Anyone else getting sick of the backlash towards Miami?

[soap07]

The only disappointment I have is that the best player since Jordan basically told the world he does not have the stomach for it.  He told the world he'd rather be Scottie Pippen than Michael Jordan.  That is just absolutely stunning to me. 

He never told the world that. That's what you're taking it as. He just said he wanted to win and Miami gave him the best opportunity to do that.

[incoherent]

I think the outrage at this is outrageous.

Lets, for example, look at Joe Johnson.  Dude took max money and crippled his own chances at ever winning a ring for extra money.

LBJ/Wade/Bosh all took less money for a shot at a ring..... isn't that like a noble thing to do in basketball???  I always thought so.  I still think so.

Had LBJ/Wade/Bosh all stayed home and took max contacts I would have been disgusted.

I like Lebron, Wade, and Bosh a lot more now then I did before.  They are actually sacrificing money for a chance to win.  Something that doesn't happen all that often.  Sure it happens to players as they get older and various other circumstances.  But never does it happen to players with youth in their prime.


Why are people mad at this? I read this whole thread and didn't see any valid reasons at all.

Ya'll a bit mad at how LBJ is a never ending hype machine?  Get over it, been that way for 7 years.  He gained my respect by taking less money and not wanting to be the man just wanting to get a ring.

Ya'll mad cause Bosh tweeted some dumb stuff?  Get over it... it's freaking twitter.... not a reason to around hating a guy who left money on the table for a chance at a ring.

So what are you mad at really?? That all of a sudden Boston's title chances have dwindled considerably?

Tough luck for us I guess, hate them though? No... I dont hate them, if anything I respect them all a little more for doing something we all said we would do if we were NBA players probably a million times.

I am a little tired of all the backlash they are getting.  It just shows you who is jealous and who just wants to be a hater.

So because some of us don't feel sorry for them, or aren't "sick of the back-lash", we're jealous and want to be haters?!? Sorry, but I take exception to that, (forgive me if I'm mis-interpreting).

Personally, I don't listen to much of the back-lash, because I've been through plenty of it as a Boston fan ... it comes with the territory, and teams who are our competition, aren't going to get my pity because they get it, too.

Saying that these guys are more worthy of our admiration just because they took a temporary cut in pay to become a "Super-Team", is a bit short-sighted, IMHO.

This will benefit them all, and not just in terms of winning ... their exposure and "Star" power will soar as a result, and endorsements and residual monetary benefits will go on for years.

They want to win, so they took a salary cut ... but that's no shining endorsement of their character, merely what they should be doing as competitors, (in the media's eyes), and what will benefit them even more in the long run, than if they had stayed autonomous.

If you want to make a comparison of character, just look at Paul ... he took a pay-cut primarily out of loyalty to his team and fans, not as part of a betrayal to his home-town fans for the sake of joining a "Super" team.

The fans of Toronto and Cleveland are bitter, and they have a right to be ... they gave their hearts and loyalty to guys who saw their personal gain as the ultimate consideration.

Sure, that's what this league is about nowadays, and Pierce's motivations weren't completely unselfish. But to feel sorry for Miami because they'er taking some guff for decisions that hurt a lot of people, well, I just can't go there.

It's also a misnomer to label people as "mad" just because they feel no sympathy for the Heat ... I'm not remotely mad, in fact, I started a whole thread about how I love all this hype, as it makes the Celtics an underdog.

I don't hate the Heat because they've become the big favorite in the East, I hate them because they're our competition, as I did before this happened, and now even more because LeBron is there, not because I'm jealous or afraid of their new "Super" team.

You and others feel sorry for them for the backlash, and that's your right, but please allow the rest of us the latitude to be indifferent about the whole thing, and not label us as "haters" and jealous, just because we don't feel bad for the new Super-heroes of the NBA.

The fans of Cleveland and Toronto ... that's who I feel sorry for in the light of this whole thing. I can't imagine having the rug pulled out from underneath like that ... and I hope I never have to find out.

