23
Ok, so I'm still shocked as well. LeBron James dropped a bomb yesterday when he declared to everyone that he is leading the petition for all players and teams to retire Michael Jordan's famous number 23. The statement comes after Mike himself sat courtside when LeBron's Cavaliers outlasted Dwyane Wade's Heat in Miami last night.
LeBron said he'll lead the charge and be the first to sacrifice his number 23 to the Basketball Gods... almost quite literally. The Chicago Bulls have obviously already retired the number, as has the Miami Heat and LeBron wants everyone to follow suit.
"He can't get the logo [Jerry West's silhouette], and if he can't, something has to be done. I feel like no NBA player should wear 23. I'm starting a petition, and I've got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it. Now, if I'm not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it" said James.
Cleveland or no Cleveland, LBJ could look like this next season.
It's been a crazy week with LeBron attempting to put a stop to all Free Agency talk regarding next year, wearing New York Yankee commemorative shoes, trying to re-ignite his team's slow start and now this. It seems that there will not be a week go by this season that LeBron isn't in the spotlight. To his credit, it's never for a DUI, drug possession or anything worse.
LeBron says he'll wear the number 6, in honor of "Dr. J" Julius Erving, if his petition is successful. Other elements of his decision included his first child being born on Oct. 6th, his Olympic experience in the number 6 and his second child being born in June.
Other players of stature wearing the number 23 currently in the NBA include Jason Richardson, Marcus Camby and Kevin Martin. In total, 13 players including James wear the number made famous by Michael Jordan.
Kobe: The evolution of greatness or team hinderance?
J.A. Adande has a great piece on ESPN today about Kobe Bryant and his elevating game at age 31. Kobe, much like the only shooting guard ahead of him on the all-time pecking order has found a way to provide efficient scoring as his legs start to fade due to age.
What I wonder about is the effect this has on Kobe's Laker teammates. When MJ used to make a living by beating up other hapless guards in the post it was by necessity as Chicago's other post options were Luc Longley and Dennis Rodman. Kobe will soon be taking post touches away from two excellent post players in Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, and I'm pretty sure Phil would rather see Bynum draw a double team in the post and kick to Bryant on the wing than the other way around.
Kudos to Kobe for finding ways to stay at the top of (or ahead of) the pack, but when the Lakers get their bigs back from injury in the next week, will he stay in the post? And will it hurt the Lakers on the court and in chemistry terms if he does?
Orland-OH!
If you've read this blog at all, you'll know that I'm not a massive fan of Orlando. In fact, I don't like them. I'm not 100% sure why but it's mainly due to their fortunate run in last year's Playoffs accompanied by an existence of mediocrity. I can hear you thinking "Hey, they were pretty good when Shaq and Penny were there!" and you would be right. But we all know that if Michael Jordan hadn't retired, the Magic would've been making their first NBA Finals appearance last June, not their second.
In my perfectly happy little world, Orlando would've been pushed by Philadelphia last night and suffered an embarrassing loss or a marginal, nerve racking, hollow victory.
Not to be.
Orlando violated the Sixers in a way that I for one certainly didn't expect. By half time they were shooting over 60% from the field with 10 three-balls for a more than impressive 70-47 lead. Jason Williams was playing more like his Sac-Town days than a 34 year-old fresh out of retirement.
By 3/4 time the Magic had opened up a 31pt lead and never looked back. At this stage they were 14-23 from downtown. Samuel Dalembert was no match for Dwight Howard inside committing 5 fouls and only clocking 7 minutes at that stage as a result.
A good friend of mine Oaks recently dropped Marcin Gortat in our Fantasy League in favor of Ryan Anderson. I supported him on the surface but secretly laughed and processed a Waiver claim. It seems after one game at least, Oaks' move had been well vindicated by Anderson's performance, and I may be the goose.
The Magic, whilst running the standard "we don't want anyone getting hurt" lineup to finish off the game, eventually closed out the Sixers 120-106.
Dalembert didn't log another minute.
