Usually, if you’re one of the teams making it to the NBA Finals, chances are you have everyone’s respect. However, this past season was a unique one. Despite a thrilling showing throughout the playoffs, the Miami Heat‘s triumph was termed a fluke due to their eighth seeding. Moreover, their Conference Finals opponents, the Boston Celtics, faced a similar stereotype. But no one has been as vocal in their disdain for the two sides quite like this Washington Wizards legend.
Detailing the reasons for not believing in them was one of the most outspoken veterans in the NBA sphere who recently called out Team USA as well.
Are the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat too bad?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Throughout their run, Miami faced constant doubt. Whether it was their eighth-seed finish or play-in game squeak, fans poked a lot of holes in their credibility. Even up 3-0, analytics saw the Heat have a 2/3rd chance at best against the Boston Celtics.
Perennial contenders, with a Finals trip just the past season, Boston was the juggernaut waiting to explode. However, according to Gilbert Arenas, even the Celtics aren’t a very good team. Speaking on the Iman Amongst Men podcast,?Agent Zero?explained his views.
“I said Miami, Boston. I said these are D-League teams.?They terrible. I don’t want y’all to be lied to, thinking this team is good. They’re s**t. They are. You got Jimmy [Butler] and Bam [Adebayo], right? And then, you have Vincent. He ain’t gonna start nowhere,” Arenas went on about how many starters weren’t as good as advertised on Miami.
Comparing them to Denver, Arenas further explained the divide. “Bruce Brown comes off the bench. If he was on that team, he’d be starting. How you supposed to beat the dude that come up? They bench is better than y’all starters.”?
When put like that, Arenas’ take does make sense. For context, the Denver Nuggets won the NBA Finals in 5 games, further proving Gil’s point. However, it’s not the first time this week that Gilbert has called out a group for their unremarkable play.
Gilbert Arenas trashed Team USA
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Speaking about the chances of Team USA in the upcoming World Cup, Arenas could not muster up anything complimentary. Instead, his entire tirade was focused on calling out the players. With basketball going through a global expansion, was there some truth to Arenas’ words?
Arenas said, “You see that list [Steve Kerr] got? A sorry-a** group? Some of them probably don?t even start on their team.” So far, the team has more than held its own on the international stage. In particular, names like Mikal Bridges, Anthony Edwards, and Austin Reaves have shined bright.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Dwyane Wade Hysterically Snatches His Hall Of Fame Trophy Back From Former Heat Teammate
Perhaps, Gil will be forced to swallow his words. However, his stance on current-day players and teams remains harsh, despite receiving harsh critiques from other NBA legends. What do you think of the 3-time All-Star’s comments? Let us know in the comments below.