Brian Windhorst, Heat Index: Fiction. The 1980 Russian Olympic hockey team has to have the edge, right? Sure, if you take out the jingoistic aspect, the Heat would be right up there. Especially because the national dislike extended for a year, from the free-agent signings in July 2010 to this June's NBA Finals loss (and perhaps beyond). But the "Miracle on Ice" may be the single biggest nationally celebrated win for the country of the past 50-plus years. The country certainly seemed to despise the heavy favorites from Russia.
Ethan Sherwood Strauss, HoopSpeak: Fact. But I think it speaks more to the time than to the team. Social media bonding allows for us to instantly agree on the day's GREAT VILLAIN, and then the 24-hour news cycle compels us to build content on that framing.
Tom Haberstroh, Heat Index: Fiction. With today's technology, it might seem like the breadth of hate is as vast as any time. However, in order for hatred to cut deep, a title seems like a necessary component. Until the Heat win The Big One, I say the shoe fits better on the Bad Boys, the 1988-89 Detroit Pistons.
Beckley Mason, HoopSpeak: Fiction. America doesn't like the Heat, but I bet a greater percentage of Yankees were fighting mad at the USSR Olympic team that stole the 1972 Olympic gold medal from Doug Collins & Co. I was born 14 years later, and I still hate that team fo -- ach! … Rage … taking over … (muffled cursing).
Ryan DeGama, Celtics Hub: Fact. Think about this: Was Shaquille O'Neal better than Bill Russell? He certainly appeared more dominant. But give Russ modern advantages in nutrition, training and genie-based starring roles and we might think differently. It's the same thing with Miami. Media and modern culture have created an environment conducive to irrational hate. So, don't give LeBron all the credit. Take some for yourself.
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