Rick Ross is willing to gamble quite a lot of currency on the Miami Heat this season.
Last week, rapper Rick Ross (or Ricky Rozay for those of you better immersed in the world of hip-hop) did an interview with HOT 97 in which he stated,” most definitely finishing better than the Cavaliers.
I’ll put a 100 grand on that.
Between the controversy LeBron James caused with his arrival in 2010, the mockery the team had to endure in years to follow, and recently becoming the butt of most NBA-related jokes, taking such an aggressive stand in support of the Heat surprised many.
"“I feel like we’ll be more balanced this year,” Ross said, backing up his claim. “You know, the big homie [James], he’s most definitely one of the greatest ever, if not the greatest. But he brings a lot of baggage, too.”"
Ross also said he “didn’t like” the fact that James returned to Cleveland. “I feel he had a lot of unfinished business,” he explained. “I don’t know. And went back there? I wouldn’t did that for nothing.”
Whether or not Ross is so loyal to Miami because he was raised in Florida (and has lived there ever since), in order to spite James for leaving, or a combination of both, is unclear. But one thing is for sure: Heat fans are happy to have him on their side.
In a not-so-shocking turn of events however, not everyone feels the same way.
Ex-NBA star (and current ESPN analyst) Jalen Rose fired back at Ross on ESPN’s “Grantland Basketball Hour,” Thursday, stating “good luck with that one. And you know I’m good for the money, homie. So just reach out to me and let’s make this bet right now.”
More from All U Can Heat
- Grade the Trade: Heat grab Trae Young in shocking proposal
- NBA 2K24 Ratings: Takeaways and reactions to Miami Heat player ratings
- 4 Teams that should trade for Tyler Herro
- Miami Heat’s Nikola Jovic gives entire world reason to love him
- 1 Advantage the Heat have over every Southeast Division team
As of Sunday, Miami stands at 5-4, putting them at sixth in the Eastern Conference and third in the Southeast Division. They are eighth in the league for assists per game and twelfth for opponent points per game. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have a 5-3 record, are fourth in the Eastern Conference and second in the Central Division; they also rank second in points per game.
Although Dwyane Wade is currently nursing a hamstring injury, and sat out on Friday for the first time this season, he is averaging 19.8 points, 6.4 assists (a team-best) and 3.5 rebounds a game. Chris Bosh is also having a killer year so far, averaging 21.6 points, 9.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game. Take those two star veterans, mixed with a handful of hard-working rookies like James Ennis (who made his starting debut when Wade was out), and a whole lot of doubt from fans across the nation and it seems like the Heat are actually in pretty good shape.
On the other hand, James has shaken off his rocky start and has Kyrie Irving serving as one heck of a wingman.
Ross is certainly not the only celebrity to go to the extreme when it comes to betting on sports. Boxing legend Floyd Mayweather collected over $1.4 million last month, by rooting for the Denver Broncos. So, does the self-proclaimed “boss” have the right idea? Or is his bet completely crazy? Let us know in the comments below!