This was about the only time Philadelphia was infront Orlando all night.
This performance tonight serves as just as bigger statement as Boston made last night in Cleveland. The standard of the opposition was different, (although the Cavs going 0-2 with their collective tails handed to them in Toronto wouldn't suggest it) but the message was the same. We are here and we will contend.
It's early days yet, but a statement is a statement. And Orlando made a clear one tonight.
It’s official: Everyone hates Isiah…
When the nicest man ever to live in the states of Michigan and California combined doesn't like you... then I guess you should try something different. Or just concede the fact that you're an average person.
Isiah Thomas has been bitch-slapped in print this week by none other than Earvin "Magic" Johnson in his new book entitled "When The Game Was Ours". Johnson collaborated with Larry Bird and author Jackie MacMullan to create the book.
Thomas appears on 26 pages of the book and it's safe to say that it's not pleasant or reminiscent of the pre-game kisses and smiles of the 80's.
Kisses, black roses and rotten chocolates it seems...
Johnson talks of the '92 Dream Team black-balling of Thomas saying "Isiah killed his own chances when it came to the Olympics....", and "Nobody on that team wanted to play with him ... Michael didn't want to play with him. Scottie wanted no part of him. Bird wasn't pushing for him. Karl Malone didn't want him. Who was saying, 'We need this guy?' Nobody."
Ouch.
Even after all of the whispers and conspiracy theories regarding the 1992 Olympic team, you'd think Isiah's old pal Magic wouldn't have dogged on him like that. Think again I guess...
This from Thomas in an SI.com article;
"People who know me and my family and what I stand for will laugh at Magic and his beliefs. I'm tired of getting punched and people using me because they think I'm not going to say anything. Those days are over. Game on.''
Stay tuned to this story, as I'm sure there will be plenty more shots fired before it's done.
Big shoes to fill…
I think I speak for the majority of Basketball fans when I say the following:
Get well soon Dikembe.
"Mount" Mutombo is still struggling through rehab on his knee after sustaining a career-ending ruptured tendon in April this year. He was quoted recently on a Houston radio show as saying;
"I just want to walk again"
My fondest memories of Dikembe include the following:
- The attempted trash talk of Michael Jordan where Mike calmly hit his free throw and told Dikembe, "Welcome to the NBA".
- An NBA record 32 blocks in a 5 game series for the Nuggets in the 1994 Playoffs. The 8th seed Nuggets upset the number 1 seeded Sonics 3-2.
- The almighty finger-wave after every block. This was great until the League started issuing Technical fouls for taunting.
- The spontaneous, out of control celebrations from the sidelines regarding EVERY dunk attempted in EVERY Slam Dunk Competition he ever attended.
Dikembe Mutombo was a BIG fan of the Slam Dunk Competition
It's fair to say that Mutombo walks away from the game as one of the greatest NBA defenders of all-time. His achievement list is very impressive:
- 8 All Star appearances
- 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards
- 3 All-Defensive 1st Team selections
- 4 Rebounding titles
- 3289 career blocks (2nd all-time)
- 12359 total rebounds (18th all-time)
Just a sensation... and I haven't even touched on the millions of dollars he's donated to his native Africa.
Another article for another time perhaps.
Get well Dikembe.
Hall & (V)Oates
I read an article today on ESPN.com and was astounded by what Pau Gasol has achieved in Basketball to date. From 2003 to 2009 Pau has climbed every Basketball mountain, achieving Olympic Gold, an NBA Championship and a Eurobasket Championship. I had defended him when he'd had his less than glorious moments in the 2008 NBA Finals, and had asked him to lift during the 2009 Playoffs. I then congratulated him on his efforts once the Lakers had clinched the NBA title in June. I guess we've all known that Pau is an extremely talented big man in the NBA but I'm not sure too many people "really" took notice of him until he reached the Lake Show. Then of course, the LA media seemed to want him to be "great" immediately to get the Lakers over the line.