I need to give you TPs for about 3 weeks, Bahku.

Can I get TPs also? Or only if I post the same argument everyone else is posting but more long winded?

I can and will respect these players more for not doing it for the Money. 

You can say whatever you want but they took lesser contracts to get Wins and Rings.... how can you hate on that?

How can you spin that to something negative?

I don't see it... more players should do what they are doing.  Joe Johnson should have undoubtedly done what they did seeing as he has no chance of leading any team because he clearly isn't good enough.  Instead he crippled his team for years to come.

Why all the hate? I'm still not seeing it.

[soap07]

8)But to feel sorry for Miami because they'er taking some guff for decisions that hurt a lot of people, well, I just can't go there.

Good lord. Who did LeBron and co. "hurt" with their decisions? People need to put this perspective. 

The fans of Toronto and Cleveland are bitter, and they have a right to be ... they gave their hearts and loyalty to guys who saw their personal gain as the ultimate consideration.

Towards the players though? Or management? Does anyone seriously think that if Cleveland/Toronto management did a better job putting a supporting cast around these players that the Miami trio would have formed?

[soap07]

If you want to make a comparison of character, just look at Paul ... he took a pay-cut primarily out of loyalty to his team and fans, not as part of a betrayal to his home-town fans for the sake of joining a "Super" team.

Uh...and the fact that he still has Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Doc RIvers and at the time, a reasonable assumption that Ray Allen was coming back. It wasn't all about "team" and "loyalty". It was about winning a ring as well. He got more money in the long run than he would've if he didn't opt out.

[RIPRED]

I am.  I have no problem with these 3 getting together down in Miami. I am a diehard C's fan, but if the Heat make it deeper into the playoffs than my beloved Green, you can rest assured that I will be rooting for Wade and Co.

[JSD]

Yes, I agree. More of the focus should be on Lebron taking the easy way out.

[Chris]

I couldn't stand the way Lebron handled it, and I personally think he just knocked his legacy down a few pegs, but ultimately, I don't really care.  Good for them.  Now, lets just see if they can live up to the hype, because if they don't win like 3 championships in the next 5 years, it will be a huge disappointment.

[Bahku]

8)But to feel sorry for Miami because they'er taking some guff for decisions that hurt a lot of people, well, I just can't go there.

Good lord. Who did LeBron and co. "hurt" with their decisions? People need to put this perspective.  

The fans of Toronto and Cleveland are bitter, and they have a right to be ... they gave their hearts and loyalty to guys who saw their personal gain as the ultimate consideration.

Towards the players though? Or management? Does anyone seriously think that if Cleveland/Toronto management did a better job putting a supporting cast around these players that the Miami trio would have formed?

So I guess I get the surgery here ... so be it. I think you may want to ask say, the fans in Toronto and Cleveland, the respective managements, former team-mates, businesses in those cities who benefit from local sports, friends and family members of the two players who live in those cities, etc., whether or not they have been "hurt" in any way by the decisions LeBron and CB made. Maybe they can put the proper "perspective" on it, since you seem to think I'm lacking it.

Also, Paul said a long time ago that he would take a cut in pay in order to retire as a Celtic ... if that has nothing to do with team loyalty, it certainly comes a lot closer than what Bosh and 'Bron have done. You honestly think the fans or the city or the Celtics organization had no bearing on his decision? Come on! And how do you figure he made more money in the long run by opting out?!?

(Back atcha, RIB & L20).

[Chris]

8)But to feel sorry for Miami because they'er taking some guff for decisions that hurt a lot of people, well, I just can't go there.

Good lord. Who did LeBron and co. "hurt" with their decisions? People need to put this perspective.  

The fans of Toronto and Cleveland are bitter, and they have a right to be ... they gave their hearts and loyalty to guys who saw their personal gain as the ultimate consideration.

Towards the players though? Or management? Does anyone seriously think that if Cleveland/Toronto management did a better job putting a supporting cast around these players that the Miami trio would have formed?

