Maybe the best thing is to realize what can happen to Derrick Rose. Consider this: He returns, suffers a setback in his left knee and misses action next season, not able to save the Chicago Bulls. As much as anything, he is missed greatly by a city that adores Rose more than any other player.
For now, I genuinely believe that he needs to continue to rest and rehab. It’s not what the fans want. It’s what Rose wants. If he feels the time is right to make a return for the first time since suffering a season-ending injury, then he can finally play his first game of the 2012-13 season. There’s been something of an adjustment for the Bulls this season — players had to calibrate their games in the prolonged absence of the star point guard. The injury to Rose left Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau with no choice but to make major adjustments and rely on Joakim Noah, Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer.
The length of Rose’s delay, as well as the rash of injuries to Bulls’ players, forces Deng and Boozer to score at will for much of the season. The Bulls talent level is diminished, but as we know, Boozer and Deng are important offensively. Without Rose, the Bulls are average. With Rose, the Bulls can meet the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. The majority of Chicagoans are growing antsy and don’t realize that rushing him can jeopardize the superstar guard’s career.
Rose said he’s not fully healthy and would be very limited by the injury, most likely not returning this season, an absence that has fans worrying and begging for him to play before the season ends. Yet in rehabbing and missing nearly the entire season, he’s become the son of Chicago, just as likable as Michael Jordan was during his time spent in the Windy City. The comeback, after all, is not smart and he won’t be helping himself by rushing back.
Therefore, returning too soon and re-injuring himself as the team is not favored in the Eastern Conference this season, with or without Rose, is a no-win situation. He’s mostly the superstar of the Second City, but unlike fans who refuse to wait patiently and until he fully recovers after having knee surgery, Rose knows what’s best for him. It’s clear he’s not comfortable and won’t likely play on Friday, as most anticipated and yearns for his comeback.
Rose, for one, is thinking long-term priority over titles at the moment on team that his services are needed desperately and he certainly is capable of carrying the Bulls, a responsible and skilled player who will embrace his role as the top-scorer, if not one of the best point guards in the league. There’s no timetable set for his return, but he’s getting healthier, and the worst that can happen is that he’s rushed back too soon. Now he just needs to take precautionary actions, and not worry about satisfying an impatient and crotchety group of Chicago fans.
If he came back today, he could inflict more pain, and maybe, just maybe, his surgically repaired knee is not in good condition, even when he’s making progress in his recovery. Then he’s mentally and physically not quite set to play, but when he’s fit, he will return. Since no one else seems inclined to say it, well, then, I will say it. Reality is Rose, who puts the Bulls in good position to win a championship, is not 100 percent — a notion that he’s still overcoming a severe injury.
There is no other team in basketball that misses its star player more. Rose, on the other hand, is far more concerned about the organization long-term, and by trusting him, he’s surely thinking with good sense. It could be to the Bulls disadvantage if he weakens other muscles and bones in his body or even re-injures his knee, which is likely to happen if he’s not careful.
The fastest path, after all, for a sudden return, is to work hard and regain full strength. And yet, every time Rose is expected to return, or tries to save the Bulls season, it’s uncertain as to whether he will be bothered by any remaining effects from his left knee. Realizing that Rose had surgery to repair a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on May 12, he still has no return date, and by stating that he doesn’t, it would be nice for the loyal fans to respect Rose’s wishes.
So rushing for him to deliver and make a bigger statement in the Eastern Conference is not very smart among fans, teammates and coaches. If he’s not ready, why allow him to play during his rehabilitation and risk further damage to his knee? If he’s not ready, why force him into the starting lineup, which is uncertain given the seriousness of Rose’s ACL tear? The doctors cleared Rose to play, but he won’t return until he can confidently dunk off his left foot, so fans will just have to wait.
For obvious reasons, the Bulls are confident he will return this season and hopes for a mid-March return, but folks in the city are emotionally attached to Chicago’s finest. The face of the city is Rose, and the Bulls are clearly the only pro franchise in town that fans show affection for, but the team won’t win an NBA championship without Rose’s good health. And perhaps more important to the Bulls’ long-term success is having Rose’s presence on the court.
It certainly wasn’t something he had in mind, but only he knows his body and knows the pain he feels. Rose ignores all the fans that try to push him to return right now. He insisted he’d give it more time before he makes a decision, working out on a stationary bike, with Bulls trainer Jeff Tanaka standing by him in the training room. The humble star just needs to gain the proper strength.
With faith and patience, he’s not in a hurry to get back on the court and has taken it day-by-day, step-by-step, going by his own pace. Think about how much he endured since suffering an ACL injury on April 28 — when we celebrated arguably the top point guard in the league, watched him amaze our senses and saw a glimpse of a rising star.
Just think how much better the Bulls will become once he’s fully healthy.
Save him for when he’s really needed. Save him for long-term. In the long run, it might pay off.
Showing posts with label Chicago Bulls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago Bulls. Show all posts
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Why LeBron James Will Never Be Better Than Michael Jordan
The legacy of Michael Jordan, who turned 50 on Sunday, is beyond extraordinary and indefinable. For the rest of the weekend, he will be showered with birthday-wishes from former NBA players and legends, and he will be glorified and greatly remembered for revolutionizing the game of basketball.The fans of the 90s were fortunate to embrace the life of Air Jordan: the greatest NBA player of all-time, the most unstoppable assassin of all-time, the smartest marketer of all-time, the savviest shoe salesman of all-time.
But now, we’re obligated to compare LeBron James to Jordan, the only player to ever consolidate an indescribable legacy that no one else will ever match. When he dominated, won six championships, five MVPs and 10 scoring titles, Jordan lit up on the court.
For now — at least — he stands alone and remains the greatest to ever step foot onto a hardwood floor, captivating spectators with his infamous tongue that stuck out while he slashed to the basket, floated through the air and levitated at the rim.
He stepped onto the court and dazzled our hearts in critical moments, taking over a game single-handedly to form a dynasty in Chicago, a city that has lauded the former Bulls megastar as a messiah.
It would be premature, not to mention a shame, to describe James as the next Jordan — legend and hero evermore — certainly when some believe James lost his claim to all-time greatness after bailing on Cleveland to form the Superteam in Miami.
Jordan was unmatched, never to be reproduced, a prolific scorer and a superstar whose spectacles were compelling. If James continues to thrive, amass championship wins and make his home in Miami, he can reach a crescendo and rise to grandeur.
But even if he does win seven titles, James won’t ever surpass MJ, not in the modern era of basketball, not in an era when the league is built around an influx of new talent and superstars, such as Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
For one, James fled Cleveland, settled in South Beach and grew into his role, becoming the team’s No. 1 scorer after joining forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. For another, he’s the most hated pro athlete since “The Decision” telecast when he announced that he was taking his talents to South Beach.
James abruptly left his native home to play for the Miami Heat, and was bashed and despised by Cleveland fans and critics all over. When Jordan was an instrumental part of the Bulls success, LeBron was essentially culpable for the Cavaliers languishing, for Cleveland’s economy deflating as businesses took a drastic hit after he left, especially in the first season without their King.
While some don’t care for James, some will actually get over his narcissistic infomercial. It’s unfortunate James won’t ever earn adulation like Jordan after his distasteful and immoral decision to walk out on a city that welcomed, admired, empowered and immortalized him.
It’s unfathomable fans won’t ever succumb to reality and put aside all bitterness after James led the Heat to an NBA title a year ago and vindicated humility, grace and class, regretting his selfish act that turned into a public relations disaster.
So now he’s loved or loathed, praised or criticized while everybody adores MJ, even when he has a reputation of being cocky and egocentric. More telling was what he accomplished on the court, not off the court — where he had gambling problems and wasn’t always too compassionate about sharing or donating his wealth to unprivileged children.
But more telling than his psyche was his reversed layups, windmill or vicious dunks in an era when he reigned supreme. We used to gather by the TV regularly during NBA season, delighted to watch Jordan play but not everyone braces him or herself for James whenever Heat games are nationally televised.
Unlike Jordan, some viewers are filled with anger and hate, not over the fact that he brought more hype on himself by manipulating ESPN into airing a one-hour TV special. Of course, he’s a good player but not the most likable person, and if anything, he’s not the next Jordan.
When he played ball, Jordan was the face of the NBA, a symbol of the sport, compelling enough to keep us all begging for more and persuaded us to watch, as fans became addicted to the world-famous star. The legacy Jordan left is unparalleled, never to be breakable but to forever remain intact for which no other player, including LeBron will ever reach a plateau as superlative as Jordan.
There’s little question, though he’s delivered jaw-dropping performances, that he must continue to win championships to rank among the best in NBA history. Right now, as it stands, he does not fit alongside Jordan, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell and Larry Bird.
Meanwhile, all eyes will be on James in this age, to see if he can transform the landscape of pro basketball just as Jordan did during his tenure as a tremendous superstar.
The reality of this game is that a player is usually defined by the number of championships they win, but over the years we’ve still paid our profound respect to Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Dominique Wilkins, Pete Maravich and George Gervin.
It has been a frenzied week, and the noise revolves around the endless debates as to whether Bryant is better than James or whether James is better than Bryant. Jordan is the talk of the weekend as well, and as the legend should be, he’s celebrated like royalty — and rightfully so — he deserves all the plaudits in the world.
He’s worked and earned it, and damn right, Jordan warrants it. The most noticeable star of the 1992 Dream Team would be Jordan, and as we all know, he’s made shots and slammed down signature dunks that made highlight reels to separate him from other players.
The tough-driven, unstoppable Bulls were fortunate to have a player as unthinkably great as Jordan, and turned out to be a popular and eventful team with Michael’s presence, with just about every game nationally televised.
Jordan, unlike most players, was a national event, just as his legacy is a national conversation. It’s probably OK to note that James has remarkably a crafty all-around game, and less than a year ago as a member of the Heat, he claimed his first NBA championship ring and flaunts it proudly after putting in the hours and hard work.
The number of championships keeps him off the list of NBA legends, but no matter what he does during a relentless career, he won’t ever match Jordan, who is the most decorated player in the history of the NBA.
That’s because Jordan is his own player and sustained greatness in a different era and won titles with a less talented supporting cast. As for James, he won his with Wade and Bosh, two NBA stars who all agreed to team up for championships.
For those who don’t remember or was an 80s baby, Jordan averaged 37 points per game in the 1986-87 season. There’s no doubt, like Jordan, that James will be in the Hall of Fame. There’s no doubt, like Jordan, he will be honored for individual accolades.
