives away good talent. Probably not top talent, but good talent.
I disagree that Shaq is a big reason why the Heat are headed to the finals. I'd say he's about the 4th reason.
1. Dwayne Wade
2. Free agent additions: A.Walker, Zo, Payton, White Chocolate
3. Pat Riley; got rid of Stan
4. Shaq
5. Slumping Pistons; coach not emphasising D
Keep in mind the Heat actually were a good team before Shaq showed up. They finished the 03/04 season as the 4th seed in the playoffs during Wade's rookie year. The core unit of Wade, Jones, Odom and Butler almost took Indiana in the Eastern Conference Finals... but they made two bad plays in game 6 and blew it.
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