Udonis Haslem potentially saved the season by calling LeBron James out and slamming George Hill for un-planned boycott of NBA Games.
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The 40-year-old Miami Heat veteran potentially saved the remainder of the 2019-20 season. During the Wednesday night meeting of the players present in the bubble, a lot of emotions were flowing.
The meeting concluded with major teams such as the Lakers, Bucks, Clippers, and Raptors deciding to boycott the remainder of the playoffs. The key leaders in making this call were LeBron James and George Hill.
Also Read: “Lakers and Clippers decide to not play the remainder of the playoffs.”
Hill had earlier made the statement announcing that the Bucks wouldn’t play their playoff game against Magic that afternoon.
Udonis Haslem called out LeBron and George Hill
Udonis Haslem, who has been in the league for 18 years and had played alongside LeBron James during LeBron’s tenure in Miami, showed up as a voice of reason and laid down a few questions that made the players question their decision.
Haslem asked LeBron to chalk out a plan regarding the steps stemming from the boycott. He wanted LeBron to take the lead, as he was the face of the league and had a massive platform to enforce change.
LeBron, however, did not take to this very kindly, as he walked out of the meeting saying ‘we’re out’. Most of the Lakers players followed him, with Howard being the only one left in the meeting.
Can report, along with @GregSylvander, that Udonis Haslem (@ThisIsUD) was instrumental in speaking with key players, hearing concerns while working out a way to resume the NBA season. This comes from several people involved in the process.
— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) August 27, 2020
He aimed his questions and concerns at not only LeBron James, but also at Bucks veteran George Hill.
They were regarding the abrupt ending to the season and how it would affect the younger players. He mentioned the monetary aspect and how it affects the younger players who don’t have enough saved up to deal with the consequences of abandoning the season.
Did Haslem change LeBron James’ mind?
Following the meeting on Wednesday, we received reports regarding some Laker players staying up all night and discussing the season and what needs to be done. We believe what Haslem said impacted LeBron and lead him to reconsider his decision.
Also Read: “Players decide to resume the remainder of the 2019-20 NBA Playoffs”
The players have started a mini-revolution by asking owners to step in and use their political influence to enforce change. Moreover, with the season now resuming, they should be able to use their platform to greater effect. The younger players too would be happy about participating in ‘enforcing change’ and keeping their ‘paychecks’ with the NBA resumption.
