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Raptors Should Not Overlook LeBron James’ Comments

By Tristan Garnett

Feb 26, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) passes the ball past Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) passes the ball past Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the first half at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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LeBron James admitting he wants to face the Miami Heat in the Conference Finals, is just the latest incident in a long history of disrespect towards the Raptors.

For some NBA players, the Toronto Raptors have never been much more than just the lone non-American team situated in a perceived ridiculously cold climate. As youths, they were entertained during the Vince Carter era, but since then, Toronto has likely never been more than an afterthought.

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The latest instance of disrespect towards the Raptors came during media availability prior to Game 2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ second-round playoff matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. LeBron James voiced his opinion on who he would like to play against in the next round.

As reported by Ira Winderman of the SunSentenial, James candidly said he would like to face Dwyane Wade and the rest of his former team, the Miami Heat, in the Eastern Conference finals. “Of course,” said James, when asked about if he had given thought to playing Miami in the next round.

“It would be great to play against those guys in the postseason. But I’ve always, throughout my whole career, I’ve always wanted to go against Wade in a playoff series.”

This year, Canada’s team had their best season in franchise history, winning a team-record 56 games, finishing with the fourth best overall record in the league, and earning the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. None of that appears to have impressed James, who is generally very smart and calculated with the answers he provides.

As such, it was surprising to hear the Cavaliers star dismiss the Raptors chances of advancing. When asked about the comments, Toronto’s Patrick Patterson said the team was not bothered.

Raptors
May 3, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) takes a shot over Toronto Raptors guards Norman Powell (24) and Kyle Lowry (7) in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

“It’s been like that since I’ve been here,” said Patterson. “It’s nothing new as far as us not getting the respect that I feel like we deserve collectively as a team or also individually. It’s something we face every single day and something that we’re OK with.”

While what the Raptors’ power forward said was admirable, they should be offended by those words, and want to respond. But answering through the media is the wrong approach, with head coach Dwane Casey telling the media on Wednesday that if his players want to, they can do “something about it” on the court.

Defeating Miami and breaking up James’ dream matchup would be the best possible reply by the Raptors. In addition, it would be a significant step in gaining the long overdue respect they deserve from one of the sport’s best player’s, as well as the rest of the NBA.

Next: Lowry's prayer counts for nothing in Game 1

What is your reaction to LeBron James wanting to face the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals? Is he being disrespectful to the Raptors, or is he just longing to compete against his best friend? Let us know in the comments section below.

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