LeBron James: the Ultimate Anti-Clutch?
Whether you're a Heat fan or a Cavs fan, one thing has remained clear: LeBron is simply the anti-clutch.
Ever since debuting in 2003, James has been compared to the likes of Michael Jordan and thought to be even better than Kobe Bryant on the present-day court. Alas, James still remains unable to get the job done, even on a Heat team that was far better than any Cavalier team he played on.
In the 2007 NBA finals against the San Antonio Spurs, it had appeared that he was ready to carry the Cavaliers into the future—finally. He was mightily impressive in that year's postseason in series wins over Washington, New Jersey and Detroit. Unfortunately, the anti-clutch would get LeBron.
The Spurs swept the Cavaliers in the finals, and LeBron averaged 22 points per game, lower than any of the other three series. In addition, he averaged 5.8 turnovers in the four games, almost double his average in the other series as well.
Speculation began even then about how "clutch" LeBron can be. It was only just the beginning for Cleveland's so-called savior.
There were games and various series in the playoffs over time where LeBron appeared to be bound for glory—the 2009 series loss against the Magic where he averaged over 38 points per game is an example. However, turnovers and a seemingly careless attitude down the stretch wiped the Cavaliers out year after year.
LeBron's attitude seemed to go right along with Urban Meyer's: when things are rough... quit.
July 9, 2010 rolled around and "The Decision" aired on ESPN, proving to be one of the most boring hours of television the network ever allowed to be seen. In a manner that was less than shocking from this writer's perspective, LeBron James decided to "take his talents to south beach, and join the Miami Heat."
Cleveland cried.
Miami rejoiced.
A new Big Three had been established. More to the point—they took care of the old Big Three in the process of mowing through the Eastern conference to get to the finals.
Along side Chris Bosh (who I perceive to be a man who was a big fish in a small pond in Toronto —save that for another day I suppose) and 2006 NBA champion Dwayne Wade, Miami stepped into a series against the Dallas Mavericks.
LeBron stated many times he couldn't win in Cleveland because he'd essentially been "alone." Congratulations LeBron: you finally had the help.
Now, on June 14, 2011, we all know the truth: LeBron is simply unable to get it done.
How many championships did you say Miami would win LeBron? "Not two, not three, not four, not five..." much to the pleasure of hopeful Heat fans.
Against the 76ers, Celtics, and Bulls, we all thought the impossible—the apex villains were going to strut their way to the NBA championship. LeBron and company were no doubt impressive over the three series victories. LeBron averaged 26 points per game and roughly 8.5 rebounds heading into the duel with Dallas.
He had Bosh; he had Wade; Miller; Chalmers—to say James had no help in these playoffs would be ludicrous. In six games against the Mavs, LeBron had double-digit rebounds only once, and averaged under 18 points each game. His game four eight point performance was the worst of his career.
We all have heard about someone being an anti-Christ; however, sports has a new anti-Clutch, and he is LeBron James. Even with two all-stars by his side, the lackluster postseason athlete failed to accomplish the big one. It seems that when the pressure's on, LeBron hides.
Five more years remain for the Big Three, barring any trades; am I crazy to write this merely one year into the trio?
Believe it if you wish, but I'm here to tell you: there are athletes in the world who just fail to get it done when it counts. LeBron is that man—I'm firm in guaranteeing that he will never win an NBA Championship.
