This blog originally went live on Friday afternoon, but it was posted when only half baked. Upon re-reading, it was all over the map.
Twenty-four hours ago “LeBrongate” was fresh; creating controversy and stirring up emotion. By nightfall, I checked out of the debate. I’m LeBron-ed out until they hit the court – for real. Not some circus show and over-hyped unveiling with a WWE vibe. (I half expected Vince McMahon to appear on stage.)
I’m checking out of the HEAT 2.0 chatter because overnight it became the new “Brett Favre”. The new go-to topic that ESPN will run with until that first tip in November.
While I’ve generally tuned out of World Cup action, I’ve killed some bad weather days checking out some games. Not my bag, but I respect the sport – especially the purity of the event itself. It’s about what takes place on the field; not self promotion and brands being shoved down the fans’ collective throat.
Boring as some view soccer, there are no idiot mascots on trampolines or goons firing free t-shirts into the crowd via air gun.
The lack of timeouts can throw you off, until you think about how breaks are spent in American sports – fast-food sponsored contests, talentless idiots firing from half court for a free vacation (floating up air balls that don’t break the foul line).
I understand the hype and as one who respects the art of marketing, it’s all well-earned. Pat Riley capitalized on the perfect storm and laid the foundation for a dynasty. He’s proven why he’s still one of the best in the game and greatest of all time.
Anyone doubting a strong bench will be in place shortly, you’re high. What journeyman in his right mind isn’t jumping at the chance to ball with this trio?
Lame as I thought the pro wrasslin’-style intro was, Wade/James/Bosh looked like three rock stars. The ‘Rush’ of the NBA; a power-trio with everyone playing their defined role.
Dwyane Wade is your Geddy Lee. Sing. Slap ‘da bass. Work the foot pedals. Play the keys. Entertain the crowd. Make no bones about it; Wade is the frontman.
Chris Bosh plays the Alex Lifeson role. Not up front, but still in the spotlight and adding texture to the overall sound.
In the back, driving the train, LBJ is Neal Peart. Thunderous. Freakish in ability. Necessary as the other two guys wouldn’t be the same without him. He pushes the trio to that next level.
These guys are starting their own club and a lot of others will want in. Mike Miller is on board and Derek Fisher trekked to Miami for a meeting this weekend, while Raja Bell, Chris Quinn, Quentin Richardson and Jamaal Magloire have all expressed interest.
The taking heads or ignorant folk who keep harping on the lack of a bench; that’s like bitching about being down three at the half. Wait until that final whistle. This journey has just begun and next year’s HEAT will be stacked – and deserve to be, after all three superstars took less money to form this dominant unit.
Funny how sports fans bitch that these guys are all about the money, yet when winning a title is on a pedestal over a bigger pay day, anti-Heat fans are up in arms, questioning James’ supposed “loyalty”.
Let’s be honest, in all reality fans of other teams are jealous their franchise didn’t pull off this coup and they’re scared of what this new-look team will accomplish.
Miami as a city is quickly becoming ‘the place’ – a sports town catching fire. This splash heard ’round the league will bring focus, attention and energy on the entertainment front. NBA holds court January through June and come September, the rest of the year – a full-fledged football town, with fans fixated on both the Hurricanes and the Dolphins.
A big reason Seantrel Henderson chose USC in the first place; the glitz and glam of Los Angeles. Private school. Big football program. Recent national titles. Warm weather. Close to the beach. Whether his father Sean is truly an aspiring rapper or not, the goal was finding a big time city with a big time college football program.
Team Henderson wasn’t taking this show to Columbus, Gainesville or Norman. They were looking for a city that could deliver more than just the rah-rah college experience.
Mark it down – the new-look Miami Heat will have an impact on other local sports franchises, namely the Hurricanes. College-ready athletes love pro sports; especially the NFL and NBA. When headed to the 305 on a recruiting trip, you’re crazy if you don’t think UM coaches will use this Dream Team to their advantage.
Winning begets winning. As one local team starts dominating, the pressure will be felt for others to fall in line. The Heat made some tremendous off-season strides, while the Canes have seen a recent post-Signing Day windfall with both Henderson an Latwan Anderson coming aboard late.
For those Canes who were anti-Henderson for whatever reason (not signing immediately, playing recruiting games, etc.), now that it’s official, here’s hoping the kid is given a chance. All that “hope he’s not the next Willie Williams” type talk needs to stop. Randy Shannon wouldn’t take a chance on a kid he didn’t believe in. He’s turned down his share of JUCO transfers or kids who spurned Miami, but this is a different situation. Henderson never even reported to USC and will be on UM’s campus the same time he would’ve had he officially signed back in February.
Furthermore, Shannon knows this kid is a rare talent and can have an immediate impact at a position where the Canes are thin. You definitely take a chance on a player of Henderson’s caliber. The risk is worth the reward and like LeBron-to-Miami, Henderson to the Canes is a business decision. Leave emotion out of it – unlike the folks in Cleveland.
The Heat and the Hurricanes both need to win ball games, starting this fall. LeBron’s exit and Seantrel’s arrival will both be forgotten should both respective teams take care of business. America loves a winner and winning games makes for a solid feel-good story. Tune in this fall to see how things begin to take focus.
Landing James, Anderson and Henderson doesn’t make up for the ‘Robbery In The Desert’, but it’s fun to take some happiness from Ohio’s collective misery and it shows that Miami – both the Heat and the Canes – are one step closer to where they want to be.