In the backlash to the backlash over the LeBron James debacle this summer, many people are arguing that James is doing exactly what we ask athletes to do all the time, which is to take less money to pursue better competitive situations and championships. To put the team first (even if it’s not your “hometown” team) by giving them better financial flexibility to fill the roster around the superstar. On his excellent NBA Today Podcast on ESPN, Ryen Rusillo said that James was, in essence, breaking the mold by not chasing the money.
This all very well may be true. But I hope the rest of the league remembers this (as I’m sure all Spurs’ fans do): Tim Duncan took a several million dollar paycut years ago in his latest extension even though the team offered him the max so that the Spurs could remain financially flexible and competitive.
Tim Duncan, the quiet breaker of molds. And Reason #682 why we love him.
