The Chosen One/King James’ makes ‘The Decision’
Did you watch ESPN special “The Decision Thursday night?
LeBron James, who’s been dubbed “The Chosen One” and “King James” during his seven-year NBA career in Cleveland, told the world where his next basketball destination would be. He’s joining pals, and fellow free agents, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. The trio plans to win multiple championships with the Miami Heat (or, Miami HATE, as printed on T-shirts already being marketed in cities where James decided not to play).
Some thoughts on James and “The Decision”:
•I felt more than a little uneasy watching James announce his decision. The whole process was uncomfortable. A backdrop of kids from the local boys and girls club was out of place.
•A standard press conference would’ve been better.
•James should’ve contacted ALL of his suitors before announcing his decision, especially the Cavaliers. He said he informed the Heat of his decision but no one else.
•As a free agent, James was free to decide his future. It was his choice, one he earned by playing out his contract. He said “winning is the most important thing for me” and Miami was the best choice for that to happen. Nothing wrong with that.
•He didn’t “owe” the Cavaliers or the city of Cleveland or state of Ohio anything. He played hard and well for the Cavaliers, raising the team from “also-ran” status to title contender. He listened to the Cavalier offer and chose to reject it.
•The backlash he’s receiving from Cavalier fans is justified, though burning James’ jerseys is a little over the top.
•Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert quickly issued a statement, calling his former money-maker “selfish and heartless” and the decision “a cowardly betrayal.” He even implied he was putting some kind of curse on James and the Heat. Gilbert should’ve just said he was grateful for James’ contributions, that the team did everything it could to keep him and that it would work overtime to keep a title-contending team on the court.
•ESPN analysts Chris Broussard and Mark Jackson came off as idiots citing the “sacrifices” James, Wade and Bosh made by apparently accepting less money for the chance to play together in Miami. Gentlemen, a “sacrifice” is when the unemployed head of a household in Cleveland decides the kids may need a few clothes for school this fall more than that summer vacation they used to take.
I remember James receiving something like $90 million from Nike. For Wade, Bosh and James to cite “we’re taking less” is tacky and meaningless.
To their credit, James Wade and Bosh have given much back to their respective communities in the forms of foundations and charities they’ve set up or taken part in.
•It’s hard to believe that the groundwork for the trio landing in Miami didn’t start at the 2008 Olympics. Was the past week a charade? I think so.
•Comparisons between James and Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers should now end. Bryant led LA to its second-straight playoff title just a few weeks ago and was “the man” in doing so. James won’t be able to do that in Miami. Whatever titles Miami wins will be the result of it hitting the jackpot in free agency, not because of James or Wade, individually.
James carried the load in Cleveland and he carried it well. Apparently, it became too heavy.
•How will the Heat do. Many fans and media are already handing multiple titles to the team, starting right away next season.
I don’t think so. Boston, Orlando, Chicago, with the addition of Carlos Boozer, and Atlanta are still formidable teams. Many experts felt Chicago would’ve been a better choice for James.
The Lakers were the best team in the NBA on Thursday. And they still are on Friday.
James, Wade and Bosh are talking about how much fun it’s going to be playing together. What happens when Bosh misses that 22-footer and James was open under the basket? Or, when Wade and Bosh are open on a fast break and James dishes off to Wade for the “ESPN 10 Top Plays” highlight slam?
An 18-2 Miami start to the 2010-2011 season isn’t far-fetched but a 10-10 start would make for better reading.
T-Wolves, Bert and Gardy
•The Timberwolves have apparently gotten something out of James’ decision. If true, and Heat power forward Michael Beasley is headed to Minnesota, he should boost the team and maybe open the door for a good trade involving Al Jefferson.
•From the “yes, he actually said that” department: With the Twins getting pounded in Toronto Thursday night and the discussion turning to the team’s recent woes (5-11, dropping from first to third in the division), TV analyst Bert Blyleven offered: “All teams go though ups and downs. The Twins are actually playing good baseball.” Huh? Makes you wonder what games old Bert has been watching lately.
Blyleven has said many times over the years that “those solo home runs won’t hurt you.” Well, Bert, first of all you should know something about solo home runs, you gave up a lot of them. And, five solos like the Blue Jays smacked Thursday night will do some damage.
•When I turned the Twins-Blue Jays game on last night and saw manager Ron Gardenhire’s lineup I thought I had my schedule mixed up. The Twins must have the day off and are playing the St. Paul Saints in an exhibition.
But, the Twins were still in Toronto and, sadly once again, old Gardy put his B squad on the field. In a ball park that had seen home runs and hits flying all over the place the two previous nights, Gardy inserted the explosive bats of Jason Repko (at leadoff!), Danny Valencia and Drew Butera, a trio which has collected a total of three extra-base hits this season.
Sitting Justin Morneau because of a possible concussion was an obvious choice. Keeping the bats of Denard Span, Jim Thome and even Nick Punto out of the lineup was poor managing.
