The Boston Celtics have received a great deal of credit for the recent trend amongst the NBA's stars. Folks claim the Celtics set the blueprint for contention by combining 3 stars. Some have gone as far as comparing them to the Miami Heat's "Big 3". Sure both squads featured 3 very well-known commodities, but the team construction was completely different.
In 2006-07, the Celtics had the second worst record in the league. They hoped to turn that sour season into Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. It ended up being the 5th overall pick which they packaged to Seattle for Ray Allen. Analysts criticized the draft day trade, citing Ray's age and ankle injuries as big concerns.
Later that summer, Ainge hiked up his pursuit for Kevin Garnett. The trade was set and KG had to decide whether he wanted to join Pierce and Allen in Boston. He owned one of the league's few no-trade clauses and eventually OK'd the move. Boston sacrificed roughly half of it's roster and an array of future draft picks for the Big Ticket.
There it was. A steady gathering of young talent and a bit of luck gave Ainge an instant contender. 3 guys, 2 of which had seemingly passed their prime being put together to reach a round they'd never tasted: The Finals.
Miami's construction took a great deal of planning from Pat Riley, although it seems other forces were at work prior to his big acquisitions.
LeBron, Wade, and Bosh entered the league in 2003. Like many stars do, they played out their rookie contracts and signed for extensions as soon as the opportunity arose.
What made their case unique is that they didn't sign for the gargantuan maximum extensions that we see players like Hibbert and Eric Gordon getting now. These guys signed 3-year extensions, ensuring that they would be free agents in the summer of 2010 (at the same time). It was misunderstood at the moment, but most analysts saw it as a way not to get stuck on a sub-par team for too many years. Nobody assumed they were plotting to play together, but that's what happened.
While they signed 3-year pacts, Carmelo Anthony was taking the 5-year maximum extension in Denver. He soon regretted it, and forced a trade to New York before his contract expired.
It is odd that 3 young men simultaneously turned down more money and security (almost unprecedented). Whether Riley knew it or not, those moves were already working in his favor. He began taking on bad contracts (Shawn Marion, Jermaine O'Neal) to ensure he had cap space for 2010 free agent class.
It is odd that 3 young men simultaneously turned down more money and security (almost unprecedented). Whether Riley knew it or not, those moves were already working in his favor. He began taking on bad contracts (Shawn Marion, Jermaine O'Neal) to ensure he had cap space for 2010 free agent class.
Riley proceeded knowing that Wade had the charisma and Miami had the appeal to bring players in, not let them out. His gambit worked tremendously, as LeBron and Bosh jumped at the opportunity to join Wade in Miami.
There you have it. Wade stayed, Bosh joined in, then LeBron made "The Decision". Bosh and LeBron eventually arrived via sign-and-trades, but it was very much THEIR CHOICE to play in Miami. They engineered it and made it happen, together.
So the next time someone asks why Miami receives so much hate, let them know. Three all-stars, in the prime of their respective careers, took pay cuts to play together and avoid competition as we see fit. They seem to have planned it, and made it work unlike anyone we've ever seen. Nas once said "people fear what they don't understand" and few can comprehend 3 players that would make perfect rivals deciding to play as one. They changed the mentality of the league, both on and off the court.
There you have it. Wade stayed, Bosh joined in, then LeBron made "The Decision". Bosh and LeBron eventually arrived via sign-and-trades, but it was very much THEIR CHOICE to play in Miami. They engineered it and made it happen, together.
So the next time someone asks why Miami receives so much hate, let them know. Three all-stars, in the prime of their respective careers, took pay cuts to play together and avoid competition as we see fit. They seem to have planned it, and made it work unlike anyone we've ever seen. Nas once said "people fear what they don't understand" and few can comprehend 3 players that would make perfect rivals deciding to play as one. They changed the mentality of the league, both on and off the court.
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