Barkley going after James...again!!

[ACF]

The thing about Barkley is he's hypocritical (in regards to LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland).

Because Barkley wanted to get out of Philly to join a better team, so he forced his team to trade him to Phoenix.
Then Barkley wanted our of Phoenix to join Hakeem and Drexler in Houston, so he forced his team to trade him there.

So what the heck is Barkley talking about LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland?  If that's the case, Barkley should have stayed in Philly.

I do love that Barkley speaks his mind though.  I like the past superstars hating on LeBron  

Sir Charles I think was pretty fair in his request to leave philly based on the direction of their team. Look at the following roster and note they finished with 35 wins despite an incredible season from Barkley. Although they got a terrible package, trading him to rebuild completely was in the best interest of both parties. This is not the same as leaving a team that led the league in wins and took on 30 million in payroll the previous season to help you win (Shaq and Jamison). Seriously look at their roster below

http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHI/1992.html

Also, CB was traded for a great player (Jeff Hornacek) and two fairly decent players (Andrew Lang and Tim Perry).

[Bahku]

While I'm no fan of "Sir Charles", his propensity to say what he thinks without processing first can be amusing at times, and often the truth that others don't want to hear, (or the truth that others refrain from speaking).

I get a kick out of this "feuding" stuff and how the media loves to milk every angle of such controversy, but Barkley just voiced what so many of us have been thinking, about the absurdity and immaturity of LeBomb's posturing, and the way he's handled himself concerning his "defection" to Miami.

Many mistakes made by all, but LBJ, as part of this "maturing" process he claims to have gone through of late, should have expected this kind of reaction by people of all ilks, and should have learned by now to take it with a grain of salt.

Speaking his mind has often gotten Chuck into hot water, but I'm with him on this one ... this whole thing has reached a new level of nauseating, and we needed a little verbal tonic to sooth our stomachs.

[celticsclay]

By the way rooting for the heat and lebron right now is like going into a casino and standing by one of the blackjack tables and cheering and celebrating like crazy every time the dealer wins.....

[celticsclay]

While I'm no fan of "Sir Charles", his propensity to say what he thinks without processing first can be amusing at times, and often the truth that others don't want to hear, (or the truth that others refrain from speaking).

I get a kick out of this "feuding" stuff and how the media loves to milk every angle of such controversy, but Barkley just voiced what so many of us have been thinking, about the absurdity and immaturity of LeBomb's posturing, and the way he's handled himself concerning his "defection" to Miami.

Many mistakes made by all, but LBJ, as part of this "maturing" process he claims to have gone through of late, should have expected this kind of reaction by people of all ilks, and should have learned by now to take it with a grain of salt.

Speaking his mind has often gotten Chuck into hot water, but I'm with him on this one ... this whole thing has reached a new level of nauseating, and we needed a little verbal tonic to sooth our stomachs.

There is Bahku... aka the man! Well said

[housecall]

The single biggest difference in Lebron leaving his old team and the other superstars that left are,they let their franchises know they were planning to leave and didn't leave through a TV special.It was some punk moves on Lebron behalf.

[Snakehead]

The thing about Barkley is he's hypocritical (in regards to LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland).

Because Barkley wanted to get out of Philly to join a better team, so he forced his team to trade him to Phoenix.
Then Barkley wanted our of Phoenix to join Hakeem and Drexler in Houston, so he forced his team to trade him there.

So what the heck is Barkley talking about LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland?  If that's the case, Barkley should have stayed in Philly.

I do love that Barkley speaks his mind though.  I like the past superstars hating on LeBron 

It's funny because Barkley joined up with two greats late in his career desperately trying to win a title in Houston.  And if you have never won a ring, you know what you probably should not do?  Criticize players who are trying to put themselves in a good position to win a title.

I think Barkley is entertaining but he speaks out of his ass very often.

I think some people don't know the background on some of this stuff. By the time Barkley was traded to Houston he had battled injuries for the previous three seasons and had seriously considered retirement. He would last just two more injury filled seasons in Houston before being injured in the beginning of his third ending his career. Also, FWIW the suns received a very good package for Barkley including Sam Cassel and Robert Horry. Comparing a player making movements at the end of his career in moves that benefit both parties is a lot different then hijacking the league when you are 25 and going to play with your best friends.... Lebron can do what he want, but it is incorrect to say Barkley did the same thing. It would also be incorrect to compare KG or Ray Allen in case people are thinking about it.