He’s a three-time MVP and became the first player in NBA history to score more than 30 points while shooting 60 percent for six straight games. This season alone, he’s averaging 27. 3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists, while shooting a staggering 56.5-percent.
But it couldn’t be more obvious that Jordan worn down bodies, beat his opponents, broke ankles, drove to the lane and finished at the rim with his competitive nature and basketball brilliance. There was no stopping Jordan, not even when he was suffering from flu-like symptoms, scoring 38 points in Game 5 of the 97 NBA Finals.
That night, he was exhausted, sick and weak, but somehow he led the Bulls to a pivotal win against the Utah Jazz. Jordan is known for “The Shot,” a game-winning shot he hit over Craig Ehlo in 89 when he was in his prime. The truth about James is that he’s marveled in a generation of glamorous stars and truly is growing into a South Beach icon, becoming gradually a global superstar.
It is to his credit that he’s accepted the leadership role in Miami and has become more than just a playmaker after not scoring and taking over late in the game during pressure situations. But he’s never earned 10 triple-doubles in 11 games, and in the game today, it just seems rare — could be done, but very rare in the modern era.
That happened when Jordan played. He had 10 triple-doubles in 11 games, something no one else has ever done, not even Bryant. No player can score 40 points, dish out 11 assists and grab 7 rebounds in the second of back-to-back games against the Detroit Pistons. Jordan, to be quite honest, retired as the greatest in NBA history.
It’s an understatement if one thinks differently about Jordan, who was a more efficient scorer than James and Bryant. If he stays healthy, with a skill set as identical to Jordan’s, James can monopolize his era and win multiple championships. But for now, and maybe not ever, you can’t compare James to Jordan. It’s inconceivable but it seems logical when James could be as solid as Jordan.
The ultimate birthday present for Jordan, if anything, is what he’s attained to become the greatest NBA legend to ever live.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Since MJ, Derrick Rose is the Most Valuable Player in Chi-Town
While he's projected to be named the Most Valuable Player, projected as virtually the top point guard in the NBA and projected to claim that he's by far the best one-guard of this generation, he is the broadest talent in a guard-driven league.
As Derrick Rose reminded us this season, when he clearly blossomed into a premier and franchise player in not only the streets of Chicago but for the Chicago Bulls as well, he proved to the doubters that he's the face of the future. This was for the prejudice and bias cynics who never believed that he'd morph into a catalyst on the NBA level. This was for disbelievers who never paid attention in what he brought to the Bulls, honestly becoming the brightest name since MJ retired in 1998.
The statue of Michael Jordan, unveiled before a television audience in '94, has us speculating the possibility of Rose earning his own bronze statue outside of the United Center someday, maybe when he wins multiple titles and his first MVP award. The assumption ahead for the Bulls, formerly justified as the Baby Bulls in the post-Paxson era, a period of time in which Chicago was dismantled by the poor choices orchestrated by ex-general manager John Paxson, is far more promising as long as Rose is the pioneer of the recent framework in Chicago.
Working at the toughest position, standing as the floor general and putting damn near 48 minutes into a game regularly, five days a week for an 82-game season, Rose has played brilliantly and, above all, his work ethic is incredibly beneficial and worthy of individual accolades. Rose, as you probably know, is an honorable resident in Chicago, an iconic figure in his hometown where he bloomed as a high school phenom and devoted his life to basketball in the streets of Chicago, growing up admiring Jordan in the murky south side of Chicago where murders and gang violence were heavy.
At an early age, prematurely accustomed to dribbling a ball by developing a singular style with his art for the game, but more than anything his love for the game, he became proficient and sagacious. With the gossip surrounding his alleged sweet fetish, it is ideally true that he enjoys devouring candies and junk food and has no conscience to cut back on the unhealthy food. By now, however, maybe the junk food enhances his performance level and keeps him energized on many nights, the kind of explosiveness required in order to foster as a perennial ballplayer.
In the span of a few weeks, Rose specifically will be honored with the award no doubt. He's a true icon, a priceless magnet who continues to claim his righteousness with the mountains of evidence that proves his value. What we've learned is, according to the public's eye in what has been a season of prosperity and growth, that he is the popular superstar in the league among viewers, outdistancing megastars such as Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James to name a few. Even Jordan himself knows, after acknowledging that he deserves the MVP honors, that he is worthy of the greatest individual prize.
And while the prediction remains dubious in spots until the announcement is official, he is publicly still the frontrunner in voting for the MVP. There is, believe it or not, a Rose in Chicago, one flowering before our very eyes and one that has cemented a legacy in his own town. All this season, judging by his professionalism and sharpness, it has been telling that Rose -- whose candidacy musters a lot of reinforcements from many of whom admire him – is apparently having his greatest season and has clearly been the best offensive player for the Bulls.
This year, partly because of Rose, the Bulls are the team with the league's second-best record. What's a prime factor, which seems to be solidifying his MVP status in a season when the Bulls can easily be rated as favorites to encounter a dramatic match-up against the two-time defending championship, is that Chicago has been flawless defensively with Rose on the floor. If we're truly aiming to find the valuable player, we'd find it in Rose.
Also, with Joakim Noah injured throughout much of the season and lacking a true shooting guard, Rose was able to carry the Bulls on his back along with the defensively challenged Carlos Boozer who had worn out his welcome in Utah.
The story of this talented guard, an unselfish and poised player, is that he made a scene nationally ever since his emergence into the NBA and won Rookie of the Year in 2009 and was an All-Star in 2010, noticed on highlight reels after having a stellar season. The best part coming with his full potential in the past, a shred of hype that turned into a rational perception in the NBA, is that he developed and mellowed quality and applied his ability to manipulate the dynamics of the game with his quickness and agility. Despite the uncertainty from the last time Rose played Boston, he walked off forlorn and numb after losing.
This time, he walked off the floor a winner. He walked off with a smile on his face elated over the decisive win and refreshed our minds with memories of Game 7 of an epic classic in the 2009 first-round series. As a fixture, he finally didn't derail and matured. No longer a kid, no longer an inexperience rookie or second-year player with very little playoff success but a player with athleticism to beat Boston by playing at the highest level. He is, to put it simply, the MVP when he has clearly performed like an MVP, considering his consistency and transcendent play against the Celtics and Rajon Rondo.
This is exactly one of the reasons he qualifies for the award, mentioned in the category which comprises of Bryant, Dwight Howard and LeBron James. The Bulls don't fear Boston any longer, elites in the Eastern conference these days, ready for the postseason and the exertion. The common sentiment from a 22-year-old with his firepower, explosiveness and intelligence around the NBA lately is Rose is evidently at the top of the list.
All of this, by far, is a measure of progress for the modest superstar, a favorite to win the MVP and, in all likelihood, a top-notch among players for Most Improved when his three-point percentage has ascended to seven points this season. Inspired by Tom Thibodeau, the first-year head coach who served as an assistant on Boston's 2008 championship team, Rose is leading the Bulls. For all his lashing and prolific coaching that has transformed the personality, the fear of the Celtics is no longer a burden and won't raise any fear, not as long as Rose plays relentlessly and Thibodeau has an influence on the way his players evaluates and competes in the game.
And with the regular-season winding down, the Bulls can even clinch first place out of the East, which seems farfetched. But the truth is that if Rose is qualified for the MVP, it would be fair to call Thibodeau the Coach of the Year. The basketball world is gushing over Rose, the soft-spoken Chicago native and one of the most remarkable players in the league. It is there, and not unreal, that he has been his conference's player of the week four times.
He is essentially the vital ingredient needed to blend in with Joakim Noah and Luol Deng, suddenly famous and has the top five of NBA's top-selling jerseys on the market. It's clear Rose is having a monstrous season, endorsed by Magic Johnson, Jordan, Doc Rivers and Chris Bosh, a few of the names he might have to face in the playoffs. Every viewer tuning in for basketball is awed and amazed by Rose.
Most definitely, he's the MVP!
As Derrick Rose reminded us this season, when he clearly blossomed into a premier and franchise player in not only the streets of Chicago but for the Chicago Bulls as well, he proved to the doubters that he's the face of the future. This was for the prejudice and bias cynics who never believed that he'd morph into a catalyst on the NBA level. This was for disbelievers who never paid attention in what he brought to the Bulls, honestly becoming the brightest name since MJ retired in 1998.
The statue of Michael Jordan, unveiled before a television audience in '94, has us speculating the possibility of Rose earning his own bronze statue outside of the United Center someday, maybe when he wins multiple titles and his first MVP award. The assumption ahead for the Bulls, formerly justified as the Baby Bulls in the post-Paxson era, a period of time in which Chicago was dismantled by the poor choices orchestrated by ex-general manager John Paxson, is far more promising as long as Rose is the pioneer of the recent framework in Chicago.
Working at the toughest position, standing as the floor general and putting damn near 48 minutes into a game regularly, five days a week for an 82-game season, Rose has played brilliantly and, above all, his work ethic is incredibly beneficial and worthy of individual accolades. Rose, as you probably know, is an honorable resident in Chicago, an iconic figure in his hometown where he bloomed as a high school phenom and devoted his life to basketball in the streets of Chicago, growing up admiring Jordan in the murky south side of Chicago where murders and gang violence were heavy.
At an early age, prematurely accustomed to dribbling a ball by developing a singular style with his art for the game, but more than anything his love for the game, he became proficient and sagacious. With the gossip surrounding his alleged sweet fetish, it is ideally true that he enjoys devouring candies and junk food and has no conscience to cut back on the unhealthy food. By now, however, maybe the junk food enhances his performance level and keeps him energized on many nights, the kind of explosiveness required in order to foster as a perennial ballplayer.
In the span of a few weeks, Rose specifically will be honored with the award no doubt. He's a true icon, a priceless magnet who continues to claim his righteousness with the mountains of evidence that proves his value. What we've learned is, according to the public's eye in what has been a season of prosperity and growth, that he is the popular superstar in the league among viewers, outdistancing megastars such as Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James to name a few. Even Jordan himself knows, after acknowledging that he deserves the MVP honors, that he is worthy of the greatest individual prize.
And while the prediction remains dubious in spots until the announcement is official, he is publicly still the frontrunner in voting for the MVP. There is, believe it or not, a Rose in Chicago, one flowering before our very eyes and one that has cemented a legacy in his own town. All this season, judging by his professionalism and sharpness, it has been telling that Rose -- whose candidacy musters a lot of reinforcements from many of whom admire him – is apparently having his greatest season and has clearly been the best offensive player for the Bulls.
