NBA Finals: Miami act getting tiresome

The NBA Finals start Tuesday night, and the city of Miami — franchise, media, fans — seems to think everyone is against the Heat. Which is largely true. But I’m not sure everyone understands the primary reason.

The Dallas Mavericks are the people’s choice; it’s not easy making Mark Cuban and his billions the sentimental underdog, but the Heat has done it. And it’s not jealousy, which so many in south of Palm Beach claim.

It’s an aversion to shortcuts. The Heat is trying to win an NBA title via shortcuts. Without paying dues.

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) celebrates his 3-pointer with forward LeBron James (6) during the fourth quarter of Game 5 of the NBA basketball Eastern Conference finals against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, May 26, 2011, in Chicago. Miami won 83-80, and advanced to the NBA Finals. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Dallas has paid its dues. Dirk Nowitzki and Cuban and Jason Terry have paid their dues.

It would be difficult to claim that LeBron James and Chris Bosh have not paid their dues. Or Mike Bibby and Mike Miller and the Z-Man and whoever. LeBron most definitely paid dues in Cleveland, and Bosh toiled in the NBA outpost of Toronto.

So the shortcut is not about individual players. The idea of players colluding, superstars collectively deciding to join up for a title bid, is neither new nor alarming. Yankees, Lakers, Celtics, heck, the Atlanta Braves. almost 20 years ago.