LeBron was a FREE AGENT.  He had no obligation to provide Cleveland with anything, that's not how free agency works.  And LeBron didn't hijack the league, his Decision special was certainly too much but otherwise the teams were all the ones going after him so hard, setting up huge events for their fans, talking up their chances and defending mediocre seasons for a few years by saying "wait til the Summer of 2010"...

You can't blame LeBron for what teams, the media, or the NBA execs chose to do around his free agency.  He isn't blameless of course but it was those factors fueling the hype up until The Decision, and now after it.

I never said Barkley did the same thing, I only said between all the moves he made and his lack of a ring... shouldn't he not be criticizing a guy who made a smart decision (if your goal is winning a title) in Free Agency?  I know I would love to play on a great team with my best friends, I don't consider that a negative either, you seem to.  They should have better chemistry.

And although our Big Three didn't come together the same way (mutually in Free Agency) it is fine to compare the situations.  They were different certainly, but at the end of the day it is 3 greats coming together when they had less than optimal situations to try to make a great team. The big diference is merely that these guys are coming together at an earlier point in their careers... seems smart to me.

Listen to KG.  KG has said that he wished he came to Boston earlier, and that they would of won maybe 4 titles or so here.  Clearly he looks back at a situation where he did not have enough to win in Minny and wishes he had put himself in the better situation so that early in his career, when his powers were at their highest, he was competitive for titles.  That is smart, and instead of looking back and saying a similar thing and living with that regret forever, all the Miami guys just did it.


It'll be interesting to see what happens, because all these critics will look pretty dumb if this Heat team turns out to be a real dynasty, and that's certainly a very real possibility.

[Mike-Dub]

While I'm no fan of "Sir Charles", his propensity to say what he thinks without processing first can be amusing at times, and often the truth that others don't want to hear, (or the truth that others refrain from speaking).

I get a kick out of this "feuding" stuff and how the media loves to milk every angle of such controversy, but Barkley just voiced what so many of us have been thinking, about the absurdity and immaturity of LeBomb's posturing, and the way he's handled himself concerning his "defection" to Miami.

Many mistakes made by all, but LBJ, as part of this "maturing" process he claims to have gone through of late, should have expected this kind of reaction by people of all ilks, and should have learned by now to take it with a grain of salt.

Speaking his mind has often gotten Chuck into hot water, but I'm with him on this one ... this whole thing has reached a new level of nauseating, and we needed a little verbal tonic to sooth our stomachs.

Bahku you always say the words that I feel but much better.  TP.

[footey]

I don't think Barkley was being hypocritical at all.  He says he thought Lebron should have stayed in Cleveland and was disappointed he joined Wade's team.  I think most people thought he should stay in Cleveland and many were surprised he joined Wade's team.  I also don't have a problem with him being critical of the special or their antics at the press conference.  Those two things don't really sit well with most people. 

concur.

[celticsclay]

The thing about Barkley is he's hypocritical (in regards to LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland).

Because Barkley wanted to get out of Philly to join a better team, so he forced his team to trade him to Phoenix.
Then Barkley wanted our of Phoenix to join Hakeem and Drexler in Houston, so he forced his team to trade him there.

So what the heck is Barkley talking about LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland?  If that's the case, Barkley should have stayed in Philly.

I do love that Barkley speaks his mind though.  I like the past superstars hating on LeBron 

It's funny because Barkley joined up with two greats late in his career desperately trying to win a title in Houston.  And if you have never won a ring, you know what you probably should not do?  Criticize players who are trying to put themselves in a good position to win a title.

I think Barkley is entertaining but he speaks out of his ass very often.

I think some people don't know the background on some of this stuff. By the time Barkley was traded to Houston he had battled injuries for the previous three seasons and had seriously considered retirement. He would last just two more injury filled seasons in Houston before being injured in the beginning of his third ending his career. Also, FWIW the suns received a very good package for Barkley including Sam Cassel and Robert Horry. Comparing a player making movements at the end of his career in moves that benefit both parties is a lot different then hijacking the league when you are 25 and going to play with your best friends.... Lebron can do what he want, but it is incorrect to say Barkley did the same thing. It would also be incorrect to compare KG or Ray Allen in case people are thinking about it.

