HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

Before the rollercoaster ride actually began in late October, LeBron James and his buddies could barely contain their excitement as they entered the amusement park back in early July… There was a tickertape coronation replete with glitter guns, a laser light show and colorful explosions in order to properly introduce the new Super Friends to South Beach before they had played a single game or even participated in a practice together.  Chris Bosh screamed, while LBJ and D Wade preened.  While on stage, LeBron stated he believed winning just one championship wouldn’t be satisfactory.  "Not one, not two, not three, not four, not five…"  Multiple championships was the avowed goal. 
 
This was all right after King James subjected his subjects to a cringe-worthy hour of television entitled "The Decision" on ESPN. 
 
The stage was set.  The Miami HEAT had done the unthinkable; they somehow managed to alienate nearly the entire basketball universe.  Celtics’ fans and Lakers’ fans are diametrically opposed on the vast majority of NBA issues, particularly in who they root for during NBA games – but fans from Boston to L.A., and everywhere in between found themselves promising to cheer for whoever playing the HEAT.
 
It all started with the "Decision."  In one fell swoop, in one-hour of prescheduled, primetime programming, LeBron was transformed from national hero and international icon into, well, something else entirely.
 
They say there is a thin line between love and hate.  LeBron found out that cliché rings true, and he found out the hard way. 
 
LeBron had every right in the world to freely choose where he would like to continue his historic NBA career.  He earned the opportunity to explore his options via free agency.  That is not the issue.  The problem was the WAY he handled it. 
 
He broke the hearts of fans in Cleveland; that story has been well documented.  The manner in which he chose to ditch the Cavs was unconscionable.  And the fact he compounded his error in judgment by never apologizing was senseless.  But it wasn’t just in his home state that James burned bridges.  He also left the fans in New York feeling like they were hoodwinked.  After flirting with NYC and MSG for three years, he chose sunny South Beach over NYC.  New York’s sentiments turned from desire to detestation.  Ditto for hoop fans in Chicago and New Jersey, who believed they had a legit chance to court the King.  And even for those casual observers without a horse in the race – most walked away disgusted at the way the whole process played out.  It basically rubbed everybody the wrong way.     
 
Following "The Decision" and the accompanying celebratory introduction, the HEAT were fighting an un-winnable battle in the court of public opinion.  Miami was cast as the newly-minted villains of the NBA.  And although LeBron and Bosh tried to embrace the role and poke fun at the concept, it is obvious they are simply not comfortable playing the "bad guy."
 
The latest controversy with Miami as its epicenter is "cry-gate."  After the HEAT lost to the Bulls on Sunday afternoon, Miami Coach Erik Spoelstra let it slip a couple of players were crying in the locker room after the game.  The press, obviously, pounced immediately.
 
However, Coach Spoelstra called foul.  He lashed out at the media.  "This is classic example of sensationalism," Spoelstra declared. "Just looking for a headline… I think the rest of it you guys are really searching for sensationalism right now. "
 
Apparently, Coach Spo was hoping the local and national press would simply ignore such a story? 
 
The problem for Miami is that you can’t scream "look at me" when you have a ticker-tape coronation in July; but then turn around say "leave me alone" when your team is struggling/crying in March.  The HEAT can’t have it both ways. 

Couldn’t it be argued that Miami’s introduction of the Big Three was a bit "sensational?" 

LeBron and his buddies had to realize it wasn’t going to be just great weather, beaches, and the best nightlife.  No, this was a combination-deal they signed up for.  The HEAT have to accept the good with the bad. 

{AUTHOR_BOX}Of course, Spoelstra isn’t entirely wrong.  Did the press make way too big deal out of this ‘non-story?’  Sure they did, but to assume it would be ignored would be foolish.  The fact of the matter is if the same situation went down in a town like Milwaukee, it would not have been a big deal, and certainly would not have generated major headlines.  Crying is a part of sports.  It was well documented that many of the Celtics cried when Kendrick Perkins got traded.  Derek Fisher cried after the Lakers got eliminated in 2003.  And it happens often all the time in NCAA tornament every year.

Media/fans will use player’s actions to fit the mold they are looking to create.  Reality will be made to fit perception.  Using a baseball example, if it was reported that Derek Jeter cried after a losing a big game, his supporters would use it as proof he is a great captain because he cares so much about winning.  Whereas, if A-Rod got caught crying after a loss, he would be relentlessly abused.  The Post would run mocking headlines on their back pages for two weeks straight.   
 
Right now, pundits/fans are looking for any reason to characterize the HEAT as ‘soft.’  And the "Riley will replace Spoelstra" rumors have been running rampant since November.  The idea Spoe emasculated his team and aired dirty laundry in public is way too juicy a subplot for the media to ignore. 
 
The HEAT are essentially public enemy #1, which is why they are generating so much buzz but also catching so much flak.

When a nameless relief pitcher or a backup utlity infielder takes off his shirt of in central park, no one cares. But when Alex Rodriguez did it, he ends up on the cover of tomorrow morning’s newspaper.  That’s life for an elite superstar.  It comes with the territory.  Being the top dog has certain advantages, but also comes with a significant downside.  LeBron was somewhat shielded while playing close to home for the Cavs, and for an organization which did its best to protect him from criticism. 
  
Coach Spoelstra may not believe the added scrutiny is its fair, but that was never the question.  Ask Cleveland Cavalier fans what they think is "fair."

Just imagine what kind of coverage will descend upon South Beach next month when the playoffs begin.  The pressure will increase exponentially once the postseason tips off.  That is when things will get really interesting.  I was trying to think, but I couldn’t come up with a team (in ANY sport) with as much stress on their shoulders heading into a particular postseason…  If the HEAT feel bogged down by the pressure of a regular season game against the Bulls in early March, what happens if they are down 3-2 heading into a Game 6 versus Boston?  And Miami only has one player who has proven he can step up and consistently make big shots in big spots.  One of the main subplots causing angst in Miami has been the HEAT’s awful record against the best teams in the league and their inability to close out contests.  Per NBA.com, HEAT are just 1-18 in games in which they were tied or down 1-3 points in final ten seconds. Amazingly, they are just 1-6 when UP 1-3 points in final 30 seconds:

Again, as Wade and Bosh have stated since training camp, this season will be considered a failure if they don’t win a title.  Do they have the talent to get it done?  Absolutely.  But as history has taught us, sometimes the most talented teams don’t always win.  

Moreover, what kind of pressure/expectations will they deal with heading into next season if they fall short this Spring? 

One thing is certain – the upcoming NBA playoffs may well be the most exciting and anticipated postseason we have witnessed in some time.  Stay tuned…