So I guess I get the surgery here ... so be it. I think you may want to ask say, the fans in Toronto and Cleveland, the respective managements, former team-mates, businesses in those cities who benefit from local sports, friends and family members of the two players who live in those cities, etc., whether or not they have been "hurt" in any way by the decisions LeBron and CB made. Maybe they can put the proper "perspective" on it, since you seem to think I'm lacking it.

Also, Paul said a long time ago that he would take a cut in pay in order to retire as a Celtic ... if that has nothing to do with team loyalty, it certainly comes a lot closer than what Bosh and 'Bron have done. You honestly think the fans or the city or the Celtics organization had no bearing on his decision? Come on! And how do you figure he made more money in the long run by opting out?!?

(Back atcha, RIB & L20).

So, are you saying that Lebron and Bosh owed it to the cities of Cleveland and Toronto to stay in situations that they did not think were the best for their careers and lifestyles?

I mean, you are probably right that a lot of people were "hurt" by this.  But that is part of life.  It is completely unfair to expect Lebron or Bosh to make decisions that would not be good for them (in their minds anyways), just because it may hurt other peoples feelings, or because businesses have been profitting off them, and now, the gravy train will be gone.

Yes, I have a huge problem with the way Lebron handled this, but ultimately, I don't think anyone should be angry at him for the actual decision though.

[Birdbrain]

I think the outrage at this is outrageous.

Lets, for example, look at Joe Johnson.  Dude took max money and crippled his own chances at ever winning a ring for extra money.

LBJ/Wade/Bosh all took less money for a shot at a ring..... isn't that like a noble thing to do in basketball???  I always thought so.  I still think so.

Had LBJ/Wade/Bosh all stayed home and took max contacts I would have been disgusted.

I like Lebron, Wade, and Bosh a lot more now then I did before.  They are actually sacrificing money for a chance to win.  Something that doesn't happen all that often.  Sure it happens to players as they get older and various other circumstances.  But never does it happen to players with youth in their prime.


Why are people mad at this? I read this whole thread and didn't see any valid reasons at all.

Ya'll a bit mad at how LBJ is a never ending hype machine?  Get over it, been that way for 7 years.  He gained my respect by taking less money and not wanting to be the man just wanting to get a ring.

Ya'll mad cause Bosh tweeted some dumb stuff?  Get over it... it's freaking twitter.... not a reason to around hating a guy who left money on the table for a chance at a ring.

So what are you mad at really?? That all of a sudden Boston's title chances have dwindled considerably?

Tough luck for us I guess, hate them though? No... I dont hate them, if anything I respect them all a little more for doing something we all said we would do if we were NBA players probably a million times.

I am a little tired of all the backlash they are getting.  It just shows you who is jealous and who just wants to be a hater.

The Onion should pick this up and post it in response to backlash. 

What? Why?  Because I posted an alternative point of view? Waste of time writing responses like that man.

Ok here's another opinion.  It's one thing to agree with the OP it's another to label those that think differently as 'haters' and jealous.  I actually hate that term 'haters'.  But beyond that I don't even see how you could come up with jealousy.  I don't hate LJ or in no way am I jealous of the Heat for signing 1 great player and another lapdog.  What I find offensive is the dog and pony show that was put on by ESPN and Bron brand (lol). And what bothers me even more is I actually thought he was going to be the best player of all time so in a way I'm kind of sad that it will never happen because he admitted that he really wasn't everything he said he was or that ESPN reported ad nauseam about.  I'm upset I wasted my time with this overrated hype.  Just a different opinion.

[Bahku]

8)But to feel sorry for Miami because they'er taking some guff for decisions that hurt a lot of people, well, I just can't go there.

Good lord. Who did LeBron and co. "hurt" with their decisions? People need to put this perspective.  

The fans of Toronto and Cleveland are bitter, and they have a right to be ... they gave their hearts and loyalty to guys who saw their personal gain as the ultimate consideration.

Towards the players though? Or management? Does anyone seriously think that if Cleveland/Toronto management did a better job putting a supporting cast around these players that the Miami trio would have formed?