This year, partly because of Rose, the Bulls are the team with the league's second-best record. What's a prime factor, which seems to be solidifying his MVP status in a season when the Bulls can easily be rated as favorites to encounter a dramatic match-up against the two-time defending championship, is that Chicago has been flawless defensively with Rose on the floor. If we're truly aiming to find the valuable player, we'd find it in Rose.
Also, with Joakim Noah injured throughout much of the season and lacking a true shooting guard, Rose was able to carry the Bulls on his back along with the defensively challenged Carlos Boozer who had worn out his welcome in Utah.
The story of this talented guard, an unselfish and poised player, is that he made a scene nationally ever since his emergence into the NBA and won Rookie of the Year in 2009 and was an All-Star in 2010, noticed on highlight reels after having a stellar season. The best part coming with his full potential in the past, a shred of hype that turned into a rational perception in the NBA, is that he developed and mellowed quality and applied his ability to manipulate the dynamics of the game with his quickness and agility. Despite the uncertainty from the last time Rose played Boston, he walked off forlorn and numb after losing.
This time, he walked off the floor a winner. He walked off with a smile on his face elated over the decisive win and refreshed our minds with memories of Game 7 of an epic classic in the 2009 first-round series. As a fixture, he finally didn't derail and matured. No longer a kid, no longer an inexperience rookie or second-year player with very little playoff success but a player with athleticism to beat Boston by playing at the highest level. He is, to put it simply, the MVP when he has clearly performed like an MVP, considering his consistency and transcendent play against the Celtics and Rajon Rondo.
This is exactly one of the reasons he qualifies for the award, mentioned in the category which comprises of Bryant, Dwight Howard and LeBron James. The Bulls don't fear Boston any longer, elites in the Eastern conference these days, ready for the postseason and the exertion. The common sentiment from a 22-year-old with his firepower, explosiveness and intelligence around the NBA lately is Rose is evidently at the top of the list.
All of this, by far, is a measure of progress for the modest superstar, a favorite to win the MVP and, in all likelihood, a top-notch among players for Most Improved when his three-point percentage has ascended to seven points this season. Inspired by Tom Thibodeau, the first-year head coach who served as an assistant on Boston's 2008 championship team, Rose is leading the Bulls. For all his lashing and prolific coaching that has transformed the personality, the fear of the Celtics is no longer a burden and won't raise any fear, not as long as Rose plays relentlessly and Thibodeau has an influence on the way his players evaluates and competes in the game.
And with the regular-season winding down, the Bulls can even clinch first place out of the East, which seems farfetched. But the truth is that if Rose is qualified for the MVP, it would be fair to call Thibodeau the Coach of the Year. The basketball world is gushing over Rose, the soft-spoken Chicago native and one of the most remarkable players in the league. It is there, and not unreal, that he has been his conference's player of the week four times.
He is essentially the vital ingredient needed to blend in with Joakim Noah and Luol Deng, suddenly famous and has the top five of NBA's top-selling jerseys on the market. It's clear Rose is having a monstrous season, endorsed by Magic Johnson, Jordan, Doc Rivers and Chris Bosh, a few of the names he might have to face in the playoffs. Every viewer tuning in for basketball is awed and amazed by Rose.
Most definitely, he's the MVP!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Bulls Have a Rose That Blossomed Finally: Watch out for Derrick Rose
He’s the most beloved athletic figure in Chicago currently, and to this point I swear. But in any other town he’s a forgotten rose, such as in a place like Miami, where he blossomed like a rose on LeBron James’ court near the shores of South Beach.
For all the strange folks in this universe ignoring a self-proclaimed Rose, Derrick Rose to be more precise — a relentless point guard who is favored to earn MVP honors this year for such a sensational season with the Chicago Bulls — he is almost unstoppable and hasn’t been denied much too often, with the exception of the Bulls’ loss to Golden State. So there was Rose, in one of his remarkable moments, as the Bulls survived on the road with an 87-86 win over the Heat to wildly send a vital statement to the league. In every way, Rose is the symbol of the Bulls, not to mention that he’s a part of a promising future for the Bulls and is lucky to play for his hometown that pleads for him to serve as a vital element and validate his place in history. You probably wonder what fuels his energy, a habit he adopts in order to preserve his strength and stay efficient without becoming fatigued, so he can race through traffic and finish at the basket. The intensity he produce comes from his fetish for sweets and junk food that he consumes religiously and refuses to turn down.
Either way, that is, Rose has become the face of Chicago at a moment when the Bulls are in contention and putting fear in the hearts of the Celtics, Magic and Heat. Given that he’s in the shadows of Michael Jordan, an all-time legend who still reigns as the greatest ballplayer in Chicago with a statue cast in bronze outside the United Center, Rose will most likely gain a reputation for being the hero for resuscitating the Bulls and reinstalling a sense of aspiration. The popular youngster delivered on Sunday in a matinee against the Heat with 27 points on 12-for-23 shooting in 38 minutes, capping a season sweep of Miami. It’s never smart to dismiss the Bulls, known as the underdogs this season, even if Chicago comprise of a crafty superstar as gifted as Rose.
Nobody believes in the Bulls, now a sensible competitor in the East, weary of being called the underdogs after the recent showdown against the Heat indicated that the Bulls could presumably beat the boys from South Beach in the playoffs when they easily humiliated and defeated their toughest opponent.
The stakes were high for the Bulls, tied for second place in the Eastern Conference, all while trying to anxiously prove to the basketball world that they are for real and can amaze us come postseason with perhaps a best-of-seven series that could be a thriller for the ages.
With the emergence of the Bulls, the reemergence rather, Chicago is suddenly rising to supremacy in the Eastern Conference and Rose isn’t intimidated by anyone — he’s known as a baby version of MJ since he’s not afraid to drive his way inside and finish on a layup. In truth, an aura of dominance and toughness describes Rose’s arsenal, a proficient floor general who leads the Bulls in the post-Jordan era, and simply is a compelling name around the league.
It seems as if the Bulls, even if they don’t survive the postseason, may have removed the Baby Bull label from in front of their names for the first time since Jordan retired from Chicago. It’s a proven franchise built on tremendous talent and stands up to the top notched teams of the Eastern Conference, and many people are suddenly fearful of Bulls.
Few players in our nation can inspire kids, and it just so happens that Rose isn’t only instrumental to the Bulls but also inspirational to children, particularly those who had to grow up in poverty — seeing the way he was raised in a bad side of Chicago. He played pick up basketball in neighborhoods of gang violence, bloody streets, homicides and drugs. In reality, he was raised in the hood but chose the right path and instead had been committed to shooting hoops and playing on the courts, although he resided in a rough environment.
His irresistible play was exposed on the afternoon in a pivotal must-have, during a period when the overwhelmed beliefs persuaded doubters to actually believe in the Bulls. This shifted the mood and uplifted a dormant town out of an atmosphere of bleakness. The defeat marked the Bulls third win against the Heat of the season when Rose, along with Amar’e Stoudemire, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo and Tony Parker, have all made strong MVP cases.
What’s more, there’s always one player more worthy of the award, and Rose is clearly that guy. It was a dramatic finish, and fairly unpredictable near the end. It appeared as if the Heat were well on their way to a victory, when the Bulls blew a five-point lead late and trailed 86-84 after Mario Chalmers darted inside for an uncontested layup with 25.8 seconds left. That, however, led to a foul charged against Chalmers and it sent Luol Deng to the charity strike, where he drained one of two free throws with 17.3 seconds remaining. By way of contrast, in the end, Joakim Noah switched onto James and forced a miss, but the Heat rebounded and Dwyane Wade heaved a prayer from the baseline at the buzzer that rattled out. The last-second jumper decided it for the Bulls in a game they really wanted to take and prevailed with much at stake. Fear Rose, known for attacking the rim, surrounded by a reliable supporting cast with Noah and Carlos Boozer. But in this particular showdown, Rose outplayed James and Wade, finding a way to awe spectators with his impressive turnaround.
It clearly was a defensive effort from the Bulls, and they rallied back in the end to win after trailing against Miami. The Heat almost beat Chicago, but Rose orchestrated a late comeback with his hot shooting.
Folks, the Bulls are contenders and aren’t pushovers. Sunday was a reminder, as everyone else worries about the Heat, blinded by the bloom of a Rose.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Being Number One in the NBA: It's All About the Image
Soon enough, he will be accepted as the number one player in the NBA. Many would want to tend to disagree with me on that statement. A lot of other names pop up that could replace Durant.
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, and Carmelo Anthony are some players just to name a few.
However, Bryant's time could pass in the next few years or so. And plus, to face the truth, they are many Kobe haters out there. There are so many Kobe haters that they don't even think he was the best player this past decade, or the best right now!
LeBron James has been viewed as a negative influence in sports to the American population, according to a poll. He is in the top ten list of the Most Hated Players in Sports. So, obviously, that will take some impact. With Carmelo Anthony wanting to leave Denver, that will have some impact, too.
Dwight Howard has yet to prove himself that he can lead a team by himself to the Finals or be the man. You can tell that from the series against the Boston Celtics last year in the playoffs.
Then there is Dwyane Wade, who won't be accepted as number one due to him being on the Miami Heat, as he has guys like LeBron and Chris Bosh.
So that leaves us as Durant, who will be viewed as the best player in the league. Being known as the number one player is from the people. And many will say that. Durant recently signed a five-year, $86 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and is making a small-market team grow.
LeBron did that, and was viewed as number one. That was, until, he left the Heat.
Same went for Kobe Bryant, who would be compared to Michael Jordan. But when the so-called rape charges and "selfishness" came in, Bryant was completely ratted out and gained haters. This will soon happen to James.
Same for Carmelo, who is pretty much copying LeBron. Chris Paul will also go into that vote.
Then there is Dwynae Wade. He could be lucky if he is considered number one, but with people thinking of how "stacked" his team is, it just can't happen.
And so there we have it, Durant will be number one.
And to be number one in the NBA, or number-one all-time, it's all about the image. If Kobe had the praise James used to receive, or Durant is currently having right now, I bet you anything he would be considered in MJ's range among the eyes of many people. But due to his image of the troubles he had long ago, it's just won't happen.
He can have more rings than Bill Russell, be the all-time points leader, and even just be completely unstoppable (even the age he is at right now) but he still won't be accepted as the best player ever. Soon enough, the best he can be is probably at number two.
And it is all because of the rape charges and things like that.
LeBron James was at that point in being the next Jordan, until he left Cleveland. Now he is in a different role. But I think he can still end up as the Top 20 players in the game.
As for right now, Durant is going to be the next best thing since Jordan for right now. No one will except Kobe. It's just as simple as it. It's reality. I can't imagine how pissed Los Angeles Laker fans are everyday when they hear haters ranting about Kobe.
