Of course, there may not be a quantifiable answer to this, and I’m sure they’re possibly just as popular as they are hated. But I’ve never noticed as much “Somebody please stop these guys” sentiment as I have with this team this year. I have, of course, seen plenty of teams get a “jeez, not them again” reaction, but that’s a bit different. I’m wondering when in sports history this has happened, if ever. I don’t know.
Thoughts?
The Yankees are reviled by many sports fans, and they’ve won a few championships.
I reckon they’re probably a good choice, but they’re also very, very popular and have a long tradition of greatness. Miami, not so much.
The Oakland Raiders, every time they’ve done it.
And Manchester United, come to think of it.
Yeah, just a couple thank God, otherwise the franchise and their fans would be* really* obnoxious.
I’m having trouble thinking of one. The Yankees are much-loathed throughout the league, but that’s counter-balanced by the fact that they have a shit ton of fans and a lot of history. I’ll admit I don’t follow the NBA closely, but my understanding is that Miami wasn’t exactly a premier club, in terms of market or history, before LeBron and his cronies took their talent to South Beach. In fact, their fanbase’s primary attribute seemed to be profound apathy about the team. It’s as if, in 2001, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Pedro Martinez all decided to join the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
I think it’s pretty dumb how much people hate the Heat, considering that the worst thing they did was discuss their free agency and decide to play together.
Most fans complain about athletes being greedy and always going for the big paycheck, but Bosh/Wade/LeBron took less money to sign in Miami, PLUS they cut their salaries even further in order to sign Mike Miller. Basically, people are being hypocrites. We want athletes to take less money but to resign with their own teams. I wonder if most fans would hold to that kind of strategy in their own professional careers.
I’d say they are the most hated among middle-aged white guys who hate the NBA. People who like the NBA don’t seem to have a big problem with them, except those from Cleveland.
I find it hard to believe that anybody could be hated as much as the late '80s-early '90s Bad Boys Pistons. How about the '80s Edmonton Oilers? Everybody hates a winner, especially when the owner is an unspeakably annoying prick. Of course, the Yankees are the long-term record holder in that regard. The only people who don’t hate the Yankees are their bandwagon fans.
This was my original thought, but honestly, I think the Heat are worse. I just think Lebron James is such a jerk, it’s hard to enjoy him.
The Heat are up there on the most hated scale, but I think the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, and Notre Dame football outrank them.
Funny but no. Probably 70% of the people on NBA forums and blogs want the Heat to lose. They’re the Nazgul, chasing the rings. Dallas is now America’s team again. Dirk is our savior, peace and blessings be upon him. Most of the former players who are talking heads have a big problem with them too.
What’s different about this team compared to others is that it’s really about these specific players. There’s always general anti-LA or New York sentiment, no matter if they’re all choir boys.
One part of it might be the reaction against it being in MIAMI of all places, one of the most fairweather sports cities around. If the triumvirate formed in New York or Chicago I bet the media reaction would’ve been a tad different.
And it’s all because of “the decision.” I’m not a Cavs fan, but that whole process really grated on me. The whole preseason celebration and post Celtics series celebration were also very annoying.
If this was about any group other than us middle aged white guys you get scolded. But it’s about us so it’s cool.
Stupid white dudes. You suck and you can’t dance!
I saw a story this morning on a survey that says Lebron’s popularity took a big dip this year, but interest in the league made a big jump. And I think the hate for the Heat has a lot to do with the increased interest in the league. People are a lot more interested in seeing the Heat get beat, than they were for the usual NBA storylines.
The Pistons were loved by all and respected for their clean but excellent defense.
Wow, that is not how I remember it and I’m from the Detroit area. I thought they were rather unpopular.
It probably wasn’t as serious back then but I’m sure a lot of fans from other teams didn’t like the Pistons back then, maybe the Bulls, Lakers & Celtics… They earned the nickname Motor City Bad Boys wearing black jerseys with skulls on them during practice… It was probably all fun back then though.
I am just outside Detroit. The Pistons elevated defense. The league wanted high scoring so the Pistons got jobbed on reffing and rules. Basketball lovers would appreciate the defense. The league did not .
Those who thought it was good for Jordan to take about 50 steps with the ball, and not allow defenders to stop him, probably hated the Pistons.
You’re dreaming. That is an absolute fabrication.