Millions of people held their breath last Thursday as NBA superstar LeBron James made his much anticipated announcement regarding his chosen team. Sorry New Yorkers, it looks like the lights of the big apple were not bright enough to lure in King James. The former Cleveland hero has chosen to accept less pay in order to get a chance to play alongside former Raptors Chris Bosh and Miami's very own Dwyane Wade.
The 2010 NBA post season is one of the most anticipated events in the history of American basketball. Several teams made a lot of preparations for LeBron James's free agency, letting go of several players in order to free more room in their salary cap. The New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and the New Jersey Nets felt the pressure to successfully lure the greatest free agent of all time. However, the team that felt the most pressure is no other than the Cavs. After all, James was their most prized possession to begin with. Cleveland is not only James's first team in the NBA, it is also his hometown.
James carried Cleveland on his back for seven years. The Cavs quickly became a legitimate title contender with LeBron's arrival. However, seven years of hard work with the Cavs did not earn James a title. A one-man team just was not enough to win the championship in the case of Cleveland. Kobe had a great supporting cast in LA. Pierce also had Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The Cavs tried their best to give James an able supporting cast as evidenced by the signing of Shaquille O'Neal, Antawn Jamison, Ben Wallace and Mo Williams. The move was successful as the Cavs became the team to beat in the east. However, they fell short in the playoffs against the big three of Boston. The defeat was a hint that James needs to move on and try his luck somewhere else. He did just exactly that on Thursday.
The other contender cities felt great disappointment with LeBron's choice to go to Miami. New York and New Jersey both seemed to be the top teams that can attract King James. Still, it was Cleveland who dealt with the greatest disappointment. It was the Cavs who lost a son, a hero, and a leader. James was their chance at getting the championship trophy back to Cleveland. They felt betrayed and forsaken by the man they considered their savior. Team owner Dan Gilbert even wrote an open letter blasting LeBron's decision to leave the team. Burning #23 jerseys and the removal of James's mural in downtown Cleveland are just some of the angry signs that depict the pain felt by citizens of James's hometown. The emotional outburst is acceptable; however, basketball is business at the end of the day. James is a commodity, an asset that can be acquired and lost. Dan Gilbert should treat him professionally instead of throwing criticisms at his former player. Owners own teams, not people.
James's decision to play for Miami might seem immature for some. Still, has the right to deny James the championship rings that he deserves. Nobody's saying that LeBron can't win a championship with Cleveland. As a matter of fact, he can. Not just now. But in LeBron's mind, he needs to win a title as soon as possible. And now, he feels he can win one with the help of Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. Yes, the chances of Miami winning a title with LeBron are highly favorable. However, it will be completely different compared to a championship LeBron could win in Cleveland or any city where he is king. For sure, James will never establish his own legacy in Miami.
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