NBA Finals Predictions

[beaner]

Heat in 4...

[waroriole]

LeBron cries.............tears of pain.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Had Miami in 5 in the other thread.

[ChaosLex]

Unfortunately, Heat in 4.

At least the big baby will finally get his ring.

[beaner]

Unfortunately, Heat in 4.

At least the big baby will finally get his ring.

I mean, I know he gets hurt a lot, but is that really any way to talk about Zydrunas Ilgauskas?

[Bosibus]

Unfortunately, Heat in 4.

At least the big baby will finally get his ring.

Cleveland gave him nothing to work with and he got a chance to play with some of his good friends in a city that is considered a vacation spot. I want Dirk to get a title more right now but I would be happy for LBJ if he got his first too. He may have done Cleveland dirty but I think most of us would have done the same in similar circumstances, just maybe not with "The Decision".

[beaner]

Cleveland gave him nothing to work with and he got a chance to play with some of his good friends in a city that is considered a vacation spot. I want Dirk to get a title more right now but I would be happy for LBJ if he got his first too. He may have done Cleveland dirty but I think most of us would have done the same in similar circumstances, just maybe not with "The Decision".

This times a billion. Van gundy said it best last night, there isn't a person alive who wouldn't want to be the best at what they do AND choose where to work and who to work with. But again, there are a lot of people on this site who still think Mark Teixeira wronged the Orioles somehow (when deep down, we all know we hyped it all ourselves), so rational thinking sometimes goes out the window.

[Sports Guy]

What did the Cavs organization do to make LeBron think they would do what it takes to win?

[Dr. FLK]

This times a billion. Van gundy said it best last night, there isn't a person alive who wouldn't want to be the best at what they do AND choose where to work and who to work with. But again, there are a lot of people on this site who still think Mark Teixeira wronged the Orioles somehow (when deep down, we all know we hyped it all ourselves), so rational thinking sometimes goes out the window.

I really think this type of argument is completely misconstruing why people don't like him. I could care less what he did to CLE. But, the way he did it showed the world what a narcissistic d-bag he is. Not surprisingly, most people aren't too excited to root for a narcissistic d-bag. Most people don't say he isn't good or that he didn't have the right to pick where he wanted to play. I think the argument is pretty simple: people don't like d-bags. I'm not so sure what's irrational about that.

[waroriole]

I really think this type of argument is completely misconstruing why people don't like him. I could care less what he did to CLE. But, the way he did it showed the world what a narcissistic d-bag he is. Not surprisingly, most people aren't too excited to root for a narcissistic d-bag. Most people don't say he isn't good or that he didn't have the right to pick where he wanted to play. I think the argument is pretty simple: people don't like d-bags. I'm not so sure what's irrational about that.

This times 1 million. If he had stayed in Cleveland I still wouldn't like him. I haven't liked him for years, though I agree he's clearly the best player in the league.

[beaner]

I really think this type of argument is completely misconstruing why people don't like him. I could care less what he did to CLE. But, the way he did it showed the world what a narcissistic d-bag he is. Not surprisingly, most people aren't too excited to root for a narcissistic d-bag. Most people don't say he isn't good or that he didn't have the right to pick where he wanted to play. I think the argument is pretty simple: people don't like d-bags. I'm not so sure what's irrational about that.

Fair enough. I disagree, but that's a fair argument. You're saying basically, that if he hadn't have done the ridiculous TV show, than you'd have been fine with him?

[Dr. FLK]

Fair enough. I disagree, but that's a fair argument. You're saying basically, that if he hadn't have done the ridiculous TV show, than you'd have been fine with him?

I wouldn't be fine with him...come on Beaner, you know all about my irrational hatreds.

But, I am saying that if he hadn't done that show, there wouldn't be this overwhelming hatred of him. I believe that he's always been a d-bag. But, by doing that show, he revealed it to the world.

[beaner]

I wouldn't be fine with him...come on Beaner, you know all about my irrational hatreds.

