I thought I’d hate LeBron. Turns out I’m feeling sorry for him
Okay, I surrender. I have no idea what it is LeBron James is trying to do. (AP photo)
I thought this would be easy, pulling against LeBron James. Eleven months ago I’d worked up a disdain I figured would carry me through 2011 and probably 2021. But here Miami is, playing for the NBA title, and I have a confession:
I’m actually starting to feel sorry for LeBron.
He’s the best player in the world. He’s on the sport’s biggest stage. He’s hiding in the corner.
He scored 17 points in Game 3 of the NBA finals, which prompted Gregg Doyel of CBS Sports to dub him an “incredibly shrinking superstar.” Bristling at a Doyel question, James took pains to extol the virtues of all-around excellence, and in his defense he did feed Chris Bosh for the jumper that won Game 3, and when your team wins you can say whatever you want.
There can, however, be no defending Game 4. James scored eight points, a personal playoff low. He took one fourth-quarter shot. The Heat blew a sizable lead for the second time in three games, and suddenly the Legion of Superheroes doesn’t look super or heroic — it looks like a hugely gifted team that doesn’t know what to do.
Check that. Dwyane Wade knows. He was supposed to be the Boy Wonder to LeBron’s Caped Crusader, but in the finals Wade has averaged 29.8 points to James’ 17.3. Even Bosh, always regarded as the least of the Big Three, has outscored James in this series.
That’s correct. The best player in the world has become the third-leading scorer on his team.
Eleven months ago, I’d have sworn typing such a sentence would fill me with glee. That’s how frosted I was over “The Decision” — that programming monstrosity foisted on us by LeBron and ESPN. It was the utter height of hubris, and in one stage-managed hour I went from liking James to hoping he never wins anything ever.
But time has, as time will, softened my outrage. “The Decision” was a grievous mistake. NBA commissioner David Stern said so. Even ESPN’s ombudsman said so. But I’d been a LeBron fan since I saw him play for St. Vincent-St. Mary High in Greensboro on Martin Luther King Day 2003, and as these playoffs have unfolded I’ve started to think it might not be the worst thing in the world if he gets his title.
Through 3 1/2 quarters of Game 4, that long-sought championship — the very reason for “The Decision” to leave Cleveland in the lurch — seemed very near. (Earlier that day, James had told reporters he was “starting to taste” a title.) Only thing was, the Decider was having little to do with it. The ball was going to Wade on every trip, and he was operating as if he’d become LeBron James surrounded by lesser Cavaliers.
That part about standing in the corner? I mean it literally. James stationed himself — I say that because I can’t imagine this was an Erik Spoelstra ploy — 25 feet from the goal. And stood there. In the infamous Game 5 against Boston last season, James was criticized by Cavs fans for not shooting. This time he barely moved.
Why would the world’s best player decide not to try very hard? Was he afraid of rankling Wade? If so, what was that blather about uniting with players of similar ability for the greater good? Was LeBron scared of the moment? If so, why would the greatest amalgam of speed, strength and skill in the history of the sport be scared of any moment?
A conspicuously ailing Dirk Nowitzki scored 10 points in the fourth quarter of Game 4. An apparently healthy LeBron James has scored nine fourth-quarter points this series. The guy who wanted out of Cleveland because his supporting cast wasn’t good enough is standing around admiring D-Wade’s work. I’m confused by this startling development — heck, everybody is — and I’m also confused by my response to it.
I thought it’d be amusing to see LeBron lose, but I don’t want him to lose like this. If Nowitzki and the Mavericks outplay him and the Heat straight-up, so be it. But this way feels wrong. It’s as if King James has, on the morning of his coronation, chosen to abdicate the throne.
By Mark Bradley
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145 comments Add your comment
me
June 8th, 2011
2:47 pm
Could be worse, he could be Uggla
Just Me
June 8th, 2011
2:48 pm
WHAT? are you kidding? Mark are you getting soft on us of what?
GTHorsie
June 8th, 2011
2:50 pm
“If so, why would the greatest amalgam of speed, strength and skill in the history of the sport be scared of any moment?”
I’m guessing MJ has a few issues with that statement.
Benjamin
June 8th, 2011
2:51 pm
First.
And I don’t feel too sorry for the man who took his talents to South Beach. He made more this year than myself and the next ten responders will make in a lifetime.
Hope that small editorial didn’t make me second…
Benjamin
June 8th, 2011
2:54 pm
Kudos received and accepted, good sir.
Wonder if Miami would deal him for Joe Johnson?
5150 UOAD
June 8th, 2011
2:55 pm
Mark can I use this name again when football starts?
Mark Bradley
June 8th, 2011
2:56 pm
Actually, Benjamin, you might NOT have been first. These comments are showing up rather oddly today.
We might have to play a let on this one.
jeffrey d
June 8th, 2011
2:57 pm
Looks like Mark gets his own kudos today.
Good article, Mark. I won’t feel sorry for LeBron until the Heat lose, though.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
June 8th, 2011
2:57 pm
How does the best player in the game get off ONE shot in the 4th quarter? That never happened to a a Kobe, MJ, Bird or Magic. Great players assert themselves and will the team to victory.
Unfortuantely the shrinking Lebron is stealing the thunder of Dirk. He is playing so clutch right now that it is ALMOST like watching how MJ took over.
In these NBA finals it is incredible how Dallas is taking every Miami punch and able to fight it off and come back. The only question is can they continue to do it? With the incredible shrinking Lebron on full display they have a punchers chance.
5150 UOAD
June 8th, 2011
2:59 pm
Mark what do you think the odds are that the Finals will not go 7 games? There is nothing else in sports to watch or talk about much, but college football and all the Cheaters. The Association needs all the Advertising money and interest in their 4th/5th place sport they can get. NBA and NHL can’t compete with the NFL and College Football. They are fighting to stay ahead of the NHL. MLB will Always be in the top 3 because it is America’s Original Pastime.
Just Me
June 8th, 2011
3:00 pm
Mark what do you think the odds are that the Finals will not go 7 games? There is nothing else in sports to watch or talk about much, but college football and all the Cheaters. The Association needs all the Advertising money and interest in their 4th/5th place sport they can get. NBA and NHL can’t compete with the NFL and College Football. They are fighting to stay ahead of the NHL. MLB will Always be in the top 3 because it is America’s Original Pastime.
Benjamin
June 8th, 2011
3:05 pm
I’ll settle for a top four finish, MB. So long as I’m near the pole position…
Buckeye
June 8th, 2011
3:05 pm
Hey Brads,
Slow down, Dude. Seems you’re making up for being AWOL.
Mark Bradley
June 8th, 2011
3:07 pm
Michael Jordan is the greatest player in the history of North American team sports. But he wasn’t as fast or as strong as LeBron James.
j
June 8th, 2011
3:09 pm
The cHeat have won 2 games because of bad calls. If not for that, series over. Lebron is pathetic!
juice newton
June 8th, 2011
3:10 pm
the lebron pre-game speech to his team made me want to barf. he’s all hype.
