There is a disconnect between most athletes and fans. The most recent example was LeBron's post game tirade. If you haven't seen it, here's a sample:
"Because at the end of the day, all the people that was rooting on me to fail, at the end of the day they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today. They have the same personal problems they had today." - LeBron James
And he's right, when I woke up after they lost, I still was without a full-time job. My bank account still only contains 3 digits. I still don't have a BMW in the driveway of my 30,000 square foot compound. There were two things that really bothered me about what he said, he didn't take responsibility for his team losing and instead of addressing supporters, he addresses his haters.
Why feed to the trolls? If you are so worry more about the people that don't like you, eventually, nobody will like you. Instead of making remarks like that, hit the gym and make yourself better. LeBron, you CAN be the "Chosen 1" you CAN dominate any and every game. That's what drives me crazy. I want to hate you because I know you will dismantle my favorite team effortlessly, not because you cowardly hide behind your words.
LeBron is the latest in a long line of athletes that play the, "you're just jealous you aren't me" card. Sure, I'd love to make that kind of money, I'd like to make Jerome Simpson money. But that's not the reason for the hate. This is a career for athletes; it's their livelihood. However to sports fans, this is entertainment. At the end of the day, pro sports are something we like to talk about, argue about, and just watch like any other form of entertainment.
I have no personal issues with LeBron James. Or any other athlete, except maybe Kimo. (Curse you Kimo) Athletes that take what we say personally need to get over it. If you're on TV, people are going to dissect you. That's how it works. Instead of taking shots at the people that make you relevant, change their opinions by proving them wrong. Show them you are willing to put in the time to earn your spot.
There was a time that I hated Kobe Bryant. He was an arrogant ball hog that only got to where he was because of Shaq. He was a diva, that drove his teammate and coach out of town. Even prompting Phil Jackson to write a book about him. But then something happened, Kobe starting winning again. Kobe didn't seemed to let his play do the talking for him. He worked his butt off and became the best player in the world. What a concept.
Showing posts with label LeBron James. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LeBron James. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Maybe Next Time, LeBron (Alternate Version)
During Game 4 of the NBA Finals, I wrote this blog about if Miami won. I really felt like LeBron was in a lose-lose situation. Even if he won, he didn't.
In the 1980's, Ted Dibiase was always trying to get the WWF Title. He had the money, the skills, and everything it took to get that belt, but he never could. And then, "The Million Dollar Man" came up with his most devious plan. He had Andre the Giant fight, and defeat, WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan. Once he was awarded the belt, he gave to Ted DiBiase. A dastardly move by a dastardly man. Of course, it didn't last long, we soon found out that an evil twin ref was used and there was a fast count, and the Million Dollar Man's plan was foiled.
This time there was no "evil ref". (2006, anyone?) But when LeBron couldn't win the title on his own, he joined his own version of the Million Dollar Team. (Chris Bosh as Virgil) And like Ted DiBiase, even though he held the title, everyone knew it wasn't his. Maybe to him it doesn't matter. Being a champion is being a champion. No matter how you got there, it's yours.
Am I calling LeBron a fraud? Not exactly. His team won the title and he was a major contributor. He is a big reason they made it as far as they did. But nobody that has watched this NBA Finals can tell you LeBron carried this team. This has been D Wade's team. He's been the fire, he's been the reason they won. He's the reason the team is even together.
LeBron is too good to not have a title. Many times, he's the best player on the court. He's the most amazing physical force in the NBA since a young Shaq. If it wasn't this year, it could be next year, or the next. As long as he's healthy, any team with LeBron James in the lineup is a legit title contender. But maybe this time, it wasn't really his. It's a shame for him that people won't let him enjoy it the way he will want to, but he's still the champ. For now.
