Long Live The King! You Are Witness to LeBron's Novel Paradigm for Greatness

The Decision

 

I think we can all agree that last night’s “The Decision” was not LeBron James’ greatest moment.  There is something to be said for the relative modesty of “The Fax” (MJ’s return from retirement) or “The Tweet” (Kevin Durant’s extension) that gives the purist in me hope for the future. 

 

For some, the appeal of the spotlight, off the court at least, has never been a motivating factor.  Call it personal bias, but the reason Kevin Durant will be the best player in the NBA in a few years is because, despite the extraordinary talents he’s been blessed with, he loves nothing more than to hone is craft in the gym, hour after hour, day after day.  He is a model of how hard work (and a little modesty) can truly pay off.

 

That said, had I been advising LeBron James, I would have strongly discouraged him from ever doing the special in the first place.  In light of the fact that the event occurred anyway, there are other ways this manufactured event could have played out:

 

He could have spun his decision as the truest example of being an authentic “team” guy.  He could have acknowledged that, after having achieved individual greatness (see back-to-back MVP awards), he had learned that true happiness is achieved through collaborative success (see back-to-back leading his team to the best record in the NBA).  He could have said that his first choice was to remain in Cleveland, a city he wanted nothing more than to bring a long-overdue championship.  In a moment of candor, he could have explained how, despite his best efforts, he was unable to convince anyone else to come be his wing-man.  He could then point to his seven years as a Cav, highlighting the fact that he already re-upped once before.

 

 He would then transition to the fact that his ultimate professional goal is to win - championships (plural), even if it required him to sacrifice personal gain (more money and a more well-regarded legacy).  He could point out that his time on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team cemented his desire to be part of something bigger than himself, and highlighted what it would be like for him to not only play with other great players, but to also play alongside some of his best friends.  He could comment that he hopes his actions will set an example to the younger generations to abandon the “me first” attitude, the “I’m the man” mentality, and truly embrace the “team” concept that team sports are predicated upon. 

 

 He could close by saying that “his legacy” means nothing to him; that winning championships within a true team construct is what is most important.  He could stress that this was a deeply personal decision for him; one that he made with the best interest of both his and his family's happiness in mind.  He would stress that he will always be Ohio's native son, and that the Akron and Cleveland communities could expect his continued active participation.

 

The special would then close by revealing how much money was raised for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, an organization predicated on perpetuating the team (i.e. community) construct.

  

 

Perspective

Stepping back for a moment, this "team first mentality" has always been my response for why I’m such a HUGE Duke Blue Devil’s fan.  Regardless of their level of talent, Coach K has always preached a commitment to team into each and every one of his players.  There is a reason why so many Duke players color the landscape of NBA rosters – they are the type of players that compliment and contribute to the larger objective of team success.  The 2010 National Champion Blue Devils are as unambiguous an example as you’ll ever find, embodying the team mentality and subjugating personal statistics and awards for a larger group accomplishment.

But I digress...

I think we (society at large) have created a stereotype of what it means to be a champion that highlights and emphasizes the individual greatness/accomplishments of star players above the collective accomplishments of the team.  I think that this idea permeates all levels of competitive sport, particularly for those with the talent and determination to excel on the professional level.  We (society) glorify this aspect, and then pontificate as to why so many athletes are selfish, ego-driven a-holes. 

 Why?  Because we created them to be that way. 

 The Backlash

At the end of the day, if it was about building something from scratch, he stays in Cleveland (he tried that for seven years).  If it is about playing on the biggest stage and his legacy, the Knicks would have been the ideal choice (and to a lesser extent, either the Nets or the Clippers).  Unfortunately for those teams, they both lacked the type of roster talent necessary to compete now.  If it’s about winning, both now and for the future, the obvious choice is Chicago (which I still don't understand why it was considered an acceptable choice, as opposed to the "easiest" choice everyone acts like the Heat are).

 

 All of that was the case until both Bosh and Wade announced their intention to sign/resign with the Heat (who still had cap space for another "max" guy).  At that point, Miami trumps Chicago, especially when you consider the fact that they have historically demonstrated not only a willingness to spend to remain competitive, but also a loyalty to their former players (both attributes the Bulls lack).  At the end of the day, you can’t really argue too much against Miami: it actually seems like the most logical choice, given the available options (put yourself in his shoes and then re-read that last sentence).

 

 Backing up for a moment,  I don’t know if there are words to describe my response to Cav’s owner Dan Gilbert’s response to LBJ’s response to his free agency conundrum beyond asking two questions:

 

·         Is that how you expect to attract/retain the type of talent necessary for success?  You sound more like a petulant child who has just seen your cash cow choose greener pastures.

·         Who else seriously thinks that the Cleveland Cavaliers will win the NBA Championship before LeBron?  You sound like a patient who forgot to take your meds.

I think it is utter BS to suggest that his exercising his rights as a free agent somehow tarnishes his loyalty.  LBJ has generated tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars in local revenue since he was in high school.  By all indications he has been an active member of his community.  Is that not enough to at least earn him the right to make his own decisions?  What have all those who now judge him so harshly done?  And why can’t he continue to give back to his city/state despite playing elsewhere? 

 And don't even get me started on the so-called "experts" analysis of King James' decision.  Given that LBJ is the 2X MVP, who led a bunch of scrubs (by NBA Championship team standards) to the best record in the league multiple times, an NBA Finals appearance and the Eastern Conference Finals, I think it is beyond absurd to question his motives, loyalty, belief in himself/his abilities, competitive fire/nature, desire to win, etc.

