The matter of animosity over LeBron

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant careers will forever be intertwined.

What's the connection between my opening statement and the title? Let me break it down.

Kobe entered the NBA through Lower Merion High. James via Saint Vincent-Saint Mary HS. Both were highschoolers when they entered the league. Both disrespected someone older than them during a game: Once Karl Malone, recalling an incident with Kobe Bryant, was quoted after trying to set a pick for him. "The guy told me he's got it," the then 34-year-old Malone said. "Like I told Coach Karl, when younger guys tell me to get out of the way, that's a game I don't need to be in. I was ticked." James not to be outdone did it in front of the cameras when he said to his mom: "sit your (butt) down!" on mother's day.

Both wanted the spotlight out of each other. It was June 2003, Draft night, James was ready for the biggest day of his life. He was about to be made the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers on national television. But James' handshake with David Stern was upstaged that day by breaking news during the broadcast that Bryant planned to opt out of his contract with the Lakers and seek free agency after the next season. Thus effectively stealing James spotlight. Later, just this summer James will have his revenge, LeBron would put his towering shadow towards the finals. Nobody was talking about Kobe. The media have decidedly put the most interest on the upcoming free agency. James stole Kobe's crowning moment when he defeated the Celtics.

"It sort of tells me that our players have, through their hard work, captured the imagination of many, many people," Stern said drily.

Both superstars, at one point in time, decided that their teams wasn't helping them to achieve their championship goals. And this is where the line is drawn.

While Kobe was hesitant to leave LA (Barkley dared him once to renounce his no trade clause option so that he can easily be traded), James decided he could no longer be caged in a small town like Cleveland. That he's "taking his talents to south beach". All hell breaks loose.

LeBron had all the right to walk. He was tired of waiting. Michael Jordan also waited seven years to get a title, so does Wilt Chamberlain. Maybe the market was too small to attract big named free agents. Maybe he tired looking at his rival Bryant collecting rings because he already had 1-upped Kobe in the MVP department.

But come to think of it Shaq came there. Later Jamison joined Mo Williams and the motley crew that was the Cavs. They won 61 games. Just enough to be proclaimed the NBA's best team. What happened? What made James decide that Cleveland is a no-win scenario? Basing on the number of wins they have what it took to win the championship. The Bulls only had 57 win when they took the 1993 title.

The play-offs -- Michael Jordan once said -- is where boys are separated from men. Boston pounded them to the ground. Instead of taking it to himself to improve, James decided Cleveland just wasn't enough. James escaped the hardships of Cleveland to have a seemingly easier life in Miami.

James long-time basketball idol, Michael Jordan had this remark: “There’s no way, with hindsight, I would’ve ever called up Larry, called up Magic and said, ‘Hey, look, let’s get together and play on one team,’” Jordan said. “But that’s . . . things are different. I can’t say that’s a bad thing. It’s an opportunity these kids have today. In all honesty, I was trying to beat those guys.”

James seemed to rip off everything Kobe ever did in his career. He only missed this part: “I’m going to kick some ass in practice…” Bryant said. “It’s going to get through. You beat it into their heads until it gets through.” Jordan did the same to Scottie Pippen. Burning him in practice until his potential to greatness was in full view. Kevin Garnett, another consuming leader, was once spotted scolding Glen Davis to tears.

Cleveland obviously felt betrayed. And rightfully so. Real basketball fans also deep in their hearts felt betrayed too. James in our minds was so talented, so powerful to seek help elsewhere. Great players attracts great players. Cleveland became desirable because of LeBron. Cleveland and James could have had the players he wanted had he stayed. James had it all in his palms only to lose it.

In old times, when you battle at sea, the victor sinks the losers ship. And thus the losers become hostages or prisoners of war. Wade have proven he is a winner. James only scratched the surface. He shouldn't have joined Wade he should have "beat those guys.” James lost his identity in the process. And we are angry for it.




