After the Celtics traded – traded! – Isaiah Thomas to the Cavaliers, a couple people burned Thomas jerseys:
I’m unconvinced these are Boston fans showing sincere resentment toward Thomas, who played his heart out for the Celtics, including in the playoffs following his sister’s death. Burning someone’s jersey, especially in such a ridiculous fashion, is a quick path to fleeting fame.
But LeBron James still deemed it necessary to stick up for his new teammate (and Gordon Hayward, who left the Jazz for the Celtics amid very scrutiny from Utah fans).
LeBron:
The burning of the jersey thing is getting ridiculous now! The man was traded. What do u not understand? & played in a game after .....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
sister tragic death. Gordon Hayward paid he's dues as well and decided to do what's best for him and family. Put in the work, got better....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
Became an All-Star, etc!! If these guys weren't good, u guys would be the first to say "get them up out of here". Man beat it! When "we"....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
decide to do what best for us it's "cowardly" "traitor", etc but when it's on the other side it's "business" huh!?!? Ooh ok. Man do.....
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
what u feel is best for your profession, love, family, happiness and continue to #StriveForGreatness🚀 #Salute
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 24, 2017
LeBron’s general point about the hypocrisy of how players are treated is spot on, though I’d argue burning someone’s jersey is a relatively harmless way to show dissatisfaction when he leaves your favorite team. LeBron seems to be working as a players union vice president more than anything here.
You could also argue LeBron – whose jerseys were burned when he left Cleveland in 2010 and Miami in 2014 – is also trying to change the narrative ahead of leaving the Cavs again next summer. But not even I am that cynical.