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| photo kinda via thefanassociation.wordpress.com |
Let me start by pinpointing just what irks me about what has taken place in South Beach this season.
The biggest issue I have is with Lebron James.
You see folks, I'm old school, and I really believe in loyalty. One should never forget where he or she came from, and should always remember their roots. Lebron, nobody said you couldn't leave Ohio to go play elsewhere, you have the right to that choice....but it was the WAY you left that upset so many of us. You're an Akron kid. Your entire basketball career blossomed there, and by being drafted by Cleveland, your NBA career to that point had been played in your home state. You didn't have to stab your own people in the stomach by hosting a TV special to tell them you're leaving on a jet plane, and you won't be back again.
I find the whole "Villain" label that has been placed on this team to be very intriguing. The only real villain in my opinion is Lebron, but Dwyane Wade has been unjustly labelled with this villain tag as well, and there's no reason for it. Wade was in Miami to begin with. It was, and still is, HIS team. He's a fan favourite around the league, and always conducts himself with class both on and off the court. In my opinion, it was Lebron coming to Miami that has lead to Wade being grouped in with him as a part of this whole Big 3 novelty. It almost feels like a "guilty by association" thing.
Actually, I think most would agree that the Big 3 can be successfully downgraded to the Big 2 at this point, because Chris Bosh has proven that he cannot perform on the same elite superstar level that James and Wade are on. Yes Chris, you are an all-star, and you put up great numbers last season as you auditioned for potential free agent suitors for the following year. But this year, as you're surrounded by two elite players and you're now playing in the spotlight of South Beach, you've shown that you are little more than a glorified role player with a complete lack of toughness. You're the "Rupaul of Big Men" as Shaquille O'Neal so eloquently described you two seasons ago. Even Kevin Durant, one of the most humble, soft-spoken players in the league, called you a "fake tough guy" after you tried to step to him during a game against OKC this season.
Bosh has basically become a punch line.
However, my opinions on this year's Heat Squad aren't all negative. I'm really happy for Erik "Wally" Spoelstra (I call him Wally because he looks just like one of my homeboys!) Dude has weathered the storm of being the coach of this team, and he has withstood the pressure and the expectations. I admire how Pat Riley stuck by his choice of Spoelstra, and has supported him throughout the turbulence of the regular season.
I'd also be happy to see a cat like Mike Miller win a championship ring, especially given the trials and tribulations he's been enduring during these playoffs (check out Paqman's post on Miller from a few weeks back).
Miami is currently up 2-1 in this best of 7 Finals series, and as I post this, they are in a heated Game 4 battle in Dallas with a few minutes left in the 2nd quarter. I'm sure this will be another hotly contested game. The Mavericks have shown flashes of brillance in the series, especially at the end of Game 2 when Dirk Nowitzki went apeshit and carried them to victory. But overall I'd have to say that Miami is outplaying them. There's still a lot of basketball left, but as this series goes on, I wonder if Dallas really can match up with all of the Heat's fire power? Plus the Heat are getting great contributions from role players like Miller, and also Mario Chalmers who shot the lights out in Game 3.
Maybe it's time I changed my tune and started cheering for Miami to win the championship? As they say ..... if you can't beat 'em, join 'em right?
I relunctantly chose Miami to win the series, so I can't change my mind now.
But win or lose, I'm having too much fun hatin' on The Villain!
-Turnbull
Well said, T!!!
ReplyDeleteIMO, Lebron has zero class and the way the whole thing went down with the parade, etc. embodies much of the narcissistic themes that pervade (and turn me off of) pro sports these days.
Great blog post, man. Keep it up!
Great article T!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree and raise a hate on Wade. No question both LBJ DWade have the games to go along with their mouth and insatiable desire to celebrate key moments like going up 6-4 in the first quarter - but I just hate em...
Look forward to one more win in Big and your post that follows!
I just call it like I see it fellas.
ReplyDeleteAnd major props to you both for being part of the P&B community! Thank you:)
I'm enjoying a great NBA Finals but the only outcome that will make me happy is the Heat LOSING! Going into the playoffs I was routing for anyone but the Heat and the classless Lakers! With the Mavs only being 2 wins away from knocking both of them out and winning a championship. They would be easily justified and deserving of the title.......Champions!
ReplyDeleteThe big debate is who I hate more as a team or player! Easily the 2 most talented players of their time! The way both Lebron and Kobe have conducted themselves on and off the court has been shameful! Putting the title of superstar or champion beside their name with the likes of Jordan, Bird or Magic doesn't seem right or even appropriate!
And don't even get me started on that punk ass bitch Bosh! Even tho Durant weighs a buck 50 he still brings more toughness, grit, rebounding and D then that "role player" as you mentioned T. Give me Haslem or Joel Anthony any day as my role players! Bosh should stick to appearing on Entourage, late night talk shows and his own ridiculously brutal YouTube videos! He will need them to get voted in as an all-star for the years to come.
I'm enjoying reading your blog Turnbull! Well written dude! Keep the posts up.
Cleish
Sent from my iPad
Lebron is not a champion, and never will be. Sure, it's possible that he will win a championship with the Heat but the comparison with the great champions of the game has to stop. Jordan didn't abandon his team to join an "all-star" cast to win a championship. Neither did Kobe or Olajuwon or Duncan. Teams were built around these legends and that is one of the main differences.
ReplyDeleteAs much joy as I had last night watching the Mavs take a 3-2 lead in the series, there's one thing that stuck out to me during the broadcast: Lebron's passive demeanor. He doesn't have that killer instinct, that look in his eye like he's gonna take this team on his shoulders and will them to a win. When your "best player" isn't focused on the kill (especially when Wade was playing injured), you're as good as dead.