When I read the headline on ESPN suggesting Pau may be ready for the Hall of Fame, due to his accomplishments on the FIBA stage, my neck hair immediately stood up. Not becuase I was excited but more because I was sick of hearing Hall of Fame talk. Since Michael Jordan's "entertaining" speech, (yes, I said it) most of the Basketball media has been hell bent on slamming the great one. I personally enjoyed the speech and I'm still giggling/excited at the prospect of a 50-year-old MJ getting around an NBA court. It conjures up images of Sherman Klump's Dad in the movie "The Nutty Professor".
But I'm getting off the point...
In my opinion, it's all well and good to speculate on sports. There's no doubting that. Heck, it's safe to say Vegas does pretty well out of sports junkies desire to "guess" the outcome of sporting matchups daily. But I think we should draw the line when it comes to the Hall of Fame until players have actually hung up their kicks and given the game away.
Pau has achieved a great deal in his Basketball life and is an incredible talent. But please people, leave the Hall of Fame talk for now... it's getting very stale. Besides, I'm sure Pau would like another crack at the Celtics before anyone gets too trigger-happy with the compliments. It's safe to say he has some un-finished business to attend to in Bean Town.
Pau Gasol... like Erick Sermon.. a green-eyed bandit.
Perfect 10?
The Miami Heat recently announced that they will be retiring Tim Hardaway's number 10 jersey before the 09/10 season opener in November. I know the Miami Heat are a relatively new NBA franchise being only 20 years old but one has to wonder what the criteria is to get your number raised to the rafters. When Alonzo Mourning's number 33 jersey was raised, it was a wonderful moment for a wonderful player/individual. Retiring Dan Marino's 13 and Michael Jordan's 23 when neither played for the franchise left me feeling a little perplexed. I'm sure I'm not alone.
(AP Photo/Beth A. Keiser)
With Hardaway only playing 6 seasons with the Heat, I'm again left with that perplexed feeling. I know he was there for some of the Heat's most successful times, but I still associate him more in the group with Marino and Jordan than on Alonzo Mourning's level.
Dwyane Wade will most probably have his number raised one day, (likely to be dependent on his free agent actions this summer). With all that he has achieved for Miami, I could see the justification there. He helped put Miami on the map with the Championship run in 2006.
The Miami Heat have unfortunately made a mockery of the number retiring game in recent years. I guess this is just an attempt to bring it back in line with normal protocol.
Who will be next to have their number retired? PJ Brown perhaps? Or even ESPN's Jamal Mashburn?
The All-Average Jackson 5…
With the sudden passing of the King of Pop recently, many have scribed emotional tributes to Michael Jackson. To a lesser extent, a lot of reminiscing has been done regarding the Jackson 5 and their place in music/entertainment history. I'm taking a different approach today. I'm going to outline the Jackson 5 of the NBA that just don't cut it in my eyes. These "Jacksons" have not only been judged here by their play, but their overall behavior and standing amongst the NBA community... In my humble opinion of course.
All-Average Jacksons
1) Mark Jackson (Notables: New York Knicks, LA Clippers, Indiana Pacers and currently a "color commentator" for TNT)
The man makes me cringe. I guess it all started for me when he got dunked on by Tom Chambers in the late 80's. That in itself is one of the most embarrassing/entertaining moments in NBA history. Whilst his teamwork with the Ron Harper'd Clippers and Reggie Miller'd Pacers was a great time to be a Basketball fan, I can't help but feel as though he passed through the NBA without really making me feel anything... the crossing of the arms after every made basket in the 2000 Finals was respected by most but almost unbearable after the 20th time.
Now that Mark is a color commentator for TNT, I am faced with a massive problem. I'm not getting as much NBA as I used to. Infact, I'm being taxed by TNT and I'm not happy. How you ask? Well, thanks to Mr Jackson's "colorful" technique for throwing to commercial, I have to get out of my seat and take a walk that little bit earlier than the average fan. It makes my skin crawl! So when players cross half-court and call for time... I'm gone. "Mama there goes that MAN" just ISN'T COOL ANYMORE! Quit it! Please do NOT bring that back this season... I beg you!
