LeBron going to Miami

[hova-]

Still, Nick's first two points are very good. LeBron did not decide where he could get the most attention or support for his ego. He simply went where he has the best chance to win and have a good time.

[Jeffx]

LeBron made tons of money for Dan Gilbert, resurrected a dead franchise, and (even though the way he did it was wrong), exercised his right to work wherever he wanted. No different than any other American citizen. He doesn't owe anybody anything. It's pathetic that he's become the most hated sports figure in this country.

[Andrew]

Well, that's the sticking point here. I think most non-Cavs fans would certainly concede that he's got every right to go elsewhere, they just don't think much of the way the situation was handled. As for Cavs fans, it's a bit more difficult for them to take an objective point of view especially so soon after the fact. And for his part, Gilbert made himself look just as bad if not worse. Exciting times, but what a mess.

[Jeffx]

I wonder whose idea it was to stage this whole dog & pony show. Bad move.

I was talking about this with my dad and younger brother - LeBron's gone down a lot in their eyes. Their reasoning? Larry Bird & Magic Johnson would never think of pulling this shit. They wanted to tear each other's heads off. Same with Jordan, even Kobe. James is going to a team where he won't be THE MAN. I can see his point, but it's LeBron's choice, he doesn't owe anybody anything. I don't like the way he went about doing it.

[Andrew]

I think most people (well, non-Cavs fans anyway and as I said before, there's too much bitterness and hurt for them to see it otherwise right now) would agree with that and I believe that's the point of view most people are expressing; any disgust is with the way it was handled rather than the mere fact he exercised freedom of choice.

[Nick]

It's easy to criticize LeBron for "the way he handled it", but in doing so i think it's, again, overlooking the bigger picture.

I think it's important to remember that "LeBron James" is a collective group of people and influences, rather than just himself. He has a team of people that would've influenced this whole marketing fiasco hugely. LeBron just plays basketball. So although i agree that it wasn't the greatest way to go about things, the way LeBron handled it is more so a reflection of the world today, than an individual fault, IMO. But people need someone to blame, i guess.

[Andrew]

That's a bit of a cop out. Perhaps it does reflect today's society (Mike Wilbon suggested as such on PTI) but ultimately everyone is accountable for their actions and whether it was LeBron's idea or the idea of someone else in his camp, it wasn't a good idea. I think everyone sees the big picture just fine, but the criticism of "The Decision" and what we've been told went on behind the scenes is hardly inappropriate and well worth mentioning. Like I said, I think most people would call it a coup for the Heat and a very interesting situation in Miami heading into next season, but are fairly calling the whole thing a spectacle and a big PR blunder.

The negativity, at least from non-Cavs fans, is about the way business was handled. And that's entirely a fair call. I don't think too many people are suggesting he had no right to sign with Miami or anyone else other than Cleveland, with the exception of a good amount of Cavs fans who are understandably feeling bitter about the situation.

There have been plenty of comments about what a coup it was for Miami and what it means for their chances but the way the whole thing came about is a big part of the story for a couple of reasons. First, it's the first time we've seen players of this magnitude orchestrate their impending free agency so that they could ultimately play together. Second, by arranging an hour long special on ESPN, LeBron (or LeBron's camp) made it a big part of the story; any kind of publicity stunt by someone of LeBron's stature is going to draw a lot of attention and people are going to have an opinion on it.

[Rip32]

I don't think the fact that LeBron left Cleveland is at all a reason to chastise him nationally. The former player excuse would be that he gave them seven years and they couldn't win it all, which is true, but what makes him want to come back?

He hasn't had a legit all-star teammate yet. Why NOT play with Wade? There isn't any reason why it's a bad thing. Think of the top four players of all-time: Michael Jordan had one Hall of Fame teammate in Pippen and one who should be in Rodman. Bird had two in their primes in Parish and McHale and Magic had Worthy and Kareem. Now I'm not saying Wade is a Hall of Famer or anything, but when your best teammate was Mo Williams or an old Antawn Jamison in your time in Cleveland you can't be expected to do EVERYTHING every night.

Jordan wouldn't have left his team like LeBron did, but he sure as hell wouldn't have played it coy like LeBron. Comparing LeBron's situation to Jordan's is again pointless because give this year's Cavs a Scottie Pippen-type player and we would be talking about them as the Champions and not the Lakers.

Blame the path he took, not the decision. If Cavs fans want to cry and burn jerseys that's fine, he tore their hearts out on national TV. I just don't think you can kill him for leaving the team itself. If it was a basketball decision he was stuck in a terrible cycle in Cleveland and wasn't going to be able to get it done-- but I don't think anyone else could if they were in his spot either.

[Andrew]

What it means for LeBron's legacy is an interesting question. I think there is some merit in the whole "Jordan would've wanted to beat Wade, not play with him" angle, but only because we've seen LeBron shy away in the clutch and not seem entirely comfortable being a takeover player. For all his gifts on the court, he's not consistently a "killer" like a Jordan, Bird, Kobe or Miller. It would naturally be a less tempting scenario for LeBron if he'd had that kind of support in Cleveland, no question.

