When Lebron announced "I'm taking my talents" to South Beach at 9:30 tonight, my heart sank. This is the absolute worst thing that could've happened to both King James and the NBA. It speaks volumes about his competitive streak or lack thereof and at least for the time being, my opinion of him has dropped dramatically. But this disappointment has little to do with him leaving Cleveland, who he does not owe anything. He's been amazing for Northeast Ohio, influencing young kids in the community, generating millions of dollars for the local economy, and making millions of fans who'd previously had little reason to follow professional basketball. And yet I do feel bad for greater Cleveland. It's hard not to when a city has suffered this many sports related indignities. After the announcement, local news affiliates reported burning James jerseys, several minor riots, and even crying fans. I understand those who feel cheated, but to those saying he went on TV to stick it to Cleveland, grow up! He speaks genuinely whenever the Akron area is mentioned and hopes this is a community (don't use twice!) that will remain open to him. He's is not the devil. In all likelihood ESPN approached James about turning the announcement into an hour long special they knew would pull big ratings, not vice versa. I don't believe James is vindictive, but now for the first time in his career, I do view him as gutless.
About two hours before the announcement, I'd predicted that he was heading to the Knicks. I thought publicity mattered most and nowhere would he have received more than in the Big Apple, where professional basketball has become a joke in a city that arguably cares more about sports than any other. They'd just signed Amare Stoudemire, had a terrific coach in place, and Lebron would've been that much closer to global domination. Money and marketing opportunities would've come from all angles through endorsements and business deals. He'd have been in the news every day (not that he isn't now, but anyone who thinks Cleveland & New York are the same is naive). The Knicks wouldn't have been great, but they'd have been a fast improving team one move away from contending for a championship. Lebron could've saved basketball in New York and instantly become the best player to ever play for the Knicks, no questions asked. I really thought this would happen.
There was no way he could've chosen New Jersey or the Clippers for that matter, though winning a title with the latter would've been even more impressive than in New York. From a purely basketball standpoint, signing with the Chicago Bulls made the most sense. They have a stud point guard in Derek Rose and just stole power forward Carlos Boozer in free agency. Lebron's considerable skill set would've complemented those two perfectly. The Bulls had a solid supporting cast already in place and Lebron had spoken publicly about his fondness for Chicago. The only legitimate hindrance I could see was playing for the team that will forever belong to Michael Jordan. For years fans and those within the league have been showering praise upon Lebron as the one guy who really might become bigger and better than MJ. I understand not putting oneself under that microscope, but I can't fathom going completely in the opposite direction either. For days fans have been overcome with rumors and had little choice but to listen and sort them out. I'd received emails from friends regarding financial offices in Chicago that were tied to James. I heard the first "official" announcement that Lebron was to join the Knicks yesterday afternoon, but for all we know it could've come from the owner of "Ray's Pizza." And then we heard several sources mentioning Miami over and over again. But I didn't take this rumor seriously. It simply didn't make sense and still doesn't. After tonight's news I'm left wondering if Lebron wants no part of the microscope ever again.
Depending on who you ask, Miami's Dwayne Wade is either the second or third best basketball player alive (Kobe being the final member of this trio). There's no argument that the three of them reside in a different class from all other peers. But I don't ever remember players of this caliber, in any sport, orchestrating their own futures in this manner. It's all rather sickening. James, Wade, and Chris Bosh basically got together like scheming fathers in a youth hoops league to plot how to get their superstar kids on the same team. Bosh is the final pierce of the puzzle, but it's the teaming of James and Wade that irks me, especially from Lebron's perspective. The Heat are Wade's team. He's won a title there and has been the face of the franchise for years. James is too great to join a player of his caliber. I feel cheated as a basketball fan. Both players are use to dominating the ball for entire ball games at a time. They offer breathtaking plays on a nightly basis, many of which we've never seen before. Sure, they both have wonderful passing skills and will adapt their games accordingly, though nobody should want them to. These are the most gifted basketball players on the planet and we may never see either at his peak again. They will take turns dominating the opposition and while the rare game might showcase brilliance from both stars, it won't be often. Imagine Tom Brady and Peyton Manning joining forces and deciding, "we'll simply alternate quarters." Or better yet, Magic and Bird becoming teammates circa 1986. To make matters worse, Lebron and Wade practically play the same position! I'd raise all-in that Kobe would NEVER voluntarily join forces with Dwayne Wade as a free agent in his prime. He's too competitive and would relish the opportunity to beat him. This isn't the same as Shaq and Kobe combining to win back-to-back-to-back titles a decade ago. That pairing came to be when Kobe was an immature, unproven 13th pick out of high school and Shaq was on his way to becoming the league's alpha dog. They became an inside-outside powerhouse combo, but it wasn't of their making.
What is the best case scenario for Lebron now? Say he and Wade win three titles in the next five years (a stretch I think). Is that version of James even a top 10 all-timer at that point? Even if they won six championships together, giving Lebron one more than Kobe and tying Jordan, he'd still rank behind them. Whether he yet realizes it or not, James' decision has undermined his legacy forever. And he may no longer have the supreme stats to back the claims of his supporters. Is it possible to win another MVP when he'll be splitting votes with a teammate? I thought he cared about this stuff, but maybe I was wrong. Winning in Miami will mean less than anywhere else he could've gone. It may very well come easier, but it won't be nearly as impressive as winning in Cleveland or New York or almost any other team outside of Boston or L.A. Furthermore, going to the Bulls or Knicks would've kept the NBA at it's competitive peak, with strong contenders emerging from at least eight cities. Now we have one potential juggernaut in Miami and at least two dozen fewer games for fans to circle on their calendars this season. Quite frankly, this whole thing sucks. If David Stern is half as powerful as some have claimed, he should have vetoed this thing from the get-go.
If James wins in Miami, most knowledgeable fans will ask, "so what?" If he doesn't, it will be a disaster and being that the Heat have approximately $00.14 with which to fill out the remaining nine spots on their roster, a title is far from a sure thing. They will undoubtedly lead the league in SportsCenter top 10 highlights in 2010-11. I believe Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady once did as well in Toronto. But hey, at least he won't have to carry the load every night. What superstar would want that pressure?
This is much bigger than Cleveland. This is about the demeanor of a younger generation of basketball stars. It's about a lack of competitive drive amongst those who are given far too much too fast, who actually believe they've done a public service in settling for contracts that will pay them ONLY $100 million. But more than anything it's about Lebron, the "chosen one" and his decision to play it safe, just in case he can't quite live up to the hype.