Different expectations, results for playoff targets LeBron, Rome – CBSSports.com | Relevant News
June 8th, 2011
3:11 pm
[...] SportsNBA At 2: Calling Out LeBronHoopsWorldDissecting LeBron's Game 4 strugglesESPNCNN -Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -KERO-TV 23all 643 news [...]
Blaze
June 8th, 2011
3:11 pm
I will not feel sorry for LeBron. I will not feel sorry for LeBron. I will not feel sorry for LeBron. I will not feel sorry for LeBron. and guess what …..I don’t feel sorry for LeBron James!
JC
June 8th, 2011
3:12 pm
Was also there in 2003 in the Greensboro Coliseum. Still can not root for him. I do remember how his mom was so obnoxious to the fans around her.
JeJe
June 8th, 2011
3:13 pm
The Heat struggled earlier this year because they had 2 guys very similar to each other (Wade and LeFraud).
The Heat are still controlling this series (trust me, I HATEEEEEEE the Heat) despite the 2-2 record. If Caron was healthy, this series would be over for Miami, but they have a better roster. Bosh played beautifully in the first half.
I hope LeFraud LeChokes
Don’t feel sorry for that arrogant guy. How he appears in interviews is not who he really is. He is barely a level above Terrell Pryor
Blaze
June 8th, 2011
3:15 pm
Tell us more JC about his obnoxious mom. The readers really need to know. He comes across so “cool and collect” in his interviews. I, for one, cannot pull for him. Go MAVS!
Lowcountry Bulldawg
June 8th, 2011
3:16 pm
Lebron when he is on a breakaway looks like a Clydesdale, so fast and powerful. That also seems to be typical of his game, better as a front runner.
NoGaGator
June 8th, 2011
3:16 pm
No way could I ever feel sorry for this diva who took “(his) talents to OSuth Beach.
He and Wade are probably having a hissy fit and James is sulking in the corner, trying to prove to people the Heat can’t win without him – which, unfortunately is true.
Then again, he may have been in a funk over his buddy Pryor’s fall from grace.
Mark Bradley
June 8th, 2011
3:17 pm
It’s hard to appreciate how big and fast James is without seeing him in person.
» Different expectations, results for playoff targets LeBron, Rome – CBSSports.com :: iSS
June 8th, 2011
3:18 pm
[...] SportsDissecting LeBron's Game 4 strugglesESPNWhat went wrong? How LeBron, Miami failedCNNAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog) -WESH Orlando -Huffington Postall 250 news [...]
Hayseed Dixie
June 8th, 2011
3:22 pm
I dunno, I want LeBron to win a title just so the Clevland Cavs owner, with his tirade (written in Comic Sans, no less), will be eating crow.
I normally don’t agree with anything that comes out of Jessie Jackson’s mouth, but he was right about the whole “runaway slave” vibe being too strong to ignore.
LeBron wants to play on a team, be friends on a team, and serve teammates- ain’t a single damn thing wrong with that.
GT Joe
June 8th, 2011
3:22 pm
Funny how the bron haters are coming out of the woodwork after his domination of the sixers, bulls and celtics.
They’ll be back on the bandwagon after game 5 and 6.
Kinda reminds me of the hate MJ had before he started winning titles. Hate to throw out the race card, but ….
GT Joe
June 8th, 2011
3:25 pm
Hey Bradley, you liked him, then you hated him, now you feel sorry for him, but you will soon love and adore him. And he will make MJ a distant memory, just like MJ made us forget Bill Russell and Wilt and Oscar.
It’s the cycle of sports…
Ted M
June 8th, 2011
3:31 pm
If the Heat win w/James loafing THAT will be the worst.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
June 8th, 2011
3:32 pm
As a Hawk fan in the 80’s I couldnt like MJ because of Nique, did I latter appreciate MJ, sure. Lebron started out as a likable fellow but with his … to come to South Beach he essentially made himself the Yankees,Cowboys and Notre Dame of the NBA. You love him or you hate him, no middle ground. Race has ZERO to do with it.
GT Joe
June 8th, 2011
3:33 pm
he’s not loafing or being lazy. He is deferring to the hot hand, which is wade. Wade is getting single coverage (bron gets doubled), wade is being guarded by Kidd (big time mismatch), so bron has to look to wade.
Just remember, bron was wide open in the corner for the game tying shot last night while wade dribbled it off his foot…
Just Me
June 8th, 2011
3:34 pm
I rarely say this, but I think the best thing this young man did was to not go the College route. His recruitment would have been under scrutiny from day one and would have been a distraction to any college team he played for. LeBron going PRO was a move that allowed his Body and Mind to finish growing in the GAME he plays.
I don’t ever feel sorry for a Pro Athlete making millions no matter the issues on of off the Court/Field unless it is a Health issue.
juvenal
June 8th, 2011
3:37 pm
feel sorry Bosch had his last shot blocked, playing in front of the home town folks…..
GT Joe
June 8th, 2011
3:39 pm
Race has zero to do with it? Okay. Maybe the “decision” was silly (I watched it and was glued to the TV, personally), but it was totally blown out of pr,oportion; it was at a boy/girls club for charity for christ’s sake! And have you heard him speak? Extremely intelligent, doesn’t say stupid stuff, can actually speak English correctly, says all the right things. Since high school. Remember MJ in the 80s? Let’s just say he’s gotten a lot smarter with age. Bron was always smart. I still remember him in 2003 after a HS game on ESPN, he interviewed better than the veteran pro players.
And he plays the game right; gets everyone involved, would rather lead in assists than points.
If folks cant like LeBron, there’s something else goin on. Just sayin.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
June 8th, 2011
3:40 pm
GT Joe,
It was he fact he left his hometown and home state. Fans can relate to that, the fact that sports isnt what it once was and the fact that Lebron made it clear on ESPN (Applaud him for the cause) nailed it home. This is why he is now the anti-hero. I respect him and enjoy watching him play at the highest level, you just have to also understand the other side of the argument also.
DC
June 8th, 2011
3:40 pm
Race has nothing to do with Bron…hes an arrogant cocky ringless fool…
y3ll0wjacket
June 8th, 2011
3:41 pm
Lebron goes through long stretches of horrible decision making – standing around, taking bad shots, looking around like he’s wondering what’s going on – do you think he needs a coach or a teammate to kick him in the @$p to wake him up? He just seems to go into a funk. He should start fighting for layups at those times.
Mark Bradley
June 8th, 2011
3:47 pm
I’ve not forgotten Bill Russell. Or the Big O. Or Wilt.
Rob
June 8th, 2011
3:47 pm
I agree he is probably in another postion with a team mate like he was in cleveland. The problem with Bron is that he has never been able to grow up emotionally and he still acts like a kid and pouts and mopes around when he is not happy. If it wasnt for Wade the series would be over and the heat would look very stupid. Oh and Bosh is a girl…..
