The first domino falls and a bunch of others fall with it.
Several prominent NBA players made their attentions clear after LeBron chose to go back home to Cleveland. First, LeBron's now ex-teammate Chris Bosh has decided to stay with the Miami Heat favoring a 5 year $118 million contract over going to Rockets. He will presumably now represent the Dynamic Duo of Bosh and Dwayne Wade in Miami providing that Wade chooses to stay.
Another player also decided to stay where he is for the time being. Reports have begun circulating that Carmelo Anthony's representatives are talking to the Knicks about a new contract after informing the Bulls that they are out of the Melo sweepstakes. Melo will stay in the Big Apple.
There is one player that is on the move and it's Pau Gasol. He's agreed to go to Chicago to become part of the Bulls. Not official yet as the Bulls still have make cap space in order to get Pau.
A lot to talk about with these moves and decisions. First, Bosh in Miami (presumably with Wade) keeps the Heat in the playoff picture but little else. LeBron was the driving force of that team and without him pulling them along in the playoffs and actually going against them, they won't get far.
As for Melo, most likely staying in New York for the money. Sure, he might want to win titles and maybe he believes that Phil Jackson will get the right people around him but for the time being, no one around the league will believe he wants championships over money. Now take significantly less money in order to get some decent players...
With Pau going to Chicago, he's better than Carlos Boozer and is certainly an upgrade but won't likely get them any closer to winning a championship. A healthy non-injury prone Derrick Rose is the only one that can do that for them.
More moves are certainly to come with one of them being the Lakers still searching for a head coach. Hopefully whoever the team wants to lead them can pass the most important test of all: Kobe's approval.
Showing posts with label LeBron James. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LeBron James. Show all posts
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Friday, July 11, 2014
The Prodigal King Returns
In the summer of 2010, LeBron James broke everyone's heart in Cleveland on national television by choosing the Heat over the Cavaliers. He then went on to win a couple of titles and went to the Finals in all four years. Now the King is coming back to his castle (to kick out that usurper known as Johnny Football).
SI.com is reporting that LeBron James has made his decision 2.0 and it is the Cleveland Cavaliers. As part of the essay that LeBron has done for SI.com, King James says "My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn't realize that four years ago. I do now."
Definitely the biggest off season story for the NBA since, well, LeBron's Decision in 2010. Sure, Dwight Howard's fiasco a year ago was big but nothing compared to that. LeBron coming back home is a great redemption story that will instantly make him the most liked player in the Association. The Cavs will instantly become the team to watch this season because of LeBron as they look for their first major title for the city of Cleveland since 1964 (last NFL title for the Browns).
Now that LeBron has made his move, actual Free Agency can begin for everyone else. LeBron's lack of a quick decision has held up most major moves. Now other teams and players can start making deals. Carmelo Anthony will make his decision, Chris Bosh of the big three in Miami might go to Houston now, even Dwayne Wade might leave the Heat.
Also, we are not even sure that the Cavaliers are done making significant moves this off season. Rumors are already circulating that they'll make a push to get Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. It might be a bit tricky but having James, Love and Kyrie Irving on the same team would make them the best team in the East.
For now, let the homecoming dance begin in Cleveland. Just for heaven's sake change your puke colored uniforms.
P.S. Don't be bitter, Miami. You got two titles out of James while he was in South Beach. Just be grateful for the memories.
SI.com is reporting that LeBron James has made his decision 2.0 and it is the Cleveland Cavaliers. As part of the essay that LeBron has done for SI.com, King James says "My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didn't realize that four years ago. I do now."
Definitely the biggest off season story for the NBA since, well, LeBron's Decision in 2010. Sure, Dwight Howard's fiasco a year ago was big but nothing compared to that. LeBron coming back home is a great redemption story that will instantly make him the most liked player in the Association. The Cavs will instantly become the team to watch this season because of LeBron as they look for their first major title for the city of Cleveland since 1964 (last NFL title for the Browns).