 All of their examples of great players neglect to mention the outstanding supporting cast of those championship players.  LBJ never had that, nor did he have any hope of getting it in Cleveland.  Save for Jordan, none of those players had the pressure to literally carry their team, night in and night out, alone.  Even Jordan had a couple All-Time Greats (see Pippen and Jackson) helping him achieve his success.  Take Gasol away from the Lakers, and we'd be still talking about how Kobe couldn't win it without Shaq (unless of course he had bolted for a better opportunity himself a few summers ago - how soon we forget).

I also think it is an incredible waste of time to surmise what other players would have done in similar situations.  I don’t recall Jordan ever having the opportunity to actually leave Chicago before they finally started winning.  Same goes for Magic, Bird, Russell and Thomas.  Revisiting Mr. Bryant, we all saw Kobe did, virtually crying his way out of LA (and stringing the media/public along), until his mentor and former Laker great gift-wrapped him Paul Gasol.  Combine that with the fact that many of these players were on teams that were pretty good (i.e., championship teams) early on in their careers and this argument becomes even more ludicrous.

More important, I just don’t get why everyone views LeBron’s desire not to be “The Man” as a “loser” move.  Everyone can’t be “The Man,” and greatness has never been limited to those that are.  True greatness, according to the late great Coach Wooden, is figuring out what your optimum role is/can be and working hard to maximize your talents to fulfilling your destiny (paraphrased of course).

I also don’t think that an athletes’ legacy can only be considered great if their success is predicated on them being the focal point.  Scottie Pippen (rightly or wrongly) is considered a Top 50 NBA player of all time, and he was never truly “The Man.”  Which player was “The Man” for the Jazz  – Malone or Stockton?  Three of Kobe’s five rings came when he played second fiddle to Shaq.  Shaq’s fourth ring came when he played support to D-Wade.

Please name me a player that has won an NBA Championship without the assistance of at least one other legitimate All-Star (sorry Cavs fans, but Mo Williams don’t count).  In many cases championship players have played along side other All-Time NBA Great caliber talent!  Did that somehow tarnish their legacy?  Does it make their success and impact on the game any less significant?

 Now please name me players who have won all of their NBA titles being “The Man” on their squad (i.e. they were the Finals MVP each time), besides Michael Jordan.  If that doesn’t dispel “The Man” myth, I don’t know what will.

I continue to maintain that what LBJ has done in Cleveland the last few years warrants greater acclaim!  He took a team full of scrubs (save for the second half of this past year) and led them to the best record in the NBA multiple times!!  Heck, he even went to the NBA Finals one year, and I bet you can’t name the starters from that squad!!! 

Here's a thought:  maybe it just wasn't going to be possible for him to win in Cleveland.  Do you honestly think that if you replace him with Kobe or MJ that the Cavs are suddenly winning it all? 

Further, I never realized LBJ’s decision was supposed to be about “loyalty” (loyalty to who?) or “courage” (did he join our Armed Services to go defend our freedoms?) or "legacy" (if he continues to put up Oscar Robinson numbers and wins multiple championships what will his "legacy" be then?), or any of the other adjectives being recklessly, irresponsibly and inaccurately utilized.  I thought, as with most professional decisions in life, he was supposed to make his choice based on either what would truly make him/his family happiest and/or what would put him in the best position to succeed (i.e. win championships), both now and down the road and/or what would make the most business sense (i.e. $$$). 

In Miami he accomplishes all three. 

(1.) In announcing his decision, he stated that (in consultation with his mother) his choice was made, in part, on what he felt would make him most happy.

(2.) With respect to winning, I’m not sure you can argue against a nucleus of James, Wade and Bosh.  If they are willing to take less money to win, I suspect they can find others to fill out their roster who are also willing to take less to win (I could easily see Shaq playing out his final 2-3 years for next to nothing as a glorified “F-U” to Kobe).  Maybe they get a Mike Miller to pass up on their chance to cash in, in exchange for the immortality associated with being an integral part of a novel sports dynasty.  Throw in a couple of complimentary veterans and rookies, and you have the ingredients for championship success.

(3.) Business-wise, his brand/image won't get any bigger unless/until he starts winning rings.  I honestly don’t think it matters if he wins as “The Man” or as the second part of a dynamic duo/trio (see Kobe’s career – he was the most popular NBA player before ever winning a title without Shaq). 

In case you can't tell, though certainly not surprised, I find the backlash against him/his decision both unfair and misguided.  To me his actions exemplify those of someone who not only values winning above all else, but one who values winning within a true team construct.  LeBron is demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice both money and stats for championship glory.  In the context of contemporary sports, just think about that.

Isn't it ironic that, despite the public outcry against the “selfishness” (“me first” mentality) of the contemporary athlete, when LeBron actually puts winning/team ahead of his “legacy” he gets castigated for it?  He’s taking less money to play with his friends, share their collective glory and win rings – and he’s being vilified for it? 

Think about it: LeBron’s game PERFECTLY COMPLIMENTS a true “alpha dog” (which D-Wade has proven more than capable of being) and a dominant post presence (which Bosh might be).  He may actually average a triple-double!  If LeBron start’s putting up 20-25pnts/8-10rebs/8-10 assists/1-2stls/1-2blks and the Heat win 3-5 titles, will he not be considered Top 5 of all time?  Will his “legacy” not be cemented? 

Talent is talent; success is success; greatness is ultimately about outcome, not process.  The pinnacle of greatness occurs when the process involves the embodiment of truly collaborative team effort.

It's refreshing to see a professional athlete who finally gets it.