John Galt
June 8th, 2011
3:52 pm
GT Joe
If you were a racist you wouldn’t even turn the NBA on…………
dawg4u
June 8th, 2011
3:54 pm
It feels like Lebron is pacing himself (in a really slow way) for a sprint to the final games. I definitely think we’ll see a completely different performance in the remaining games. Would love to see it go to a seventh game.
Rob
June 8th, 2011
3:55 pm
Well its all on Bron at this point, he either takes over or craps the bed…I seriously dont think the Heat can win with out Bron’s A game and no one in the world has yet to see Bron’s A game in the “heat” of the moment or should I say when it really counts. He blamed it on his supporting cast in cleveland when he had plenty of support. In the long run though he shouldn’t need that much support if he is “better” than Jordan
Mark Bradley
June 8th, 2011
3:57 pm
I don’t think we’ll see LeBron James defer to anybody from here on.
Kevkel
June 8th, 2011
3:59 pm
Used to like LeBron but he’s a phony. Nike taught him well how to play to the camera until he and his sycophants laid the big egg with “The Decision”
Another thing that really irks me is his baby momma (who lived with LeBron at his manse in Akron)taking his kids to the ER at the local hospital for colds…and claiming Medicaid. Nice – our tax money going to the kids of one of the richest in sports.
Born2Buzz
June 8th, 2011
4:10 pm
Wrong.
Wouldn’t you still rather see Dallas win, just so the Heat have something to drive them for next year?
I watched last nights game and was amazed by the intensity and pace of play. LeBron not being aggressive didn’t register to me until it was all over and I realized he only had 9 pts.
Midway through the 2nd Qt my teenage daughter who sat and watched the first half with me stated “these guys play too fast, it’s hard to keep track of where the ball is”. My thought was “could Joe Johnson play at that pace?”
These 2 teams are playing at a different level right now. And it’s really fun to watch, no matter what LeBron does.
P. Bull Terrier
June 8th, 2011
4:17 pm
Lebron is just a cheaper version of Joe Johnson.
Delta Stewardess
June 8th, 2011
4:19 pm
Michael
Why did you ban DogLoverUGA…….?
The New Orleans thing was a little Harsh but not far form off base.
I can’t wait until we get to the DOME. Papa and I are really excited to be going to that game. Is it true that the Crowell kid will get to play the first series as promised to him by Richt in his recruiting?
Just Me
June 8th, 2011
4:25 pm
Joe Johnson? are you being serious?
Andy
June 8th, 2011
4:29 pm
Now we see why James needed to join up with other all-stars to win a title. When he said he was taking his talents to south beach, he forgot to mention that he was also taking his failure to perform in big games as well.
NoGaGator
June 8th, 2011
4:34 pm
Enter your comments here
Dawglasville
June 8th, 2011
4:38 pm
GT Joe – Race? I remember watching the big coming out party in Miami. He looked soooo sad during “the decision.” He and Bosh didn’t look too upset dancing and macking up on that stage. I was watching that wondering what Bill Russell, Dr J, Magic, Akeem, Duncan were thinking about watching it. Notice the people I mentioned were all black. Those are players I admire. Magic and Barkley both said that they couldn’t get behind the way that team was put together. If white people feel the same way is that racist? If I pull for Dirk does that make me racist? Even if I pull for Mike Tomlin and Danica Patrick? Do you remember what happened to the boy who cried wolf? I’m sorry. I’m sure that there are many subtle levels of racism that I am not sensitive to. I really, really, really don’t understand how you can say that.
LeQuit James
June 8th, 2011
4:50 pm
The way he played last night is how he played in game 5 last year, and that is why Cleveland did not win the championship. Because he is such a mental midget with no guts or pride. He may be called the greatest player of his generation, but of all time? I don’t think so. He doesn’t have the mental toughness to be a true winner.
Time
June 8th, 2011
5:02 pm
No pity for him. You make your bed and you sleep in it. He’s always had the physical skills but exposed the fact he doesn’t have it mentally to win big with how he left Cleveland. First quitting on the team, then the decision, then all the early celebrations of the year. The Heat may win titles, but he will never be the reason they do.
Go Mavs. Sad thing is all the focus on LeBron is just distracting from the real all time great in this series. One who has long been overdue for some of the praise he’s finally getting. Dirk Nowitzki
BravesFan79
June 8th, 2011
5:03 pm
How can he be the best player in the world when Dirk outscores his constantly in crunch time!?? What i hate most about James is after he eventually wins a title from piggybacking off of a better player like Wade, HE will get all the credit for being “the great one”. BS!
Players who i would rather see have the ball in the 4th quarter: Drexler, Nash, Jordan, Reggie Miller.. guys like that were CLUTCH! James is more on Pippens level than Jordans. And if he wants respect from long time NBA fans like myself, he should drop the “king” title all together.
You're Stupid
June 8th, 2011
5:14 pm
Larry,
You’re stupid.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 8th, 2011
5:27 pm
He’s not the best player in the world if he’s not the best player on his team in the biggest moments.
LeBron doesn’t deserve anyone’s sympathy. He quit in the playoffs last year and has repeatedly implied through his words and actions that the subpar team around him in Cleveland was the cause of his lack of championships there, and now he’s proving what was obvious last year — that he doesn’t have what it takes to step his game up on the big stage.
Like Jason Segel says in that commercial, call me when LeBron has six championships. It’s the only argument I need.
UGA UGA
June 8th, 2011
5:39 pm
Could be worse – he could be earning what an ajc blog writer makes.
Earl
June 8th, 2011
5:53 pm
Labron has most eating out of his hand. He is nothing but a self centered, self serving overpaid basketball player that could not make a living at anything but.
Just Me
June 8th, 2011
5:54 pm
UGA UGA
That was a low blow. Mark B, DOL Michael C, and Jeff S work hard to put things on the blogs people want to read and comment on. If you don’t like what the Writers post then don’t read or post.
BR
June 8th, 2011
6:01 pm
I will agree that Jordan was the best basketball player of his era, but he is no magic (in magics prime who won Finals MVP from the center position) no matter how much Magic talks the script. Magic beat better teams [(teams that thrashed Jordan until they were too old to do so (or had star players with broken backs)]. I don’t even know how you quantify “best North American team sports player of all time.”
I wonder if Jordan would’ve dominated the NBA if he had to face zone defenses or the current defensive schemes (real team defense)? Jordan never played real basketball once he left UNC. And never dominated until the NBA expanded and allowed the depth to be such that he could get rings.
Erik Spo deserves the blame if Miami loses this series. I guess that Rick is proving himself the great coach once again. Anybody that can win 50+ games with at detroit team starring Jerry Stackhouse, Corliss Williamson, and Cliff Robinson, he can win featuring two future HOF’ers and their cast of x-team leaders, all-stars and highly drafted players that are finally showing benefits.