Now that LeBron has made his move, actual Free Agency can begin for everyone else. LeBron's lack of a quick decision has held up most major moves. Now other teams and players can start making deals. Carmelo Anthony will make his decision, Chris Bosh of the big three in Miami might go to Houston now, even Dwayne Wade might leave the Heat.
Also, we are not even sure that the Cavaliers are done making significant moves this off season. Rumors are already circulating that they'll make a push to get Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves. It might be a bit tricky but having James, Love and Kyrie Irving on the same team would make them the best team in the East.
For now, let the homecoming dance begin in Cleveland. Just for heaven's sake change your puke colored uniforms.
P.S. Don't be bitter, Miami. You got two titles out of James while he was in South Beach. Just be grateful for the memories.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Heat Win Second Straight Title; LeBron Finals MVP
I guess nobody was leaving the AmericanAirlines Arena early tonight.
The Heat won game 7 of the NBA Finals by a final of 95-88. It was a close game throughout and it wasn't until the final minutes did Miami manage to separate themselves from San Antonio. A huge jumper made by James with 27 seconds left and costly turnovers by the Spurs sealed the win for the Heat as they claim their second title in a row.
LeBron James, NBA Finals MVP, had 37 points in the title clinching game along with 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Dwayne Wade had 23 points in the game, Shane Battier came alive with 18 himself, and Mario Chalmers had 14. Chris Bosh actually didn't score a point in game 5 but did have 7 boards, 2 assists, and 1 block.
It seemed like it was just Tim Duncan trying to keep the Spurs alive late in the 4th quarter. Duncan would have 24 points in the game along with 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block. Tony Parker only had 10 points going 3-12 from the floor. Manu Ginoboli did have 18 points but committed 4 turnovers with one of those coming within the final half-minute of the game.
Many people say that the Heat should be better than this, that they should be able to win this series before the 7th game. I don't think so. I'm not bashing the Heat, they're a great team. But San Antonio is a great team as well that has been here before and quite frankly the kind of opponent you want to beat in the Finals. A team that has won titles and have claimed a dynasty in their own way.
This win OVER THE SPURS legitimizes this Heat team as an historic team. Maybe not the best in NBA history, you can't make that argument now and if you tried, most ex-players wouldn't hear you out. But they have done well enough to become memorable.
P.S. Again, not the best yet, but LeBron has earned memorable mention in NBA history as well.
The Heat won game 7 of the NBA Finals by a final of 95-88. It was a close game throughout and it wasn't until the final minutes did Miami manage to separate themselves from San Antonio. A huge jumper made by James with 27 seconds left and costly turnovers by the Spurs sealed the win for the Heat as they claim their second title in a row.
LeBron James, NBA Finals MVP, had 37 points in the title clinching game along with 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Dwayne Wade had 23 points in the game, Shane Battier came alive with 18 himself, and Mario Chalmers had 14. Chris Bosh actually didn't score a point in game 5 but did have 7 boards, 2 assists, and 1 block.
It seemed like it was just Tim Duncan trying to keep the Spurs alive late in the 4th quarter. Duncan would have 24 points in the game along with 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block. Tony Parker only had 10 points going 3-12 from the floor. Manu Ginoboli did have 18 points but committed 4 turnovers with one of those coming within the final half-minute of the game.
Many people say that the Heat should be better than this, that they should be able to win this series before the 7th game. I don't think so. I'm not bashing the Heat, they're a great team. But San Antonio is a great team as well that has been here before and quite frankly the kind of opponent you want to beat in the Finals. A team that has won titles and have claimed a dynasty in their own way.
This win OVER THE SPURS legitimizes this Heat team as an historic team. Maybe not the best in NBA history, you can't make that argument now and if you tried, most ex-players wouldn't hear you out. But they have done well enough to become memorable.
P.S. Again, not the best yet, but LeBron has earned memorable mention in NBA history as well.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Bulls Snap the Heat's 27 Game Winning Streak
The streak is over.
The Miami Heat's 27 game winning streak has ended in Chicago at the hands of the Bulls. The Chicago defense and the noise of the sixth man proved too much for the Heat as they were playing from behind for practically the entire game. The Bulls went up by as many as 9 within the final minutes and would win by a final of 101-97.
