Fans Call Out Rich Paul For Saying LeBron, Wade, and Bosh Weren’t Really a 'Big 3' on the Miami Heat

Rich Paul rejects the notion that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh were a "Big 3" for the Miami Heat.

During his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Paul made the bold proclamation that the "Big 3" model in the NBA has "never really worked." The Klutch Sports Group founder seemingly argued the superteam that formed in Miami in 2010 was more of a big two since Bosh took on a diminished role.

"I always love a big two. I don't really love a Big 3," Paul said at the 18:17 mark. "People talk Big 3, but the Big 3 thing has never really worked. And you'll say, 'Well, what happened in Miami?'That wasn't really a Big 3."

"There were three guys that went in the lottery, and they did really well individually on their teams, so they put up big numbers, and had big accomplishments," he continued. "But when you think about it, Bosh was the ultimate professional. He took a backseat and he played a role in which, because he had such a high IQ, and he was such a professional as an individual, his approach to everything is what made that work."

While it’s true that Bosh 'took a backseat' when the trio played together for the Heat, Paul’s remarks could be seen as insulting to the Hall of Famer.

Bosh was named an All-Star five times, and earned All-NBA Second-Team prior to taking his talents to South Beach. Even though it's said that he made more of a sacrifice than James and Wade, Bosh's accomplishments and accolades still do not fit the mold of just another role player.

People have called out Paul for the perceived disrespect towards Bosh.

Paul also spoke about the Boston Celtics' "Big 3" of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, which arguably inspired James, Wade, and Bosh to join forces.

"When you look at Boston, okay, you could say, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce was a Big 3," he said. "Again, you think about the names, but the way that offense was ran, [Rajon] Rondo's capability during that time, it was a lot different."

"When you've seen people go for that, it never really worked, and I've had this conversation with several different owners of teams, and having this debate, whether you go Big 3, whether you not go Big 3," Paul added. "I like a big two and depth is what I like. That seems to be a winning pedigree."

In the case of Boston and Miami's versions of the "Big 3," the concept worked. When a "Big 3" was formed in Cleveland, consisting of LeBron, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love, it worked as well. While the concept tends to work best when one star is willing to be selfless, it doesn't take away from the fact that the player who takes a backseat is still respected as a star in the league.