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SPORTS Welcome to the 3-Of-5 LeBron James Joins the Miami Heat Words by Martin Haro It was “The Decision” everyone in Miami expected with bated breath. Once the news was official, the move began to accomplish one of its goals – to bring the community together – as Miami Heat fans flocked to the team’s home, the American Airlines Arena, by the thousands, on an H-O-T July evening, to say “Hello and welcome.” The three amigos were, at last, together. In the Magic City. For the Magic City. And there they were, in their tall glory, dressed in Miami Heat whites: 1, 3, and 6 – Chris Bosh, freshly signed to the team from Toronto; the staying-put kid, Heat MVP Dwyane Wade; and the final piece of the puzzle, former Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James. This was huge, a friend/sports nut- nut later told me, “the Heat is a mere teen in sports franchise years, having been around only since the late ’80s.” The fact that James and Bosh and Wade chose to come or stay with the team is a major growth spurt not only for the Heat but for the entire city. “When the Heat won it all in 2006,” my friend continued, “Miami got a taste of just how exciting an NBA championship can be. Unfortunately, they have fallen flat ever since. This signing sent shockwaves across the NBA from here to L.A. “For a league that hasn’t experienced a true dynasty since the ’60s, the signing of these three athletes, all in their prime, indicates that a 21st century dynasty is under development. Miami isn’t just a football town anymore – and the Dolphins are going to have to share the spotlight for at least the next five years.” Reaction to the news, in Miami, was, for the most part, positive. Sure, a few businesses – Cavalier fans, perhaps? – put up signs asking “LeBrat” to go away, but savvier Magic City nightlife and restaurant MVPs (such as Mansion; STK Miami Beach, where James was spotted last winter; and the Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s Jeff Soffer) welcomed the news with open arms. “The Fontainebleau was host to the legendary Rat Pack,” the latter told People. “We are thrilled to welcome [our] new Rat Pack: Wade, Bosh, and James.” Building the base Aside from the impact in terms of flash that the three amigos already have had on the MIA, the powers that be want fans to consider the signage as a tool to grow and build the base. “The journey is just beginning,” Heat President Pat Riley said in a statement. Often, Miamians are labeled fair-weather fans, especially when it comes to basketball and baseball (the Marlins are an even younger team than the Heat). It takes decades to build a loyal, thunderous following. Having these three strong pillars in place is Riley’s way to tell us he is willing to dream big, and the first step is building a fan base that dreams even bigger. Managing expectations Miami could not have planned it better. All three players entered the league together in 2003. They played in the 2008 Olympics, winning gold for the United States. They were friends and friendly rivals. However, Bosh, James, and Wade each poised himself for free agency this year. The writing was on the wall: They wanted to play together. Which meant drama. Speculation. Disappointment for the cities who were not chosen. They wanted to play together, and that they would, even if it means they will make less money (let’s not get into the nitty- gritty of that business, OK?). In short, they wanted to win, and Miami, at the end of the day, offered them the best chance at an NBA championship. Not to mention “South Beach,” right, James? Boy, did he get some flak for saying he couldn’t wait to play there instead of Miami…. In the end, though, this is good news. 1, 3, 6 have demonstrated a commitment to one another, they seem sincere in their want to win and to help take Miami to the next level. Perhaps it won’t happen next year, even though the expectation will be there. Cooler heads expect 2012. We will wait and see. With bated breath. For Miami Heat Schedule and ticket information visit:www.sports.espn.go.com/ nba/teams/schedule?team=mia ML MIAMI LIVING 35