You're in the team Mr Jackson.. and we've made you Captain.
2) Stephen Jackson (Notables: San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers and currently playing for/leaving the Golden State Warriors)
Who does this guy think he is? Not only is he a proven thug, (just take a look at his and Jermaine O'Neal's work in the 2004 Palace brawl) but he's a selfish thug that cannot be bothered hanging around in Oakland. One thing to remember here is that the Warriors just recently signed him to a 3-year $28m extension last November! Way to pay the Warriors back for securing your financial future Mr Jackson. What a joke! I'm sure the Warriors could have let Jackson walk and if he signed with his desired "contender" he surely wouldn't have got the same money... nor the opportunity last season to prove such false worth.
Average effort Mr Jackson... You're on the team, and you're the Vice Captain.
3) Jaren Jackson (Notable: San Antonio Spurs)
"Jaren Jackson... what were you THINKING?". Those were the famous words commentated when Kobe Bryant dunked on Jaren Jackson in the 2001 Playoffs. Good times. Welcome to the team Mr Jackson.
4) Marc Jackson (Notables: Finished NBA career at New Orleans in 2007 and now playing in Russia for UNICS Kazan)
This particular Mr Jackson earned $24.6m over his time in the League. Wow, talk about five teams all wanting their money back. I guess it pays to be big sometimes. And what did he contribute? 8.4ppg and 4.3rpg. Amazing... Mike Myers and Verne Troyer could have achieved those sort of stats with the Austin Powers trench-coat double act for $24.6m!!
You make the team Mr Jackson. Have fun in Russia. We'll need you back by Friday for the team photo.
5) Jim Jackson (Notables: Dallas Mavericks, then eleven more teams over the next 9 years... ouch...)
Two words... Toni Braxton. I loved those circa 1994 Mavericks and you went and ruined it with your friends Jamal and Jason. I don't know who was hooked up with her first but their names aren't Jackson, so you have to wear it! You guys had a great team going on and then screwed it all up. A lot of NBA fans were looking for a new favorite team back in '94 once MJ hit the diamond. Oh and how the Mavs' share price would've risen if you guys had brought the noise all the way to the Finals! So much so that Mark Cuban wouldn't have bought majority share of the franchise in 2000.
Mr Jackson, you owe a lot of people a big apology. Especially... well, everywhere.
So there you have it, my All-Average Jackson 5.
Team Needs: Charlotte Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats are a combined 144-266 since arriving in North Carolina. Not the kind of numbers Michael Jordan or Larry Brown are accustomed to. With some moves already made and a general core set, the Bobcats were only 3 games away from the Playoffs last season and seem to be ready to take the next step towards being a Playoff threat. Any team that boasts a shot blocking Power Forward and a slashing "almost All Star" Swingman, should be competitive with the right tweaks. What do they need? Let's take a look...
Key needs:
- A Center that allows Emeka Okafor to dominate from Power Forward.
- Creative outside shooters who can create from the mid to long range.
In a perfect world:
The Bobcats would find a way to move Raja Bell and/or Vladimir Radmanovic to a contender for some help in the above mentioned areas. The Bobcats have made a choice on Ray Felton and offered him a $5.5m contract. This means that the Point Guard situation is wrapped up with Felton and Augustin for the immediate future. In trading Bell and/or Radman, the 'Cats would acquire youth but not immaturity and they would take the 7 game leap, potentially to an 8th seed Playoff berth.
Suggested trades/moves:
Vladimir Radmanovic is expendable and he could easily be moved for a big man. Talk from ESPN.com suggests that the Bobcats are looking to acquire Samuel Dalembert. Could be the perfect fit.
Overview of new team:
With Okafor finally free of the Center responsibility, the big fella can finally operate on the block with more freedom. The Bobcats can spread the floor and attack from more angles. Gerald Wallace is ready to take the leap to that All-Star selection that makes people scratch their heads at the time, and then in 4 years nod in agreeance. The addition of Dalembert would make a great inside statement when teaming up with Okafor. One would pencil in quite a few help blocks for Emeka in this format. With some security on paper, Ray Felton has the perfect opportunity to flourish for the Bobcats.