But, I am saying that if he hadn't done that show, there wouldn't be this overwhelming hatred of him. I believe that he's always been a d-bag. But, by doing that show, he revealed it to the world.

I guess so, he certainly wasn't hated nationally before this. You know me, I love watching great players play, I thought that was the point. I don't need him to be my friend. Cavs fans, Clevelanders, sure, I get that, but not everyone else.

[ChaosLex]

This times a billion. Van gundy said it best last night, there isn't a person alive who wouldn't want to be the best at what they do AND choose where to work and who to work with. But again, there are a lot of people on this site who still think Mark Teixeira wronged the Orioles somehow (when deep down, we all know we hyped it all ourselves), so rational thinking sometimes goes out the window.

I could give two craps less about the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I just think Lebron James is a jerkoff. ;)

[beaner]

I could give two craps less about the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I just think Lebron James is a douche. ;)

Totally using this saying in my everyday life from this point forward. Love it!

[ChaosLex]

I wouldn't be fine with him...come on Beaner, you know all about my irrational hatreds.

But, I am saying that if he hadn't done that show, there wouldn't be this overwhelming hatred of him. I believe that he's always been a d-bag. But, by doing that show, he revealed it to the world.

He revealed it before then, IMO.

Look at how he walked off the court without shaking any of the Orlando players hands a few seasons ago, look out at how he tossed his clothes at the feet of a Chicago ballboy (while said ballboy had his arm extended to him), look at the cockiness he displayed when he pulled Gilbert Arenas to the side (just to tell him that if he missed his free throws, he'd lose the game), etc. While I think he did Cleveland wrong with "The Decision," it doesn't really bother me as much as some of his other antics.

It's one thing to be competitive. It's another thing to think your **** doesn't stink. That's what irks me about James.

[Dr. FLK]

I guess so, he certainly wasn't hated nationally before this. You know me, I love watching great players play, I thought that was the point. I don't need him to be my friend. Cavs fans, Clevelanders, sure, I get that, but not everyone else.

People like watching him play. Heat games get great ratings. People still watch, because he's an amazing talent and an intriguing story. People just don't want to see him win because he's a giant d-bag.

He doesn't need to be my friend. But, I - like many others - find it difficult/impossible to root for him.

[Dr. FLK]

He revealed it before then, IMO.

Look at how he walked off the court without shaking any of the Orlando players hands a few seasons ago, look out at how he tossed his clothes at the feet of a Chicago ballboy (while said ballboy had his arm extended to him), look at the cockiness he displayed when he pulled Gilbert Arenas to the side (just to tell him that if he missed his free throws, he'd lose the game), etc. While I think he did Cleveland wrong with "The Decision," it doesn't really bother me as much as some of his other antics.

It's one thing to be competitive. It's another thing to think your **** doesn't stink. That's what irks me about James.

Oh I agree. But, he revealed it to a larger audience with the Decision.

[Sports Guy]

You want to blame someone? Blame Bosh.

Clev wanted Bosh to go with leBron and Bosh said no.

Chicago wanted Bosh to go with Wade but Bosh said no.

Bosh was the key to all of this.

[beaner]

You want to blame someone? Blame Bosh.

Clev wanted Bosh to go with leBron and Bosh said no.

Chicago wanted Bosh to go with Wade but Bosh said no.

Bosh was the key to all of this.

True, but Bosh isn't half the talent LeBron is, so it's not as "fun" to hate him.

[Dr. FLK]

You want to blame someone? Blame Bosh.

Clev wanted Bosh to go with leBron and Bosh said no.

Chicago wanted Bosh to go with Wade but Bosh said no.

Bosh was the key to all of this.


True, but Bosh isn't half the talent LeBron is, so it's not as "fun" to hate him.

What did Bosh have to do with "The Decision"? Again, missing the point...

[beaner]

What if he'd have announced on "The Decision" (which I agree, was absurd for the record) that he was staying in Cleveland? Don't you think he'd be absolutely beloved world wide?

