LeBron Goes To South Beach; Joins Wade and Bosh
Thursday 08 July, 2010 at 11:27 pm Featured, NBA 11
LeBron James' stint with Team USA may have contributed to his decision to play alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
In the most celebrated NBA free agent decision, LeBron James shined in his spotlight.
Citing personal happiness as the most overwhelming factor, LeBron chose to join the Miami Heat next basketball season.
On Thursday night, LeBron’s choice to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh proves that he holds true to his recent comment that he values winning over everything else.
LeBron James Has Always Been a Team Player
Pat Riley is constructing an instant title contender down in South Beach.
Prior to his entrance into the Association, James was projected as a Magic Johnson type player. Given that, his selection of the Heat should not be surprising. James has always expressed great joy in winning as a team, and he has not been able to do that in Cleveland. In Miami, there should be no doubt that James can easily fit into a franchise with two other All-Stars. LBJ has often been criticized for not taking enough shots, but that same quality will certainly be beneficial to Pat Riley’s team. He’s a playmaker, not a scorer – and whoever Miami signs will be thankful for his team-first persona and innate ability to share the rock. James’ move ensures that his individual brand will take a step back, but he shows that his ego to be the team’s top dog is not out of control.
Any Super-Athlete Taking Less Than Max Money is Refreshing
Let’s face it – money seems to be the major motivator for athletes. It’s encouraging for me to hear that James is choosing to leave some potential money on the table – simply because he is pursuing his own personal happiness. Kudos to James for not doing what so many athletes get criticized for.
Olympics, 2010 All-Star Game Was Key
The three new teammates obviously have taken the court together. We’ve seen the new Miami trio play in the Olympics. But in this year’s midseason classic, James, Wade and Bosh put on a spectacular performance show – each player scoring more than 20 points in convincing fashion. They totally dominated the game almost in a comical sense – and you could tell that they were truly enjoying themselves. While there may have been some chatter about teaming up with one another, my guess is that the chatter gained steam after this NBA exhibition.
With James moving to Miami, there should be a greater chance that he'll meet up with Bryant in the NBA Finals.
LeBron Left Himself Open to Haters
The most impressive thing about LeBron’s choice is that he will inherently gain some haters. By not re-signing with the Cavs, James knew that he’d leave the city angry and disappointed. LeBron made a man’s decision, and you really have to wonder when his mind was made up (James said he made it up this morning). As a player, you have a feeling of the level of confidence that you have in your teammates. At the end of the day, LeBron knew that his team was not capable of winning a championship. So he makes his announcement on national television, dumping a whole city in the process.
Cleveland Didn’t Deserve to Keep LeBron
That being said – there’s a difference between asking someone to play for the team representing your city, and making them feel that they have no other choice but to do so. On so many occasions throughout LeBron’s free agency recruitment period, Cleveland fans have been filling the airwaves with propaganda - questioning James’ integrity and character if he chooses to walk away from their city. Before “The Decision” was over, ESPN aired a shot of James’ jersey being burned (apparently from some location in Cleveland). This is the type of ludicrous behavior that allows James to realize that his decision was the correct one.
T Lamont is the owner, administrator and author of all content for Ball or Nuthin\'. Feel free to contact T Lamont with a question or comment at ballornuthin@gmail.com. All created Ball or Nuthin' content is the sole property of T Lamont. Read more from this authorTags: Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Heat, LeBron James
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What up Dawg! Please comment on the following sentence.
"On Thursday night, LeBron’s choice to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh proves that he holds true to his recent comment that he values winning over everything else."
Can you articulate what "everything else" entails? Off first look it would seem that everything else refers to only money, but it's really he values winning over more than just that. Correct? LeBron is saying he values winning over much more than just money. I'm interested in what everyone else thinks LeBron is saying no to by leaving Ohio? Is he still going to live there? Is he still going to hold camps there? Is he still going to do sponsorships? Is he still going to visit local area schools? And the list goes on. Is he just going to play in Miami to win? Or more importantly poor his superstar support into that community and leave Ohio to fend for itself. So where is his heart in all things not on the court.