In the 1980's, Ted Dibiase was always trying to get the WWF Title. He had the money, the skills, and everything it took to get that belt, but he never could. And then, "The Million Dollar Man" came up with his most devious plan. He had Andre the Giant fight, and defeat, WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan. Once he was awarded the belt, he gave to Ted DiBiase. A dastardly move by a dastardly man. Of course, it didn't last long, we soon found out that an evil twin ref was used and there was a fast count, and the Million Dollar Man's plan was foiled.
This time there was no "evil ref". (2006, anyone?) But when LeBron couldn't win the title on his own, he joined his own version of the Million Dollar Team. (Chris Bosh as Virgil) And like Ted DiBiase, even though he held the title, everyone knew it wasn't his. Maybe to him it doesn't matter. Being a champion is being a champion. No matter how you got there, it's yours.
Am I calling LeBron a fraud? Not exactly. His team won the title and he was a major contributor. He is a big reason they made it as far as they did. But nobody that has watched this NBA Finals can tell you LeBron carried this team. This has been D Wade's team. He's been the fire, he's been the reason they won. He's the reason the team is even together.
LeBron is too good to not have a title. Many times, he's the best player on the court. He's the most amazing physical force in the NBA since a young Shaq. If it wasn't this year, it could be next year, or the next. As long as he's healthy, any team with LeBron James in the lineup is a legit title contender. But maybe this time, it wasn't really his. It's a shame for him that people won't let him enjoy it the way he will want to, but he's still the champ. For now.
Maybe Next Time, LeBron
In the 1980's, Ted Dibiase was always trying to get the WWF Title. He had the money, the skills, and everything it took to get that belt, but he never could. And then, "The Million Dollar Man" came up with his most devious plan. He had Andre the Giant fight, and defeat, WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan. Once he was awarded the belt, he gave to Ted DiBiase. A dastardly move by a dastardly man. Of course, it didn't last long, we soon found out that an evil twin ref was used and there was a fast count, and the Million Dollar Man's plan was foiled.
And over twenty years later, the good guys won again. No matter how good Ted DiBiase's team was, (Chris Bosh is Virgil) Hulk Hogan prevailed. Like he always does, Hulk showed up in the end. The bad guys can try to beat him, physically or mentally, but Dirk wouldn't let his team or his fans (Mavamaniacs?) down. Fadeaways, free throws, spin move layups, and three pointers. It seemed like whatever the situation, Dirk has the answer.
Over a decade of 50 plus win seasons, coaches and players changed around him, but Dirk was a constant in Dallas. When they blew a series against the 8th Golden State Warriors a few years back, it seemed like Dirk's chance was 2006. A postseason marred by a referee scandal, a 2-0 series lead was blown, and that seemed like that's the last time we'd hear from the Mavs. The Lakers got better, much better, the Spurs wouldn't die, the Hornets showed flashes, as did the Suns and Nuggets. The Mavs seemed lost in the shuffle.
Then came the summer of 2010. A ton of star players could, and would move around. One player didn't move, Dirk. The Mavs were an older team, and a lot of people thought Dirk might leave to chase a ring, but he was too loyal to the team that took him 13 years earlier. When the playoffs came around, the Mavs looked like an also ran. The Lakers looked to three-peat in Phil's last hoorah, the Thunder were a sexy pick, and the Spurs had the best record in the league. The Celtics, Heat, and Bulls loomed in the Eastern Conference. But, in Hulk Hogan fashion, Dirk took his team to another level. No matter the odds, they just couldn't be stopped.
One day, I'll be writing about LeBron's championship, he's just too good to not have a title. Many times, he's the best player on the court. He's the most amazing physical force in the NBA since a young Shaq. If it wasn't this year, it could be next year, or the next. As long as he's healthy, any team with LeBron James in the lineup is a legit title contender. It didn't work out this year. Maybe next time, LeBron
And over twenty years later, the good guys won again. No matter how good Ted DiBiase's team was, (Chris Bosh is Virgil) Hulk Hogan prevailed. Like he always does, Hulk showed up in the end. The bad guys can try to beat him, physically or mentally, but Dirk wouldn't let his team or his fans (Mavamaniacs?) down. Fadeaways, free throws, spin move layups, and three pointers. It seemed like whatever the situation, Dirk has the answer.
