LeBron James knew who it was that didn’t vote for him as the NBA’s MVP, in a matter of speaking.
He didn’t know specifically that it was Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe who voted for Carmelo Anthony, but when pressed about it, he said he had an idea that it was someone from “New York or Boston.”
LeBron on one vote going against him. “I knew it would be either New York or Boston. Same difference.”
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) May 6, 2013
Like seriously? Same difference? For a New Yorker like myself, that hurts. And forgive me in advance for doubting LeBron’s logic here. I could totally see him envisioning it was a New York writer who voted for Carmelo Anthony—I mean, it makes sense—but he honestly thought it was a Boston writer that did? Er, I don’t think so.
If anything, the Boston Celtics hate the New York Knicks more than the Miami Heat. Their rivalry is more storied. New York is at least despised by Boston as much as Miami is. And no, I’m not implying that writers hold that same bias, but clearly James is.
The Heat aren’t considered beloved in either New York or Boston. I can’t speak for Beantown, but that’s just not what we do in New York. And I’m pretty sure that’s not how they do it in Boston, especially when it comes to New York.
Confused? Don’t worry, were’ getting there.
If a writer from Boston truly wanted to snub LeBron because he is, well, LeBron, why would he do it by using ‘Melo, who plays for the Knicks? Kevin Durant maybe, but Carmelo? Do you see how his logic is a bit flawed?
Of course, it was a Boston writer who voted for Anthony, but I doubt it was out of a misplaced hatred for LeBron. When Washburn went on SportsCenter to discuss his opinion and defend his selection, I saw where he was coming from. I myself am of the mind that the Association needs a separate award for the best player, so that the most valuable player can receive due recognition. There needs to be some kind of dichotomy there.
Once again, I’m not saying LeBron didn’t deserve it. He did. Knowing how the NBA tends to evaluate the MVP award, he definitely deserved it. But I see Washburn’s side too. And I’m not about to believe he did it just because he’s from “New York or Boston.” For one, it’s not the same difference. Not even close. Had Washburn had some personal vendetta against LeBron, I doubt he would have used Anthony as the benefactor of such a malicious game. And two, LeBron’s a professional, he should know that in this business, we’re above all that crap.
I disagree with the notion that a writer has to remain completely objective. It just doesn’t make sense. We’re all fans of the game (for the most part), so naturally, we’ll have a favorite team. Bias is okay in doses, as long as you’re prepared to admit your team sucks when it actually does. I criticize the Knicks all the time. I can’t imagine not doing so.
I’d also hazard that holding unfair grudges against players because they don’t play for your team or play for a rival is equally dumb. And I’d then venture that few journalists—especially ones with MVP ballots—do it. I myself love LeBron and what he can do, even though he spurned New York in 2010 (though I was not-so-secretly pining for the Knicks to land Dwyane Wade instead). He deserved this award, but he wasn’t necessarily entitled to a unanimous selection.
Why? Because the selection process is founded upon peoples opinions. Not everyone thought he was the right choice. Almost everyone did, but Washburn didn’t. And LeBron needs to respect that. We all do. Not because Washburn hails from Boston (or New York) and that’s just how he votes, but because that’s how he feels.
And trust me, there is a difference.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