The Jordan Lebron comparisons are valid because Lebron is facing a better, tougher NBA than Jordan ever did. NBC Miami wrote a beautiful column:
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/sports/Stubborn-Spo-Getting-Taken-to-School-123476984.html
BR
June 8th, 2011
6:03 pm
Jordan was avant-garde as was Bill Russel, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and Pistol Pete. Eventually Dr J Larry Bird and Magic were avant-garde. Jordan, Clyde, Shaq and AI were the next wave. The league has caught up with the once avant-garde.
This series proves that Pat Riley has hired a coach much like himself: a guy who doesn’t make in game adjustments that work. Rick Carlilse on the other hand has won the second half of every game other than game 1…..I wonder why?
hubba hubba
June 8th, 2011
6:10 pm
It is all too easy to pull against the Heat. What a bunch of crybabies. Wade and James both have never created a foul apparently and cry the whole game when called. Wade is the biggest flopper since we saw the Italian soccer team in the world cup
You're Stupid
June 8th, 2011
6:13 pm
Actually, I think Bosh is more of a flopper
BR
June 8th, 2011
6:13 pm
PS – for all the “Championships are a stat that determine individual greatness” posters out there, championships are a team stat unless you play golf or tennis. If championships are your logic, Bill Russel is the best of all time. Just being consistent with logic.
For all the “overpaid posters,” if people are paying the prices that they are paying to go to games league-wide, should we have a system like college sports where the coaches, female sports and some AD make all the cash on the work of Football, Baseball, and Basketball athletes or should the players get paid a fair cut of the profits of the brand?
The ATLien
June 8th, 2011
6:13 pm
Here Here, Hubba Hubba!!!
LeWhiner is a mentally weak, self absorbed, unable to handle the moment JERK!!! If the basketball gods have their way he will – at least in his feeble mind – be the greatest ever to NOT win a title!!!!!!!!!!!
The ATLien
June 8th, 2011
6:16 pm
BR – you are on crack, plain and simple.
In Jordan’s day those moves to the basket by LePunk and Dwayne Shady would have been leveled with a broken collarbone by Charles Oakley or any one on the Detroit Bad Boys. And MJ would have murdered a zone defense.
doc
June 8th, 2011
6:19 pm
mark, you went brain dead on your vacation. i will welcome you back when you come to your senses.
it would do the world a better service if dirk and cuban get the title this time. it would be too easy for the queen to walk in a grab up a title then five more. he is good from the neck down and that is what you have been over admiring forgetting how he walked off the court two years ago as a petulant two year old having his candy taken away from him then did even worse by quitting on his team then the city that raised him on “the decision” which was the worst thing i have never seen in my life because i couldnt stomach the idea of watching someone self appointed king not living up to it.
yes he will get his title but make him work for it and grow up in the mean time. he had every right to leave and go where he wanted to. just pay your dues before your taste something that you havent even smelled before.
please let me smile as stern gives his fake smile to cuban as he hands them the trophy. that would be the karma i wold love to see played out.
Phil
June 8th, 2011
6:21 pm
Who cares… the NBA is garbage..
Heath
June 8th, 2011
6:21 pm
Sympathy for Mr “I’m taking my talent to Miami?”
I think not.
BR
June 8th, 2011
6:23 pm
I agree with you, ATLien, Jordan couldn’t even win in that physical NBA. Jordan didn’t win a ring until refs started calling in his favor which is why he got to the line way more often then any other player he played with. He didn’t win a ring until 90 jobs were added to the NBA. Jordan wasn’t a three point shooter on the level of Lebron James, D Wade or Kobe Bryant. Jordan wasn’t a passer either. Jordan has no proof in his playing career that he could win against a zone or against the NBA until it expanded (also known as allowing players in the league that formerly were only good enough to play in Europe or Canada). Jordan is the greatest marketing beast in the NBA’s history, but that doesn’t mean he is the greatest outside of his era.
MAD-DONNA
June 8th, 2011
6:24 pm
First of all, there is no “best player in the world” Mr Bradley, there are only best players, [in our minds]! “Opinions are just like butt holes!” Secondly, if LJ was not so arrogant, my OPINION might be the same as yours!
hubba hubba
June 8th, 2011
6:29 pm
GT Joe Never fails to amaze me how youngsters are so anxious to crown the new phenom in any sport as the best player ever. Basketball, golf, baseball- you name it. In the case of golf what it seems to me is that we have millions of new Tiger fans who most certainly are not golf fans. Will not even watch if he is not playing. But do you really think James is better than the few that you named- Russell, Wilt, Oscar; and MJ??? MJ??? Of course you left out a few- Dr. J comes to mind. Tell me what James has won- a couple of MVP’s?? Any championships? Is this even his team- no way- this is still Wade’s team. Let’s wait and see how the new “Greatest player ever” turns out with a full career under his belt. That goes for LeBron, Tiger and whatever other sports phenom that you want to anoint so prematurely.
The ATLien
June 8th, 2011
6:29 pm
So by your same reasoning, BR, then LeBrat should have at least 3 rings by now….
I rest my case
Heath
June 8th, 2011
6:31 pm
Dickey Simpkins has more rings than Lebron will ever see.
I’m not saying, I’m just saying.
hubba hubba
June 8th, 2011
6:32 pm
BR I’ll let Jordan’s records speak for themselves. But you are certainly welcome to your love affair for the new kid on the block who spends half of his time game wise finding the camera to pose for over and over. He is the biggest hot dog in the NBA today and the biggest crybaby also.
sports chik:o]
June 8th, 2011
6:37 pm
lebrons good, but comn strait to nba from high skool, he nevergrew up,too cocky
BR
June 8th, 2011
6:42 pm
My last post of the night – Championships are determined by the teams and coaches you are playing against. Individuals, no matter how dominant they are as individuals, don’t win rings unless their team can help them out. Jordan won rings with All-NBA defenders, and all-time great catch and shoot players. The Chicago bulls were the second seed in the playoffs (55-27) without MJ with Pippen as Captain and BJ Armstrong as the #2.
Jordan won 6 because he played on a great team. Much like Magic or Bird winning thier rings because of who they won with.
I we are talking individual dominance of a sport, championships are a very unfair way to measure that.
The ATLien
June 8th, 2011
6:48 pm
ok BR… so what you’re saying is if LeBum doesn’t now, when he has all that you mentioned, then he’s out of excuses right?????????
BR
June 8th, 2011
6:51 pm
Magic is the best individual player of all time. If not Magic, Wilt, if not Wilt Kareem, if not Kareem Russel. Kobe, MJ, Lebron, ect fall after those guys. Kareem was the leading scorer on a Laker championship team during MJ’s career. I’ve watched games where Wilt as an old man had fun with Kareem on the offensive end. I just think the ghost of MJ is much more impressive than MJ actually was.
