After a closeout game in a series, it has become customary for both teams to embrace by way of congratulatory handshakes and the exchanging of pleasantries. However, ever since LeBron James of the Cavaliers didn’t shake hands with the Orlando Magic several years ago, there has been heightened attention paid to this.
LeBron was soundly criticized for that, while other players routinely do the same. Look no further than Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo. It’s just part of the LeBron double-standard.
Last night, David West and Roy Hibbert left without greeting the Heat players and they have different reasons why.
For West, it’s simple.
He’s old school. He’s like the players in the 1980’s. He doesn’t have time to be buddies with his opponent. That’s why West never shook hands with any Heat players during the 10 meetings this season.
For Hibbert, it was different.
He’s never played with any of the Heat players. He respects them, but it wasn’t the time to be crashing their party.
“I know some of our guys have played on teams with some of them, but I don’t know them personally,” Hibbert explained to The Star. “It was their moment because they won. I have tremendous respect for them, but I don’t know any of those guys personally and I didn’t want to interrupt their moment.”
H/T: Indy Star