Over a decade of 50 plus win seasons, coaches and players changed around him, but Dirk was a constant in Dallas. When they blew a series against the 8th Golden State Warriors a few years back, it seemed like Dirk's chance was 2006. A postseason marred by a referee scandal, a 2-0 series lead was blown, and that seemed like that's the last time we'd hear from the Mavs. The Lakers got better, much better, the Spurs wouldn't die, the Hornets showed flashes, as did the Suns and Nuggets. The Mavs seemed lost in the shuffle.
Then came the summer of 2010. A ton of star players could, and would move around. One player didn't move, Dirk. The Mavs were an older team, and a lot of people thought Dirk might leave to chase a ring, but he was too loyal to the team that took him 13 years earlier. When the playoffs came around, the Mavs looked like an also ran. The Lakers looked to three-peat in Phil's last hoorah, the Thunder were a sexy pick, and the Spurs had the best record in the league. The Celtics, Heat, and Bulls loomed in the Eastern Conference. But, in Hulk Hogan fashion, Dirk took his team to another level. No matter the odds, they just couldn't be stopped.
One day, I'll be writing about LeBron's championship, he's just too good to not have a title. Many times, he's the best player on the court. He's the most amazing physical force in the NBA since a young Shaq. If it wasn't this year, it could be next year, or the next. As long as he's healthy, any team with LeBron James in the lineup is a legit title contender. It didn't work out this year. Maybe next time, LeBron
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Hello America, it's me, the NBA.
I have a lot of friends that watch sports. We can talk for hours about them, debate topics, and make fun of each others teams. A lot of my friends don't watch the NBA. Somewhere down the line, something happened that turned them off. Here are a few examples.
These two teams have been doing everything to win these first four games. And while the big stars, Dirk and Dwyane especially, have been major factors, role players have been a story this series. Mario Chalmers and Deshawn Stevenson have hit some big threes to start or to end runs. Guys like Bosh and Jason Terry have had moments of greatness as well. We're still waiting on LeBron's big game, and it's coming.
Tonight at 9 is game 5 of the NBA Finals. And as far as I'm concerned, it's the biggest game of the series. For Dallas, winning at home means only needing one win in Miami, a place that has only one home playoff loss this year, For the Heat, it's a chance to break Dallas and know they have two chances to finish them off at home. Dirk said that this is their game 7 and he's right. The Dallas Mavericks shouldn't be in this situation. they should have been out already. But they are too tough, too gritty, and just won't die.
One guy can kill them. LeBron. There has been a ton of talk about LeBron's lack of heroics at the end of the game, including this LeBron James game 4 highlight reel. If LeBron wants to be taken more seriously, and not just as Wade's sidekick, he needs a big game. Tonight. This is the biggest game of the year and if he doesn't come out tonight with a killer instinct, then I don't know if he really has it.
Look, it's summer time. And unless you love CSI reruns, you need to be watching the NBA Finals tonight on ABC. The last three games have come down to the final shot. There is star power, pure basketball skill, and athleticism by the truckload. You want passion? You've got a veteran team looking at maybe their last shot at being a winner, and another team wanting to shut all their detractors up. This game is going to be huge. It should almost be on PPV. Don't tell the NBA I said that, though. Free is good.
I'll see you at 9.
- They whine and cry to the refs.
- The refs slow the game way down.
- It's all just one-on-one, not real basketball.
- The college game has more passion.
These two teams have been doing everything to win these first four games. And while the big stars, Dirk and Dwyane especially, have been major factors, role players have been a story this series. Mario Chalmers and Deshawn Stevenson have hit some big threes to start or to end runs. Guys like Bosh and Jason Terry have had moments of greatness as well. We're still waiting on LeBron's big game, and it's coming.
