I hate the term “hater.â€
As my good friend and colleague, Zach Harper, and I were discussing the other day over some pizza (well it was Gchat, but I was eating pizza), it’s an expression people use when their argument runs out.
While I’ve been tempted to use the term for those who hate on LeBron James, I’ll settle with another popular term: idiot.
If you think that LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh won’t be successful, you’re an idiot. The good news is that you’re in the company of other idiots, haters and those who obviously haven’t played or understood basketball. (Let’s be clear. These aren’t the people who said LeBron took the easy road, we’re addressing those who think he won’t be successful.)
Let’s take down both of the idiot’s favorite arguments:
“LeBron and Wade can’t play together.â€
Why, because they’re both absurdly unselfish players who routinely make the correct play? Or because they are both studs who can get to the basket whenever they want?
The versatile tandem will dominate. They’re filet mignon and lobster, Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, hot chicks and Jettas. You want to make A-Rod and Jeter comparisons? Well that duo just won a ring.
I’m not sure who started the rumor that two athletic wings can’t play together but it’s an insane notion. Let’s get into a coach’s head for a second and imagine the offensive set potential. Get your five best players on the court. LeBron handles the ball at point, with Wade and Mike Miller on the wings. Bosh finds an elbow and Udonis Haslem finds a post. As either LeBron or Wade attacks, the defense will inevitably have to step in to help and leave either the other superstar open on a cut or Miller and his 48% 3-point shooting wide open behind the arc. Meanwhile, Bosh is floating to openings to finish strong or thrive on mid-range baskets.
If a team plays big, run a four-out offense with Bosh at the post or elbow and position LeBron, Wade, Miller and Chalmers around the perimeter and let them attack.
There’s no way to defend that. People tend to forget basketball is a simple game with simple goals: score, defend and rebound. Don’t get caught up in positions or the nuisances that your 6th grade parks and rec coach told you.
“They’ll have no supporting cast.â€
LeBron’s decision has already been validated.
I’ll never understand the math – I’m not a doctor – but NBA veterans want to play with these three superstars and they’re finding a way to make it work (did you ever doubt Pat Riley?).
Haslem left $10-$14 million on the table to remain with the Heat, not wanting to miss out on the historic squad in his hometown. Miller will be a tremendous addition after signing on for five years at around $25 million. Veterans Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Juwan Howard are on their way and center Joel Anthony will be re-signed as the only player on the roster with Bird rights.
Who else is out there? Jerry Stackhouse, Tracy McGrady and Jason Williams could work. Also, there are the potential returns of James Jones and Carlos Arroyo.
I don’t know how they will win without depth (sarcastic font) …
You can’t guarantee a championship – you never can – but this team is now the Yankees. They’re the favorites (just check with Vegas) to play the Lakers in the championship – who will the haters root for in that one? – and they will be damn good for a long time. They’re led by youth, surrounded by veteran role players and they’ll be fueled by the hate and expectations.
Make no mistake; this is a team capable of making history. Don’t listen to the haters.
Jimmy Spencer can be found on Twitter at @jimmyspencernba
