The Miami Heat found it awkward to play against LeBron James with him a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. They were happy to get the first reunion out of the way during the preseason.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said that it was good to get the “awkwardness” out of the way. Chris Bosh says the Heat are “much over it now.” Whatever the case, the Heat clearly have no problem admitting that it was a big deal to play against LeBron James with him a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, even if it was in the preseason.
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As passed along by Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com, the Heat were relieved to get the LeBron reunion out of the way during the preseason so that it is not an issue later on. Here is what Spoelstra said about the situation:
"“There was a certain level of strangeness to it,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “I think it benefits both teams to get the awkwardness out of the way in the preseason.”"
Bosh says it might have been an issue before, but now it won’t be moving forward:
"“I like the fact we could get everything out of the way. Just let everybody see it, so we can move on. As far as seeing LeBron on another team, we’re pretty much over that now.”"
As for the often tone-deaf LeBron James himself, he had an entirely different take on the reunion.
"“It was a special moment, competing against my old team. I didn’t get an awkward feeling. I did get a lot of memories coming back. It was definitely great getting to see them.”"
That sounds about right, LeBron.
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