Tonight at 9 is game 5 of the NBA Finals. And as far as I'm concerned, it's the biggest game of the series. For Dallas, winning at home means only needing one win in Miami, a place that has only one home playoff loss this year, For the Heat, it's a chance to break Dallas and know they have two chances to finish them off at home. Dirk said that this is their game 7 and he's right. The Dallas Mavericks shouldn't be in this situation. they should have been out already. But they are too tough, too gritty, and just won't die.
One guy can kill them. LeBron. There has been a ton of talk about LeBron's lack of heroics at the end of the game, including this LeBron James game 4 highlight reel. If LeBron wants to be taken more seriously, and not just as Wade's sidekick, he needs a big game. Tonight. This is the biggest game of the year and if he doesn't come out tonight with a killer instinct, then I don't know if he really has it.
Look, it's summer time. And unless you love CSI reruns, you need to be watching the NBA Finals tonight on ABC. The last three games have come down to the final shot. There is star power, pure basketball skill, and athleticism by the truckload. You want passion? You've got a veteran team looking at maybe their last shot at being a winner, and another team wanting to shut all their detractors up. This game is going to be huge. It should almost be on PPV. Don't tell the NBA I said that, though. Free is good.
I'll see you at 9.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Debating the Debate
Debates are a big part of sports. Without them, I wouldn't have much to write about. As the summer wears on, I'll be sure to attack some of the age old controversies and debates, but today I want to stop a debate. I guess I am debating on whether there is a debate to debate about. LeBron vs Michael Jordan.
Scottie Pippen has been the butt of some jokes on Twitter (#ScottiePippenTweets) by a ton of people including myself. In fairness to Scottie, he said LeBron COULD be better than Michael Jordan. Fair enough. It's blown up however, that Scotte thinks LeBron is better than his former running mate. ESPN, sports radio, and even lowly bloggers are throwing in their two cents.
I'm not going to debate that MJ is better than LBJ. That's not a debate. It's way too early. MJ has 6 Titles, LeBron 0. MJ has the highest career PPG average and was first team defense every full season he played from 1988 to 1998. MJ was also a 5 time MVP and a 6 time Finals MVP. So yea, that's a beefy list of awesomeness.
LeBron needs to be compared with his peers right now. Once his career is nearing its end THEN we should talk all-time stuff. Remember Ken Griffey, Jr? He could have gone down as the greatest player that ever played. Injuries happened. Age happened. Years on the road happened. As much as I didn't like LeBron for his "Decision", but I want to see where his career can go. How high can he reach? And when the dust settles, where will he rank beside Jordan, Bird, and the Big O.
But before we get to them, he needs to show he's better than Kobe, Kevin Durant, and the rest of his contemporaries.
Scottie Pippen has been the butt of some jokes on Twitter (#ScottiePippenTweets) by a ton of people including myself. In fairness to Scottie, he said LeBron COULD be better than Michael Jordan. Fair enough. It's blown up however, that Scotte thinks LeBron is better than his former running mate. ESPN, sports radio, and even lowly bloggers are throwing in their two cents.
I'm not going to debate that MJ is better than LBJ. That's not a debate. It's way too early. MJ has 6 Titles, LeBron 0. MJ has the highest career PPG average and was first team defense every full season he played from 1988 to 1998. MJ was also a 5 time MVP and a 6 time Finals MVP. So yea, that's a beefy list of awesomeness.
LeBron needs to be compared with his peers right now. Once his career is nearing its end THEN we should talk all-time stuff. Remember Ken Griffey, Jr? He could have gone down as the greatest player that ever played. Injuries happened. Age happened. Years on the road happened. As much as I didn't like LeBron for his "Decision", but I want to see where his career can go. How high can he reach? And when the dust settles, where will he rank beside Jordan, Bird, and the Big O.
But before we get to them, he needs to show he's better than Kobe, Kevin Durant, and the rest of his contemporaries.
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