After performance in last year’s NBA Finals that was quiet by his standards, many believed that Lebron James would go on a warpath to fix his fourth-quarter woes. That has not been the case, as James continues to struggle in the clutch.
Now one of his teammates is saying that he would rather see Dwyane Wade take the final shot over “King” James.
Chris Bosh came out in an interview with GQ Magazine saying that he wants Wade to be the Miami Heat’s closer in the closing moments.
(courtsey of GQ Magazine)
GQ: Quick hypothetical, toes aside: Let’s say the game was tied. 10 seconds left. You had 30 points, LeBron’s got 30, and Wade’s got 30. You got the same amount of rebounds, same amount of assists—having the same great game. Who takes the shot at the end to either win or lose the game.
Chris Bosh: [immediately] Dwyane.
GQ: Why?
Chris Bosh: Because of his success in the past, given what he’s done. He’s a champ. He’s an MVP, and he’s hit a bunch of last-second shots. That’s the time you have to put pride aside a little bit, and do what’s best for the team. He’s quickest, and he’s gonna get a shot off. He relishes those moments.
Ouch.
While Bosh probably didn’t mean to insult James, it’s interesting to see how quickly Bosh came to the decision to pick Wade. For a man that has been suffering from a whirlwind of criticism since the infamous “Decision,” it must be difficult for James to know that his teammates don’t have confidence in him to take the last shot.
But the only way for James to change his current reputation is to perform, and start living up to his title of “King.”