Name one player that was a point guard who’s MVP center got hurt and had to start in the NBA finals at the Center position and would be able to win finals MVP. Could Jordan? Could Lebron? Maybe Bryant? Nope none of them could. Magic did.
If you put MJ in his prime in this league, I think Jordan is just another guy, that happens to be in the Kobe, Wade, Melo, Durant, Lebron, Dirk, Rose club. Great players who have mixed made better the model playing styles of Dr. J, Bird, or Magic.
hubba hubba
June 8th, 2011
6:56 pm
Of course you did not mention that Jordan made the first team all nba 10 times OR made the first team all defensive team 9 times. I guess Pippen and the rest on the Bulls did not carry him after all to those 6 titles.
It is a fact that he is considered by acclamation to be the best nba player ever. EVER. Deal with that fact pal.
Finish Up
June 8th, 2011
6:56 pm
Lebron and Dwayne will light it up in game 5, get a win, then blowout Dallas in game 6 for the title—mark it down! Lebron will not be denied. The partying in south beach may last for days!! lebron’s entourage alone may fill up 2-3 clubs.
Al
June 8th, 2011
6:57 pm
I don’t understand all the HATE against Labron. He did what we ALL would LOVE to do…choose his employer. So what if he left Cleveland. He didn’t owe them anything. He played there for 7 years…and the owner is $100 MILLION richer as a result of his presence. All the merchants in the area got paid off his presence. He wanted to leave and he did. What was he supposed to do, stay for loyalty? To what? If they wanted to trade him, there wouldn’t have been any loyalty. The same stupid mindset exists for employers and employees on a smaller level. Employees are supposed to be loyal at all cost, when employers can lay people off on their way out to lunch.
He’s a team player (as evidenced by his assists). He left because HE wanted to play on a better team. He took a pay cut to do so. He voluntarily shared the spotlight with two other superstars. How’s that so arrogant and self centered? The venom directed at him is illogical. He did what we all would like to do, and many of us actually chose to do when we change jobs…go somewhere that make us happier. Regardless to how he left, he didn’t and doesn’t owe the city of Cleveland, the state of Ohio, or the Cavilers organization a damn thing. They all benefited from his presence, and clearly still mourn his departure. Good for him for doing what was best for him and his family…the exact same thing that all of these stone throwers would do as well, given the opportunity.
hubba hubba
June 8th, 2011
6:59 pm
He has promised us 9 rings at Miami- I guess we shall see.
BR
June 8th, 2011
7:03 pm
ATLien/those in this line of thinking
About this series, I think this is a coaching mismatch, much like the Lakers when they possessed Shaq, Bryant, Payton, Malone, ect. Larry Brown abused Phil Jackson. When players look stupid(dumbfounded) that normally look amazing (i.e the Lakers against Dallas this year or the celtics against Cleveland or Orlando in playoffs past, Atlanta against Orlando this year), the coach is having a good time at practice.
Rick Carlilse won 50 games with Cliff Robinson, Jerry Stackhouse and Chucky Atkins as his star players. I repeat Rick Carlilse won 50 games with Cliff Robinson, Jerry Stackhouse and Chucky Atkins as his star players. For some odd reason in college basketball we celebrate Bob Knight, Coach K, and Tom Izzo as great coaches, yet we only think Red and Phil Jackson in the NBA. Maybe Rick is having a good time at practice.
This series is not a knock against Lebron just as the Laker series wasn’t a knock against Malone, or the many finals losses that Wilt Chamberlain had. Championships are a team stat mixed with coaching. Dan Marino is the second best QB to ever play. Does he fall behind Bradshaw or Young because he doesn’t have a ring? In Tom Brady’s championship seasons, he was not an impressive QB as an individual stat maker. Actually, for Brady, stats and rings seem polar opposites. The better the stats, the harder the ring.
Those rings in Chicago are proof there was no team on an equal level as the Chicago Bulls in their playoff path. If the heat lost this series, it would be because their are better teams in their playoff path. I believe a healthy Celtic team with KP is still the best team in the East. Miami has no depth. Dallas, LA, Boston, and Atlanta (minus Larry Drew or Mike Woodson) are better teams than Miami and Chicago(has no depth much like Utah circa their finals losses to a Chicago team with depth.
BR
June 8th, 2011
7:09 pm
Hubba Hubba, Chicago won 55 games without Jordan. Which means if you add one great player to that team. If you add Clyde Drexler, John Starks, Reggie Miller, Kobe, D-Wade, Michael Cooper, Joe Johnson, Chris Paul, or any other 2 guard that was a key contributor of a winning team to that team who could both take games over on the dribble, they win that amount of rings.
All Jordan added to the Bulls based on that average 6 wins a season and 2 playoff series(when they won championships which eliminates his first 6 years in the league). That makes perfect sense.
hubba hubba
June 8th, 2011
7:10 pm
You show your ignorance when you say that LeBron is facing a tougher NBA than Jordan did. The NBA that Jordan faced would plant Wade and LeBron in the third row consistently if they brought it inside repeatedly.
who cares?
June 8th, 2011
7:27 pm
really…….. fact is…… LJ is a great athlete but NOT the greatest PLAYER….too many variables in a team sport to give credit or blame to a single team member
own up
June 8th, 2011
7:29 pm
if lebron and dwayne don’t win the title this year, they’ll put out a message “We owe you one” and win it easy next year.
BR
June 8th, 2011
7:39 pm
Hubba
Jordan did not win 1 ring in that NBA. Period. The day I see game footage of a championship series after the Laker series in 91(minus Kareem – Magic won all of his rings with Kareem as the leading scorer except for the one Magic started at center) where Jordan was roughed up (I’ve seen Pippen pushed around, I’ve seen Grant and Rodman pushed around) is the day I’ve not watched 90s basketball.
The day when Jordan had to face any all-time great teams in their prime (he beat Boston post Larry Breaking his back and he beat a Laker team that didn’t have Kareem which I’ve already stated didn’t win 1 ring without Kareem) is a team I don’t know about. And don’t name the overrated Utah Jazz that didn’t reach the second round more times than they made the second round. Maybe the Hawks lead by Dikembe and Mookie are of historical significance? Maybe the Miami heat with Mourning and Hardaway? Maybe the Magic that had Shaq and Penny(”the next Mike”) as it’s leaders? Maybe we could compare a Phoenix suns team with Charles Ainge and Cebbalos with the Lakers with Kobe, Pau, and Artest? Maybe we could say the Pistons that lost to the spurs aren’t as good as the Sonics with Kemp Detliff and Payton? Maybe my ignorance is showing.
Maybe it’s easier for a penetration specialist who for his first 9 seasons shot 24% from 3pt range(MJ) to score against a zone than it is against league mandated man defense where defenders have to be within 3 ft of their man at all times or it’s illegal defense? Maybe I’m ignorant. We all see what happened last night to Miami when Dallas switched to a zone against very similar playing styles.