Choosing a team…
Over the past 18 years, I've been obsessed with Basketball and most notably the NBA. I was lucky enough to find the NBA just as Michael Jordan was turning it into his own personal showcase. The trading cards, posters, magazines and video games were all my life revolved around.
I opened my first packet of NBA Hoops trading cards and instantly fell in love. I had Michael Jordan in my first pack, facing up and looking at me! I felt like Charlie Bucket with the golden ticket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory!
It soon turned sour as I realised, albeit less than a second later that my golden ticket was none other than Gary Grant of the LA Clippers. Even to this day, I still have not replaced that intial feeling of pure elation.
Like Mike? Not in any way...
With Chicago doing their thing for so long in the 90's, I found myself, (like most others my age) being captivated by Da' Bulls. Every time they brought a new guy in, I'd want to know what number he'd wear, what role he'd play and most importantly how he would fit in with Mike and Scottie.
Over the years I would have brief love affairs with different teams. I loved the New York Knicks of 1991-1998. I loved the Indiana Pacers of 1993-1995. I even had a brief fling with the Denver Nuggets of the early 90's, but only when Robert Pack was there. I guess I've always been searching for a team to follow but ultimately my relationships with individual players keeps my heart spread thin across the NBA.
These days it's Kobe Bryant. I love nearly everything about the guy's talent and skill level. He is hated on by a large chunk of the NBA fan base, (including Ryan) but maybe that's what appeals to me? I don't know.
However, there's certain players that you can't help but love. These guys, no matter who you follow are just on a level that makes you not only like them but respect them and their effort. Guys like Kevin Garnett, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O'Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Ray Allen... you get the idea.
I currently find myself feeling more compelled than ever to choose a team to follow. It seems that over the years I've rubbed up next to certain teams due mainly to the Superstars that wear their colors.
I am currently a Lakers fan by default. Kobe Bryant is my favorite player and I have watched this Lakers team grow weaker, stronger and then stronger again since the Malone/Payton debarcle in 2004. I always enjoyed watching the Lakers during their Championship run to open the current millenium. Magic Johnson and his crew have always held a place in my heart too and I've watched a lot of their successes retrospectively.
With the Lakers, and more notably Kobe Bryant about to reach the top of the mountain again, I find myself back in that old position. I feel the need to align myself with a team. The obvious choice is the Lakers but something is telling me it's time to move on, especially if they win the title.
I have always loved the Knicks, and to smell the air in Madison Square Garden in 2006 was a highlight of my life. We visited in May and the Knicks were well and truly on vacation by then. We took the $17 tour and while the locker rooms were incredible, it was the sheer luck that showed its face when we viewed the court that blew me away. We expected to see the Liberty court, a boxing ring, a concert being set up or an ice hockey layout but were blown away to find that the Knicks floor was receiving maintenance. Definitely a good reason to choose the Knicks, but I would feel a little odd joining them now when they're about to spend all the millions on refitting their team. I mean, they've been so bad for so long... it would be like jumping on the Celtics in 2007.
Could I go back to the Bulls? I have always loved them. I loved their role players and coaches, not just Jordan and Pippen. The trouble I have here is that although this is true, it was ultimately their success that got me started and Michael Jordan rarely failed. I didn't have to earn the success or follow them through any hardship. Even when Mike dropped the ball against the Orlando Magic in 1995, it wasn't long before the Bulls claimed another three titles. It just seemed normal and right that they would.
Watching the Lakers fall against the Celtics last year has made me enjoy the ride this year even more. The fact that the Lakers have had nothing given to them this year makes their current state all the more enjoyable.
With all of these thoughts in my mind, I'm going to have to think some more. I really want a team to call my own but history seems to be getting in the way...
Maybe a team with a short history would suit better?