Former ESPN star and The Ringer founder Bill Simmons is well aware of the rumors surrounding LeBron James and the Miami Heat this week.
On Tuesday night, a social media user (@HeatvsHaters) discovered a scheduled video from the Heat's official YouTube channel that had this title: “LeBron James Introductory Press Conference.” According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the club’s social media department was preparing for the possibility of James returning to South Beach. The video has already been deleted.
While the Heat haven't secured a commitment just yet, ESPN insider Adam Schefter claims a return to Miami is the most-likely scenario for James.
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. There are people who are kind and think of me and send along information,” Schefter said on 97.5 The Fanatic. “I can read you the exact text… Tuesday, June 30th, at 7:12 ‘I’m hearing Bron is coming to the Miami Heat, just giving it a heads up. You may want to check It out.’”
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During the latest edition of his self-titled podcast, Simmons made it clear that he doesn't view the Heat as the best fit for James. That being said, he's rooting for the NBA's all-time leading scorer to return to Miami.
"There’s two reasons I think it’d be fun if he went to Miami," Simmons said. "One, I think it’s a terrible fit. Two, their annoying fans and even more annoying media will be going nuts that they think they’re going to win the title and it’s going to be really fun to watch that crash and burn. If he goes there, great. It’s the most annoying media. They know it. That’s the only way they get attention."
Some fans are convinced Simmons is just ripping the Heat because he's a fan of the Boston Celtics, but it's possible he just hates this potential signing from a schematic standpoint.
Stephen A. Smith disagrees with that take from Simmons.
Just a week ago, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said he views Miami as the top landing spot for James because of its loaded frontcourt with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
“From a basketball standpoint, Giannis, Adebayo, Bobby Portis, your front line is stacked… with LeBron having the ball in his hands,” Smith said. “From a basketball standpoint it’s the best situation for him. If lifestyle is what’s important, that damn sure is a better situation for him.”
If James ends up joining the Heat, we'll get to see who was on the right side of history.
