LeBron James to Cleveland (2014)
LeBron James is one of the seven greatest players ever. Period. I don’t think there’s any argument necessary. So, obviously leaving Miami to return to Cleveland completely broke the game of basketball. I mean it is basically like signing an all-time great power forward, one of the best point guards ever, a coach, general manager, and money printing machine all at once.
So how could LeBron possibly be number four? Well that’s easy…
What knocks LeBron down a few pegs on the list is the lack of anticipation. We all knew LeBron was returning home.
Why would you continue playing with the same old run-down team, when you could trade the keys in for a new Ferrari? In this case the Ferrari being Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins (who eventually transformed into Kevin Love). Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
Miami’s downfall is the quintessential-cautionary tale of building through free agency. It may be an immediate road to success, but it can never succeed long term.
Next: Oakland Monstars