LeBron was a FREE AGENT.  He had no obligation to provide Cleveland with anything, that's not how free agency works.  And LeBron didn't hijack the league, his Decision special was certainly too much but otherwise the teams were all the ones going after him so hard, setting up huge events for their fans, talking up their chances and defending mediocre seasons for a few years by saying "wait til the Summer of 2010"...

You can't blame LeBron for what teams, the media, or the NBA execs chose to do around his free agency.  He isn't blameless of course but it was those factors fueling the hype up until The Decision, and now after it.

I never said Barkley did the same thing, I only said between all the moves he made and his lack of a ring... shouldn't he not be criticizing a guy who made a smart decision (if your goal is winning a title) in Free Agency?  I know I would love to play on a great team with my best friends, I don't consider that a negative either, you seem to.  They should have better chemistry.

And although our Big Three didn't come together the same way (mutually in Free Agency) it is fine to compare the situations.  They were different certainly, but at the end of the day it is 3 greats coming together when they had less than optimal situations to try to make a great team. The big diference is merely that these guys are coming together at an earlier point in their careers... seems smart to me.

Listen to KG.  KG has said that he wished he came to Boston earlier, and that they would of won maybe 4 titles or so here.  Clearly he looks back at a situation where he did not have enough to win in Minny and wishes he had put himself in the better situation so that early in his career, when his powers were at their highest, he was competitive for titles.  That is smart, and instead of looking back and saying a similar thing and living with that regret forever, all the Miami guys just did it.


It'll be interesting to see what happens, because all these critics will look pretty dumb if this Heat team turns out to be a real dynasty, and that's certainly a very real possibility.

I am well aware it is not outside the realm of possibilities that Lebron would hire people to defend and protect his image on blogs and message boards... whats he paying you

[Mike-Dub]

The thing about Barkley is he's hypocritical (in regards to LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland).

Because Barkley wanted to get out of Philly to join a better team, so he forced his team to trade him to Phoenix.
Then Barkley wanted our of Phoenix to join Hakeem and Drexler in Houston, so he forced his team to trade him there.

So what the heck is Barkley talking about LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland?  If that's the case, Barkley should have stayed in Philly.

I do love that Barkley speaks his mind though.  I like the past superstars hating on LeBron 

It's funny because Barkley joined up with two greats late in his career desperately trying to win a title in Houston.  And if you have never won a ring, you know what you probably should not do?  Criticize players who are trying to put themselves in a good position to win a title.

I think Barkley is entertaining but he speaks out of his ass very often.

I think some people don't know the background on some of this stuff. By the time Barkley was traded to Houston he had battled injuries for the previous three seasons and had seriously considered retirement. He would last just two more injury filled seasons in Houston before being injured in the beginning of his third ending his career. Also, FWIW the suns received a very good package for Barkley including Sam Cassel and Robert Horry. Comparing a player making movements at the end of his career in moves that benefit both parties is a lot different then hijacking the league when you are 25 and going to play with your best friends.... Lebron can do what he want, but it is incorrect to say Barkley did the same thing. It would also be incorrect to compare KG or Ray Allen in case people are thinking about it.

LeBron was a FREE AGENT.  He had no obligation to provide Cleveland with anything, that's not how free agency works.  And LeBron didn't hijack the league, his Decision special was certainly too much but otherwise the teams were all the ones going after him so hard, setting up huge events for their fans, talking up their chances and defending mediocre seasons for a few years by saying "wait til the Summer of 2010"...

You can't blame LeBron for what teams, the media, or the NBA execs chose to do around his free agency.  He isn't blameless of course but it was those factors fueling the hype up until The Decision, and now after it.

I never said Barkley did the same thing, I only said between all the moves he made and his lack of a ring... shouldn't he not be criticizing a guy who made a smart decision (if your goal is winning a title) in Free Agency?  I know I would love to play on a great team with my best friends, I don't consider that a negative either, you seem to.  They should have better chemistry.

