The LeBron James Thread

[Pared]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

Heat H-A-T-E-R here...

People are going to relish in the fact they don't win this year. But this was a long term commitment for them.

If Boston hadn't won it in their first year, people would have been reacting the same way.

[OSUFan_88]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

The problem is that long term, what do the Heat have that is going to turn into meaningful role players, especially if the MLE is gone?

I think one of LeBron or Wade has to go, probably Wade.

[wwharton]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

Heat H-A-T-E-R here...

People are going to relish in the fact they don't win this year. But this was a long term commitment for them.

If Boston hadn't won it in their first year, people would have been reacting the same way.

That's where I disagree. I think people wanted Boston to win. People have loved Garnett since he came in the league, and his loyalty probably brought him more fans. I'd say most neutral fans were happy he'd get a chance to go to a team that could win a ring before he retires. Ray has had his fans too, probably more bc of He Got Game but still... he's always been considered one of the "good guys in a bad situation" in the NBA and most probably felt the same about him getting a ring before retiring. Same could be said for Pierce finally getting help to rebuild the great Celtics name.

The fact that KG and Allen were traded probably helps too. This Miami situation is too widely believed to be manufactured by a bunch of immature players who think they're bigger than the league. The Boston situation is also like a nice story that can only last so long bc of the ages of the players. And the big one... the way LBJ handled all of this made him the most hated athlete in the world, lol. Anywhere he went besides Cleveland, that team would immediately become the most hated in the NBA.

[23]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

You get the MLE every year you're over the CAP under the current CBA

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

Boston had so much more of a complete team it isn't even funny.

But yeah people, especially Laker fans are going to be extra excited if or when the Heat don't win.

I wouldn't be shocked if that was the bigger story in the off season as opposed to who won.

[Pared]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

They have a >decent< cast as of right now. It's not like these guys are scrubs you see at your local YMCA (or Jared Jeffries).

The problem is they can't close out late. They become an isolation only, 1 on 5 team, similar to what LBJ was doing in CLE.

Look at how the last game was as close as it was late. Chalmers came through with two big plays, with LBJ drawing the double.

On the final drive when LBJ went left (why the hell is he always going left now) he had the chance to pass it off to Chalmers a third time and didn't. He was open b/c Rose sagged off.

Wade isn't going to be a catch and shoot, spot up kind of guy. Bosh disappears late because nothing is drawn for him. Wade never has the ball despite being "the man" for Miami last year late in the game.

They can't close out late in games... because they don't know how to.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

Outside of Mike Miller off the bench, they're deplorable.

Their bench is probably one of the top 5 worst benches in the league.

[Pared]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

That's where I disagree. I think people wanted Boston to win. People have loved Garnett since he came in the league, and his loyalty probably brought him more fans. I'd say most neutral fans were happy he'd get a chance to go to a team that could win a ring before he retires. Ray has had his fans too, probably more bc of He Got Game but still... he's always been considered one of the "good guys in a bad situation" in the NBA and most probably felt the same about him getting a ring before retiring. Same could be said for Pierce finally getting help to rebuild the great Celtics name.

The fact that KG and Allen were traded probably helps too. This Miami situation is too widely believed to be manufactured by a bunch of immature players who think they're bigger than the league. The Boston situation is also like a nice story that can only last so long bc of the ages of the players. And the big one... the way LBJ handled all of this made him the most hated athlete in the world, lol. Anywhere he went besides Cleveland, that team would immediately become the most hated in the NBA.

You have a point but I guess what I'm trying to get at is whether or not people want to seem this team fail, it's not an experiment for them, just like it wasn't for Boston.

This team is situated to be competitive for the next few years, not just the next few months. They are 2nd in the East for frick's sake. lol

There's just a lot of overreaction right now. Whatever their record is in the regular season, the post-season will be a different story, one way or another.

[wwharton]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

The problem is that long term, what do the Heat have that is going to turn into meaningful role players, especially if the MLE is gone?

I think one of LeBron or Wade has to go, probably Wade.

Miller is a borderline all star in the NBA when healthy. I still think he's the biggest addition going forward. Jones looks like he can be a solid contributor too. Haslem has proven his worth over the years, he's just hurt right now. Chalmers doesn't look like much but not ready to close the book on him yet.

The problem is the drop off after that group (and even including that group with injuries). But they can pick up pieces for specific roles through the draft or even trades. It'll be possible. They don't need to look for stars or even budding stars. They need defensive specialists, shot blockers, three point shooters... the price won't be too high for specialty areas. The question is can they withstand the pressure for a year or (God forbid) two before getting all the right pieces and the chemistry down?

Not going to lie, I'd love to see them self destruct... even better would be Wade getting traded to Chicago. But realistically, everything we either hoped for or feared is possible... it was just never likely in year one.

[OSUFan_88]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

You get the MLE every year you're over the CAP under the current CBA

And with a new CBA coming and owners complaining about the salaries of players, the MLE is almost certainly going to be gone.

