There's a good portion of the Miami Heat fan base (and some within the national media) that truly believed LeBron James was going to make his return down south this past offseason. In the end, though, LeBron elected to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers over the Heat.
Looking back, no matter what happens over the next couple of seasons, this is one of those decisions by LeBron that could end up being one of the biggest "what ifs" in league history.
And if missing out on LeBron didn't sting enough already, hearing LeBron unexpectedly praise the Heat and their new team will feel like putting salt in the wound for Heat fans.
“It’s gonna be damn good. — I think defensively they’re gonna be damn good. You look at Wiggins, Bam, Giannis, Davion Mitchell, they gonna be damn good. You have Spo there, he knows how to put the pieces in position, in the right place. — Bobby Portis is one of my favorite players. I love Bobby Portis. It’s a very exciting team. We’ll l just see how it comes together, which I think it will”
LeBron James could've joined the fun with the Heat
On one hand, this is the basketball analyst in LeBron who can't fail to realize that the Heat have the opportunity to be a real problem in the Eastern Conference. On the other hand, if you truly believe this LeBron, then why didn't you sign with the Heat?
Partly kidding, but as a Heat fan, it's increasingly disappointing that LeBron could envision all this and still decided to sign with the Sixers. Admittedly, there was likely much more at play than meets the eye, but it is a shame that LeBron didn't sign in Miami.
Because, in theory, LeBron would've made a ton of sense for the Heat.
Selfishly, LeBron would've been a perfect fit as a primary playmaker on this team. In many ways, especially on paper, LeBron signing with the Heat could've been viewed as a possible final piece of their championship puzzle.
At the very least, it would've put them in a very good spot heading into the start of the season. But again, LeBron wanted to start a new journey with the Sixers, and you can't blame him for that.
It is quite unfortunate for Heat fans.
If it's any consolation, the fact that LeBron is praising the Heat and speaking to their potential should give Heat fans all the confirmation they need heading into this season. While the national media may not be giving the Heat the respect that fans want to see, it certainly exists with the players.
The idea that arguably the best player of all time is giving the Heat its flowers tells you all you need to know about the hype, excitement, and expectations surrounding the team in Miami. Full disclosure, it surely would've been great to see LeBron join in on the ride.
But it's not the end of the world that he didn't.
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