So I guess I get the surgery here ... so be it. I think you may want to ask say, the fans in Toronto and Cleveland, the respective managements, former team-mates, businesses in those cities who benefit from local sports, friends and family members of the two players who live in those cities, etc., whether or not they have been "hurt" in any way by the decisions LeBron and CB made. Maybe they can put the proper "perspective" on it, since you seem to think I'm lacking it.

Also, Paul said a long time ago that he would take a cut in pay in order to retire as a Celtic ... if that has nothing to do with team loyalty, it certainly comes a lot closer than what Bosh and 'Bron have done. You honestly think the fans or the city or the Celtics organization had no bearing on his decision? Come on! And how do you figure he made more money in the long run by opting out?!?

(Back atcha, RIB & L20).

So, are you saying that Lebron and Bosh owed it to the cities of Cleveland and Toronto to stay in situations that they did not think were the best for their careers and lifestyles?

I mean, you are probably right that a lot of people were "hurt" by this.  But that is part of life.  It is completely unfair to expect Lebron or Bosh to make decisions that would not be good for them (in their minds anyways), just because it may hurt other peoples feelings, or because businesses have been profitting off them, and now, the gravy train will be gone.

Yes, I have a huge problem with the way Lebron handled this, but ultimately, I don't think anyone should be angry at him for the actual decision though.

Uhh ... please point out where I said I was angry with LeBron, and also where I said he and Bosh owed it to their cities to stay in their situations. (?) I didn't.

I said I don't feel sorry for them because of the backlash ... I said they hurt people by doing what they did ... I even said that I took exception to being called a "hater" and "jealous" because the backlash didn't bother me ... but I never said either of the things you say I did here.

Because someone makes a decision that they feel is best for their life, doesn't mean I have to like it, or even agree with it. That's not fair, maybe, but it's also "life" ... and my right to opinion.

[soap07]

I said I don't feel sorry for them because of the backlash ... I said they hurt people by doing what they did ... I even said that I took exception to being called a "hater" and "jealous" because the backlash didn't bother me ... but I never said either of the things you say I did here.

Well, the businesses made a ton of money off LeBron and Bosh and we're supposed to feel sorry for those businesses because they're not making that money anymore? Maybe get a different business model then?

[soap07]

Also, Paul said a long time ago that he would take a cut in pay in order to retire as a Celtic ... if that has nothing to do with team loyalty, it certainly comes a lot closer than what Bosh and 'Bron have done. You honestly think the fans or the city or the Celtics organization had no bearing on his decision? Come on! And how do you figure he made more money in the long run by opting out?!?

Fascinating. Paul also said that he'd "pull a Kobe" if the Celtics didn't acquire Ray/KG. So where was his team loyalty then?

[Bahku]

Also, Paul said a long time ago that he would take a cut in pay in order to retire as a Celtic ... if that has nothing to do with team loyalty, it certainly comes a lot closer than what Bosh and 'Bron have done. You honestly think the fans or the city or the Celtics organization had no bearing on his decision? Come on! And how do you figure he made more money in the long run by opting out?!?

Fascinating. Paul also said that he'd "pull a Kobe" if the Celtics didn't acquire Ray/KG. So where was his team loyalty then?

Can you provide a link to that quote please? There was a time when Pierce was tired of carrying all the weight here, without the prospect of getting deep in the playoffs, and he threatened to leave ... it was the right thing to do, because it got results, and improved the team.

But what does that have to do with his loyalty to Boston? If you honestly think he doesn't care a crap about the fans here or the team or feel any loyalty to it, then you haven't been watching or listening to him very closely over the last ten-plus years.

Wow.

[dark_lord]

i love the backlash

i dont mind at all that they signed those guys.  i dont have any issues with wade and bosh.  but lbj is such a narcissistic DB and the way in which he conducted himself warrants backlash.  

the only thing i dont like about the heat in all of this, is the cheesy concert/welcoming party they had.  toucher and rich had a field day ripping it this morning....very funny stuff