Sedale Threatt wrote:Good points Markus. I hope it doesn't come off like I'm defending LeBron, exactly. I just think if you look at all the factors, he's got to be the top choice.
Like I said, if this were a couple of years ago even, then I'd be pretty comfortable with Kobe. But, as high a level as he's managed to maintain -- which is pretty remarkable, and a testament to his work ethic (something LeBron will never be able to touch) -- he's had some noticeable slippage. James, on the other hand, is just entering his prime. I kind of agree with Bill Simmons in that, after all the backlash, he's almost gotten to be underrated.
I guess my view of him is colored by history, particularly the way they used to judge Jordan and Shaq for being losers. Now how do those assessments look?
That said, I agree that your take about how his image will be impacted upon winning is more probable than mine. I guess because I (usually) try to make honest assessments, I expect everyone else will as well. Just as I don't think it's fair that Kobe gets marked down for having played next to Shaq, I don't think it's fair to punish James for playing next to Wade.
That said, I think you're right in that it's going to happen.
You're also dead-on how quickly things can change. All it takes is one bad (or good, for that matter) break to significantly alter the expected outcomes. So a decade of dominance was probably stretching it. But I definitely would be surprised if James doesn't win anywhere between 3 and 5 championships with Miami.
I hope not, but then, I wouldn't be happy with anyone winning besides us. Boston -- blah. San Antonio -- double blah. And on and on.
One of the worst statements I ever heard