People tend to look at the silly things off the court that happened than what they did in the game. Isn't it to be considered the best is to show it on the floor, not off the hardwood?
Not everyone's image is perfect, but they shouldn't over-exaggerate it. I mean, Jordan has had his fair share of ups-and-downs. He's cheated on his wife before, he's had gambling problems, and if you read The Jordan Rules he's had a massive ego as well. But he was competitive.
I will always think that Jordan will be the best player of all-time, unless of someone appears out of nowhere to be amazing.
But people, my main point is, the key to being number one in the NBA, or any sport or anything for that matter, is all about your image.
So if Kevin Durant leaves the Thunder once his contract expires, I wouldn't be surprised if someone else is chosen as number one.
Not at all.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Marcus Jordan Posts Controversial Tweet; Should Think About the Consequences Before Making Actions
But the big news came yesterday, when Jordan was caught partying under probe in Las Vegas, Neveda. Partying at the Strip nightclub, the 19-year-old was too young to be involved in such a thing, as you have to be at least 21 years of age. It was tweeted on August 20th that he spent $35,000 at a Casino.
“Last night was stupid… 35K at Haze,” the University of Central Florida sophomore guard said. “Totals 50K something the whole day.”
Since then, the tweet Marcus made has been removed from his account. Jordan told Fox Sports that he is totally aware with the situation and had a talk with his son along with his wife.
“I didn’t mean it the way it came across,” he said. “My family and friends know the type of person I am.”
Jordan was with his dad and his basketball camp and was seen hanging out with his brother who plays guard for Illinois, Jeffrey, and teammate A.J. Rompza. Jordan went as far to post a video of the three of them hanging out over there. UCF Knight’s basketball had no comment on the situation that happened.
In my opinion, this was a pretty inconsiderate and not a very well thought-out action Marcus Jordan did. He had no idea of what was to come and the consequences that should be to follow. It was not a good deal on his part. However, Jordan still hasn’t learned his lesson. Just tweeted today, Jordan wrote the following: “Im on my way! yeah Im on my way,I never give a fck about what any nga say, the bths all pretty, me Romp and Jeff about to do it for the city.”
Does Jordan need another talk with his parents or what? Does he want to get in trouble? Does he want to be viewed as a bad example? First came the underage gambling tweet, and now here is this: tweeting obscenities. Listen, if you want to share something like that, do it somewhere else. Keep it away from social networks where everybody can see it. Seriously, can it get more inconsiderate than this?
With the rising of the Internet and the decline of our old regular-day usage like newspapers, the new saying for “think before you speak,” has somewhat turned into “Google before you tweet.” Although it sounds humorous, it makes a point. Jordan obviously didn’t think of what he was doing when he was typing that tweet. Although he was most probably sending this message to his friends, obviously, it wasn’t the case as many viewed it.
I remember doing something similar. I posted a very bad song that literally just says obscenities at least once every two-to-five seconds. At the young age I am at, you don’t want that happening. As I posted this on my Facebook account, I really didn’t think about the consequences. And then I get busted as my family checked out the video. And boy you should have saw their shocking impression. However, my father had a talk with me and said the thing that should be reached out to Marcus Jordan: “Before you do something, think about the consequences. If you think something is wrong, don’t do it.”Jordan really needs to know what he is saying out there to the world. With how famous he is right now and all of the hype that is following towards him, he doesn’t want stupid things happening like this that can damage his career. One way to be successful is obviously thinking before what you do. You want to be viewed as a good, civilized human-being in his society. And when you do things like these, it hurts your reputation and makes you look like a thug.
Obviously, Jordan isn’t a thug. But saying obscenities like he wrote today; well, it just isn’t necessary. Along with that, ripping on Kobe Bryant is just totally wrong. Keep that opinion to yourself. Although I agree, you just shouldn’t be saying that. First of all, Kobe isn’t nowhere near Jordan but it also means you (Marcus) are nowhere near Kobe. It’s true. That’s the fact.
All I am trying to say is think about the consequences. Marcus Jordan is a good guy, like he quoted to the Associated Press. But he seriously needs to stop with what he is doing. He hasn’t learned from his lesson yet, and it is clear when you look at his Twitter account. Obviously, people are going to see that too and be like, “Man, he still hasn’t learned a single thing yet, hasn’t he?”
With over 8,000 followers, Jordan should know what’s to come now.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
LeBron Madness Begins Amid a Free-Agency Bonanza...Go to Chicago
Note: This article was updated from its original format and republished.
Today, the general public will gather collectively, speculating LeBron James next destination during his free-agency journey as a multitude of franchises implores for his availability and services. Last we heard there were speculations of James signing with the Chicago Bulls, when reportedly sources divulged that a deal was finalized.
Eventually, all of us become curious, even anticipating James to reach a deal in a high-market and valuable franchise in a common town. He downplayed questions regarding his free-agency status and focused on strictly leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA’s biggest spotlight.
It was difficult to tamper against his hometown and a franchise, of course that he deeply supported as a teenager who fostered him as a prominent superstar in the NBA, becoming a hometown savior within an environment that has suffered from grievance and miserable sporting indignities.
With the lingering LeBron-Watch, a fascinating free agent marathon this summer centering all the attention and shining the limelight over James, who is greatly targeted by the Miami Heat in a potential deal, has the potential of building a legitimate powerhouse in South Beach if he mingles with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. It’s quite possible an intelligent deal could transpire when the clock hits midnight, especially when a business is operated aggressively and brilliantly.
The greatest star wants to shine and hoist up multiple championships in the next few year. He’s an essential fragment to the Heat’s rebuilding project in a bottomless free-agency market. Where he plays next season is mysteriously anonymous and unpredictable, but he is theorized to be lured in by architect Pat Riley, the Heat’s general manager who is very optimistic in overhauling futility that has inhibited much realization.
Whatever decision James chooses, he controls the leverage as the attractive megastar in a plentiful free-agent class. As it stands this summer, his next landing-place dictates where an abundant of megastars verbally agrees and eventually finalizes a deal. How people view James, is as a savior when the NBA is entertaining a renaissance age.
In the end, once he becomes a free-agent, all the nonsensical rumors and assumptions will downsize to a minimal. For all the publicity and hearsay, he’ll finally test the market and accept the biggest offer in the making, to silence all the hoopla swirling in the newspaper, on the front page of Internet sites and on the nearest television screen.
There’s one town, in reality, begging for King James—it’s not New York or New Jersey—but it’s Chicago. A city with a gorgeous landscape and passionate sports fanatics waiting for an authentic savior who is priceless in rescuing a perturbed location. At the moment, it’s sensible and benefits in a way, healing the bleak faces and reducing much despair in a community that has seen misfortune over the years, witnessing the biggest sporting travesties the last decade.
Since the end of Michael Jordan’s reign, the Chicago Bulls have diminished miserably, under a turbulent general manager in John Paxson, winning merely one playoff series in 12 years. Every Chicagoan knows the Cubs are an overpaid organization and reeks. Every resident knows the White Sox need to fire the psychotic imbecile Ozzie Guillen. Every local knows the Bears foolishly gambled on a futile Jay Cutler, who's throws into double-coverage raises the tension of the locals willing to sit at Solider Field in the frigid months, witnessing a losing cause.
With all the epic assumptions, he’s the blockbuster name with all teams attempting to bid in the sweepstakes, doing anything possible to improve their franchises. But this is the Bulls sole possession, seemingly a place where he’ll be surrounded with a reliable supporting cast, a blueprint for prevailing in the upcoming seasons and an immense core that he lacked in Cleveland.
After bailing out on James in the postseason, he was driven and had the toughest task, having to conduct the Cavs in a one-sided contest, without getting enough contributions from his grueling teammates. In the meantime, fans are nervously waiting back home, terrified of an emotional departure, abruptly ending the happiest stint that brought bliss to a town the local residents fell in love with for uplifting pertinence. Is he hanging up the FOR SALE SIGN? Absolutely!
He wants to win and other teams want to win. It’s a rarity that a player remains on one team for his entire career because of money and frequent transitions with all the talent exposing terrific balance and resiliency. Wherever he lands, they’ll have to be willing to compromise by given an enormous deal and assembling a solid supporting cast.
If James does leave, he wouldn’t be a traitor or turning against a town that elevated his ego, but the value will decrease and the state will lose tremendous profit. The Cavs ownership will have trouble selling out seats at Quicken Loans Arena and will have difficulty marketing merchandise and player's apparel. Considerably, he’s not selfish or an egomaniac by walking out on his town when he has done all he practically can, and doesn’t owe his hometown residents anything, but is worthy of a championship elsewhere.
These days, a downtown banner in Cleveland overlooks the horizon of the city and reads “Born Here. Raised Here. Plays Here. Stays Here.” The 10-foot story billboard still reads “We Are All Witnesses” a Nike campaign that has apparently been advertised since his grandest arrival. Momentarily, there is silence in a town that has dealt with enough uncertainty and disappointment, witnessing a video that featured Michael Bloomberg pleading heavily for LeBron to come to New York, another potential landing spot in the upcoming weeks.
If he accepts a huge salary, based on whatever team invests the huge bucks, James will likely wind up signing with the franchise that offers the riches. For all we know, as of now, he could very well join with Wade and Bosh in Miami and assemble a singular dynasty or he could establish a career in New York. Keep in mind, his legacy is endangered depending upon where he signs this summer with a franchise that finishes win less in the next few years, while playing in his prime.
Of all the possible candidates he may wear a Bulls uniform and dazzle with a relevant tandem alongside Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, he may storm from the tunnels wearing a Miami uniform to stand as a forceful duo with Wade and he may look stylish in a Knicks uniform and rejuvenate a lackluster organization in Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo offense, while sharing the wealth with David Lee and Danilo Gallinari.
But as a proven megastar, James is worthy of earning millions after he’s endorsed and embraced by the league, regularly unleashing Nike commercial ads whether he’s a puppet or Wise LeBron sitting at the dinner table talking with his cones. When he leaves Cleveland, James will definitely become a part of another team's framework and heighten ticket sales for elevating his legacy and mellowing as the global superstar with his unforeseen attributes and mesmerizing talent.
Sure enough, the Ohio native has emotional afterthoughts about departing from his hometown, but the league is a business and the league is his livelihood, which tells us it’s not time to ponder or feel sympathy about leaving his town and supporters behind. If he goes to the Knicks, they’ll have to negotiate and offer James with the richest deal, unless clearing salary cap space was wasteful.