Hey Tony…in my estimation, "everything else" would include (but not be limited to):
Money – he's leaving millions on the table to go to Miami to play ball. He'll still have a truckload of millions in his bank account, but in the end the Cavs still could have given him a lot more.
Statistical Domination – Playing alongside D-Wade and Bosh will keep him from being the statistical giant that he has been over the past few years. Drafting LeBron on your fantasy team has traditionally led to victory (depending upon your league scoring system, of course).
Iconic / Legendary Status – He's going to Miami with the preface that he's going to win titles. But his value in the eyes of longtime hoops followers may be tarnished because he left his original franchise to do it. He'll also be complemented by Bosh and Wade, and they'll combine to have three of the top four players from one of the best drafts in NBA history (2003).
Ego – From the looks of LeBron's organization of "The Decision," his ego appeared to be out of control – although it's quite possible that he used the media's coverage of his free agency to benefit children with the proceeds from the event (thus using his media power for the good of others). Nevertheless, I have expressed to many Cleveland natives that he has just as much – if not more – ego than Kobe Bryant. After all, who allows themsleves to be posted on a mural with his arms stretched out as if he were Jesus – with a tagline saying "we are all witnesses." Not Kobe Bryant. But his move to South Beach shows that he doesn't have to be "the man."
On another note – - it'll be interesting to see what the city of Cleveland does with his mural…
Tony – You need to learn how to write. It is 'pour', not 'poor'!
People need to grow up and step into the real. This is not pop warner or flag football where you can be loyal with no repercussions. This is the NBA. Professional. Lebron James took less money because he wants to win. He should be praised for that. Not criticized by punks like Marriotti who suffers from little mans complex.. And this bullshit about "keeping the city hostage" I pure nonsense. He doesn't have to make decisions in a timely fashion for Cleveland's sake. He doesn't owe Cleveland a damn thing. Or any of you either. He had to make the best decision for Lebron as any of you would do with your life decisions. He gave a lot more to Cleveland fans more than they gave him or anybody else in their lives. And that's the bottom line.
Why is LeBron's daddy commenting on this blog? Shouldn't he be involved in a lawsuit now?
I couldn't resist it, but I had to watch "The Decision" again this morning. With all the media hype, LeBron seemed quite nervous in his interview but relieved that "this process" is now behind him. He tried to hold back the tears as he witnessed the fans burning his jersey on the streets of Cleveland. Like LeBron said in so many words, it was business and essentially he was collateral for the owner of Cleveland. If he was traded, would there be such drama or would he have burned their organization's offices? He's only 25 years old. He gave some of the best years of his life to an organization – matter of fact 7 years. In Toby's words: "Hey, don't hate; celebrate." Now, we have more news to talk about for the sports world that may lead to a very intriguing NBA playoff forecast.
Now, I know for Tony this might be a little sensitive because he hates "quitters." However, let's look at the logistics:
Fewer minutes can be played with greater impact thereby giving way to increased stamina during regular season for each superstar and duration of career for the whole league to benefit
Less pressure to be "the hero" EVERY night and you'll never truly know (such as with Boston) who'll be the main threat
More $ for Cleveland to truly rebuild its franchise – LIKE $120+ million
A young superstar team not battered by injuries such as Boston
You have to give him credit. It wasn't about the $. That's a plus and worth respecting him for!
Now, let's look at some other perspectives. Does Pat Riley have a hidden agenda? What does Pat Riley have to prove now? Does he and Magic or the Lakers organization have beef? Can this new superstar Heat team get pass Boston or Orlando? Does Stoudemire going to New York looks as though $ was the only issue when the Suns were a conference finalist?
This move is a marketing nightmare.