I think Clyde Drexler might be a worthy comparison here, in terms of legacy and how history remembers him. Drexler became a star in Portland, led them to two NBA Finals series but ultimately didn't win it all until he was traded to Houston and rejoined his college teammate Hakeem Olajuwon. Hardly makes him a scrub, but would anyone put The Glide in the upper echelon of the all-time greats or on par with The Dream? I don't think so and I think that's how it might go down with LeBron. His all-around numbers, individual brilliance and amazing athleticism will be touted but depending on just how things work out in Miami, not being The Man might make all the difference when taking stock his career and comparing him to the other greats.

[The X]

I don't know why it didn't click earlier, but Lebron was always going to leave Cleveland for either Miami or Chicago this season. He advised them of number change from 23 to 6. Miami & Chicago both have #23 retired, for none other than MJ. Coincidence maybe, but maybe more to it.

Glad Gilbert got fined. He's a chump.

What does everybody think Lebron will average this season? I think maybe 22-8-9. I think Wade averages 25+ ppg. Bosh will take the hit, maybe averaging 15-16ppg, 11rpg. I think for Bosh, he's gotta do his job on boards & defensively. I think Heat will win 56 games, they'll struggle early but hit rhythm later. I think they get beaten by Magic in East. Lakers win 3rd straight title though.

[Andrew]

I don't know why it didn't click earlier, but Lebron was always going to leave Cleveland for either Miami or Chicago this season. He advised them of number change from 23 to 6. Miami & Chicago both have #23 retired, for none other than MJ. Coincidence maybe, but maybe more to it.

Same thing occurred to me, but then filing the paperwork to change his number to six seemed more a suggestion he was open to remaining with the Cavs, since free agents and traded players are free to select new numbers upon joining their new team, with the need to gain prior approval from the league.

What does everybody think Lebron will average this season? I think maybe 22-8-9. I think Wade averages 25+ ppg. Bosh will take the hit, maybe averaging 15-16ppg, 11rpg. I think for Bosh, he's gotta do his job on boards & defensively. I think Heat will win 56 games, they'll struggle early but hit rhythm later. I think they get beaten by Magic in East. Lakers win 3rd straight title though.

Those numbers sound like solid predictions to me. I could see them winning around 60 games or more depending on how well they can fill out their roster though.

[NovU]

Unlike many of you, I don't think we'll have a slow start. As long as the core is healthy at the beginning, they should have no problem start winning from early season, especially considering the motivation and wills to prove doubters wrong by the new BIG 3s. My guess is somewhere around 58 - 63 win season.

As for the playoffs, East seems to be comprably a weak place, Orlando and Boston only being mentionable as real threats. As long as the Heat remains healthy, I think we'll have a good chance at the title without doubts as the Heat clearly stands out at least in roster wise for now.

Last but not least, good for the Heat re-signing Udonis Haslam. It was known Wade took less than Lebron and Bosh in contract, in order for the Heat to be able to re-sign Haslam. A sacrifice in being a good friend. Overall, I'm really loving the roster. Riley still has much to do but all is looking great for the Heat fans.

[Martti.]

When Boston's big three came together, they started 29-3. I don't see a reason why Miami should have a rough start.

[Oznogrd]

When Boston's big three came together, they started 29-3. I don't see a reason why Miami should have a rough start.

Because Allen (spot shooter) KG (post/mid range) Pierce (slasher/penetrator/midrange) are a different combo of players than Lebron Bosh Wade. Lebron and Wade both lean towards slasher/penetration play. When you have too many people do that, lanes get clogged up and bad things occur. If they work it in practice and learn each others patterns and the like: you're right, there's no reason they wont have a rough start. They just need to learn each others styles and how to mesh them, rather than saying "im not gonna change and neither are you" and causing issues.

Like i said in other thread: i havent drank the Heat Kool-Aid yet...but this is a project that could be looked as one of the best moves in history. Or one that is always referred to as "what could have been" if it doesnt pan out into multi-finals appearances/championships

[Jackal]

especially considering the motivation and wills to prove doubters wrong by the new BIG 3s.

Who is doubting they will be pretty kick ass? Stop fabricating things just to be able to "come out on top". No one is doubting they'll be pretty damn good.

[Oznogrd]

Zan, they're your favorite team, can you at least spell one of their names correctly?

[NovU]

Hyper-Sexy shadow's asshole-ness is contagious!

[J@3]

Watching a team dominate for the next 5 seasons at least with the only way of countering them being to form a super team with other big name stars. Yippee.

[shadowgrin]

Hyper-Sexy shadow's asshole-ness is contagious!

It's not asshole-ness. It's just you being an idiot of a Heat fan. You already murdered the spelling of Dwyane Wade's name with your past sig, now you're starting to murder Haslem's name too?

[cyanide]

Watching a team dominate for the next 5 seasons at least with the only way of countering them being to form a super team with other big name stars. Yippee.

It seems to be the trend. Boston has a "Big 3," and now Miami does, and I'm sure other organizations will think the only way to win a championship now is to have a Big 3.

[Andrew]

Stern's comments on the way everything went down are pretty fair. Sounds like Cuban's request for a probe will be turned down as well.

[Jeezy]

phpBB [video]

Fans of wrestling, you'll easily get the reference, which is quite on point. Otherwise, just the badly cropped out pics alone are worth a laugh

[Murat]

[Dee.]

phpBB [video]

Fans of wrestling, you'll easily get the reference, which is quite on point. Otherwise, just the badly cropped out pics alone are worth a laugh

Awesome.

[Andrew]

That was pretty well done, really. If anything some of the rough cutting and text-to-speech only made it funnier.