But for some reason, the Knicks have expressed interest in Hawks shooting guard Joe Johnson, despite knowing that James blends in with a fast-pace offense. After all, Donnie Walsh, the Knicks president of basketball operations, intent was to aggressively bid for James in the summer of 2010. There’s an estimated $34.5 million of salary cap space. It was proposed that the Knicks would offer a max contract to James.
As a way to bribe LeBron to stay in Cleveland, the team has erected its facilities and canned Mike Brown, whose peculiar coaching method didn’t reach James’ criteria, crippled the Cavs of advancing pass the Celtics in the postseason.
And not long ago, Danny Ferry resigned as general manager after five seasons, a stunning development to many. To their advantage, of course, owner Dan Gilbert is a smart businessman who is upgrading and revamping the identity in an underachieving franchise, now persuading the King to stay at home.
As it looks, by far, it wouldn’t be a surprise seeing him contend elsewhere.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Michael Jordan: Greatest Basketball Player Ever On The Face Of The Earth
And basketball?
Basketball had Michael Jordan.
Coming out of North Carolina, Jordan was deemed for success, being drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the third pick of the 1984 NBA Draft.
Jordan was picked behind Portland Trail Blazers' Sam Bowie, who would later be pronounced as one of the biggest busts in NBA history. He is known for "that guy being picked ahead of MJ."
Jordan would finish his career as an easy, first-ballot Hall-of-Famer with 32,292 points, 6,672 rebounds, and 5,633 assists.
Jordan would stop for nothing.
He will never quit.
He will never give up.
If you mess with him, he'll make sure you will suffer on the court. Not only the court, but anywhere. He did it when he gambled and he tried doing it in baseball.
He led the Bulls to a 72-10 record, what can you ask more? He can lead a team by himself. And at 36 years of age, he won his sixth and final championship.
Jordan would then become the Washington Wizards' general manager. With that, the Wizards started to struggle. And it came to him.
He had to make a final comeback.
Jordan was then announced back as an NBA player. He was a 39-year-old, certified baller for Washington. I remember that when Jordan was gone with the injuries and his knee, the Wizards struggled.
A 40-year-old man is that important to such a young team.
Though Jordan never reached Finals, let alone the playoffs, with the Wizards, it marked that he was the best because he can average over 25 points a game even at such an old age.
It's very rare seeing that happen.
It's even more rare seeing a 40-year-old guy drop 50 points on a guy 20 years younger than him.
And it saddens me when people compare LeBron James or Kobe Bryant to him. Those closest those people are to MJ are by twenty miles.
I was reading a great piece by Isaiah Montoya at BleacherReport.com. He wrote about Jordan's career from 32-to-40 years of age. And if he just played his whole career with just 32-to-40, Kobe or LeBron still wouldn't be better than him.
That's how awesome his Airness was.
Jordan is now a golfer, but he still competes. He is also the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, in where he was seen footage of himself owning the players on the team's roster.
So, there you have it.
Even at 47 years of age, Jordan can still ball.
Jordan is just too too good. In his 15-year-career, he had six titles and 32,000 points. I just can't see another player accomplishing that feat. So for those of you basketball dumbass fans that think Kobe is better than MJ, take a look at this between their careers:
Michael Jordan (through 15 seasons): 32,000 points, six titles, 10 scoring titles
Kobe Bryant (through 14 seasons): 25,000 points, five titles, two scoring titles
Along with that, Jordan was a five-time regular-season MVP and a six-time Finals' MVP. Kobe was a one-time regular-season MVP and a two-time Finals' MVP.
I bet you that Jordan could take a squad like Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Derek Fisher, etc. to the Finals every year and win. Kobe couldn't even do that.
Some examples are the 2004 NBA Finals and the 2008 NBA Finals. Kobe is 5-2 in the Finals and Jordan is a solid 6-0.
Do I need to add any more to this little debate?
There was also a video leaked on the Internet of Jordan shooting a free throw with his eyes close, giving a warm-welcome to Dikembe Mutombo in his rookie year.
Here's a comment I read from Dale Sagen at BleacherReport.com in a response to Jon Star's article:
If Kobe Bryant stays in the league for 4 more solid years, 2 more average years, wins 2 more championships (at least 1 without Phil), has 2 clutch signature championship moments, 1 more League MVP, remains aggressive on defense, and tops Kareem's points record, then we can begin the debate.
So stop the debate with this. Michael Jordan will forever be the best. He changed sports. He invented a lot of things. He changed the new era of basketball.
But when it all goes down, nobody will ever be better than Michael Jordan on the whole planet.
Enough said.
I could go on and on with this topic.
Michael Jordan: The Greatest Ever.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
If Phil Jackson Desires Coaching Please Ignore the Hearsay In Chicago
The entire world recognizes that Phil Jackson is one of the most decorated coaches in the history of the NBA by accomplishing more than the average coach. Aside from all the LeBron James melodrama that has captivated attention as he becomes a free agent this summer, the Chicago Bulls are pursuing an extreme makeover to revamp around a young and talented team.
It’s easy to forget that James, who is the biggest curiosity in sports, is the blockbuster name on the market this summer, when reportedly Phil Jackson, the greatest coach in sports history, is speculated to leave Los Angeles and return to Chicago.
While simultaneously applauding the hippie of the ‘70s era and perfectionist with 10 rings, he’s targeted by the Bulls if James signs with Chicago this summer. It’s understandable that his unique coaching trends are the genetics of a psychologist entertaining a mysterious patient with mind games.
There is rumor lingering that he’ll return to Chicago and rebuild a foundation among a turbulent franchise, operated by an embattled general manager, John Paxson. The maelstrom of an underachieving franchise is gently dismantling under Paxson’s poor personnel decisions.
And since the ending of the Michael Jordan reign in Chicago, the Bulls have collapsed and plunged, becoming inferior within the Eastern Conference and harmless in making a paramount playoff run, merely winning one playoff series in years.
The state of the Bulls, seemingly, illustrates a promising future when the franchise brings in a finesse head coach and a savvy superstar to join the growing tandem of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. However, if James was to sign with the Bulls, he’ll have a supporting cast with Rose, a priceless point guard who could dish the ball to LeBron as he levitates for one of his electrifying dunks.
It’s sensible to suggest that he’ll accept an offer sheet from the Bulls, despite playing in the shadows of the legendary guard of all-time Jordan. He realizes that he’ll have an easy task, sharing the ball with Noah, a flourishing post player energized to break out in conclusive moments.
It’s probably a mutual notion for Phil, the Zen Master as well, who has mettle that he could mold and develop a talented core in Chicago. As the President of the United States lobbies for James, some are persuading Jackson to come back and resuscitate the disoriented Bulls, with his well-respected coaching method.
Given his resume of amassing a total of 10 titles with two franchises, his name makes the most sense. But a reunion with Jackson isn’t such an ingenious conception and doesn’t seem realistic, simply for aiming closer towards retirement.
If he ever leaves the Lakers, Jackson would depart from coaching to hang up a miraculous career and avoid the unnecessary stress and burdens of rebuilding framework surrounding two top-tier players. The Lakers are amongst a back-to-back title run, but now are interrupted with all the hoopla and an ongoing saga of Jackson possibly eluding the Hollywood life to reside in a lively Chi-Town.
It was late Monday when ESPN reported that Jackson was inquired to return to an avid sports town, where most of his success was derived, winning six championships with Jordan amid NBA’s greatest dynasty. If anything, he remains the head coach of the Lakers and whistles from the sideline at Staples Center.
Even if he has a reputation in transforming a substandard team, owner Jerry Buss will encourage Jackson and do whatever it takes to retain the masterful mentor of staying a couple of years before leaving, though he has urged that he’ll reduce his salary from $12.5 million yearly to $5 million.
What this means for his future status is uncertain, but assuming that he’s in a relationship with Buss’ daughter, Jeanie, the Lakers’ executive president and the boss of Jackson, abandoning the fabulous celebrity life seems illogical. Last month, Jeanie admittedly informed her companion that Jerry wants Jackson to take an enormous pay cut and said she envisions him coaching elsewhere next season.
But if he does backtrack to the Bulls' turbulent organization, until owner Jerry Reinsdorf overcomes his stubborn ways or sell the franchise for the fans sake, he’ll run into unnecessary chaos and headaches, needless anxiety for a 64-year old attempting to reinforce aspiration within the mediocrity of the Bulls.
So this is suddenly what all the people are chatting about, Jackson’s next coaching position. I personally think he needs to retire after this season, especially if he surpasses Red Auerbach with the most championships all time.
There comes a point in life when he’ll venture off to other things, rather than coaching and amassing championships. In recent years, his health status has raised concerns after having hip replacement surgery and battling health complications away from the court.
For those who can recall, he strongly considered to coach the home games and avoid traveling with the team because of the wear and tear on his body a year ago. But he recently appeared on Fox Sports Radio and was asked to discuss retirement plans, acknowledging the significance of his health before addressing a possible return.
“Well, I think it’s pretty good. It’s really about how I feel about getting into another 82-game season. It’s a commitment,” he said.
This developing story stuck the news on the day the Cleveland Cavaliers canned Mike Brown after two consecutive 60-win seasons, but now Jackson is offered a deal to re-sign with a franchise he sustained much praise and won championships before coming to Los Angeles, where he won another three.
It’s more likely that he’ll retire and avoid the dire confusion, damaging a formerly winnable personality ever since Paxson stepped into the personnel role. Not long ago, he prompted a verbal altercation with Vinny Del Negro, who he recently fired after two inefficient seasons, even though he damn near led the Bulls pass the first round against the Boston Celtics last year.
Why accept a job offer with headaches? Phil’s best option is retiring as the greatest pro coach in sports history, accomplishing nearly the improbable as the crafty and winningest mastermind.
And if LeBron doesn’t sign with Chicago, maybe he’ll persuade the ownership to bring in good friend John Calipari, when he already told reporters that he’ll remain Kentucky’s head coach at the collegiate level. For the most part, Jackson departed on bad terms and had a bitter relationship with Reinsdorf, when his agent Todd Musburger lambasted the Bulls’ general manager Jerry Krause.
Realizing that he’s getting older, tired of traveling regularly, and earned his fair share of championships and wins, expect him to retire and call it quits for good. Of course, Obama wishes for a reunion, just as well as a LeBron welcoming, but as it turns out, none of this may actually come true.
At least, it’s not the Phil hearsay.
It’s easy to forget that James, who is the biggest curiosity in sports, is the blockbuster name on the market this summer, when reportedly Phil Jackson, the greatest coach in sports history, is speculated to leave Los Angeles and return to Chicago.
