Norris Cole didn't join LeBron hate train

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Norris Cole didn't join LeBron hate train

MIAMI -- Cleveland State guard Norris Cole says fans there are happy he was taken in the first round of the NBA draft, even if he's joining the despised Miami Heat.

"They know it wasn't really my choice," Cole said with a smile Monday.

Cole was in Miami for an introductory visit after being drafted 28th overall Thursday night, then traded by Minnesota to the Heat for the rights to guard Bojan Bogdanovic, a second-round pick in 2014 and cash.

Cleveland fans have been rooting against the Heat ever since LeBron James chose them over the Cavaliers last summer, but Cole said his new team's unpopularity back in Ohio doesn't bother him.

"I've liked the Heat anyway," he said. "I was cheering for them. Some people didn't like the fact I was cheering for them, but they're happy for me and my success. Some people have bad comments to say about LeBron, but I ignore them."

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He has to say these things now that they are teammates.