That’s right, you heard me read me. I like the Miami Heat. But a lot of people don’t – in fact, I think a lot of people hate the Heat. But I don’t get why. And by that I mean I hear the reasons, but they don’t make sense.
Is it the Big Three?
The “welcome party”. I get it. Maybe you don’t like that three superstars “teamed up” to play in South Beach. But just in case you don’t remember – Miami’s record the year before LeBron and Bosh arrived the Heat went 47-35, good for a 5 seed in the playoffs and got bounced from the first round of the playoff by the Celtics. Their “Big Three” that season? Dwyane Wade, Michael Beasley and Jermaine O’Neal. Their record two years before that? 15-67. There’s nothing wrong with needing help.
Is it the rest of the team?
So, you hate a group of players who take pride in playing their roles and overachieve when the team needs them to? Oh, okay.
Is it Chris Bosh?
Chris Bosh is so easy to make fun of that I’m writing in support of him and even I couldn’t resist taking shots at him. Bosh gets shit on so regularly that’s he’s become an underdog even though he was an All-Star this year.
Is it Dwyane Wade?
After his divorce in 2010, Wade fought for and won sole custody of his two sons in 2011, and still pays his ex-wife a reported $25K/month in addition to her living and travel expenses (estimated $10K/month) and a $1M lump sum. Wade seems to genuinely care a lot about being a father, which is admirable beyond what he does on the court.
Is it LeBron James?
The Decision. Yea, that was bad. He made a mistake and admitted it, get over it. I don’t understand how he isn’t liked. Think he’s a bad guy? He’s never gotten in trouble with the law. His manager is his childhood best friend. He had a kid with his girlfriend in high school; Savannah Brinson is now his fiance and they’ve had their second child together. His talent and work ethic make him the most gifted athlete in the world. He’s never shown up out of shape, never takes games off and looks to get his teammates involved before he gets himself going. He’s the kind of player that should make you tell your kid, “look, that’s how you’re supposed to play the game.”
Long live the King.
Naked & Lame 