And although our Big Three didn't come together the same way (mutually in Free Agency) it is fine to compare the situations.  They were different certainly, but at the end of the day it is 3 greats coming together when they had less than optimal situations to try to make a great team. The big diference is merely that these guys are coming together at an earlier point in their careers... seems smart to me.

Listen to KG.  KG has said that he wished he came to Boston earlier, and that they would of won maybe 4 titles or so here.  Clearly he looks back at a situation where he did not have enough to win in Minny and wishes he had put himself in the better situation so that early in his career, when his powers were at their highest, he was competitive for titles.  That is smart, and instead of looking back and saying a similar thing and living with that regret forever, all the Miami guys just did it.

Of course there was going to be hype.  He "was" the best player in the league and was about to be a free-agent.  He didn't have to be such a jerk about leaving!!  He didn't have to go on Larry King!!  He didn't have to have "The DeBACLE"!!  He didn't have to have that ridiculous circus that him Bosh and Wade did two days after he signed after never even stepping on the court as teammates yet!! He didn't have to do any of that!!  He chose to!  

Charles gave his all on every team he played on and never left any of the franchise's he played for as wreck like Le"Instert word here did".  Charles never would have left any of the franchise's he was on to dry like LeCon did.  LeCon should be thankful for Cleveland.  They gave him his start to his NBA career.  

KG was really distraught when he was leaving Minnesota and was really upset about it.  He actually showed LOYALTY, which LeCon has no idea what that word even means, to Minnesota.  

If LeBron was going to leave and had any cojones he would have gone to Chicago where he would have tried to surpass Jordan, win more rings, and have Jordan be in his shadow.

If LeCon really was a man though...  HE WOULD HAVE STAYED IN CLEVELAND AND DONE IT AND WON IT THERE!!!

[get_banners]

the issue is the one hour special, and the lead-up to it. i don't begrudge queen james for leaving cleveland...well, sort of (since he basically forced them to take on a lot of bad contracts, etc)...since he WAS a free agent, but the way he basically spat in their faces with the whole process was disgusting. and i say that as a university of michigan grad - i hate that state! its also childish of him to tweet about getting angry about the criticism. he deserved it, plain and simple. it's pretty obvious nobody has ever been tough on him ever. a grown man would take the criticism he deserved and learn from it. a spoiled child does what lebron did, complain about it.

[Snakehead]

The thing about Barkley is he's hypocritical (in regards to LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland).

Because Barkley wanted to get out of Philly to join a better team, so he forced his team to trade him to Phoenix.
Then Barkley wanted our of Phoenix to join Hakeem and Drexler in Houston, so he forced his team to trade him there.

So what the heck is Barkley talking about LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland?  If that's the case, Barkley should have stayed in Philly.

I do love that Barkley speaks his mind though.  I like the past superstars hating on LeBron  

It's funny because Barkley joined up with two greats late in his career desperately trying to win a title in Houston.  And if you have never won a ring, you know what you probably should not do?  Criticize players who are trying to put themselves in a good position to win a title.

I think Barkley is entertaining but he speaks out of his ass very often.

I think some people don't know the background on some of this stuff. By the time Barkley was traded to Houston he had battled injuries for the previous three seasons and had seriously considered retirement. He would last just two more injury filled seasons in Houston before being injured in the beginning of his third ending his career. Also, FWIW the suns received a very good package for Barkley including Sam Cassel and Robert Horry. Comparing a player making movements at the end of his career in moves that benefit both parties is a lot different then hijacking the league when you are 25 and going to play with your best friends.... Lebron can do what he want, but it is incorrect to say Barkley did the same thing. It would also be incorrect to compare KG or Ray Allen in case people are thinking about it.

LeBron was a FREE AGENT.  He had no obligation to provide Cleveland with anything, that's not how free agency works.  And LeBron didn't hijack the league, his Decision special was certainly too much but otherwise the teams were all the ones going after him so hard, setting up huge events for their fans, talking up their chances and defending mediocre seasons for a few years by saying "wait til the Summer of 2010"...

