A quick cut to the chase. Per the Associated Press:
James made his guarantee in a Time magazine story that hits newsstands Friday. The Cavaliers superstar is featured on one of the covers of the Olympic preview issue.
After comparing the feeling of receiving a gold medal on the podium to opening a prized gift on Christmas morning, James was asked if that meant he would lead the Americans to the title.
“Absolutely,” James responded.
Asked if he guaranteed it, he repeated, “Absolutely.”
Now we will follow up with some thoughts. For starters, guarantees are a very dangerous tightrope to walk. If Rasheed Wallace were to guarantee what he was going to have for breakfast the next day, someone would be bound to say something about it. Gilbert Arenas had some lofty expectations during last season’s playoffs, and we know what happend there. What James did by guaranteeing a Gold simply laid the gauntlet down to his teammates without their prior knowledge, and anything short of epic prosperity will be ridiculed – and rightfully so.
Look, Lebron James is easily my favorite player in the league. I come to his defense in almost every situation, ranging from his mother rushing the floor to getting cheapshots from Brendan Haywood. However, he has an injured ankle and was on the same team that was an epic failure in the 2004 games. Granted, Larry Brown is no longer here to mess with James’ playing time, but who is to say that something drastic doesn’t happen? To guarantee something before the games even start?
I’m all for confidence, and frankly as the favorite to win it all, I do think that the U.S. will win the Gold. But to speak for the rest of your team – a team full of All-Stars and world class players that could have their own opinion – in a matter that would promise something that has a chance to not be delivered is a rough move to make.
There are several members of the current team that were there in 2004, and you can bet than they’re keeping their thoughts to themselves. If any other member of this team were to “guarantee” anything, there would be some sort of backlash. Alas, I’m fully willing to accept the same for the pride of Cleveland basketball. Feel free to disagree below.