Sources:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5391478
http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/columns/story?id=5951534
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1012689/index.htm#ixzz19GzfWArd

When the Heat becomes cold

Miami Heat's projection for this season is easy. Overwhelm the league and win the championship. Never seemed so easy specially if you got 1/4 of team USA on your team. That was the promise these new Heat trio promised it's fans... Championships. But as they stand now the Heat are only 2 games above .500. What happened? What went wrong?

While other writers pan James out. I will point out what's obvious. This team lacks chemistry. "Him and D-Wade don't complement each other. They're somewhat the same type of players, 'Bron and D-Wade. ... Both of those guys need the ball, and they don't shoot the ball like Ray Allen. That's why they're having trouble scoring in the halfcourt, because they can't get a rhythm, because one of them is dominating the ball. That guy might be getting off, but the other guy [isn't]. That's why when they're on the court together, they're terrible. They're rhythm players that need the ball. I'm like that. I can't stand out there and catch and shoot. I've never been a guy that sits out there waiting for the ball to come to me." says T-Mac.

Nice observation because I predicted the same when this team was first assembled.


I remember questioning how Wade and LeBron can co-exist because they basically have the same skill set. They are not consistent jump shooters like Allen and they mostly attack the basket than take the jump. Compared to Boston who basically had a diverse big three (Garnett mans the post, Allen takes the jumpers, and Pierce is their main penetrator) the Heat have two guys playing the same game and they demand the ball in their hands big time. That's one problem I foresaw 5 months ago.

I also noticed the general make-up of this team. They have no steady point guards, and their centers are not the kind of bigs that wins championships (Well if you say Jordan did it even without a credible center then obviously these players ARE NOT Michael Jordan). Point guard can be easy to answer as both Wade and LeBron are no strangers in bringing in the ball and distributing, but the center thing is a different monster all together. Championships are mostly won by great big men (Again don't raise Chicago here because Jordan is a different beast). Lakers prove it in their long history. Celts did it in their dynasty days, recently on Garnett's steady intensity. Spurs obviously banked on Tim Duncan's exploits. Philly had one thanks to Moses. You don't expect to win with Zydrunas and Juwan, known softies, manning your post. Most credible threat Udonis is done for, Chris Bosh is uber-soft and will likely rely on his jumpshots than bang bodies inside. Obviously the Heat needs more than Jamaal Magloire and Joel Anthony and I doubt Dampier fits the role perfectly.

A few days ago I was analyzing what went wrong for this team when it struck me that the Miami thrice never played with another all-star player in their prime. Bosh had Marion on his downside. James and Wade had Shaq on his downside. James had Mo but Mo isn't in the same level of a Wade, an elite all-star. Mo Williams is just an actor on the LeBron direction in Cleveland. They had Antawn but he came in too late to really blend with his new team. Miami Thrice are prized players on their respective clubs and they run the show... All of the sudden you bend the tradition and try to share the spotlight. Knowing how big the egos are that's a tough spot to cover.

As I said media is panning-out James but not with lack of reason. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports did a great job of the story: "Meticulous in his preparation, Spoelstra spoke with several past coaches, and league sources said a clear and unequivocal picture appeared on how to proceed: End the cycle of enabling with James and hold him accountable. And surprise, surprise: LeBron James has responded with a test of his own organizational strength, pushing to see how far the Heat will bend to his will. This season, James is hearing a word seldom uttered to him in Cleveland: “No.” And it keeps coming out of the coach’s mouth, keeps getting between the King and what he wants. Can I stay overnight to party in New Orleans after a preseason game? Can I play the clown in practice? Can I get out of playing point guard? No. No. No. Wait, what? No, LeBron. No. Even within a month of the season’s sideways 9-8 start, the NBA witnessed a predictable play out of the James-Maverick Carter playbook on Monday morning. They planted a story and exposed themselves again as jokers of the highest order. They care so little about anyone but themselves. Still, no one’s surprised that they’d stoop so low, so fast into this supposed historic 73-victory season and NBA Finals sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers. They want Spoelstra – and Pat Riley – to bend to them, to bow to the King the way everyone has before them." full story. Such machinations don't work out in the professional level. Larry Brown always says "Play the right Way". If this Heat wants to win they have to let people do their jobs like Spoelstra is doing. Interestingly, instead of righting this insane wrong Wade joins team LeBron: “I’m not going to say he’s ‘my guy,’ but he’s my coach,” Wade said. Well done tuning your coach out is another page for disaster.