You can't blame LeBron for what teams, the media, or the NBA execs chose to do around his free agency.  He isn't blameless of course but it was those factors fueling the hype up until The Decision, and now after it.

I never said Barkley did the same thing, I only said between all the moves he made and his lack of a ring... shouldn't he not be criticizing a guy who made a smart decision (if your goal is winning a title) in Free Agency?  I know I would love to play on a great team with my best friends, I don't consider that a negative either, you seem to.  They should have better chemistry.

And although our Big Three didn't come together the same way (mutually in Free Agency) it is fine to compare the situations.  They were different certainly, but at the end of the day it is 3 greats coming together when they had less than optimal situations to try to make a great team. The big diference is merely that these guys are coming together at an earlier point in their careers... seems smart to me.

Listen to KG.  KG has said that he wished he came to Boston earlier, and that they would of won maybe 4 titles or so here.  Clearly he looks back at a situation where he did not have enough to win in Minny and wishes he had put himself in the better situation so that early in his career, when his powers were at their highest, he was competitive for titles.  That is smart, and instead of looking back and saying a similar thing and living with that regret forever, all the Miami guys just did it.

Of course there was going to be hype.  He "was" the best player in the league and was about to be a free-agent.  He didn't have to be such a jerk about leaving!!  He didn't have to go on Larry King!!  He didn't have to have "The DeBACLE"!!  He didn't have to have that ridiculous circus that him Bosh and Wade did two days after he signed after never even stepping on the court as teammates yet!! He didn't have to do any of that!!  He chose to!  

Charles gave his all on every team he played on and never left any of the franchise's he played for as wreck like Le"Instert word here did".  Charles never would have left any of the franchise's he was on to dry like LeCon did.  LeCon should be thankful for Cleveland.  They gave him his start to his NBA career.  

KG was really distraught when he was leaving Minnesota and was really upset about it.  He actually showed LOYALTY, which LeCon has no idea what that word even means, to Minnesota.  

If LeBron was going to leave and had any cojones he would have gone to Chicago where he would have tried to surpass Jordan, win more rings, and have Jordan be in his shadow.

If LeCon really was a man though...  HE WOULD HAVE STAYED IN CLEVELAND AND DONE IT AND WON IT THERE!!!

The event after the signing was a media event... other teams do them too, this was a bigger and more extravagant one certainly but when you're bringing in the leagues reigning MVP and one of its best PFs you should probably celebrate that with your fans to get them excited, especially if you have had dissapointing years the last few years.  I think every single team would have done what the Heat did if they landed James.

Cleveland started LeBron's NBA career because they happend to be the worst team in the league and ended up witht he 1st pick... like do you think another team wouldn't have been thrilled to have LeBron James?  

And I think LeBron was not happy about leaving Cleveland, you have no reasonable way to say he did not.  He hurt people in Cle with his special certainly but I think he just didn't think it through and see the ramifications.  LeBron gave his everything to Cleveland for 7 years, so that's weird to say he would suddenly not care at all.  He handled it badly but I don't see how, judging from his past, you could say he wouldn't care at all.  The special made it look bad but I don't believe he would not care.

And I guess LeBron doesn't give a crap about Jordan's legacy, why should he?  If i was him I'd stop listening to people who endlessly compare him to Jordan even though they are not the same player.  He should move on and try to make a dynasty of his own, not in Chicago but somehwere else (i.e. Miami) so that people can say "He was the best Heat player ever" or that the "Heat team was the best ever" or "LBJ is the best of all time" etc without any mention of Michael Jordan.  To attach yourself to Jordan like that would of been lame, like some kind of crutch.  He should of done just what he did.

Endless comparisons between players in basketball history is the most overrated aspect anyone talks about.  The games were so different during these times that it's pointless.

The thing about Barkley is he's hypocritical (in regards to LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland).

Because Barkley wanted to get out of Philly to join a better team, so he forced his team to trade him to Phoenix.
Then Barkley wanted our of Phoenix to join Hakeem and Drexler in Houston, so he forced his team to trade him there.

So what the heck is Barkley talking about LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland?  If that's the case, Barkley should have stayed in Philly.