The same analogy can be made in football for wide receivers. It was much tougher to be a wideout (and much easier to be a corner) when DB’s were aloud to bump receivers the full length of the field. No wonder Jerry Rice and Rison broke every record in the book. Only getting bumped 5 yards helps you out. It’s much tougher to be Swann or Drew Pearson. MJ and Jerry Rice are one and the same.
BR
June 8th, 2011
7:48 pm
The day I see footage after the 91 season that was physical for MJ or any other guard that was a franchise head is the day I’m ignorant. The day MJ beat an all-time great team in the playoffs before players were hurt(Larry Bird Broken back) or with players that meant automatic championships (Magic without Kareem = 0 championships), or zone defense which makes it tougher for guys like Jordan (who shot 24% from the 3pt line his first 9 seasons) to score, or a three point line they moved in a foot because the shooters were so bad in that era, is the day I’m ignorant. But as long as those things remain true, I will stick to what I know.
BR
June 8th, 2011
7:55 pm
For anybody responding, please don’t list any teams Jordan played against in the playoffs because none of them would hold a candle to either the west conference losers such as Sacrimento, Phoenix, LA, Dallas, San Antonio or 1 east coast loser in Boston. John stockton and Karl Malone are not a great team. The are two great players who lead a team that lost more times in the first round than a team that deserves mention. Seatle is a great team? Maybe Portland or Phoenix with Sir Charles and Ainge? As I’ve mentioned, Magic won 0 rings after Kareems retirement in 89.
Vince
June 8th, 2011
8:14 pm
Idiots….both of ya!
hubba hubba
June 8th, 2011
8:21 pm
Your hatred of Jordan is obvious- your failure to recognize his greatness speaks to your bias and says more about you than about him. As I said before- Jordan is acknowledged generally by the experts as
the greatest player to have played- it’s pretty much by acclamation. Let’s see how your kid does- this is year 8 with no rings yet. He has promised 8 with his stacked lineup. By the way if this does not work out maybe he can add Kobe to the team and maybe steal a big man to round out the moneyed heat team- maybe call them the five spot.
hubba hubba
June 8th, 2011
8:23 pm
He won 6 against the best of his day- that’s all he could do- play out his schedule. What he did not do was try and stack a team so he could win one ring like little lebron. Poor baby.
Who is the real LeBron James? – SportingNews.com | The Basketball Site
June 8th, 2011
8:25 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
guy
June 8th, 2011
8:38 pm
Feeling sorry for L.J. is like feeling sorry for Dennis Rodman. SPOILED AND UNGRATEFUL!
BR
June 8th, 2011
8:49 pm
Hubba Wrong again. One certain MJ pulled a stunt much like Kobe in demanding help (better than HOF’er Pippen) or he would leave Chicago when he was getting thrashed by the great teams of the 80s.
Since Lebron is such a problem for you leaving Cleveland for a better market and help, is KG leaving Sota to join two future HOF’ers a problem? How about Kareem leaving Milwaulkee for LA? Or Wilt? Or Clyde Drexler? Ray Allen? Or maybe you don’t like anybody else who did the same thing. Maybe you don’t like Eli Manning? Junior Seau? Tomlinson?
The way he did what he did was a bad decision, but the what he did is very normal.
PS the best of Jordans day was a collection of horrible teams at the top that is unmatched by any other era of basketball. For me to say this league is better would be very accurate. For me to say the NBA of 1976 – 1989 was much better than 1989 – 2002 would be very accurate.
For me to say that Jordan had a handicap also known as the rule book and the three point line would be very accurate. For me to say it is tougher for guys to play now when elite teams play each other would be very accurate. By your logic, of “Championships determine best” your Best of all time is Bill Russell (twice the amount of rings as jordan who beat the “best of his day” followed by Robert Horry(who has more rings than Jordan against the “best of his day.)”
Or you could say championships = great teams + great coaching. And let the greatest of all time be a discussion of either individual ability [which Lebron, Durant, Magic, Kobe, Wilt, Kareem, and Russell (Wilt and Russel to the point that Russell, as advised by Red, held back in fear of being attacked by racist and Wilt in fear of being required to score 55 ppg and 22 rbg every season of his career) win] or stat line conversation [which can be won by Bird, Magic, Wilt, Kareem, Moses Malone, Baylor, Bryant, Shaq, Malone, Durant, and Lebron(Lebron Durant depend on them staying healthy over time). The day I read about Jordan holding back is an enlightening day for me.
Ekim
June 8th, 2011
9:12 pm
I quit watching ESPN after “The Decision.” I’d disliked their coverage for a while, but that sealed the deal. I will occasionally watch a football game with no sound, but that’s about it.
montell
June 8th, 2011
9:36 pm
lebron tired of this disrespect—he gonna light it up big in games 5 and 6 and bring the trophy home to south beach. He’ll be partying till next week!
South Georgia
June 8th, 2011
9:42 pm
It is always enjoyable to watch an egomaniac look human. Lebron was not served well by skipping college. He has had little adversity in his life and it shows in the heat of the moment. Pippen spoke prematurely about his “greatness”.
PlusSizeModel
June 8th, 2011
9:56 pm
I really want to know why LJ isn’t grabbing 15 boards a game, at least. That is a gauge of desire for a guy as big as him, and he doesn’t seem to have any.
welikebaseball2
June 8th, 2011
10:00 pm
Oh boo-hoo-hoo. Poor, poor cocky LeBron. Whatever. He lost a shot at my sympathy after “The Decision.” If that didin’t do it, he would have lost it with the overtop celebratory antics throughout the playoffs.
Chris
June 8th, 2011
10:01 pm
I’m sorry Mark… But I’m enjoying every minute of this. He stuck his foot in his mouth with his “Holier than thou” attitude and alienated millions of fans. Now he is getting his just rewards.
I thought I’d hate LeBron. Turns out I’m feeling sorry for him – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Hate.info
June 8th, 2011
10:20 pm
[...] I thought I'd hate LeBron. Turns out I'm feeling sorry for himAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)Okay, I surrender. I have no idea what it is LeBron James is trying to do. (AP photo) I thought this would be easy, pulling against LeBron James. Eleven months ago I'd worked up a disdain I figured would carry me through 2011 and probably 2021. …LeBron James: The LeChoke America Loves to Hate Is Back and Better Than EverBleacher ReportCommentary: You're the poster child for American sports' illsMarketWatchHow the Miami Heat Have Redefined HateSports CentralESPN (blog) -Yahoo! Sports (blog) -dagblog (blog)all 723 news articles » [...]
Just Me
June 9th, 2011
12:00 am
I hear DAMON EVANS needs some LOVE too!!
Mark do you want to jump on that Bandwagon too?
Referee wrath against LeBron James? – Chicago Sun-Times | Miami Heat Champions
June 9th, 2011
1:01 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
scottbravesfan
June 9th, 2011
2:56 am
I don’t feel sorry for millionaires. I feel sorry for that kid who plays the outfield for Georgia who was paralyzed diving for a catch. I don’t feel bad for Lebron James who has pretty much had the world telling him how awesome he is since he was in 7th grade.
