Five Reasons To Root For The Miami Heat
Jun 24, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Fans hold signs during the Miami Heat Championship celebration parade in downtown Miami. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Diversity
There are a lot of great people who support diversity, but for me, Bill Murray said it best in Stripes, “We’re Americans, with a capital ‘A’, huh? You know what that means? Do ya? That means that our forefathers were kicked out of every decent country in the world. We are the wretched refuse. We’re the underdog. We’re mutts!”
No team in sports exemplifies the wonder of diversity quite like the Heat. The Big Three, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are all African-Americans. The coach, Eric Spoelstra, is Asian-American in descent. Pat Riley, the Heat’s New York born white guy, and Mickey Arison our Jewish owner, round out an extremely diverse team.
But don’t forget the huge influence the Miami Hispanic community offers. Along with a great Cuban contingent, there are LOTS of fans of every color and creed rooting on their Heat to another championship.
The only thing the Heat need to be the ultimate diversity team would be to sign Jason Collins. As a resident of Wilton Manors, I give that idea two thumbs up!
Workers Rise Up
I’m a worker, an employee, someone who gets a paycheck. I don’t get to decide the direction of the company I work for, although in my mind, I believe I could help if consulted. Most people do. However, with the advent of free-agency, it was an inevitability that players in professional sports would one day help directly shape a championship franchise. James, Wade and Bosh did just that.
Along with a great front office and great ownership, three workers united to forge the foundation of a now back-to-back championship team. Don’t try and kid yourself, collective bargaining agreements across the three major American sports are designed to keep control over player movement firmly in the hands of billionaire owners. The Big Three not only spurned the extra cash, but helped Riley recruit other players who would do the same.
Go Workers!
Role Models
Charles Barkley famously said, “I’m not a role model… Just because I dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.” There’s some truth in that statement, but IF you could have a star athlete who doesn’t mind doubling as a role model, you would, wouldn’t you? Well, we have that here in South Florida.
LeBron James showed up for jury duty in Akron. He tweeted about doing his civic duty.
Dwyane Wade, at the height of his career, fought for full custody of his kids.
Ray Allen has foundations in multiple states for Diabetes, and plays an active role in them.
There’s a lot more than that, family is a BIG deal with the Heat.
You Could Be The Winner
Okay, I know this is a long shot, but during the playoffs it seems that so many companies are offering the “chance to go to the finals.” Visa, Papa John’s and more will give YOU a shot at an all-expenses paid trip to the finals. Trust me on this one, you want that finals trip to be down here to Miami.
Finally, the biggest and best reason to root for the Miami Heat:
Witness
He’s the greatest player of his generation, at the very peak of his powers. For years, decades maybe, we will be branding young players “the next LeBron.” Don’t take these years for granted. Game six versus the Celtics, game five versus the Pacers, game seven versus the Spurs are all iconic moments in basketball history. There are more to come, enjoy them.
So, say it with me “LET’S GO HEAT, LET’S GO HEAT, LET’S GO HEAT”