I do love that Barkley speaks his mind though.  I like the past superstars hating on LeBron  

It's funny because Barkley joined up with two greats late in his career desperately trying to win a title in Houston.  And if you have never won a ring, you know what you probably should not do?  Criticize players who are trying to put themselves in a good position to win a title.

I think Barkley is entertaining but he speaks out of his ass very often.

I think some people don't know the background on some of this stuff. By the time Barkley was traded to Houston he had battled injuries for the previous three seasons and had seriously considered retirement. He would last just two more injury filled seasons in Houston before being injured in the beginning of his third ending his career. Also, FWIW the suns received a very good package for Barkley including Sam Cassel and Robert Horry. Comparing a player making movements at the end of his career in moves that benefit both parties is a lot different then hijacking the league when you are 25 and going to play with your best friends.... Lebron can do what he want, but it is incorrect to say Barkley did the same thing. It would also be incorrect to compare KG or Ray Allen in case people are thinking about it.

LeBron was a FREE AGENT.  He had no obligation to provide Cleveland with anything, that's not how free agency works.  And LeBron didn't hijack the league, his Decision special was certainly too much but otherwise the teams were all the ones going after him so hard, setting up huge events for their fans, talking up their chances and defending mediocre seasons for a few years by saying "wait til the Summer of 2010"...

You can't blame LeBron for what teams, the media, or the NBA execs chose to do around his free agency.  He isn't blameless of course but it was those factors fueling the hype up until The Decision, and now after it.

I never said Barkley did the same thing, I only said between all the moves he made and his lack of a ring... shouldn't he not be criticizing a guy who made a smart decision (if your goal is winning a title) in Free Agency?  I know I would love to play on a great team with my best friends, I don't consider that a negative either, you seem to.  They should have better chemistry.

And although our Big Three didn't come together the same way (mutually in Free Agency) it is fine to compare the situations.  They were different certainly, but at the end of the day it is 3 greats coming together when they had less than optimal situations to try to make a great team. The big diference is merely that these guys are coming together at an earlier point in their careers... seems smart to me.

Listen to KG.  KG has said that he wished he came to Boston earlier, and that they would of won maybe 4 titles or so here.  Clearly he looks back at a situation where he did not have enough to win in Minny and wishes he had put himself in the better situation so that early in his career, when his powers were at their highest, he was competitive for titles.  That is smart, and instead of looking back and saying a similar thing and living with that regret forever, all the Miami guys just did it.


It'll be interesting to see what happens, because all these critics will look pretty dumb if this Heat team turns out to be a real dynasty, and that's certainly a very real possibility.

I am well aware it is not outside the realm of possibilities that Lebron would hire people to defend and protect his image on blogs and message boards... whats he paying you

Compelling response lol.

[nba is the worst]

The thing about Barkley is he's hypocritical (in regards to LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland).

Because Barkley wanted to get out of Philly to join a better team, so he forced his team to trade him to Phoenix.
Then Barkley wanted our of Phoenix to join Hakeem and Drexler in Houston, so he forced his team to trade him there.

So what the heck is Barkley talking about LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland?  If that's the case, Barkley should have stayed in Philly.

I do love that Barkley speaks his mind though.  I like the past superstars hating on LeBron 

It's funny because Barkley joined up with two greats late in his career desperately trying to win a title in Houston.  And if you have never won a ring, you know what you probably should not do?  Criticize players who are trying to put themselves in a good position to win a title.

I think Barkley is entertaining but he speaks out of his ass very often.

I think some people don't know the background on some of this stuff. By the time Barkley was traded to Houston he had battled injuries for the previous three seasons and had seriously considered retirement. He would last just two more injury filled seasons in Houston before being injured in the beginning of his third ending his career. Also, FWIW the suns received a very good package for Barkley including Sam Cassel and Robert Horry. Comparing a player making movements at the end of his career in moves that benefit both parties is a lot different then hijacking the league when you are 25 and going to play with your best friends.... Lebron can do what he want, but it is incorrect to say Barkley did the same thing. It would also be incorrect to compare KG or Ray Allen in case people are thinking about it.

LeBron was a FREE AGENT.  He had no obligation to provide Cleveland with anything, that's not how free agency works.  And LeBron didn't hijack the league, his Decision special was certainly too much but otherwise the teams were all the ones going after him so hard, setting up huge events for their fans, talking up their chances and defending mediocre seasons for a few years by saying "wait til the Summer of 2010"...