While simultaneously applauding the hippie of the ‘70s era and perfectionist with 10 rings, he’s targeted by the Bulls if James signs with Chicago this summer. It’s understandable that his unique coaching trends are the genetics of a psychologist entertaining a mysterious patient with mind games.
There is rumor lingering that he’ll return to Chicago and rebuild a foundation among a turbulent franchise, operated by an embattled general manager, John Paxson. The maelstrom of an underachieving franchise is gently dismantling under Paxson’s poor personnel decisions.
And since the ending of the Michael Jordan reign in Chicago, the Bulls have collapsed and plunged, becoming inferior within the Eastern Conference and harmless in making a paramount playoff run, merely winning one playoff series in years.
The state of the Bulls, seemingly, illustrates a promising future when the franchise brings in a finesse head coach and a savvy superstar to join the growing tandem of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. However, if James was to sign with the Bulls, he’ll have a supporting cast with Rose, a priceless point guard who could dish the ball to LeBron as he levitates for one of his electrifying dunks.
It’s sensible to suggest that he’ll accept an offer sheet from the Bulls, despite playing in the shadows of the legendary guard of all-time Jordan. He realizes that he’ll have an easy task, sharing the ball with Noah, a flourishing post player energized to break out in conclusive moments.
It’s probably a mutual notion for Phil, the Zen Master as well, who has mettle that he could mold and develop a talented core in Chicago. As the President of the United States lobbies for James, some are persuading Jackson to come back and resuscitate the disoriented Bulls, with his well-respected coaching method.
Given his resume of amassing a total of 10 titles with two franchises, his name makes the most sense. But a reunion with Jackson isn’t such an ingenious conception and doesn’t seem realistic, simply for aiming closer towards retirement.
If he ever leaves the Lakers, Jackson would depart from coaching to hang up a miraculous career and avoid the unnecessary stress and burdens of rebuilding framework surrounding two top-tier players. The Lakers are amongst a back-to-back title run, but now are interrupted with all the hoopla and an ongoing saga of Jackson possibly eluding the Hollywood life to reside in a lively Chi-Town.
It was late Monday when ESPN reported that Jackson was inquired to return to an avid sports town, where most of his success was derived, winning six championships with Jordan amid NBA’s greatest dynasty. If anything, he remains the head coach of the Lakers and whistles from the sideline at Staples Center.
Even if he has a reputation in transforming a substandard team, owner Jerry Buss will encourage Jackson and do whatever it takes to retain the masterful mentor of staying a couple of years before leaving, though he has urged that he’ll reduce his salary from $12.5 million yearly to $5 million.
What this means for his future status is uncertain, but assuming that he’s in a relationship with Buss’ daughter, Jeanie, the Lakers’ executive president and the boss of Jackson, abandoning the fabulous celebrity life seems illogical. Last month, Jeanie admittedly informed her companion that Jerry wants Jackson to take an enormous pay cut and said she envisions him coaching elsewhere next season.
But if he does backtrack to the Bulls' turbulent organization, until owner Jerry Reinsdorf overcomes his stubborn ways or sell the franchise for the fans sake, he’ll run into unnecessary chaos and headaches, needless anxiety for a 64-year old attempting to reinforce aspiration within the mediocrity of the Bulls.
So this is suddenly what all the people are chatting about, Jackson’s next coaching position. I personally think he needs to retire after this season, especially if he surpasses Red Auerbach with the most championships all time.
There comes a point in life when he’ll venture off to other things, rather than coaching and amassing championships. In recent years, his health status has raised concerns after having hip replacement surgery and battling health complications away from the court.
For those who can recall, he strongly considered to coach the home games and avoid traveling with the team because of the wear and tear on his body a year ago. But he recently appeared on Fox Sports Radio and was asked to discuss retirement plans, acknowledging the significance of his health before addressing a possible return.
“Well, I think it’s pretty good. It’s really about how I feel about getting into another 82-game season. It’s a commitment,” he said.
This developing story stuck the news on the day the Cleveland Cavaliers canned Mike Brown after two consecutive 60-win seasons, but now Jackson is offered a deal to re-sign with a franchise he sustained much praise and won championships before coming to Los Angeles, where he won another three.
It’s more likely that he’ll retire and avoid the dire confusion, damaging a formerly winnable personality ever since Paxson stepped into the personnel role. Not long ago, he prompted a verbal altercation with Vinny Del Negro, who he recently fired after two inefficient seasons, even though he damn near led the Bulls pass the first round against the Boston Celtics last year.
Why accept a job offer with headaches? Phil’s best option is retiring as the greatest pro coach in sports history, accomplishing nearly the improbable as the crafty and winningest mastermind.
And if LeBron doesn’t sign with Chicago, maybe he’ll persuade the ownership to bring in good friend John Calipari, when he already told reporters that he’ll remain Kentucky’s head coach at the collegiate level. For the most part, Jackson departed on bad terms and had a bitter relationship with Reinsdorf, when his agent Todd Musburger lambasted the Bulls’ general manager Jerry Krause.
Realizing that he’s getting older, tired of traveling regularly, and earned his fair share of championships and wins, expect him to retire and call it quits for good. Of course, Obama wishes for a reunion, just as well as a LeBron welcoming, but as it turns out, none of this may actually come true.
At least, it’s not the Phil hearsay.
Monday, May 17, 2010
LeBron Owes Nothing to Cleveland, But Is Deserving of Title Elsewhere
Every time a big-name free agent is available to test the market or when his season ends woefully and agonizingly, he becomes the biggest curiosity in sports.
There has been much dialogue about Cleveland Cavaliers' star LeBron James, who becomes a free agent July 1. He'll test the market and negotiate with franchises willing to offer riches and more importantly a supporting cast.
If he leaves his hometown and departs to another city, it’s obvious that he desired a change of scenery, riches and/or fame. But understand that James doesn’t owe Cleveland or its fans anything, and has every right to leave his hometown for an opportunity to contend for a title.
By now, you’ve heard all the speculations and possibilities of James becoming a resident in South Beach or Chicago, a pair of high-market cities with flourishing star players.
When a superstar fails to win for a franchise where he posed as an endearing icon and savior, he’ll desperately flee to have an opportunity of winning a title in a town that is equipped to extend greatness. If he has played his final game with the Cavs, the LeBron sweepstakes draws all the attention as he becomes the blockbuster name in the free-agency watch. As the fans wonder where he’ll wind up in the future, Cleveland supporters are pleading for James to stay in a tribute video called “We Are LeBron,” a film produced by Mike Polk, a lifelong Cavs' fan.
Polk amazingly convinced Break Media to reach an agreement on a unique idea.
When the Cavs were eliminated from the postseason by Boston, the video featuring Cleveland celebrities and Ohio Governor Ted Strickland launched on websites.
It’s hard to imagine him returning to his native state this summer after such a collapse. The blow only adds to the devastating crisis that has dismantled a city devoid of celebrating a major championship for over 40 years.
The demise of the Cavaliers may have decided James’ future after the club's inabilities doomed a franchise that never endured triumph.
Because he’s from Akron, Ohio, a community near Cleveland, Lebron’s a hometown hero. Since he bypassed college for the NBA after graduating from high school, James dilated stardom.
In a fan-driven city, where supporters were keen to embrace a noble superstar, a supreme athlete who could excite and amuse a downcast city, LeBron was recognized and valuable in Cleveland. He brought the Cavs optimism, and erased the horrid memories of failures. But now, he could be departing to once again leave agony on the faces of devastated fans who have long-awaited a major championship.
His departure will expand the dismal, making the people weary and disgusted. He’s not only playing the game for the welfare of fans, but for the welfare of occupying a profession in pro sports and capturing multiple titles elsewhere. If he’s serious about winning, he’ll sign with either the Heat or Bulls, two teams that seem coherent. There are many superstars he can possibly unite with, become a local resident and win multiple titles.
It only makes sense if he lands in Miami and declares his citizenship in South Beach, where he’ll be noticed as the top superstar alongside Dwyane Wade, who is an explosive guard with the ability to create in transition and set up plays for James. For years, Heat president Pat Riley has been interested in big-name stars and rebuilding a dynamic team.
There’s no doubt that Riley will enter in the LeBron sweepstakes to negotiate a long-term deal and lure him in. It’s a potential building block by signing James and forms a forceful tandem, probably what would be the greatest guard-forward combination in a long time.
Earlier in the year, there was more speculation that he’ll sign with New York, a franchise in need of a valuable star player. The Knicks president of basketball operations, Donnie Walsh, cleared a large amount of salary cap space to sign a compelling free agent this summer. It’s a waste if the Knicks fail to please LeBron-lovers in New York without wooing or signing him to a huge contract. On Broadway, his legacy will elevate as the fans are excited to sell out Madison Square Garden.
More fittingly, the Bulls are surrounded with young and flourishing stars in Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah—and if you believe in every headline developing in the news, John Calipari could be hired as the next coach to work under turbulent general manager John Paxson.
You cannot count out the New Jersey Nets, a team with emerging talent but very little structure and discipline. It’s a dysfunctional franchise, but his good-friend Jay-Z may toss out the big bucks and convince him to contribute in refurbishing his depleted franchise.
In his effulgent career, he has been compared to Michael Jordan. Yes, the man with six rings and all the expensive and stylish shoes, and the man who led a powerful dynasty by producing triumphant achievements, all with the Bulls during his memorable reign. It’s easy to grasp a sense that he’ll migrate to Chicago and play in the shadows of Jordan, a player he idolized while growing up and develop a unique brand. There’s no question that James is a talented superstar, but has yet ascended his legacy, still empty-handed of a title.
He has all the individual accolades, such as two NBA Most Valuable Player awards, triple-doubles and double-doubles, postseason wins, a lone Finals appearance, but no championships. He has a horrible postseason track record, which is hard to imagine. He’s 2-5 in elimination games, 0-4 on the road and lost in the conference semifinals, and has yet to capitalize on the NBA’s monumental platform with a decisive win.
If he does decide to turn down the Cavs and leave his hometown for the betterment of winning, much nod to James, who‘s more concerned and vehement about protecting his legacy and reputation with a stable franchise and win a long-awaited championship.
For all the significant upgrades, the Cavs still shied from the biggest win in franchise history. LeBron was the savior in a town that believed in the improbable, but was perceived as the probable, until the aging Celtics embarrassed the Cavs by thrashing James and his lethargic and absent-minded supporting cast. It’s quite agonizing that it ended badly, after general manager Danny Ferry assembled a talented unit and owner Dan Gilbert cashed the checks.