NCBravesFan
June 9th, 2011
5:52 am
Mark: like you, my anger toward LBJ has softened somewhat in the months since “the Decision was proclaimed from on high throughout the land.” However, I still hope that Dirk, Jason Terry and the Mavs are able to win this series and get THEIR rings.
LeBron? Not so much.
joe
June 9th, 2011
6:13 am
sorry. it’s hard to like( or feel soory for) a guy that does a pre game picture taking gimick with his team or that does the “powder thrown in the air” thing at the scorers table. Great athelete, still don’t like him……
Hard Dawg
June 9th, 2011
7:07 am
http://www.ajc.com/sports/uga/johnathan-taylor-drafted-in-971347.html
Got class?
The Rangers do. Anything Nolan Ryan heads up is a classy thing.
RossAlacqua
June 9th, 2011
7:47 am
Lebron James asked for all this attention himself. He wanted all of this. He’s now getting what he wanted so why do you feel sorry for him?
GT
June 9th, 2011
8:04 am
You are setting us up. When he explodes in game five in Miami or game seven you have got your story. Compare these games to others and his trips to the line have been very few. Feels like a set up by the NBA for their number one jersey seller.
ATLien
June 9th, 2011
8:36 am
Dirk deserves it more than Lebron.
It Ain't Rocket Science
June 9th, 2011
8:46 am
His failure in the playoffs or at least the finals so far, reminds you of his last playoff for the Cleveland team. Now that makes the hate he received from that team for supposedly taking off in the play offs kind of suspect doesn’t it?
He is not the only superstar to not perform well at the big show in sports. I thought that the Braves would have won more than 1 world title with all the east crowns they won, and it never happened. That’s just the way sports team and players sometimes do. I thought he made a good move leaving Cleveland as it is like comparing 1 dollar to a million in respect to where the best place to call home is. He will need the support of all of his team mates to get a piece of the crown, and it appears they aren’t exactly burning up the floor either. Maybe it is just time for Cuban to get some of his money back that he has paid the NBA for his loose lips now.
DP
June 9th, 2011
9:08 am
Bradley, you sure have gone soft. LeBron quits on Cleveland in the playoffs last year, gives us “The Decision” and press conference with Wade & Bosh spectacles, disses Cleveland this year and you feel sorry for him? He’s made me do something I didn’t think I’d ever do, pull for a Mark Cuban team.
I’m getting a kick out of LeBron running his mouth pre-game to his teammates like he’s the leader and then shrinking up on the court while Wade takes over.
blue
June 9th, 2011
9:15 am
“I’m taking my talents to Souf Beach”
Josh (not Smith)
June 9th, 2011
9:20 am
I think LeBron flaked out after game 3 when he realized that if he wins a title this year, it’ll be on D-Wade’s coattails. Wade has always been clutch in a way that BronBron wasn’t, and it’s gotta rankle “The Chosen One.” (And yes, he should get that tattoo removed.)
I see three explanations for LeBron’s performance in Game 4: 1) He realized that “HE” wasn’t going to win (because he’s second fiddle to Wade), and he checked out mentally, just like game 5 last year; 2) He can’t deal with being second-fiddle, so he mailed it in for a game so he can take over the rest of the series; 3) He’s just worn out. Frankly, I hope it’s #3, but everything I’ve read in the past year about LeBron as a person has not made him look good.
LeBron is a physical freak, but he’ll never have the mental toughness of a Jordan, a Bird, or even that of his own teammate, Wade.
Boom Dizzle
June 9th, 2011
9:32 am
How can you possibly feel sorry for LeFraud “I’m Taking My Talents to South Beach” James?
The man joined up with 2 other all stars to make himself win, blamed his Cleveland teammates for his disappearances and mentally checks out in the Finals……WHO DOES THAT??
Joe Johnson says that’s terrible….
George P Burdell NE
June 9th, 2011
9:39 am
Looking at LeBron’s performance during this series and reflecting back on his performance in the playoffs last year, in my opinion, a drug test is in order.
ASHCAN.
June 9th, 2011
10:21 am
I see all the haters have checked in,when miami hold up there 3rd or 4th trophy,yall hatred will turn into murder.I don’t even like miami,but why all the simple bashing? At the end of the day,pay day will still be there for james,trophies will still be in reach.I guess people love to hate people for no reason.
BR
June 9th, 2011
10:34 am
Nobody seems to care that he is being defended by the player with the 67th best player efficiency rating of all time and four time all-star named Shawn Marion. Nobody cares that Rick Carlilse is proving why he won 50 games with Chucky Atkins, Cliff Robinson, and Corliss Williamson as his big three.
Maybe Dallas (with great coaching and a healthy line-up) as is Atlanta (too bad Larry Drew who looks half-way special ed on the side-line hasn’t been fired yet), Boston, or OKC are all much better teams than Miami or Chicago because they have 7 – 8 guys who could start on rosters on their team instead of two superstars, 1 star, and the rest hot garbage like Miami and Chicago.
Maybe Championships are a team stat and not an individual one, which is why Jordan didn’t win a ring until the 90s, and Atlanta just couldn’t get past Boston when we had one of the most dominant individuals of an era that got traded to the Clippers by Lenny Wilkins.
Maybe Dallas wins the second half of this series(minus game 1) because they are a better team with a Coach that makes better mid-game adjustments.
aquaking
June 9th, 2011
10:34 am
he is the one who said “look at me” with his Decision. I feel nothing but spite for him
ds21
June 9th, 2011
10:37 am
You feel sorry for Lebron James? You, sir, are a fool.
BR
June 9th, 2011
10:47 am
Shawn Marion, based on stats, has a better chance than Glenn Rice, Horice Grant, or Bill Laimbeer of making the hall fame. That’s like knocking Malone for getting locked down by Rodman or Paul Pierce for always having bad offensive games against Lebron James, even though he makes up for it on the other end.
It’s a good series matchup proving that the last 8 title winners have had 6 – 8 NBA starters on their Roster.
Vic
June 9th, 2011
10:55 am
I can’t possibly feel sorry for him. After all the posturing and posing the Heat have been doing, you’d think it was a series sweep. Even if they lose the series, he’ll have at least a few chances to go back. This may be Dallas’ last opportunity for a while as they are an older team and their main players don’t have as much left in their careers.
If Dallas would hit more of their open shots, this series would be over. They are making unnecessary turnovers and missing open shots that they normally hit. The entire Miami fanbase nearly soiled themselves as Dirk put up that last second shot in game 3. They were as relieved as much as I was surprised that he missed. I have no sympathy for lebron.
MICHAEL JORDAN
June 9th, 2011
11:04 am
Just Sitting here smoking a stogey looking at my 6 RINGS oh and by
the way I got 6 MVP FINALS Awards. Lebron go play in the corner
Tell Like It Is
June 9th, 2011
11:05 am
Let met me get this right. Lebron is a millionaire playing a game that he loves while living in South Beach and you feel sorry for him because he failed to perform in one game. Go figure. Haters never fail to amaze. LOL!!!