Do you think fans in NY, Chicago, Cleveland, LA will buy products
that Lebron endorses? No way. And as far as basketball is
concerned, this move is the most illogical move that I have ever seen
a professional athlete make. Never again will he threaten Jordan's
leagacy. Never again will we threaten Kobe' legacy, or Magic, or
Bird's or any athlete that had teams built around them. He will be
forever known as the wimp who bailed out on his team, and his city,
to swing on the jock of DWade. He will be the most hated athlete, on
the most hated team in America.
How interesting this whole situation has become. It has taken over the sports world…..forget world cup….forget another Strasburg pitching outing…..forget that some golf dude shot a 59 yesterday (had to throw that in for golf fans). This is the end all be all of sports news and will be all the way up to the NBA season tip off and the season. I don't have a problem with LBJ leaving, he did what he feels will make him happy. Can't blame a man for that. I think Cleveland (the city, the owner and fans) need to step back a minute, take a breath and realize that no one would even care about them if it were not for LBJ. I know they all feel slighted, but think about it, they will get sympathy from the world, and everyone will be pulling for them. Not just in basketball, but every sport because they are the city that looses superstars to other teams and then they win elsewhere.
Tony has some interesting questions…i heard James say he plans to continue to live in OH and do the same things he's always done. That will remain to be seen, but you have to take him at his word for now. However after last nights emotional outburst from the city and owner, could you blame him if he decides not to. I mean if the entire state turns on him as quick as the owner who just 24 hours earlier was begging him to not leave….what choice would he have.
I also read an interesting article yesterday on ESPN where they were saying this plan began prior to the olympics and that there is 1 more piece to this superteam puzzle, Chris Paul. Supposedly, the plan was for the big three to go to the same team this year, follwed by CP3 next year. It will be interesting to see if this happens. You know what they say….there is always a little truth in a rumor
And just like that Miami is a perennial powerhouse
11 comments
What up Dawg! Please comment on the following sentence.
"On Thursday night, LeBron’s choice to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh proves that he holds true to his recent comment that he values winning over everything else."
Can you articulate what "everything else" entails? Off first look it would seem that everything else refers to only money, but it's really he values winning over more than just that. Correct? LeBron is saying he values winning over much more than just money. I'm interested in what everyone else thinks LeBron is saying no to by leaving Ohio? Is he still going to live there? Is he still going to hold camps there? Is he still going to do sponsorships? Is he still going to visit local area schools? And the list goes on. Is he just going to play in Miami to win? Or more importantly poor his superstar support into that community and leave Ohio to fend for itself. So where is his heart in all things not on the court.
Hey Tony…in my estimation, "everything else" would include (but not be limited to):
Money – he's leaving millions on the table to go to Miami to play ball. He'll still have a truckload of millions in his bank account, but in the end the Cavs still could have given him a lot more.
Statistical Domination – Playing alongside D-Wade and Bosh will keep him from being the statistical giant that he has been over the past few years. Drafting LeBron on your fantasy team has traditionally led to victory (depending upon your league scoring system, of course).
Iconic / Legendary Status – He's going to Miami with the preface that he's going to win titles. But his value in the eyes of longtime hoops followers may be tarnished because he left his original franchise to do it. He'll also be complemented by Bosh and Wade, and they'll combine to have three of the top four players from one of the best drafts in NBA history (2003).
Ego – From the looks of LeBron's organization of "The Decision," his ego appeared to be out of control – although it's quite possible that he used the media's coverage of his free agency to benefit children with the proceeds from the event (thus using his media power for the good of others). Nevertheless, I have expressed to many Cleveland natives that he has just as much – if not more – ego than Kobe Bryant. After all, who allows themsleves to be posted on a mural with his arms stretched out as if he were Jesus – with a tagline saying "we are all witnesses." Not Kobe Bryant. But his move to South Beach shows that he doesn't have to be "the man."
