There's "The Shot," "The Drive," "The Fumble" and now "The Decision" or is it "The Betrayal"?
Cleveland sports fans probably feel betrayed since Akron's own LeBron James announced he's moving to South Beach during a ridiculous TV spectacle Thursday.
In joining fellow stars Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, LeBron creates a mega-buzz. But his move to Miami removes the doubt in my mind that LeBron will never measure up to his idol, Michael Jordan.
The NBA above all other professional leagues measures greatness by rings. Russell, Jordan, Magic all greats, all won multiple titles. But they were also unquestionably the guy.
Which is why LeBron's move is a head scratcher.
James said "it's the best opportunity to win and to win now and to win in the future also. Winning is a huge thing for me." But he's going to Wade's town, where Dwayne Wade is the guy. Basically, James is choosing to play the role of second fiddle, a Scottie Pippen type to Wade's Jordan.
"The Decision" to join the Heat, is why I hesitate to even including him in the same breath as "His Airness".
Jordan was super-competitive. He had to be the guy. And in this situation, I think Jordan would have wanted to go head-to-head with Wade and run him out of the gym, not share the gym.
Killer instinct. Jordan had it, Kobe Bryant has it, and LeBron... well it's not clear it's there.
Without a doubt, LeBron is one of the premiere players in the NBA and his legacy depends on rings.
He had a great chance to win in Jordan's town, and be embraced by Bulls fans after years of losing.
He could have stayed home and become an immortal hero in Cleveland, but instead he chose to share the spotlight.
LeBron may have worn No. 23, but he's no "Airness." Not even close at this point.
Now as we move forward, the question becomes can you even make the Finals with LeBron, Wade, Bosh and a bunch of minimum-salary guys?
________________________________________________________
More LeBron Coverage:
James Inflicts Endless Pain - Terry Pluto, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Easy Come, Easy for LeBron - Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports
LeBron Better Win Titles - Jay Mariotti, Fanhouse
Decision Disastrous for Knicks - Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com NY
Measuring the NBA post-"Decision" - DJ Gallo, ESPN Page 2