And that's where the Heat finds themselves in: A disaster.


References:
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nba/news/story?id=5862624
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Al35JePYcJn8QxtW_wuRKeO8vLYF?slug=aw-lebronspoelstra112910

Bad omen: Pacquiao beginning to believe his hype

"I've been under pressure and tough conditions before, The training is going good..." so declared Manny Pacquiao. It's time to wake up, unlike my other half-crazy Filipino brothers I'd say read between the lines and notice that Pac is on a danger zone.

This is the first time that I've read Freddie Roach really concerned about the training camp. The "worst-ever" training camp as he further alludes to it. Too many bumps along the way for this one, Pacquiao skipping his customary roadwork for basketball then injuring his heel that further derailed the practices... The supposed to be closed door practices which inexplicably, became open to the press and various other friends and acquaintances. Pacquiao holding some small concert for Michael Koncz. Manny skipping practice for a rendezvous with the President (Philippines). Him skipping practice anew to guest in a show (video embed above) and raise some politicians hands in another. It seems his recent domination of his earlier opponents have gotten to his head, no longer focused as his earlier versions have been. This is no longer the Pacquiao that is bent on getting higher. This is Pacquiao the rockstar.

As a fan I'm concerned with this happy-go-lucky attitude. Boxing has been a punishing sport. It is not basketball where in you can relax for three quarters and mount a big comeback. Punches make a toll on your body and if your not trained well enough could knock you out or damage you forever and worst kill you. I remember this same kind of laid back attitude in Lennox Lewis when he skipped training in favor of a movie. The result? An embarrassing KO to 15-to-1 underdog Hashim Rahman in the fifth round. I've read of a similar incident when Muhammad Ali KO'd Sonny Liston in the very first round. Sonny Liston was very much out of shape after the first schedule of their rematch was postponed six months when Ali needed emergency surgery for a strangulated hernia.

One thing that bothers me is the report that sparring against the lumbering Medina, Pacquiao looked anything but sharp. The report adds: "On several occasions he allowed Medina to pound him against the ropes. Pacquiao showed flashes of his lightning quickness, but either he was just getting warmed up or he wasn’t taking this too seriously."

Michael Medina was on the undercard of the Pacquiao-Clottey fight. He was totally outclassed by John Duddy. A 100% focused Pacquiao could have easily smoked the guy out instead he allowes the guy to pound him? Manny wasn't any sharper on his next sparring partner Amir Khan as reported: "On numerous occasions, Khan beat Pacquiao to the punch with blistering combinations. At times, Pacquiao held his hands down and he kept trying to adjust his protective headgear. He clearly didn’t look 100 percent. Midway in their third round, the two went at each other for about 40 seconds of pure, scintillating action. But when the four rounds were up, it was clear that Khan got the better of the exchanges". Khan have been Manny's understudy for a long time. So further puts doubt on Manny's abilities it's either Khan is fast gaining on Manny or it's Pac on the decline. The last part scares me more. Manny on the decline against a fighter that has nothing to lose and every thing to gain. A fighter who is the biggest that Pac will ever face in his career. Margarito gains everything with a win and Manny loses so much with a loss to the underdog.

A 100% Pacquiao could win easily. A well-trained Pacquiao wouldn't leave any doubt on his fans mind. A focused Pacquiao makes impossible odds possible. Let's hope he doesn't make anymore monkey business out of this. On Nov. 13 (14 in Manila) judgement will come. Let's cross our fingers and hope for the best for Manny.

Pacquiao needs to get back to his old self and focus, not believe in his own hype that he can win all his fights. Boxing is a different animal one punch could very well end everything he's build for.


