Can we be proud of D. Wade?

[NotAnAlum]

Of course we can be Proud of Wade.  He gave us everything he had while at MU and the fact that he has gone on to be an NBA Superstar only makes his time at MU more relevant.  Its not like he used MU on his way to the NBA like I would say the Kentucky one and dones do.  He earned it.  I'd love it if the Heat wins the title every year that he plays, Enjoy watching him and very proud to say "I knew him when"

[Tums Festival]

I will always root for Dwyane Wade. He's the best player in our program's history, class guy who takes his parenting role very seriously and continues to use his fame to help our school. I was glad to see him have a great game last night, and if he plays at that same level for the rest of the Finals, he'll have his third ring.

[willie warrior]

Besides the pep rally, give me an example of how they make themselves unlikable and display their super arrogance. I understand that one event made the Heat unlikable to many, but that was years ago.

The Heat are no more arrogant than most of the great teams of the last two decades. I find it amusing that people can call the Heat arrogant, dirty, and whiners then turn around and root for the Spurs. Coach P is an arrogant bully, Ginobili is the biggest flopper of all time, and the Spurs big three whine to officials after literally every call against them.

Hear, hear. Arrogance=Kobe Bryant/Dwight Howard, et. al., Arrogance=Boston Celtics (Garnett/Rondo/Pierce); There are arrogant whiners all over the NBA. Heat are a good team, who many people hate for that reason--they are good. If you think James and Wade are arrogant, you are smoking funny things.

[willie warrior]

First, the idea that Lebron owed Cleveland anything is ridiculous. How many of us still live in our hometown? How many lawyers,  economists, doctors, engineers, etc. feel obligated to only pursue professional opportunities in their hometown, or stay with the first organization that hired them. Only in sports do we expect this type of blind professional loyalty. Lebron still does plenty for Akron. He doesn't owe the Cavs or their fans a damn thing.

Second, I can't believe people criticize the Heat for "taking a short cut" by assembling a roster with the best players available. That is simply good business. Why go through the tedious process of finding and developing new talent when you can bring in proven talent? The implication by you and many that the Heat didn't do it "the right way" is ridiculous fan logic.

Finally, the idea that nobody outside Miami likes the Heat is completely ridiculous. I travel regularly and see Wade and James Jerseys all over the country. My thirteen year old neighbor's favorite player is DWade, and I don't live in Florida. Many people love greatness, and many people love the underdog. That's why you see the love and hatred of champs. But make no mistake, Lebron going to Miami created a lot of new Heat fans around the country.

Bottom line, I think your fandom has significantly skewed your perspective.

Agreed. Especially about the Heat putting a plan together to improve. Those 3 guys all could have gotten max deals but took less to make it happen in Miami. That is not arrogance--that is desire to be the best.

[muarmy81]

One thing that I disagree with people on is the idea that they are selfish for joining a team together.  They took a pay cut to do it and they want to win titles, which should be the goal.  Too many athletes go for the dollars with the ring as almost an after thought.  

I agree with this but I think that, technically, only Wade took the pay cut of the big three.  I think Bosh and LBJ have max salaries.  Ray Allen took a pay cut...

And by pay cut I mean that Wade is something like $3 million shy of the max deals that Bosh and LBJ have.

[forgetful]

I really don't understand the hate for LBJ.

I understand the hate for LBJ, although likely misguided.  I am an LBJ hater, there that wasn't so hard.  I'm sure he is a great guy, does great things for charities, is mild mannered, seems polite...all around nothing to dislike.  In fact, him personally I have nothing against.

The problem I have is with the media treatment of him, they have seemingly anointed him the best ever, infallible in basketball.  If you just listen to the talking heads (and others here have already commented), Lebron is leading the heat in this series.

Actually watching the games though (and I emphasize watching them closely), Lebron has actually been quite bad.  Besides a bucket of points in garbage time of some of the games his scoring is very poor.  He has been genuinely bad on defense, albeit a couple splashy blocks that the media fixates on.  Watching the games Wade has been the Heat leader, his scoring has been down in the second halves, but he has carried them in the first half of every game.

Another aspect of his game the media neglects is that he is often fairly rigid in their offense.  There have been several times this series where Wade has a mismatch along the left baseline corner.  The offense is designed to swing back to the right, Lebron never even looks at Wade and often results in a poor shot late in the shot clock as the offense/defense bunches up.  Lebron is credited as being very cerebral, I think that is very often a detriment to his play.

So is Lebron a good role model, absolutely, is he a great player, again definitely, do I hate the way the media treats him as "the King", oh god yes.  And for that I hate him, as do many others...admittedly misplaced anger, but hey what can I say...

[ATL MU Warrior]

I understand the hate for LBJ, although likely misguided.  I am an LBJ hater, there that wasn't so hard.  I'm sure he is a great guy, does great things for charities, is mild mannered, seems polite...all around nothing to dislike.  In fact, him personally I have nothing against.

The problem I have is with the media treatment of him, they have seemingly anointed him the best ever, infallible in basketball.  If you just listen to the talking heads (and others here have already commented), Lebron is leading the heat in this series.

