Face of the NBA

Most any NBA fan -- or, for that matter, most all sports fans -- will tell you that LeBron James is the face of the NBA. However, like a lot of fans usually are, they are wrong.

Want me to give a few examples of how LeBron James is not the face of the NBA?

Is Terrell Owens the face of the NFL? No.
Is Sean Avery the face of the NHL? No.
Is Manny Ramirez the face of the MLB? No.

What do they all have in common? All four of them run their mouths; all four of them are selfish (or used to be); all four of them are multi-million dollar athletes. However, they are not the face of their respected leagues due to the simple fact that they spend large portions of their time talking to the camera and continuously trashing their teammates.

LeBron James, for this reason, is not respected by fans. Astute fans do not believe he is the face of the NBA. But then you must be questioning, “Who is the face of the NBA, then?”

Simple enough: go to the Sunshine State. Head a bit further south... and turn toward the Atlantic. Get the hint yet?

Dwyane Wade.

How? Well, if you have paid any attention lately to the television screen, you know that LeBron James has that insurance commercial. That’s the only one he has. Conversely, how many commercials does Dwyane Wade appear in that demonstrate a positive attitude, friendliness, community, and respect for his peers and other NBA Legends?

Doubt me? Look at some of Dwyane Wade’s commercials. Take, for example, the Gatorade commercial where he is wearing the USA Jersey and is introduced alongside amazing modern stars and all-time greats like Muhammad Ali.

Why is LeBron James not in that commercial? Because he is not even considered a likable guy. How can you justify putting in an athlete that trashes his teammates and hints that he would like get out of his current city to play in a bigger market for more money. Is that behavior that even young fans would like to look up to? No...

Apart from that, he is unproven. He has made one NBA Finals with a highly-paid team that was assembled to his request and yet still complains over and over about his team and coach.

Dwyane Wade? He has one NBA Finals MVP, NBA Championship, and the support and love of the city of Miami. Can LeBron James even count on the love of his fellow Cleveland citizens? No...

Check any sports website or ask any serious sports fan and they will find something bad to say about LeBron James. Many websites display their unflagging hatred towards him. What bad thoughts will you find about Dwyane Wade? Nearly none.

Dwyane Wade is on his way to capturing his first MVP with amazing play on a less-talented team than LeBron, and he is carrying that team to the playoffs. LeBron James is in the race as well to capture the title of Most Valuable Player; however his support from his whole team is so deep and good all-around that it might push him out of the race.

So why does the NBA continue to put Wade out there for promotional stints? Because of his origins. He is a humble, four-year college player that worked hard to achieve all these great glories. He is also soft spoken, humble and a fantastic teammate. These are the reasons why Dwyane Wade has achieved his status as the real face of the NBA.

Submitted 3/16/2009

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