Miami Heat: The Disrespected Team of Sacrifice

It’s a standard cliché in sports, winning championships is everything.  The truth is players go where they can make the most money. It’s usually not until the twilight of their careers when their skills have diminished that they actually place winning over money.

As a fan, I am appalled by the reaction from the media and our old heroes.  

Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, and the media have all commented on the “The Decision.”  But not one of them has commended LeBron for taking less money and making the impossible possible.  Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and James are building a super dynasty.  Jeff Van Gundy is the only analyst that has suggested they can obliterate a bunch of records this year.  Other analysts haven't been so kind.

It struck me how negatively "The King" has been received in the media.  James sacrificed a lot to win; he has sacrificed money and his status as the "King." For someone everyone is calling egotistical,  playing second fiddle to D Wade is just the opposite.  James is willing to put his ego aside to win. 

Isn't that what we want from all of our athletes?  To do whatever is best for the team?

As for the comments made by Magic and Jordan, both have ownership stakes in other teams, so what do you expect them to say? Great decision LeBron, you just made our jobs impossible.  As for Barkley, he probably put his MONEY on Chicago and is just really upset.

Envy has clouded the vision of fans, analysts, and past stars, and we should all be ashamed of ourselves, especially, Sir Charles Barkley. If Barkley had the courage to take less to build more he may have actually won a championship. He had to get his first—money that is! At the twilight of his career, he was willing to team up with a big two to form his own big three. Magic and Jordan had their own big three's.

This summer was different, this summer was rare. Three of the top 15 players in the league chose winning over money. A move that should have been commended, not criticized.  For once in sports we are watching a group of players that are so dedicated to winning that they put the team first.  These are players in their prime that have sacrificed top money bragging rights for winning.

LeBron James could have made more in Cleveland; he could have made more money anywhere.  But he chose winning over money.  Granted, he has more money than he will ever need. So has Wade, Bosh, and Udonis Haslem.  Everyone on that team can look each other in the face and know that they have all sacrificed to win.  If the new CBA is similar to the old, the Heat will have about $8 million next summer to sign a very good player, making their future dynasty stronger.

This summer has changed the landscape of the NBA.  Franchises will try to mimic the Heat’s efforts next summer, but they will need for the players coming in to sacrifice. 

Is Miami’s culture of sacrifice the future template to NBA championships? You tell me.