Luol Deng scored the most for Chicago with 28 points along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Carlos Boozer managed 21 points himself along with 17 boards. LeBron James had 32 points in the loss while Bosh had 21 points and Dwayne Wade had 18.
The streak ends in Chicago at the hands of a Bulls team that hasn't played with Derrick Rose all season long and did not have Joakim Noah available for tonight's game. They are definitely talented enough to beat Miami on any given night but it still felt like a small shocker.
As to the streak itself, it was a shame it ended 6 games short of the record 33 game winning streak set by the 71-72 Lakers. I was sort of rooting for Miami to break the record as it was the only thing drawing my attention to the NBA right now. The regular season means so little for most teams that a streak like this gave it meaning and purpose. Now we'll have to wait until the postseason to see meaningful basketball in the NBA.
P.S. Do I NOW have to put my clothes back on?
The Miami Heat's 27 game winning streak has ended in Chicago at the hands of the Bulls. The Chicago defense and the noise of the sixth man proved too much for the Heat as they were playing from behind for practically the entire game. The Bulls went up by as many as 9 within the final minutes and would win by a final of 101-97.
Luol Deng scored the most for Chicago with 28 points along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Carlos Boozer managed 21 points himself along with 17 boards. LeBron James had 32 points in the loss while Bosh had 21 points and Dwayne Wade had 18.
The streak ends in Chicago at the hands of a Bulls team that hasn't played with Derrick Rose all season long and did not have Joakim Noah available for tonight's game. They are definitely talented enough to beat Miami on any given night but it still felt like a small shocker.
As to the streak itself, it was a shame it ended 6 games short of the record 33 game winning streak set by the 71-72 Lakers. I was sort of rooting for Miami to break the record as it was the only thing drawing my attention to the NBA right now. The regular season means so little for most teams that a streak like this gave it meaning and purpose. Now we'll have to wait until the postseason to see meaningful basketball in the NBA.
P.S. Do I NOW have to put my clothes back on?
Saturday, July 28, 2012
THE OLYMPICS ARE HERE, GET YOUR GUNS!!!
The Summer Olympics are back and London plays host for the games this time around. Hey, I was shock to hear about it as well. Of course the games had their opening ceremony last night for the whole world to see... at their prerecorded pace outside of that timezone. I still hate the non-live factor of the whole thing. Yeah, Kobe and LeBron are waiving at us from 8 hours ago.
Anyway, I didn't really watch the opening ceremony nor did I really want to see it (if it was available via internet). I watched a bit of the country introductions; saw the US and Great Britain get introduced. That's about it. I wasn't interested in a over bloated opening ceremony. It's about the games and the athletes from all over the world. That's it. Sweet and simple.
I sit here now and I now listening to the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China. They just won gold in a Air Rifle shooting event. The first one of the Games. How did we lose this event? We are all about guns in the USA and it's a shame that we lost to China who can't even... huh? Oh, it's "Women's" Air Rifle Shooting? Still should've won.
Congrats to China for taking the first Gold and Bronze, for that matter. Yi Siling is the first Gold Medalist of the 2012 Olympic Games. That's a true honor for anybody.
P.S. What a second? How is shooting a sport divided between the sexes? IT'S SHOOTING GUNS, DOESN'T GET MORE EQUAL THAN THAT!!!
P.P.S. HOW SHOOTING GUNS A SPORT?!?!?!
Anyway, I didn't really watch the opening ceremony nor did I really want to see it (if it was available via internet). I watched a bit of the country introductions; saw the US and Great Britain get introduced. That's about it. I wasn't interested in a over bloated opening ceremony. It's about the games and the athletes from all over the world. That's it. Sweet and simple.
I sit here now and I now listening to the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China. They just won gold in a Air Rifle shooting event. The first one of the Games. How did we lose this event? We are all about guns in the USA and it's a shame that we lost to China who can't even... huh? Oh, it's "Women's" Air Rifle Shooting? Still should've won.
Congrats to China for taking the first Gold and Bronze, for that matter. Yi Siling is the first Gold Medalist of the 2012 Olympic Games. That's a true honor for anybody.
