By Jeff Phelps
ProBasketballNews.com
I had to read the quotes from former Cleveland Cavalier, now Chicago Bull, Larry Hughes twice. Then a third time. And I still had a hard time believing he actually said it.
“We had 50-plus wins, made the Finals and I learned from it. I was unhappy.
I wasn’t myself. I’d rather enjoy the game than all that,” Hughes said before his Bulls played his former Cavalier teammates March 3 in Cleveland, the first meeting between the teams since the 11-player trade that sent Hughes to Chicago.
Hughes continued: “I play to enjoy myself. Some people take this the wrong way, but winning a championship is not what I base everything on. I was given an opportunity to play basketball, travel around,
and have fun doing it and that’s what I want to do.
I wouldn’t take being unhappy and not being
myself and winning.”
Oh yes, there’s more: “I didn’t come to Cleveland
to play the point guard. I came here to run the
wing just like he (LeBron James) was running
the other wing. I was asked to sacrifice for the
team to win and for everybody, I guess, to get
paid. That is what was told to me. I wasn’t happy
with that.”
What torture it must have been for Hughes in
Cleveland. And all for a measly $65-million over
five years.
I think Larry Hughes is a terrific young man. Always polite and cordial. Friendly. Well spoken. A gentleman. He endured personal hardships -- the death of his brother and the serious illness of his wife -- while playing in Cleveland. He handled it all with dignity and courage.
But his comments before facing his old team? The best example of a “me-first” attitude to come down the lane in the ultimate team sport in a long time.
I’ve never believed athletes in any sport who say it’s all about the ring. Ever hear anyone other than a star player who’s already earned gazillions of dollars say it’s all about the ring? Me neither. And who can blame them for that? Professional athletes are mercenaries. They should earn all they can, wherever they can, while they can.
But once a player cashes in -- as Larry Hughes did when he chose to sign the $65-million deal with the Cavaliers as a free agent -- what else is there? Maybe, uh, winning? Perhaps even a championship?
If I interpret Hughes’ comments correctly, it sounds as if he’d like to play the way he wants to play, have fun doing it, and cash those monster checks. If he wins a few games along the way, hey, that’s great. Sleep well John Paxson -- that’s what you traded for.
It seems to me that when a team pays huge money for a player, the team expects the player to do what’s asked of him in an effort to help the team win. That’s common sense, and not much to ask -- especially considering the compensation.
Didn’t come to Cleveland to play point guard, Larry? Handle the ball and pass it to others, rather than receive passes and get five more shots a game? Yep, that’s a world of difference. Awful, just awful.
Hughes wasn’t happy with being asked to sacrifice for the team to win. Kevin McHale started only 430 of 971 career games with the Boston Celtics. Unhappy all the way to three NBA titles and the Hall-of Fame, I’m sure.
The Chicago Bulls lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers 95-86 after Hughes had his say. The loss left the Bulls 13-games under .500, in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
But Hughes led Chicago with 23 points, and took 20 shots -- seven more than any other Bull. What a fun, happy day for Larry.
Jeff Phelps is the sideline reporter and pre-game and post-game host for
Cleveland Cavaliers broadcasts on FSN Ohio. He has been a sportscaster in Cleveland for 20 years.