Sources:
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/204533/roach-pacquiao-having-worst-ever-training-camp
http://www.ringtv.com/blog/2450/pacquiao_sluggish_for_final_day_of_training_in_philippines/

Can Michael Jordan score 100 in today's era?

This is entirely a reaction to a blogpost I read some days before. It doubts the authenticity of a claim made by Michael that he could achieve 100 points in this era (How has the game changed from your playing days? It's less physical and the rules have changed, obviously. Based on these rules, if I had to play with my style of play, I'm pretty sure I would have fouled out or I would have been at the free throw line pretty often and I could have scored 100 points). True enough 100 points captures the imagination of many as something that can't be surpassed but is it possible for Jordan to get the mark?

First let me give you some facts before we go to the fictional phase of this entry. In the 80's (1980-1990), considered the best and most brutal decade in basketball, only five times did an individual crack the 60 point mark and that happened in:

1. December 25, 1984. Bernard King scored 60 vs. the New Jersey Nets
2. March 12, 1985. Larry Bird scored 60 vs. the Atlanta Hawks
3. March 4, 1987. Michael Jordan scored 61 vs. the "Bad Boys" Detroit Pistons. Doing it without attempting a 3-pointer. OT
4. April 20, 1986. Michael Jordan scored 63 vs. the Boston Celtics. 2OT This is the game when Larry Bird mouthed the now famous quotable quote "god disguised as Michael Jordan". Again doing it without attempting a 3-pointer. It still stands as the highest ever play-off mark.
5. March 28, 1990. Michael Jordan scored 69 vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers in OT. Cavs were led by Hot Rod Williams, Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper, Larry Nance and Mark Price. Other notable players were Craig Ehlo, Chucky Brown and Steve Kerr.

Out of the 5 stated above 3 of them were scored by Michael Jordan. You also have to note that in 1987 Detroit went straight into the finals carrying their brand of "dirty" defense and the 1986 Celtics were eventual NBA champions. So Jordan was pouring it on vs. the heavyweights but on the hindsight we also have to note that Jordan did it in overtime games.

Now let's compare it to the 100 point game. Kelly Dwyer reports:

"Wilt was a 7-2 dominant force going up against a 6-10 backup center on the New York Knicks back in 1962. He was able to put up 63 shots and attempt 32 free throws mainly because the pace was so, so much faster back in that era, and because his Philadelphia Warriors team was intentionally fouling the Knicks down the stretch in order to get Wilt the ball every time down court in a contest that was a 16-point game at the end of the first quarter. It was an absolute joke of a "contest," and though Wilt is to be commended for his brilliance, there's a reason why nobody has come very close in the 48 years since Wilt's 100-point game."

If that is the case and knowing how Jordan put up his best numbers can he get 100?

My answer is maybe, maybe not.

But it is also intriguing to note that Jordan at age 40 did get 43 points and mind you he did that in February 21, 2003. Meaning he put up that numbers against players that still plays up to this point. On top of that he did it with hand-checks still warranted in the NBA.

Implemented in 2006 the NBA softened it's stance on defense to give way to a more offensive minded, fun game. As Mike notes: "It's less physical and the rules have changed, obviously." Jordan compatriots cry of the same:

"You can't even touch a guy now," says Charlotte coach Larry Brown. "The college game is much more physical than our game. I always tease Michael [Jordan], if he played today, he'd average 50."

"The defensive rules, the hand checking, the ability to make contact on a guy in certain areas .... [have] all been taken away from the game. If Kobe could get 81, I think Michael could get 100 in today's game." - Scottie Pippen January 2006

Craig Hodges is the Lakers shooting coach, get a look at what he said:
Q: If you could take one player in their prime, would you take Michael Jordan or Kobe?
A: M.J., all day. There's no comparison. M.J. could score 100 points in this era. You can't hand-check now. Imagine that trying to guard M.J. It would be crazy.

Hall of Famer Rick Barry, a keen observer of the game, said he would love to see players of the past getting to attack the basket under the new officiating. “They’d score a lot more,” he said.