P.S. What a second? How is shooting a sport divided between the sexes? IT'S SHOOTING GUNS, DOESN'T GET MORE EQUAL THAN THAT!!!
P.P.S. HOW SHOOTING GUNS A SPORT?!?!?!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
ALL HAIL THE KING AND THE MIAMI HEAT!!!
9 years ago, LeBron James entered the NBA seemingly already a star. During his path to a title, he developed his skills, grew and matured, and lit up the league as a star. His team grew around him and made strides to try and get an NBA title. LeBron then saw he couldn't win in Cleveland, ditched them for Miami, and now, two years later, finally gets the crown he so desperately needed.
The NBA Finals up to this point were just taken over by the Heat. Games 2-4 were close but the Heat just kept the Thunder at bay and prevented them from making any good comeback. They did an even greater job tonight. It was basically the Heat's night from the start with the Thunder making a few comeback runs to get it close only to have the Heat pull away again. By the third quarter, the Thunder couldn't keep up anymore. The Heat pulled away in the third and never looked back. The Miami Heat win, 121-106, and win their 2nd NBA Title in franchise history. It was LeBron James... sorry, "King" James' first title and he was named NBA Finals MVP.
"It's about damn time" were the first words from King James about winning the title and it pretty much summed it up. 9 seasons in the NBA and finally he has a ring. James proved he was the MVP of the Finals in Game 5 with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists. But he definitely had some help around him. Mike Miller tried to steal some of the spotlight shooting 7 for 8 from behind the arc. He had 23 total points. Dwanye Wade, who gets his 2nd ring, scored 20 points and 8 rebounds while Chris Bosh, the last of the Triple Heat, score 24 points and got 7 rebounds. While the King carried the Heat through much of this postseason, the team came together to shutdown OKC.
Don't feel bad, though, Thunder. Many of you guys are young and will have another bite at the apple someday. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are likely going to be able to lead this team back to the NBA Finals. Not sure whether or not James Harden will come back but he will have to do better for OKC if he does. The Thunder at least took another step closer to becoming a great team.
As for the Heat, their moment is now or at least one of their moments is now. I hope King James and the Heat will soak in the meaning of this title and truly appreciate it because everyone around them is expecting multiple titles. Ignore them all. People get lost when they look at the big picture. Just enjoy the nice brushstrokes that you all just made together.
The NBA Finals up to this point were just taken over by the Heat. Games 2-4 were close but the Heat just kept the Thunder at bay and prevented them from making any good comeback. They did an even greater job tonight. It was basically the Heat's night from the start with the Thunder making a few comeback runs to get it close only to have the Heat pull away again. By the third quarter, the Thunder couldn't keep up anymore. The Heat pulled away in the third and never looked back. The Miami Heat win, 121-106, and win their 2nd NBA Title in franchise history. It was LeBron James... sorry, "King" James' first title and he was named NBA Finals MVP.
"It's about damn time" were the first words from King James about winning the title and it pretty much summed it up. 9 seasons in the NBA and finally he has a ring. James proved he was the MVP of the Finals in Game 5 with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists. But he definitely had some help around him. Mike Miller tried to steal some of the spotlight shooting 7 for 8 from behind the arc. He had 23 total points. Dwanye Wade, who gets his 2nd ring, scored 20 points and 8 rebounds while Chris Bosh, the last of the Triple Heat, score 24 points and got 7 rebounds. While the King carried the Heat through much of this postseason, the team came together to shutdown OKC.
Don't feel bad, though, Thunder. Many of you guys are young and will have another bite at the apple someday. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are likely going to be able to lead this team back to the NBA Finals. Not sure whether or not James Harden will come back but he will have to do better for OKC if he does. The Thunder at least took another step closer to becoming a great team.
As for the Heat, their moment is now or at least one of their moments is now. I hope King James and the Heat will soak in the meaning of this title and truly appreciate it because everyone around them is expecting multiple titles. Ignore them all. People get lost when they look at the big picture. Just enjoy the nice brushstrokes that you all just made together.
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