Actually watching the games though (and I emphasize watching them closely), Lebron has actually been quite bad.  Besides a bucket of points in garbage time of some of the games his scoring is very poor.  He has been genuinely bad on defense, albeit a couple splashy blocks that the media fixates on.  Watching the games Wade has been the Heat leader, his scoring has been down in the second halves, but he has carried them in the first half of every game.

Another aspect of his game the media neglects is that he is often fairly rigid in their offense.  There have been several times this series where Wade has a mismatch along the left baseline corner.  The offense is designed to swing back to the right, Lebron never even looks at Wade and often results in a poor shot late in the shot clock as the offense/defense bunches up.  Lebron is credited as being very cerebral, I think that is very often a detriment to his play.

So is Lebron a good role model, absolutely, is he a great player, again definitely, do I hate the way the media treats him as "the King", oh god yes.  And for that I hate him, as do many others...admittedly misplaced anger, but hey what can I say...

Maybe you should hate the media instead.  Sounds like that's really what you mean.

[forgetful]

Maybe you should hate the media instead.  Sounds like that's really what you mean.

Working on it, its a seven step program.  First step was admitting we have a problem.

[MUSF]

The problem I have is with the media treatment of him, they have seemingly anointed him the best ever, infallible in basketball.  If you just listen to the talking heads (and others here have already commented), Lebron is leading the heat in this series.

I completely disagree. I can't think of any player of Lebron's stature taking as much criticism as he has. It's certainly died down since last year's title, but there it still happens.

James had a triple double the other night, and many in the media felt he didn't do enough. For years people have been calling him soft, lacking killer instinct, wilting under stress, etc.. If James doesn't single handedly carry the Heat to a championship he will be criticized.

[mugrad99]

The only thing that bothered me about the assembly of the Heat was "The Decision."

As for a team adding stars, that's how championship teams are built.
- Chicago traded for Dennis Rodman

Why is what they did wrong but other champion's moves were just good personnel decisions?

This....I grew up in the south suburbs, then moved to the "region" in the early 80's before college. Biggest Bulls fan pre Jordan, and Jordans first 3 championships. My dad's high school teammate played with the Bulls in the 60's, and my family had season tix in old Chicago Stadium.  I completely stopped loving the Bulls when they obtained Rodman, who, while with the Pistons, cheapshotted (yes that is a word) Pippen. Pippen seemed OK playing with Rodman, so I had the epiphany that it's all about the rings, not the fans.


My point?  Don't hate on Wade bringing Lebron and fake tough guy Bosh. Commend him for it.

[Niv Berkowitz]

It's all a circle-jerk to keep feeding beast that is the media. It's just like Max Mercy in The Natural..." you see kid whether you win or lose, I'm gonna have me a great story" (or something like that).

Yes, "the media" has annointed James the best thing ever. But, because he's the "best ever", why then - "the media" asks - doesn't he have more rings??!! Why can't LeBron lead teams to more titles? After all, he's the best ever!!!????

See how that works? It's like sports radio.

In addition, it's the NBA too. They have gone all-in on the theory of promoting the player over the team or the game. When you do that, players, not teams get all the attention. And, that's also why so many people don't like the NBA (among a lot of other issues too like race, style of play, etc., but that's another topic for another 48 page thread).

[shoothoops]

My two cents:

I am a bit (pleasantly) surprised at some of the positive responses to this topic, in this thread.  Not that it matters, but, I am not from WI, nor IL, so I don't really have any opinions tied to those geographies.  I would like to believe I wouldn't even if I was from one of those geographies.  

Anyway, I am more of a casual NBA fan, in that I don't have one team, or, in that my interest intensifies only in some parts throughout the season and post-season.  Whereas it is every game for MU.  When it comes to MU alums/ties, I always hope for the best for those because of both their contribution to the program, and for the publicity it gives the program moving forward.  

I don't pretend in any way to know someone if I don't actually know that person well.  That's why I don't get too excited good or bad about a public perception nor media perception of someone.  I like both Miami and San Antonio.  I do find it easy to root for Dwyane Wade because of his connection to Marquette, as well as his ability as a player.  I'm not going to sit here and pretend I know him well, nor Lebron James, etc..I enjoy his talent as a player.  I don't really see too much in the unlikable category with either team.

[willie warrior]

I agree with this but I think that, technically, only Wade took the pay cut of the big three.  I think Bosh and LBJ have max salaries.  Ray Allen took a pay cut...

And by pay cut I mean that Wade is something like $3 million shy of the max deals that Bosh and LBJ have.

None of them have max deals and Wade's is the least.

[muarmy81]

None of them have max deals and Wade's is the least.

Yes, that is correct.  None have max contracts.

[MUSF]

I agree with this.

But I think a big reason for the hatred you ignored was the way Lebron left Cleveland and went to Miami, not so much that they joined up.

I agree that "The Decision" was probably ill advised; though it did earn a noble charity a lot of money.

The pep rally also came off as arrogant and over the top, but I honestly don't think you can really hold that against the big three forever. I'm sure they didn't come up with the idea, and I think the comments about championships was just them getting caught up in the moment and the attention.