[Sports Guy]

What did Bosh have to do with "The Decision"? Again, missing the point...

He had nothing to do with "the Decision"..the tv show.

He did have a lot to do with LeBron's decision to leave.

BTW, as ridiculous as that show was, at least the proceeds went to charity.

[Sports Guy]

What if he'd have announced on "The Decision" (which I agree, was absurd for the record) that he was staying in Cleveland? Don't you think he'd be absolutely beloved world wide?

Of course.

Whether you liked how he did it or not, the bottom line is he left and that's what people are upset with.

Had he stayed, no one would even talk about it.

[Dr. FLK]

What if he'd have announced on "The Decision" (which I agree, was absurd for the record) that he was staying in Cleveland? Don't you think he'd be absolutely beloved world wide?

No, I don't. But of course, it wouldn't be this bad. He basically orchestrated some grandiose TV show to announce that he was leaving his former employer for a new, sexier one (that wouldn't have been the case had he stayed in CLE). He also wouldn't have been able to use the "taking my talents to South Beach line, which further made a mockery of himself. He also wouldn't have had his "Welcome to Miami Dance Party" with his new teammates. But, he still would have come across as a schmuck.

It's about the way he left CLE, not that he left CLE. I really don't think people would have lined up to jump on the "I Love Lebron" train had he stayed in CLE because no one cares about CLE.

[beaner]

No, I don't. But of course, it wouldn't be this bad. He basically orchestrated some grandiose TV show to announce that he was leaving his former employer for a new, sexier one (that wouldn't have been the case had he stayed in CLE). He also wouldn't have been able to use the "taking my talents to South Beach line, which further made a mockery of himself. He also wouldn't have had his "Welcome to Miami Dance Party" with his new teammates. But, he still would have come across as a schmuck.

It's about the way he left CLE, not that he left CLE. I really don't think people would have lined up to jump on the "I Love Lebron" train had he stayed in CLE because no one cares about CLE.


I'm taking my talents to Lunch in about 20 seconds, but I disagree here. Yes, the dance party was absurd, the line was absurd, and the special was absurd. But had he stayed in Cleveland, the whole "loyalty" thing would have been beaten to death and that would have made him a hero.

[Dr. FLK]

I'm taking my talents to Lunch in about 20 seconds, but I disagree here. Yes, the dance party was absurd, the line was absurd, and the special was absurd. But had he stayed in Cleveland, the whole "loyalty" thing would have been beaten to death and that would have made him a hero.

I agree that he would not be hated like he is now. But, I attribute to the fact that he wouldn't have stood up on national TV and screamed to the world, "Hey, LBJ is the biggest d-bag you have ever seen!!!!!!!!" I don't think loyalty is revered nearly as much in today's sports landscape as it was before.

[beaner]

Whitlock wrote a great article today about how he has basically forgiven LeBron after watching him in these playoffs. A few lines:

Everything I wanted LeBron James to do — show remorse and grow the hell up — he did.

How can you hate or root against someone willing to evolve so quickly?

The backlash from The Decision made a man out of LeBron James.

Actually it’s been more than The Decision. Partnering with Dwyane Wade has played a huge role, too. These two guys have stood shoulder to shoulder all year. After every game and practice, it’s like they have a battle to see who can sound more mature.

[Dr. FLK]

Whitlock wrote a great article today

You lost me after this.

[beaner]

You lost me after this.

Let me guess, you "hate" him too?

Naturally.

[Bosibus]

Actually it’s been more than The Decision. Partnering with Dwyane Wade has played a huge role, too. These two guys have stood shoulder to shoulder all year. After every game and practice, it’s like they have a battle to see who can sound more mature.

You can see this in the press conferences as well, even in the beginning of the year when the team itself was not gelling, those two continued to tow the company line about playing better together and becoming a stronger team, which they did.

[backwardsk]

I really feel like the Mavs will win in 6. I think they fall behind 2-1, but rattle off three straight.