[OSUFan_88]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

Miller is a borderline all star in the NBA when healthy. I still think he's the biggest addition going forward. Jones looks like he can be a solid contributor too. Haslem has proven his worth over the years, he's just hurt right now. Chalmers doesn't look like much but not ready to close the book on him yet.

The problem is the drop off after that group (and even including that group with injuries). But they can pick up pieces for specific roles through the draft or even trades. It'll be possible. They don't need to look for stars or even budding stars. They need defensive specialists, shot blockers, three point shooters... the price won't be too high for specialty areas. The question is can they withstand the pressure for a year or (God forbid) two before getting all the right pieces and the chemistry down?

Not going to lie, I'd love to see them self destruct... even better would be Wade getting traded to Chicago. But realistically, everything we either hoped for or feared is possible... it was just never likely in year one.

Here's the problem: Who do the Heat have, outside of their top three and...I guess Mike Miller that other teams would trade for?

Another problem is that the Heat don't have a 1st rounder from now until the next decade between Cleveland and Toronto owning the rights. Even when they do have a rare draft pick, the pick is likely going to be in the 20's unless they really collapse, and by that time, they'd probably be broken up by Riles anyway.

[jeebs9]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

You think their bench is that bad?... I mean... Yea it could be..

Anyone think my idea of Wade coming off the still a crazy idea?

I think they just need better execution down the stretch of games. For example, in the Magic game when they got a big lead. They were moving the ball so much in the first half. And then when they get in trouble they seem to get away from that. So players like Wade and LeBron taking too much of the load. And get away from moving the ball.

[wwharton]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

Boston had so much more of a complete team it isn't even funny.

But yeah people, especially Laker fans are going to be extra excited if or when the Heat don't win.

I wouldn't be shocked if that was the bigger story in the off season as opposed to who won.

Yeah, different topic but Boston put together a team ready to take the ring. Garnett's been one of the best defenders in the game for years and his influence there was huge. Ray Allen has been one of the best 3 point shooters... Pierce has been a great all around player. They had the right pieces around them, had people easily slide into roles. The Heat are just three guys that we didn't think could fit right with each other in a game of 3 on 3, surrounded by whoever they could find to take the minimum.

You have a point but I guess what I'm trying to get at is whether or not people want to seem this team fail, it's not an experiment for them, just like it wasn't for Boston.

This team is situated to be competitive for the next few years, not just the next few months. They are 2nd in the East for frick's sake. lol

There's just a lot of overreaction right now. Whatever their record is in the regular season, the post-season will be a different story, one way or another.

Yep, definitely agree with that. I actually expected what's going on right now. Didn't know what obscure stat was going to trigger it but knew it'd be SOMETHING, lol. My question then and now is how does the mental midget known as Lebron James handle it? I never bought him embracing the villain role. He needs to be loved. He can't point fingers at anyone else... whatcha gonna do, King? We'll see. This may be that moment when he starts to mature... or it may make the entire situation much worse.

But you're right, as long as they just keep building around these three, they will be in the championship discussion for years to come.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

Wade off the bench would be out there, but I think it would definitely be for the better IMO.

I don't think they would ever do that though

[ProfessaPackMan]

Re: The LeBron James Thread

Heat H-A-T-E-R here...

People are going to relish in the fact they don't win this year. But this was a long term commitment for them.

If Boston hadn't won it in their first year, people would have been reacting the same way.

Oh the inevitable is bound to happen.

And by that I mean if they win it all THIS YEAR, you're either gonna have the Heat Fan(not fans)and/or Bandwagoners saying "AHAHAHAHHAHA Why you mad bro!?!?!???" or you're gonna get the "Ya'll ain't nothin but some haters!!!!! Tell Rose or Durant to get on their level" etc, etc.

Or you're gonna get what you're seeing right now from people(except 100x worse since it'll be the Playoffs)in that people will relish in the fact that they didn't win it all this year, which is what all this is about anyway. The people who don't want to see them succeed don't want to see them win it THIS year and never cared about what they would do in the long term. All folks have heard was "Oh well they're not gonna win it this year" or the "I hope they don't win it this year".

Now my thing with this is why we(the general public)and in some cases the Media are giving them THIS much attention after every single loss when we judge players on Playoff Success? Last I checked, they lost a game on March 6, not May/June 6th. Like wwharton, I enjoy seeing it too but I'm not gonna beat the same dead horse after every loss because in the grand scheme of things, this won't mean **** once April 20th gets here.

However, they brought all of this on themselves and that's a fact. They wanted all the attention, they were the ones coming up with new signs to tell the "HATERSSSSSSSSS" to shut up(or in their words, kiss my ***)had the big concert/rally after the mWo was formed. They(along with any sane person in the world)will accept the attention when they're running off 18 game win streaks and "Chillin" like Bosh said but the problem now is they hate it when they lose and look to blame the media(which is the easiest thing for Athletes to do in Sports)