Heat Bandwagon? Stay off Please!

In life, people tend to follow trends. Whether it is the cool jeans, new rap artist or hairstyle. People's opinions change in the blink of an eye. Many sports fans are no different. They like to jump on the new bandwagon simply because it is 'cool' or to 'fit in'. For example, last summer Lebron James decided he did not want to be in Cleveland. He bolted to Miami and every since 'The Decision' fans, media and even former players have not been afraid to lash out at him. Now, on May 11, 2011 the former 'Lebron Haters' have a new take on him and the Heat. The Heat defeated the Boston Celtics in five games last night and many 'fair-weather' fans have jumped on the Lebron bandwagon. Being a Heat fan since Dwayne Wade entered the league in 2003, I have dealt with a few rough years and I was able to celebrate a championship in 2006. When Lebron made 'The Decision' I was very excited and understood where he was coming from. The regular season was a roller coaster for Lebron, Wade, Chris Bosh and the rest of the Miami Heat players and coaches. I think many Heat fans felt part of that because I know I've personally been ripped for being a Miami fan. My response to the 'Miami Haters' is simple. Keep hating, DO NOT jump on the bandwagon. DO NOT follow the trend. In fact, don't change your opinion on Lebron or the rest of the Heat. They may not win three, four or five titles, but it sure as hell looks a lot more likely than it did two months ago doesn't it. The fact of the matter is the Heat are a very good team to invest in, but it is not fair to me or any other TRUE Miami Heat fan to sell your Boston Celtics/Los Angeles Lakers stock and invest in the Heat.


I'm glad we celebrated the way we did because we accomplished something last night. At first, I was thinking "we shouldn't be celebrating like that." But, historically both Wade and Lebron have struggled against the Celtics in the playoffs and now they've beaten them together. They got over the hump and proved their logic for coming together. They got passed the monster that they couldn't slay on their own.  I know they did not win the title last night and there is no guarantee the Heat will by any means. But, I think that they have tasted some success and will be confident going into the Eastern Conference Finals against a very good Chicago Bulls team. But, all is well for at least one day. Eight wins down and eight wins to go.





Dwayne Wade and Lebron James embrace each other after
a hardfought series-clinching victory in
Game 5 against the Boston Celtics