Many NBA players were upset with the decision made by LeBron James to join the Heat, in what is perceived as an easier way to win a title.

But Dan Gilbert's open letter created sympathy for James, according to one former player.

"The players were all mad at LeBron," said an insider, a former player of enormous influence. "Nobody respects him for going after a championship like that. They want to beat him now more than ever.

"But when the owner acted the way he did, he was letting LeBron off the hook. Now the players feel like they have to come to LeBron's defense and back him up against Gilbert."