Well the decision was finally made and there is so much to digest off of one man saying two words: Miami Heat.
My first reaction, as a guy from a small Midwest market (Milwaukee), I feel bad for the city of Cleveland, but they need to understand this decision. LeBron James is entitled to assess the landscape, talk to a variety of teams and make his own choice on which franchise gives him the best chance to win now. This wasn't about loyalty or money. It was about winning. It's not LeBron's fault he didn't get to play with Shaq in his prime. It's not LeBron's fault the Cavs couldn't trade for a Pao Gasol in exchange for a few basketballs and clipboards. It's not LeBron's fault he got stuck with Mike Brown instead of Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson.
On to Miami. There aren't many cities in this country that sell themselves more than Miami Beach. In fact the dichotomy of Cleveland vs. South Beach couldn't be greater. There is a reason free agents aren't flocking to Milwaukee and Sacramento. It's seems to me that 'lifestyle' is more important in the NBA culture than other sports and Miami Beach ranks #1 in that category.
As for the new-look Heat, most 'experts' believe the Heat aren't ready to win a title just yet. The Heat have their big three and I believe the rest of the roster will be filled out with a city-wide Hoop-It-Up tournament at the Dade County YMCA. The Heat need a point guard, a center, and most importantly, depth to survive a playoff run.
The pressure on these guys (but mostly LeBron) begins game one of the NBA season. If they lose two in a row, the chemistry articles will be written. If they lose three in a row, Erik Spoelstra will be back to holding Pat Riley's clipboard during timeouts. Pat Riley allowing Erik Spoelstra to coach this group of guys is the equivalent of Coach K. allowing Chris Collins to coach Team USA in the Olympics. It really is amazing how Pat Riley's "aura" has now transcended three decades of the NBA . He has remained relevant and more importantly, powerful, influential and respected by players young and old.
On the flipside, what are the Nets thinking now that all the big name free agents have found a home? I'm guessing Brook Lopez never thought he'd be the face of Nets.com on July 10th. I wonder if that Russian billionaire owner thought he was buying the Mets, not the Nets and things just got lost in translation. How do you say "do over" in Russian? When your billboard marketing campaign doesn't even involve a player (Jay-Z), you definitely have roster problems. Well, good luck to him and his move to Brooklyn. Nyet!
Say what you want about this spectacle Thursday night on ESPN, but it made the NBA relevant and exciting in the middle of July. LeBron James is a star in this star-driven league. Whether he now has new fans in Miami or if the Heat become the new villains of the NBA, David Stern is smiling. His brand is healthy and this upcoming season promises to be something special. In fact you might even say so special...it's fit for a 'King.'
agree 100 percent
ReplyDeleteDan Gilbert's Hamlet act is classless and wrong. He swung and missed on several trades that could have brought better players than Shaq and Antwan Jamison. Gilbert shares blame. The fans should burn his golf shirts in effigy.
I will be hating the Heat something fierce. They are the Hawks rival, you know.
So what's wrong with your home town of Milwaukee?
ReplyDeleteone more thing on this:
ReplyDeletea cursory glance at next season's eastern conference shows that every team in the SE division including the Heat and the Hawk will make the playoffs. Boston is getting older and should decline, while Milwaukee and Chicago should go up.
what's missing in the post game analysis of this LeWaBo deal is the balance of power in the conference.