Tex Winter said. "Players today can get to the basket individually much easier."

Asked if he could defend Jordan under today’s interpretation of the rules, Dumars first laughed, “It would have been virtually impossible to defend Michael Jordan based on the way the game’s being called right now.”

Rod Thorn: “My opinion is that the game had gone too much toward favoring strong players over skilled players, The NBA felt there was too much body, too much hand-checking, being used by defenders to the detriment of the game. There was a feeling that there was too much advantage for a defensive player who could merely use his strength to control the offensive player. If the refs perceive that a defender is bumping the cutter, or bumping a ball-handler, then they’ll blow their whistles.”

So today's NBA does favor Michael Jordan in terms of rules. Jordan a natural slasher/cutter type of player will benefit from calls and even more since with the restriction of the hand-check rules the NBA also implemented the defensive three second. So even though the NBA now sanctions the zone as an alternative defense few chooses it because the "Zone" is maximized if a defending big man can stay downlow on an indefinite amount of time. Take that out and there's nothing to it they'll just retort to man-to-man which again is hampered by the no hand-check rule.

And blowing their whistles is what the refs did. Did you know that: 82% of Tyreke Evans's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 75% of Dwyane Wade's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 71% of Carmelo Anthony's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 70% of Kevin Durant's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 68% of LeBron James's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 68% of Derrick Rose's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? 66% of Kobe Bryant's points came from inside of 15 feet and free throws combined? Michael Jordan has been known to be automatic from 18 ft. inwards. If the players stated above can move accurately near the basket even as close as 15 ft. why can't Jordan as he can easily match each guy's athleticism? Given these results I think the "airman" can get as close to 100 points as he benefits a lot from these rules.

Again the catch is Mike should be in the zone to accomplish the feat. What's being in the zone? Players tried explaining it like it's a once in a life-time (maybe twice? thrice?) experience, when the stars are aligned and you feel unstoppable at whatever it is your doing. Like when rain continuously pours like it's not ever stopping. 100 points is a long feat and that is why nobody has ever came close to breaking it in 48 years. Again this is a supposition but if there is one man that can do it... benefiting from these present NBA rules it's Michael Jordan.

Thanks (sources):
Photo: from Web
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Basketball_Association_players_with_60_or_more_points_in_a_game
http://hoopsapedia.webs.com/thenbazoneera.htm
http://hoopshype.com/articles/defense_lazenby.htm

Fragile Boozer resurfaces again

Bulls fans everywhere are delirious. Carlos Boozer, team's top acquisition, out for at least 8 weeks. Fractures hand. Headline. Utah must have been laughing their ass off right now saying "It's your problem now". At least for one Carlos didn't disappoint. He has a long storied history of injuries that he have already missed a total of 145 games in 8 seasons. Almost two seasons worth of free money. I already foresaw this. But being a Bulls fan, I am an optimist.

Carlos is strong rebounding off injuries, it didn't seem to slow him last year after missing most of 2008-09 season (where he played only 37 games). Again as I said I'm optimistic. Looking through a perspective that it's better that he's better off injured now than the all important mid-season games makes me smile. The Bulls took a big risk taking him into the pay-roll knowing his fragile nature, but it is a calculated risk, they know it was coming.

Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said it best: "It's part of the NBA. Those things happen. I think we've got more than enough to win with. We're disappointed, obviously, to lose Carlos, who put a lot of work in, and he was playing great, but that's part of the NBA.We move on and we just move forward. We've got plenty of guys who have started and have played in a lot of big games". It's good that the team didn't trade Taj Gibson yet... they must be thanking the heavens by now that the Carmelo trade didn't push through. Thank God it happened now, where adjustments can be made quickly.

Knowing how Carlos have made progress in the past it's no question he'll be back strong. Inserting him back into the rotation is another thing though... I am keeping my fingers crossed for the Bulls sake, for my pride's sake.


Citation: ESPN for the interview. Photo used: from web.