As far as the Cavs fans; I can't imagine any scenario where they aren't pissed off. Consider the following examples of stars leaving their team at the peak of their career.
James gave no indication if he was leaving or staying. He says he's leaving - fans pissed.
Melo lets everyone know he is taking off at the end of the season which leads to atrade - fans pissed.
Howard tries to let everyone know that he could leave, but might stay if the Magic make some changes. He says he's leaving - fans pissed.

It's a no win situation.

[JD]

Maybe you should hate the media instead.  Sounds like that's really what you mean.

Yeah because he wasn't the one who called himself "king james" or got the "chosen one" inked on his back....

Maybe I should go back to my normal life, my everyday job, and my prior existance


No... he doesn't bring it on himself at all..

[setyoursightsnorth]

The reason why Bulls fans hate the Heat is that LeBron was reported to be joining the Bulls and at the last minute he played with Miami and Bosch wanted to join with him.   
If LeBron joined the Bulls he would have brought Bosch with him and colluded that way but somehow Im sure that wouldnt have been a problem for you.  #FIBLogic

No. You couldn't be any further from the truth, my friend. There was never a link to Chicago with LeBron. They saw the signing of Boozer and a way to entice LeBron, but hardly anyone believed LBJ was coming here. Chicago fans hate Miami because they are in the same conference and stand between the bulls and the finals. The same reason why many dislike MJ because many of the greats didn't get rings because of his dominance.

[setyoursightsnorth]

I'm a Bulls fan and I'd argue that the primary roadblock might be that guy who spent the year in street clothes.

Some fan you are...
How can our franchise player be a roadblock when he made the right decision. But DRose already had his own thread.

To answer the question, DWade is doing work. Great to see him step up and finally hit a groove. With that said, I'm pulling the for the spurs to win the title. But I wish Wade all the best for the rest of his season, since it'll be the last year of the big three.

[GGGG]

Some fan you are...
How can our franchise player be a roadblock when he made the right decision.

Not according to his doctors.

[setyoursightsnorth]

Not according to his doctors.

If you show 10 doctors an ultrasound of an organ and ask them if there is anything wrong, not all of them will agree. I was happy with his decision. He'll come back to a new team and it'll be a great season. He already had his own thread, so that's all I'll say about derrick

[willie warrior]

I agree that "The Decision" was probably ill advised; though it did earn a noble charity a lot of money.

The pep rally also came off as arrogant and over the top, but I honestly don't think you can really hold that against the big three forever. I'm sure they didn't come up with the idea, and I think the comments about championships was just them getting caught up in the moment and the attention.

As far as the Cavs fans; I can't imagine any scenario where they aren't pissed off. Consider the following examples of stars leaving their team at the peak of their career.
James gave no indication if he was leaving or staying. He says he's leaving - fans pissed.
Melo lets everyone know he is taking off at the end of the season which leads to atrade - fans pissed.
Howard tries to let everyone know that he could leave, but might stay if the Magic make some changes. He says he's leaving - fans pissed.

It's a no win situation.

The cavs would resign LBJ in an eyeblink if they could. Don't fool yourself. And guess what? It could happen. LBJ can opt out with the Heat next year.

[GGGG]

If you show 10 doctors an ultrasound of an organ and ask them if there is anything wrong, not all of them will agree. I was happy with his decision. He'll come back to a new team and it'll be a great season. He already had his own thread, so that's all I'll say about derrick

It had nothing to do with an ultrasound.  It had to do with getting back on the court to complete the rehab process.  When I had knee surgery, the doctor and physical therapist told me to do things I wasn't sure I could do, but I did them because it was an important step in the process.  Rose should have done the same thing.

[setyoursightsnorth]

It had nothing to do with an ultrasound.  It had to do with getting back on the court to complete the rehab process.  When I had knee surgery, the doctor and physical therapist told me to do things I wasn't sure I could do, but I did them because it was an important step in the process.  Rose should have done the same thing.

The ultrasound was an example of doctors not always right. And glad to hear you got back from your injury alright, but you aren't a franchise point guard who is making 18 million a year with his knees. His knees are his tools and he needs them to do his job and have a career. That's why they limit pitchers coming back from Tommy John surgery. I'd rather have rose strengthen his surgically repaired knee over the summer as opposed to having him come back and be hesitant.

[GGGG]

The ultrasound was an example of doctors not always right. And glad to hear you got back from your injury alright, but you aren't a franchise point guard who is making 18 million a year with his knees. His knees are his tools and he needs them to do his job and have a career. That's why they limit pitchers coming back from Tommy John surgery. I'd rather have rose strengthen his surgically repaired knee over the summer as opposed to having him come back and be hesitant.

Unless you are a doctor, your opinion on the matter means less to me then...well... HIS ACTUAL DOCTOR'S!

Perhaps you sure be a little less opinionated.

[setyoursightsnorth]

Unless you are a doctor, your opinion on the matter means less to me then...well... HIS ACTUAL DOCTOR'S!

Perhaps you sure be a little less opinionated.

Perhaps you should be a little more open minded.