He paid Mo Williams, a good shooting guard, Antawn Jamison, who was acquired in a trade, and Shaquille O’Neal, but all stumbled at critical moments in the postseason, putting tremendous pressure on LeBron. For seven years, customers, markers, and fans have created ego and elevated James’ fame, from the brainwashing of Nike puppet ads to the shoes all fans endorses.
As measured and compared to the legendary Jordan, he’s a resemblance of his size, strength and emotional leadership. But he still doesn’t have a ring to relate to Jordan on what it tastes like to win a championship. Apparently, James has to find it elsewhere by emotionally leaving home.
He doesn’t owe the fans anything. He owes himself a championship.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Bulls' Turbulence Herald a Disaster: I'd Fire Paxson, Reinsdorf
Nobody in Chicago, a town some like to call America’s greatest sports town, wants to believe that futility suffocates its chances of celebrating a championship. In fact for many years now, the Chicago Cubs’ undying curse has tarnished and stained the finest sporting market.
In other parts of the town, the White Sox are belittled and laughable because of Ozzie Guillen, a lunatic whose customary postgame rants, and on-the-field tantrums formulated controversies in the Southside of Chicago as general manager Ken Williams defends the mindless moron.
And now, here are bigger problems a passionate sports town faces, conflict involving coach Vinny Del Negro and his confounded boss, executive vice president John Paxson, an imbecile blamed and criticized for all failures that has poisoned an entire franchise. Ever since the Jordan regime abandoned the settings of being described as NBA’s most dominant franchise, a dynasty submerged and the organization never fully rebuilt as powerful contenders. It’s really embarrassing when a franchise has trouble reconstructing as a favorable team.
For some time now, it’s understandable that the Bulls drama and turmoil won’t purge instantly, unless owner Jerry Reinsdorf decides to fire Paxson, whose personnel decisions and myriad of blunders placed heavy burdens and extended tension.
Considering that the Bulls struggled advancing to the playoffs with fiascos prolonging dismay and deficiencies, Paxson’s seven years running a business elicited major problems, and his job status brought forth questions. All of which evaluating the facet of the issue, tells us Paxson is a cancerous general manger, and responsible of the difficulty lingering in a franchise that at one point was accustomed to amassing excellence.
According to Yahoo Sports, Paxson was enraged with Del Negro over a playing-time dispute for Joakim Noah, but apparently the animosity surrounding two resentful men are beyond a minor coaching error. It’s a dire feud between a boss and co-worker that seems irreparable at this point. If Paxson has bullied and flared up a face-to-face altercation that has flustered Del Negro and developed needless interruptions entering the playoffs, then he deserves to get canned by Reinsdorf. The last two seasons have been painful, publicizing nothing but hell as two co-workers employed within the same organization exchanged words and provoked heated discussions that escalated to apparent scuffles.
At least this explains that they aren’t the best of friends. There’s no doubt, Paxson and Del Negro are enemies, burned out of working together as a productive unit, and apathetic of resolving an ugly and amateurish disaster. With this lingering disturbance, no one in the Bulls’ front office has control of the driver’s seat. But not when the general manger and coach is amid infighting tumultuous, which has turned into a sporting soap opera.
Of course, it’s worst than the Cubs’ World Series drought. And this time, Steve Bartman hasn’t contributed to the staggering hysteria that has pillaged the Bulls’ buzzing storyline involving the superb shooting touch of Derrick Rose or the emotional play of Noah. Lately, a frivolous predicament is severe, forcing the franchise to hire lawyers and investigate the Yahoo report.
In seven years, Paxson hasn’t been distinguished as a spotless executive and exploded several times. His short temper has flared up during postgame news conferences, confronting media personnel and snapping at other executives. For all we know, he might be the agitator, instigating and impelling the second-year coach to retaliate. The Yahoo report said Paxson called out Del Negro, but an unspecified source who spoke to a reporter at ESPN Chicago.com, acknowledged that Del Negro charged Paxson.
“That’s inaccurate. That’s 100 percent false,” Del Negro said Wednesday night. “This thing is funny just because you have guys who care, guys who are competitive and it’s unfortunate (the incident) had to come out.”
It’s hard not to believe Del Negro. He has tremendous credibility, but has been characterized as a villainous employee within a franchise that hasn’t done much during his regime. Just a year ago, Chicagoans were impressed with his unproven and inexperience ability when he damn near led the Bulls past the first-round in a near upset against Boston in Game Seven of a thrilling series. Sadly, he’ll be fired once the Bulls are eliminated in the first-round against Cleveland for someone else’s failure’s and miscues of operating a dynamic franchise.
In the wake of Rose’s career-high 39 points in a pivotal win against Charlotte, the Bulls endure guilt more than anything.
“The Chicago Bulls are focusing all of our energies into the remainder of this season and, as such, were disappointed at the recent stories that may have distracted from that,” a statement read Wednesday.
For those who cannot remember, Paxson never desired hiring inexperience Del Negro, and decided to bring him aboard, even though he never approved of his hiring. One reason he serves as a head coach of the Bulls, Paxson desperately needed to find someone to instruct an inferior team, which a suitable and experience advisor was an essential resource of improving an attenuate franchise.
Reinsdorf rebuffed interest on the expensive price tag of Mike D’Antoni, a big-name candidate Paxson targeted greatly and knew he would have blended in nice with his up-tempo offense and contribute with the speed of Rose, an explosive point guard in the league.
If Reinsdorf wasn’t too damn stubborn and cheap, he’d have paid D’Antoni within the price range that he requested. Once again, he’ll be searching for a new coach, instead of canning Paxson, an embattled general manger whose countless mistakes and outbursts will dismantle an entire business as long as he’s in charge of all personnel decisions.
If Reinsdorf was wise, he’d sell the franchise in sake of the championship-starved fans. If he had pride, he’d fire Paxson. Go ahead, fire Del Negro, but there’ll always be problems occurring with Paxson having the final word.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Top 5 NBA Bench Squads Entering This Season
The bench.
1. A long seat, often without a back, for two or more persons.
Some may think that "riding the pine" is bad and totally useless.
News flash folks; it isn't!
In fact, it is the most vital part of any team. Without a bench, your starters are screwed. The bench players are there to give the starters the rest they need, and to help keep the energy high during the game.
Let us continue ranking the top five benches going in this 2009-2010 season.
5 - Chicago Bulls
Expect him to log heavy minutes for Kevin Love and Al Jefferson.
What the T'Wolves did this off-season was log up on guards. As of now the T'Wolves have Jonny Flynn, Antonio Daniels, Ramon Sessions, and Wayne Ellington.
These guards are extremely talented and can handle the rock as well as score.
Kurt Rambis will have a tough time managing talented guards.
3 - Los Angeles Lakers [Tie]
The Los Angeles Lakers are part of this fiasco. Many argue the Laker's off-season changes; whether they were good or bad. As of now however, the Lakers still have a solid bench.
It appears that Lamar Odom will be working the sixth man position, which he has done with better composure.
Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic, and Jordan Farmar seem to be the bench-guard rotation for Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher.
The wilkd-card for this bench squad is Adam Morrison. His role was keeping the bench warm last year. Expect him to sub in for Ron Artest.
Many have forgotten his game in Gonzaga and some of Charlotte. I see it as Luke Walton and
Morrison battling for playing time.
3 - Dallas Mavericks [Tie]
This team has had many ups and downs in the past five years. Some are still unsure about thier potential in the West. Dirk Nowitzki is the main guy, followed by Josh Howard, Jason Kidd, and Shawn Marion.
As regards to bench, the Mavs are equipped with the proper tools. Jason Terry is still there holding down the sixth man spot and potentially being a starter is JJ Barea can keep up with starter minutes.
Rodrigue Beaubois is the rookie who everyone in Dallas will be looking at. He is talented and can definitely be able to back up Barea.
The Mavs bulked up on forwards this offseason, aqcuiring Shawn Marion, Drew Gooden, and Tim Thomas.
Quinton Ross and James Singleton are two under looked players coming in this season. If Rick Carlisle gives them steady minutes, expect energy and hard nose-to-nose defence.
2 - Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James and his troops hit the jackpot this offseason.
It remains to be seen how Shaq and LeBron will co-exist with each each, but with this there is also questions about the bench rotation.
With Shaquille O'Neal in town Zydrunas Ilgauskas will most likely be sitting down to start games, which is totally fine. Having Big Z off the bench is more than enough for a solid bench, but it gets better.
Anthony Parker is an amazing sntach for Cleveland. His inside and outside game is steady, and brings defence 100 percent every night.
Leon Powe will be a nice fit. his ability to rebound and play the low-post has been well documented. He is going to be a nice back-up for Anderson Varejao.
LeBron has no excuses to not winning a ring this year.
1 - Boston Celtics
The Bostons Celtics' bench has been well-structured since the arrival of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.
When Eddie House isn't peeing his shorts, the Celtics' bench can be a very intimidating bench.
But entering this season, regardless of the potty errors, the Boston bench is going to be one hard force to stop.
It is somewhat uncertain of Rasheed Wallace's place on the Celtics; some say a starter, others call out bench player.
His role will be much appreciated coming off the bench for the Celtics. Coming in for a semi-injured Kevin Garnett will help the boys in green a lot. The Celtics need that one more ounce of energy and Wallace supplies it.
Maquis Daniels will need to keep his play consistent this year. He is going to come in for Ray Allen or Paul Pierce, but either way, solid play will be expected by Doc Rivers. Daniels proved that he is a force to reckon with in Indiana. Now the test is Boston.
"Big Baby" Glen Davis has proved that he can hang with the big boys, but his worth will be going back to the bench.
He did an outstanding job stepping in this past playoffs. He will be a good substitution for the Celtics.
Other noteworthy bench figures are Eddie House, Shelden Williams, Tony Allen, and J.R. Giddens.
1. A long seat, often without a back, for two or more persons.
Some may think that "riding the pine" is bad and totally useless.
News flash folks; it isn't!
In fact, it is the most vital part of any team. Without a bench, your starters are screwed. The bench players are there to give the starters the rest they need, and to help keep the energy high during the game.
Let us continue ranking the top five benches going in this 2009-2010 season.
5 - Chicago Bulls
The Windy City may seem like an unpredictable place at this moment, but their bench also seems to have some sort of steady pace.
Last year, guard Derrick Rose was given the duty to step up as starting point guard.
Kirk Hinrich did an outstanding job holding his own. He was constant, averaging 9.9 points per game and 3.9 assists per game.
With Ben Gordon gone, the guard slot is not as talented as before. Bringing guard Jannero Pargo brings back a nice consistency of play and experience.
