It’s just No. 2 in a string of titles the Big Three has to win to justify their condescending tone that day, when LeBron counted off eight titles.
Locally, it won’t be viewed that way. But nationally, that’s the deal.
The “Welcome Celebration” was one thing.
A stage. Plumes of smoke. Pyrotechnics. Bosh yelling at the top of his lungs. The motto, “Yes. We. Did.” Even while sitting in the arena witnessing the madness, it seemed unreal.
Wade called their collaboration “arguably the best trio to ever play the game of basketball.”
LeBron said they would challenge each other so much in practice that “once the game starts it’s going to be easy.”
It’s that type of attitude that people remember.
Truth be told, the “Welcome Celebration” was a perfect metaphor for Miami. If you want to party the right way, come to Miami, where things regularly get “wonderfully out of hand” starting around 4 p.m. That’s what the “Welcome Celebration” became.
Perhaps people might have eventually accepted that, perhaps not.
But LeBron counting off the titles and everyone laughing and clapping, well, that took things to a new level.
That’s what the Big Three’s legacy will eventually be judged against.
The “Welcome Celebration” had humble and even admirable roots. It was supposed to be a family gathering, something just for Heat fans. It was the same idea as opening the arena so fans could gather and watch the NBA Finals road games on the big screen, which the Heat does.
The original thought was to let Heat fans bask in the glory of re-signing Wade and luring Bosh.
But then came the crowning achievement, landing LeBron.
Plans changed.
After all, the city exploded in an impromptu party the night LeBron announced he was “taking his talents to South Beach.” The energy was palpable.
There was a stream of cars on Biscayne Boulevard, in front of AmericanAirlines Arena, with fans blowing horns, yelling, and waving Heat flags. Fans jumped out of their cars and literally danced in the street.
If you’d have seen that you’d have understood fans needed a place to share their euphoria and see the Big 3 together, up close.
Thus, the “Welcome Celebration.”
And then came LeBron counting off titles.
Some would say LeBron’s words never should have been taken literally. But in the context of the “Welcome Celebration” and the hype that surrounded “The Decision,” LeBron’s words are still taken literally by most NBA followers.
Again, I think the Heat wins in seven games. It was my original prediction, and I think it will happen.
(RELATED: SHERIDAN AND SID ROSENBERG AGREE: SPURS IN 7)
The Heat has no choice but to win tonight. The term “backs against the wall” doesn’t begin to describe the urgency of this situation.
Legacies are at stake – the Big Three and LeBron James.
Individually, Bosh is fairly safe. Individually, Wade is fairly safe. They are what they are, for better or worse.
The Big Three, and James, however, well, there’s still some sculpting to be done on those legacies.
One title in three years, and three consecutive Finals appearances, would be acceptable for any other NBA trio.
But LeBron counted off eight titles at the “Welcome Celebration.” They seemed to think they would rank among the best in NBA history.
Fairly or not, that’s how LeBron and the Big Three will be judged.
(LOOKING TO ATTEND GAME 7 IF THERE IS ONE? GO TO MIAMI HEAT PLAYOFFS WITH TICKET CITY)
Chris Perkins is a veteran Miami-based sports journalist who covers the Heat for SheridanHoops.com. Follow him on Twitter.
What about Dan Gilbert’s the Cav will win a title before James? How about holding him to it?