You can't blame LeBron for what teams, the media, or the NBA execs chose to do around his free agency.  He isn't blameless of course but it was those factors fueling the hype up until The Decision, and now after it.

I never said Barkley did the same thing, I only said between all the moves he made and his lack of a ring... shouldn't he not be criticizing a guy who made a smart decision (if your goal is winning a title) in Free Agency?  I know I would love to play on a great team with my best friends, I don't consider that a negative either, you seem to.  They should have better chemistry.

And although our Big Three didn't come together the same way (mutually in Free Agency) it is fine to compare the situations.  They were different certainly, but at the end of the day it is 3 greats coming together when they had less than optimal situations to try to make a great team. The big diference is merely that these guys are coming together at an earlier point in their careers... seems smart to me.

Listen to KG.  KG has said that he wished he came to Boston earlier, and that they would of won maybe 4 titles or so here.  Clearly he looks back at a situation where he did not have enough to win in Minny and wishes he had put himself in the better situation so that early in his career, when his powers were at their highest, he was competitive for titles.  That is smart, and instead of looking back and saying a similar thing and living with that regret forever, all the Miami guys just did it.


It'll be interesting to see what happens, because all these critics will look pretty dumb if this Heat team turns out to be a real dynasty, and that's certainly a very real possibility.

What he owed the Cavs and his fanbase was his best effort, rather than throwing the series right after handing the Celtics their worst home playoff loss in team history, scoring 38 on 63% FG, including a 21-pt 1stQ.

He avg'd 37 ppg vs the Celtics this season, but could "somehow" only manage 22 in game 4, including just 5 in the 4th on 33%fg, which started with the Cavs trailing by 2 pts (his only FGs were layups).  That was the game where all the Cavs starters were in double figures, and Shaq/Varejao had scored 25 and held Perk/Sheed to just 3 points...

Even so, all he had to do was lead the Cavs to 10 (home) wins and the Cavs get the title. But, as we all saw, he quit in game 5, with that epic 3-14, 15-pt travesty.

Unforgivable, IMHO!

[quidinqui33]

Ha!  This is great.  Barkly does annoy me a lot of the time, but he is dead on here.  He is saying that they were punks for the way they handled it, and he personally would have like bron to stay in cleveland.

I do agree though, Barkley tried to team up with big stars in his career as well, so he is being a bit hypicritical.

The funny thing about this whole thing is that people are comparing Bron joining wade and bosh like jordan joining magic and bird.  But it is really more like, charles joining hakeem and drexler.

Wade's teams were not keeping lebron from winning titles. Bosh's team were not keeping lebron from winning titles.

The celtics and dwight are who were keeping him out of the finals.  And of he actually ever consistently made it to the finals, Kobe would have stopped him.  

Lebron joined the biggest stars in the league, but he definitely did not join the biggest winners.  And that is the differnce.  Bird, magic, and and michael were both; each with their own team.  

This group in miami turned out were nothing but stars on their own (wade gets slack here for leading a team to a ring).

My favorite part about this whole thing...not matter how many rings Ms. Lebron gets, wade will always have one more.

[BballTim]

The thing about Barkley is he's hypocritical (in regards to LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland).

Because Barkley wanted to get out of Philly to join a better team, so he forced his team to trade him to Phoenix.
Then Barkley wanted our of Phoenix to join Hakeem and Drexler in Houston, so he forced his team to trade him there.

So what the heck is Barkley talking about LeBron should have stayed in Cleveland?  If that's the case, Barkley should have stayed in Philly.

I do love that Barkley speaks his mind though.  I like the past superstars hating on LeBron 

It's funny because Barkley joined up with two greats late in his career desperately trying to win a title in Houston.  And if you have never won a ring, you know what you probably should not do?  Criticize players who are trying to put themselves in a good position to win a title.

  I'm not a big Barkley guy, but it's different to try and win a title when you're in your 30s and your window as an impact player is starting to close, kind of like the Celts big three. It's another thing to give up on the idea of leading a team to a tile when you're 25.