The forwards are not in a bad spot either.
Brad Miller can hold his own in the post, and can knock down the open jumper if he so desires. Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah are there for hustle and defence. Offense from them is simply gravy. Having Brad Miller is a good back drop from some offensive need.
Oh, let's not forget James Johnson and Taj Gibson, two legit rookies who are ready to play on the professional stage.
4 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Well, many people are expecting big things from this young team. They've made some mistakes this off-season, but have fixed them with so very good signings.
Aleksander Pavlovic was a good snag. He was under utilized in Cleveland and can now be useful for this Minnesota squad. He is good spot up shooter, which the T'Wolves need.
Ryan Hollins proved himself this past playoffs with the Dallas Mavericks. He is a high energy player who did his best against Kenyon Martin and Tim Duncan.Expect him to log heavy minutes for Kevin Love and Al Jefferson.
What the T'Wolves did this off-season was log up on guards. As of now the T'Wolves have Jonny Flynn, Antonio Daniels, Ramon Sessions, and Wayne Ellington.
These guards are extremely talented and can handle the rock as well as score.
Kurt Rambis will have a tough time managing talented guards.
3 - Los Angeles Lakers [Tie]
The Los Angeles Lakers are part of this fiasco. Many argue the Laker's off-season changes; whether they were good or bad. As of now however, the Lakers still have a solid bench.
It appears that Lamar Odom will be working the sixth man position, which he has done with better composure.
Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic, and Jordan Farmar seem to be the bench-guard rotation for Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher.
The wilkd-card for this bench squad is Adam Morrison. His role was keeping the bench warm last year. Expect him to sub in for Ron Artest.
Many have forgotten his game in Gonzaga and some of Charlotte. I see it as Luke Walton and
Morrison battling for playing time.
3 - Dallas Mavericks [Tie]
This team has had many ups and downs in the past five years. Some are still unsure about thier potential in the West. Dirk Nowitzki is the main guy, followed by Josh Howard, Jason Kidd, and Shawn Marion.
As regards to bench, the Mavs are equipped with the proper tools. Jason Terry is still there holding down the sixth man spot and potentially being a starter is JJ Barea can keep up with starter minutes.
Rodrigue Beaubois is the rookie who everyone in Dallas will be looking at. He is talented and can definitely be able to back up Barea.
The Mavs bulked up on forwards this offseason, aqcuiring Shawn Marion, Drew Gooden, and Tim Thomas.
Quinton Ross and James Singleton are two under looked players coming in this season. If Rick Carlisle gives them steady minutes, expect energy and hard nose-to-nose defence.
2 - Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James and his troops hit the jackpot this offseason.
It remains to be seen how Shaq and LeBron will co-exist with each each, but with this there is also questions about the bench rotation.
With Shaquille O'Neal in town Zydrunas Ilgauskas will most likely be sitting down to start games, which is totally fine. Having Big Z off the bench is more than enough for a solid bench, but it gets better.
Anthony Parker is an amazing sntach for Cleveland. His inside and outside game is steady, and brings defence 100 percent every night.
Leon Powe will be a nice fit. his ability to rebound and play the low-post has been well documented. He is going to be a nice back-up for Anderson Varejao.
LeBron has no excuses to not winning a ring this year.
1 - Boston CelticsThe Bostons Celtics' bench has been well-structured since the arrival of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.
When Eddie House isn't peeing his shorts, the Celtics' bench can be a very intimidating bench.
But entering this season, regardless of the potty errors, the Boston bench is going to be one hard force to stop.
It is somewhat uncertain of Rasheed Wallace's place on the Celtics; some say a starter, others call out bench player.
His role will be much appreciated coming off the bench for the Celtics. Coming in for a semi-injured Kevin Garnett will help the boys in green a lot. The Celtics need that one more ounce of energy and Wallace supplies it.
Maquis Daniels will need to keep his play consistent this year. He is going to come in for Ray Allen or Paul Pierce, but either way, solid play will be expected by Doc Rivers. Daniels proved that he is a force to reckon with in Indiana. Now the test is Boston.
"Big Baby" Glen Davis has proved that he can hang with the big boys, but his worth will be going back to the bench.
He did an outstanding job stepping in this past playoffs. He will be a good substitution for the Celtics.
Other noteworthy bench figures are Eddie House, Shelden Williams, Tony Allen, and J.R. Giddens.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Michael Jordan Divulges Contiguous Legacy That Will Live Forever
Dating back to the 1993 playoffs, a young and prosperous guard was still developing into a pure legend, but earned a respectable nickname after nailing a buzzard-beater shattering the hearts in Cleveland.
In an astonishing game, Michael Jordan was known as the Air Jordan, scoring 43 points and led the Chicago Bulls to a remarkable defeat.
Back in 97, he led and amazingly ousted the Utah Jazz, and played with flu-like symptoms. Throughout the 90’s he made unforeseen reverse layups, dunks, and even stuck out his tongue publicizing an unmatchable description.
This past week, was a well-deserving tribute for a highly regarded legend, whose dignity for the game was inspirational, whose boldness for the game was arousing, and whose passion for the game was idolized.
At least you can take something positive away from the past week. At the Hall of Fame introduction speech, Jordan’s humorous comments happened before a laughable audience, whom were celebrating a huge moment in MJ’s lifetime. On the special night, he was introduced into the Hall of Fame, and revealed another side many have never witnessed.
Through much of the speech, he publicized his hilarious psyche. For the first time, you saw a less timid and cocky Jordan. You saw a more playful Jordan, who made each memorable moment a comical moment. It was a night to share our appreciation, by honoring one of the world’s greatest athletes and arguably the game’s idealistic legend.
Forever in our lifetimes, Jordan is remembered for his dramatic dunks, scoring competence, and more significantly guiding the Chicago Bulls to six titles. How many players can say they actually accomplished such triumph? Not many!
Although he retired from the league, Air Jordan will forever live on as NBA’s fascinating legend, which awed and captivated us with overwhelming dominance in the 1990’s era.
By thanking all the people who have been good to him, during his playing days, Jordan emotionally gave a positive speech. He never left anyone out, and never said anything negative. He emotionally was teary eyed at one point during the speech, making the proud audience joyfully shed tears.
It was clearly a night for MJ on Friday. Spending time inside a packed Springfield Symphony Hall, Jordan received a largely standing ovation and proud accolades, unlike any other player who has been introduced into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The same players who were assassinated, beaten down and demoralized in the playoffs were in attendance to share gratifying exaltation with the tongue buffoon, the man with the stylish shoes, the flying acrobat, and last but not least the man with six rings.
To witness it all, Isiah Thomas, George Gervin, John Starks and Magic Johnson, attended Jordan’s touching and memorable speech. Even he reunited with some of his old friends and antagonist, dating back to the high school and college years. Coach Buzz Peterson of Wilmington, N.C. was there showing support, after cutting Jordan in high school.
From villains to allies, merely everyone from the NBA world was accounted for, like his rival Jerry Krause, including several other coaches. That’s what happens whenever a legend is deeply admired by peers, teammates, legends, coaches and fans. Across the world, Jordan is applauded globally and nationally.
His image was contiguous enough, making it difficult to dislike or ignore him. And also his reputation is extremely intact, allowing us to praise and appreciate all the unforeseen styles that he brought over the years. Back in his era, he was the best entertainer and clutch performer, but now he’s the greatest legend that no player will ever replace.
As much as you’ve probably tried, it’s hard to hate Jordan. But as much as he has imprinted amazing vitalities on the game of which no other player has uniquely done, it’s easy to love and embrace him.
In an astonishing game, Michael Jordan was known as the Air Jordan, scoring 43 points and led the Chicago Bulls to a remarkable defeat.
Back in 97, he led and amazingly ousted the Utah Jazz, and played with flu-like symptoms. Throughout the 90’s he made unforeseen reverse layups, dunks, and even stuck out his tongue publicizing an unmatchable description.
This past week, was a well-deserving tribute for a highly regarded legend, whose dignity for the game was inspirational, whose boldness for the game was arousing, and whose passion for the game was idolized.
At least you can take something positive away from the past week. At the Hall of Fame introduction speech, Jordan’s humorous comments happened before a laughable audience, whom were celebrating a huge moment in MJ’s lifetime. On the special night, he was introduced into the Hall of Fame, and revealed another side many have never witnessed.
Through much of the speech, he publicized his hilarious psyche. For the first time, you saw a less timid and cocky Jordan. You saw a more playful Jordan, who made each memorable moment a comical moment. It was a night to share our appreciation, by honoring one of the world’s greatest athletes and arguably the game’s idealistic legend.
Forever in our lifetimes, Jordan is remembered for his dramatic dunks, scoring competence, and more significantly guiding the Chicago Bulls to six titles. How many players can say they actually accomplished such triumph? Not many!
Although he retired from the league, Air Jordan will forever live on as NBA’s fascinating legend, which awed and captivated us with overwhelming dominance in the 1990’s era.
By thanking all the people who have been good to him, during his playing days, Jordan emotionally gave a positive speech. He never left anyone out, and never said anything negative. He emotionally was teary eyed at one point during the speech, making the proud audience joyfully shed tears.
It was clearly a night for MJ on Friday. Spending time inside a packed Springfield Symphony Hall, Jordan received a largely standing ovation and proud accolades, unlike any other player who has been introduced into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The same players who were assassinated, beaten down and demoralized in the playoffs were in attendance to share gratifying exaltation with the tongue buffoon, the man with the stylish shoes, the flying acrobat, and last but not least the man with six rings.
To witness it all, Isiah Thomas, George Gervin, John Starks and Magic Johnson, attended Jordan’s touching and memorable speech. Even he reunited with some of his old friends and antagonist, dating back to the high school and college years. Coach Buzz Peterson of Wilmington, N.C. was there showing support, after cutting Jordan in high school.
From villains to allies, merely everyone from the NBA world was accounted for, like his rival Jerry Krause, including several other coaches. That’s what happens whenever a legend is deeply admired by peers, teammates, legends, coaches and fans. Across the world, Jordan is applauded globally and nationally.
His image was contiguous enough, making it difficult to dislike or ignore him. And also his reputation is extremely intact, allowing us to praise and appreciate all the unforeseen styles that he brought over the years. Back in his era, he was the best entertainer and clutch performer, but now he’s the greatest legend that no player will ever replace.
As much as you’ve probably tried, it’s hard to hate Jordan. But as much as he has imprinted amazing vitalities on the game of which no other player has uniquely done, it’s easy to love and embrace him.
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