Bill
June 9th, 2011
11:30 am
James gets his money’s worth..will cry no more for him……….
Mindy
June 9th, 2011
11:42 am
Mark get real. You hate anyone younger, better looking, and more affluent than you. Maybe, if you wish upon a star, you can wake up and be 17 again. You’ll still be a talentless hack; but at least you’ll be a 17 year old talentless hack!!
Mindy
June 9th, 2011
11:50 am
he is the one who said “look at me” with his Decision. I feel nothing but
spiteenvy for himThere! Fixed your typo for ya!!
Bootsie
June 9th, 2011
11:57 am
I just wish LeBron’s ego would allow him to follow through on all the hype he did last year about playing with other excellent teammates. And I wish he would keep his disgusting mouthpiece in his mouth. Such a baby. He did not realize he would miss being Mr. One and Only.
Rose Mason
June 9th, 2011
12:08 pm
No Kobe. No Lakers. I am NOT watching.
I don’t feel sorry for LaBron.
MJ vs King James. Yeah. Right.
Not in this life. !!!!!
ASHCAN.
June 9th, 2011
12:22 pm
@BR,assumptions maybe’s and opinions are not facts.Dallas and crew are more polished(core players being together 5-6 years)than miami but not better.People seem to forget it don’t matter how many good or great players you have on your team you still have to gel together and learn a new system.Only a few spoke of miami getting to were they are now and most people said they couldn’t.If dallas was better then why are they struggling to beat a team(miami)that just come together the FIRST YEAR? I know, Everyone thought just because this dallas team man handled the lakers that it would be a breeze in the finals.So when/if miami win,does that mean labron james will be hated more? greatness comes in time(Playing together more than one season) not one game one series or one season.Im sure this miami team will be better next year than this year and ect….Miami in 7.
Tee
June 9th, 2011
12:38 pm
So when the Heat win I want all you haters to eat CROW !!!! YOU MARK !!
Judgement Day for LeBron James – SLAM Online | The Basketball Site
June 9th, 2011
2:11 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
indianman
June 9th, 2011
3:07 pm
i hope dallas win the nba championship because the nba and abc and espn sports want the miami heat to the title
Elois Mahle
June 9th, 2011
6:49 pm
I don’t get why everyone thinks Miam is just gonna run away with this. The series is tied and all the games have ended with single-digit victories. Just saying, Dallas found a way to win game 4 when Dirk was sick and was absolutely not playing to his full potential. Whatever happens, it’s been one hell of a series.
BR
June 9th, 2011
8:30 pm
ASHCAN
I’m no Lebron hater. I’m a guy that says (as I’ve said earlier in this blogs conversation) that too much heat is being placed in the players lap in this series. Rick Carlilse is not getting enough credit, and Spo’s horrible decisions in this series have been the same.
Miami’s team is not deep, point blank. In a playoff setting, teams play match-ups and the brackets determine the championship as much as the teams playing.
Did the heat benefit from playing a phili team that they dominated all season and can be described as a mini-me/not as good version of themselves (3 great players surrounded by scrubs and players in development)? Yes. Did the heat benefit from the Perkins trade destroying team chemistry in Boston and Rondo having a dislocated elbow? Yes. Did they also benefit from playing another NBA team much like themselves that had three great NBA players and 2 scrubs that happen to be in the starting rotation [I place Deng in the scrubs club because if Drew started the line up he should (hinrich/ Johnson/ Smith/ Horford/ Zaza), Deng wouldn't start for the Hawks] and a bench with no contributors? Yes. The first team they would face with great coaching that was healthy is coming from the west.
I’m calling a Dallas win. The collection of players help. The coaching is excellent. Rick Carlilse and Dirk should be awarded Joint MVP of the series, because they are making Spo look stupid with mid-game adjustments.
Why is Dallas winning the second quarter through the end of each game(except game 1)? Why shift to a zone when Mike Miller is off the floor? Why match Shawn Marion on Lebron or Chandler on Bosh? Maybe Wade is going off because they are allowing Wade to go off (much like Boston allowed Jordan to go off) so that they can shut everybody else down? Maybe you let Bosh get a rhythm because you know that in the history of the game, there has never been a big that could close a series out on the offensive end (Dirk might change that) and you know he is soft and eventually Chandler(known as a dirty player) will get into his head?
Maybe this is Rick Carlilse moment. The moment that Larry Brown stole from him in Detroit, the moment that he thought he would build in Indi, and that he has slowly recruited and built (2 starting/1HOF pg, 2 starting/6time allstar SF, 2 starting/1 2-team all-defensive team centers, 1 super star/HOF foward, 1 starting/#8 on the all-time 3pt made sg.
This is Rick’s Moment and Miami just happens to be on the receiving end. Three HOF players in their prime cant win against such a mighty foe. Jordan/Pippen and Wilkins/Malone taught us that lesson in the 80s.
BR
June 9th, 2011
8:38 pm
If you look at the matchups ASHCAN, there is no way you can say more than the Heat have 2 players much better than their individual matchups. Is Mario Chalmbers better than Jason Terry or Barea? No. Is Bosh/Haslem or Anthony better than Dirk? No. Is Anthony better than Chandler? No. Wade is better than Kid. Lebron is better than Marion. We won’t even mention the bench of Dallas compared to the bench of Miami. If Dallas had Butler it wouldn’t be close. You’re lucky B.H. is on the bench with a hip injury.
Teams with brackets weaker than them win rings. It’s that simple. It’s why Dallas is in the finals and not Memphis. Miami has finally found the bracket they should be afraid of.
NBA Finals 2011: LeBron James Gets Triple-Double, Still Won’t Silence Critics – Bleacher Report | Free NBA Videos
June 10th, 2011
5:29 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Breaking down LeBron’s recent struggles – CNN | SportsZrr
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[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Breaking down LeBron’s recent struggles – CNN | Relevant News
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3:18 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Commentary: Loving to hate LeBron an area pastime – Chronicle-Telegram | ooxx
June 11th, 2011
4:33 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
Gee
June 11th, 2011
12:26 pm
All LeBron needs to do is play the game and everything will take care of itself. It’s not that Miami is not in these games, as a matter of fact they are leading into most of the quarters, but they just need to finish up the fourth quarter and they will be okay. Miami Heat is a better team, they just need to finish up the fourth quarter. I’m pretty sure they heard it all before, this team needs to forget about the nonsense and focus on the prize.
the truth...
June 13th, 2011
10:35 am
…are you kidding????
I am so pleased to see such an arrogant person as Lebron go down in flames. If he were not such a self-promoter and infatuated with his greatness I would feel differently….
So here he is….the great King James down in flames….couldn’t happen to a bigger smuck…