Olympics vs. NBA Finals

[wanja]

For anyone who would downplay the challenge and glory of winning an olympics basketball gold metal, check out this article about Lebron James. At the end he says:

"Being a part of the game on Sunday is the biggest thing for me, ever," James said after the U.S. whipped Argentina 101-81 in the semifinals on Friday night. "When I got to the (NBA) finals and I thought that was big, but winning an NBA championship would never compare to winning a gold medal for my country."

[doubleringer]

I don't really watch anything involving the pros all that often, but I'm thinking winning the gold would be better than getting to the finals and losing. Maybe its just me, but I enjoy winning better than coming up short.

[Adam]

Spoken like a man who's never won an NBA championship. Classic example of "sour grapes."

Ask someone like Jordan, Kobe, Magic, Bird, etc., who has done both.

[jdw3018]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Classic example of "sour grapes."

While he may have a different feeling had he won an NBA championship, the way he said it during the interview hardly struck me as sour grapes. Rather, it appeared he genuinely felt great elation at winning an Olympic gold medal, as the entire team seemed to.

Nothing more, nothing less, and certainly nothing sour. The entire Olympic basketball experience struck me as extremely positive in all aspects. I'm quite proud of all the guys.

[JRutledge]

We tend to make something more important if we just completed that feat. I do not think this is something he could honestly answer until his career is near. He might appreciate his NBA Finals more if he never wins one again. Who really knows at this time of his life. This is no different than when we claim Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympic athlete. Time will tell if that is the case.

Peace

[Adam]

Rut makes a great point with regard to chronology and the appearance of greatness. He's still feeling his elation, the endorphins are still flowing, and he's got a gold medal. He may well feel that way in the end, too. Over the next 4 years, there will be four times as many NBA champions as there are Olympic champions.
My comment on sour grapes was about the fact that losing the NBA finals cannot possibly compare to winning the NBA finals. The bitterness of getting swept in four games is bound to infect his memories of making it to the finals. One is bound to rationalize it, especially during the adrenaline rush immediately following an Olympic gold medal.