On another note – - it'll be interesting to see what the city of Cleveland does with his mural…
I couldn't resist it, but I had to watch "The Decision" again this morning. With all the media hype, LeBron seemed quite nervous in his interview but relieved that "this process" is now behind him. He tried to hold back the tears as he witnessed the fans burning his jersey on the streets of Cleveland. Like LeBron said in so many words, it was business and essentially he was collateral for the owner of Cleveland. If he was traded, would there be such drama or would he have burned their organization's offices? He's only 25 years old. He gave some of the best years of his life to an organization – matter of fact 7 years. In Toby's words: "Hey, don't hate; celebrate." Now, we have more news to talk about for the sports world that may lead to a very intriguing NBA playoff forecast.
Now, I know for Tony this might be a little sensitive because he hates "quitters." However, let's look at the logistics:
Fewer minutes can be played with greater impact thereby giving way to increased stamina during regular season for each superstar and duration of career for the whole league to benefit
Less pressure to be "the hero" EVERY night and you'll never truly know (such as with Boston) who'll be the main threat
More $ for Cleveland to truly rebuild its franchise – LIKE $120+ million
A young superstar team not battered by injuries such as Boston
You have to give him credit. It wasn't about the $. That's a plus and worth respecting him for!
Now, let's look at some other perspectives. Does Pat Riley have a hidden agenda? What does Pat Riley have to prove now? Does he and Magic or the Lakers organization have beef? Can this new superstar Heat team get pass Boston or Orlando? Does Stoudemire going to New York looks as though $ was the only issue when the Suns were a conference finalist?
Tony – You need to learn how to write. It is 'pour', not 'poor'!
People need to grow up and step into the real. This is not pop warner or flag football where you can be loyal with no repercussions. This is the NBA. Professional. Lebron James took less money because he wants to win. He should be praised for that. Not criticized by punks like Marriotti who suffers from little mans complex.. And this bullshit about "keeping the city hostage" I pure nonsense. He doesn't have to make decisions in a timely fashion for Cleveland's sake. He doesn't owe Cleveland a damn thing. Or any of you either. He had to make the best decision for Lebron as any of you would do with your life decisions. He gave a lot more to Cleveland fans more than they gave him or anybody else in their lives. And that's the bottom line.
This move is a marketing nightmare.
Do you think fans in NY, Chicago, Cleveland, LA will buy products
that Lebron endorses? No way. And as far as basketball is
concerned, this move is the most illogical move that I have ever seen
a professional athlete make. Never again will he threaten Jordan's
leagacy. Never again will we threaten Kobe' legacy, or Magic, or
Bird's or any athlete that had teams built around them. He will be
forever known as the wimp who bailed out on his team, and his city,
to swing on the jock of DWade. He will be the most hated athlete, on
the most hated team in America.
How interesting this whole situation has become. It has taken over the sports world…..forget world cup….forget another Strasburg pitching outing…..forget that some golf dude shot a 59 yesterday (had to throw that in for golf fans). This is the end all be all of sports news and will be all the way up to the NBA season tip off and the season. I don't have a problem with LBJ leaving, he did what he feels will make him happy. Can't blame a man for that. I think Cleveland (the city, the owner and fans) need to step back a minute, take a breath and realize that no one would even care about them if it were not for LBJ. I know they all feel slighted, but think about it, they will get sympathy from the world, and everyone will be pulling for them. Not just in basketball, but every sport because they are the city that looses superstars to other teams and then they win elsewhere.
Tony has some interesting questions…i heard James say he plans to continue to live in OH and do the same things he's always done. That will remain to be seen, but you have to take him at his word for now. However after last nights emotional outburst from the city and owner, could you blame him if he decides not to. I mean if the entire state turns on him as quick as the owner who just 24 hours earlier was begging him to not leave….what choice would he have.
I also read an interesting article yesterday on ESPN where they were saying this plan began prior to the olympics and that there is 1 more piece to this superteam puzzle, Chris Paul. Supposedly, the plan was for the big three to go to the same team this year, follwed by CP3 next year. It will be interesting to see if this happens. You know what they say….there is always a little truth in a rumor
And just like that Miami is a perennial powerhouse
Why is LeBron's daddy commenting on this blog? Shouldn't he be involved in a lawsuit now?
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