Here is something for the haters. Usually it's good to ignore those who hate without merit, but I figured I'd bring some things to light. I admit, this is inspired by LeBron James' sterling performance last night vs. the New Jersey Nets.
LeBron James is not perfect as a basketball player, or human being; no one ever has been, and no one ever will be. Yet just as those who are overly praised, he who is overly hated is not all that people make him out to be.
The criticisms are plenty, they are at times vicious in nature...and mostly false or exaggerated.
No Clutch Gene
"Most fresh in the minds of NBA fans and LeBron “haters†alike were the images and sites of his utter collapse and role as a “playing spectator†in the waning moments of the 2011 NBA Finals. Upon conclusion of the Finals, his struggles have been collectively chalked up and presented in the form of statements such as:
- “He has no heartâ€
- “He is scared of the ‘big moment’â€
- “He defers blame to othersâ€
From one basketball.wordpress.com - LeBron James and Why He Isn't a Clutch Performer
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being most clutch), how would you rate LeBron's ability in the clutch?
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being most clutch), how would you rate LeBron's ability in the clutch?
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10-9
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8-7
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6-5
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below 5
This is quite ridiculous. Before even looking at the stats to disprove this criticism, common basketball wisdom should tell us otherwise.
How could a player lead a roster so dependent on him to the level of success the Cavs enjoyed with LeBronâ€"without him producing in the clutch?
They couldn't haveâ€"it's impossible.
James led Cavaliers' teams to the NBA Finals and Eastern Conference Finals, that featured players with a combined seven All-Star appearances.
Moreover, only one of those appearances came while they were his teammate.
Translation: The best players James played with in Cleveland were past their primes when they were with him. The only exception to that rule is Mo Williams, but he's hardly an elite second fiddle.
That saidâ€"the Cavs enjoyed great success led largely by James with no other major threats on the floor. In clutch situations, who do you think was guiding the Cavs to victory?
In James' final three seasons in Cleveland, he was the best player in the NBA in clutch situations, per 82games.com.
They define clutch as:
"4th quarter or overtime, less than 5 minutes left, neither team ahead by more than 5 points"
From 2007-2010, James averaged 60 points per 48 minutes in the clutch; Kobe Bryant is second with 53 points.
Even as he struggled to find his place with the Heat and Dwyane Wade, he averaged 45 points-per-48 clutch minutes in 2010-2011. That was good for fourth in the NBA last year.Â
This season he has dropped back in points to 33 per 48 clutch minutesâ€"but that still leads the team, as does his 15 rebounds, nine assists and two blocks per 48 clutch minutes.
You may discredit what James did last nightâ€"scoring his team's final 17 points, leading them to a come-from-behind victory. You may say, "it was only the Nets."
This is true.
You may still choose to hang on to his failures in the 2011 NBA Finalsâ€"and point to that as the real LeBron.
If that is you, there is nothing that will ever convince you otherwise. You have simply decided to hate Jamesâ€"and it has nothing to do with facts.
Sensibly, those instances don't eliminate his proven track record of clutch success.
Lack of Toughness
"LeBron is a great player, but he is soft. He threw the ball at Jermaine O'Neal for what stepping in front of him. He is soft doesnt like contact and simple will never be the player he thinks he is. Look at what the Pistons would do with Jordan, he could not take a shot without getting mugged. Go watch Bulls/Knicks series from the 90's, or Lakers/Celtics from the 80's, those games were brutal and you had to be man to play."
Forum post from nbadraft.net community member
What word would you use describe LeBron James toughness or lack thereof?
What word would you use describe LeBron James toughness or lack thereof?
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Warrior
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Regular NBA player
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Wuss
We certainly can't be talking about physical toughness. LeBron has never missed more than seven games in any of his nine seasons, so where does this come from?
If we're talking about mental toughness, I can give a small amount of credence to that notion. But I can better describe what many are calling weaknessâ€"as simply being human.
LeBron ignited a firestorm with "The Decision"â€"and he was not prepared for the fallout. Socially, he wilted a bit amidst the effect. Could he have shown thicker skin during this time?
Perhaps, but it would weigh on any human being that went from being as beloved as James was, to being public enemy No. 1 in a matter of months.
All the hate and ridicule asideâ€"James still helped lead the Heat to the NBA Finals last year under tremendous pressure to perform.
Does he not deserve any credit for mental toughness for thatâ€"or his MVP-worthy season this year?
If you ignore thatâ€"you can't relate or you don't want toâ€"because you've decided to hate LeBron.
LeBron is a Jerk
"I didn’t start out hating on LeBron. When he first came into the league, I decided that it wasn’t his fault a bunch of goons had decided to invest millions and millions of dollars in him and turn ESPN into a scientology-esque brainwashing mechanism to pump him up. I gave him a fair shake.Â
But ever since the Cavs lifted themselves out of the basement and into relevancy, and I actually had to see LeBron play in some games of consequence, I realized that I just can’t stand the pompous jerk he has become.
The real LeBron is an entirely different creature than the LeBron filtered through Sportscenter, stories written by spineless sportswriters with massive LeBoners, and super-overwrought Nike commercials."
From ihatelebronjames.com
LeBron James is unfairly singled out as a jerk, arrogant or pompous based on behavior that is exhibited by most every NBA player.
He whines for foul callsâ€"every NBA superstar whines for callsâ€"even Derrick Rose has begun to challenge officials in this way.
He poses after dunksâ€"95 percent of the NBA poses after dunks.Â
"The Decision"â€"ahh, "The Decision"â€"isn't that what this is all about anyway?
The biggest mistake James ever made was not being prepared for the repercussions of his actions. Had he gone through with "The Decision" and stood defiant afterwardsâ€"he would have ultimately won over a lot of fans with his rebellious stance.
Exhibit A: Allen Iverson.
A.I. was one of the most anti-establishment, against-the-grain stars the league has ever seenâ€"yet he was perhaps the most popular in his prime. A similar example was made with Charles Barkley and his attitude throughout his career.
The worst thing James could do after "The Decision" was to apologizeâ€"it only makes the haters pile on. Those who hate don't want to like youâ€"therefore, begging their forgiveness is futile.
I personally never had a problem with "The Decision." As a matter of fact, it was an example of role reversal that I enjoyed. Generally, it is a team stringing a player alongâ€"a la Jim Irsay's treatment of Peyton Manning.
I enjoyed the player being in control.
People try to portray "The Decision" as this self-absorbed action that had no redeeming value. Was it to glorify self? Sure it was, but how much attention is paid to the fact that James donated the $2.5 million of proceeds from the program to The Boys and Girls Club?Â
Not much.
Just last nightâ€"after scoring the final 17 points to lead the Heat past New Jersey, he practically disrobed in offering a youngster a ton of his game gear. He even gave him the new LeBron's off his feet. Check it out:
Am I saying James is a saint?
Of course notâ€"but he isn't a pompous monster either. Then againâ€"if you're really a hater, this doesn't matter, because you've already decidedâ€"you just don't like LeBron James.
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