Lebron James: It's His Time

This is his 7th year in the NBA. He's already won a NBA MVP (soon to get his 2nd for sure, been a 6 time NBA All-Star, and has been tabbed the best (or second best behind Kobe) player in the league. He's a veteran. Yet, we have not even seen the best of Lebron James. We are about too, though.

James is 25 years old. Old should really be replaced with "young." He's amazing and will get better. However, their are those out there who are not satisified enough with LBJ. They want more. They want a ring from James. It's without a doubt a legitimate "beef" to have with James. People scoff at the fact that he's compared to "His Airness" Michael Jordan when he's not won anything yet. It has to be said though that that the parallels between him and Jordan are legit and should be noted.

Both came into the NBA as rising stars. Jordan won a NCAA Championship for North Carolina with his game winning shot his freshman year in 1982 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2Nnc_itdEc&feature=related. He was named the college basketball player of the year his junior year. He was a high flyer heading into the NBA. But the hype for Jordan paled in comparison to the hype LBJ got. Lebron rose to the heavens while at high school at St. Vincent St. Mary's. His games were on national television. NBA scouts said if Lebron could leave his junior year in high school he would be one of the 10 best players in the NBA. They were right.

Both Jordan and Lebron were stars before the NBA.

Both Lebron and Jordan took over the league the minute they stepped on a NBA court. Both became stars right away. Lebron haters will say how he hasn't won though. Well neither did Jordan. I think a lot of people forget Jordan's struggles in the playoffs early on. The fact is Jordan didn't win a NBA title until his 7th season in the league. And, ahem, this is Lebron James' 7th season.

People forget, or just don't know, the struggles Jordan had early on. Jordan was on inferior Chicago Bulls teams in an era where the Celtics and Lakers dominated. Finally, in the late 1980's, and early 1990's, when the Bulls became a legit team around Jordan (Phil Jackson, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, etc.) Jordan still had constant losses to the 'Bad Boys' of the Detroit Pistons until he finally beat the Pistons in 1991, in which Isiah Thomas and none of the Pistons shook Jordan's hand. Jordan got over the hump, beat the Lakers, and won the first of his six NBA titles.

Jordan was reduced to tears in 1991 after 7 long seasons it took him to get that first championship. I have a feeling the same emotions will go through Lebron when finally gets his first championship.

Speaking of not shaking hands Lebron James was famous for in last year's playoffs after losing to the Orlando Magic. The Magic are just a porition of struggles Lebron has gone through the past 6 seasons. Like Jordan, Lebron has had to go through incompetent teammates. I would argue he still has incompetent teammates. Lebron is so amazing though because he's lifted these incompetent players to great heights. It's so forgettable that Lebron James actually went to the NBA Finals in 2005. His team was so bad though they stood no chance in the NBA Finals against the Spurs, in what was probably the worst NBA Finals of all time.

Jordan had to go through years of battles against the Pistons before finally getting his first ring. Lebron has had to go through teams, like the Orlando Magic, and fail before he gets his first ring.

Since then Lebron James has tried and tried to get his team back to the NBA Finals. He has had incompetent teammates, an incompetent coach in Mike Brown (you have the best athlete in the world and you run a slow down half-court offense...what?), and like MJ, has had to deal with teams like the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic (Jordan battled the Pistons in the 80's) who, up to this point, have been to much to handle. More than likely Lebron will have to deal with one or both of these teams again to move on in this year's playoffs.

He can do it, and I think he will do it. With apologies to Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and anyone else you want to throw at me Lebron James is far and away the best player in the league. It's his 7th year, and he's never been more prepared to take the lead on his shoulders to win a title.

Their are three more criticisms of Lebron people will throw at someone. 1.) He can't shoot. It's true he won't be compared to Gerry McNamara in terms of shooting anytime soon. However, Lebron has such brute strength he can just go to the lane and score anytime he wants. And he's proven when the game is on the line he can make a clutch shot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fD1MNjkPFs

The second criticism is Lebron gets so many easy calls, and would never make it in the 1970's-1990's NBA where everyone was pushed around in the "No Blood, No Foul" era. Yes, it is without a doubt true if you whisper on Lebron it's a fould. But that's the NBA we live in today. It's not going to change. However, at his size, strength, and ability I have no doubt Lebron would have flourished in any era in the NBA. He's a beast he would have taken the hits just fine. Yes Lebron whines a lot, but name me a star NBA player in any era who was not in the ref's ear. MJ did it too. They all did.

Finally, the third criticism is Lebron lacks the killer instinct needed. People look at the goofy things Lebron James does before each game. He throws chalk in the air. He does all these handshakes, chest bumps, and fake photographic poses with his teammates. He hugs and fist pounds the opponent before the game. These are all things MJ never, NEVER would have done. As soon as MJ touched the floor he wanted to rip your heart out. Don't think Lebron doesn't want to do the same thing. MJ was ready to rip the heart out in warmups. Lebron waits until tipoff. Don't mistake showmanship for not having a killer instinct. Magic Johnson was a showman. He won 5 NBA Championships. Lebron James is the showman of this era of the NBA. I will say it again. Don't think for a second that Lebron does not have Michael Jordan's killer instinct. Because he does.

This is one thing Michael Jordan would never have done before a game. But don't think for a second that onec the game stars Lebron doesn't have the same killer instinct Jordan had.

Lebron James is in his 7th season. His career is so parallel to Michael Jordan's that it's scary. Can he be better than Jordan? He sure can be. Will he? Only time will tell. After Tiger Wood's infidelities became public Lebron James has as good a chance as ever to overtake him as the most popular athlete in the world. He has to win a title though this year. Will he? Yes he will. It's his time.

Kofod

The Rise and Fall of Allen Iverson

This man represented everything that was good and bad about the NBA for many years. Now his life is in a complete free fall. Truly a Greek tragedy.

Allen Iverson had a meteoric rise. At Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia he was a star in both football and basketball. He could have played major college football or major college basketball. Then on February 14, 1993 Iverson's world was turned upside down. On that night Iverson, and several other African Americans, were involved in a fight with a group of young white men at the local bowling alley. Iverson, and two other blacks were arrested. None of the white men were arrested or charged. Iverson was charged with as an adult of the felony charge of maiming by mob at the age of 17. He spent 4 months in a correctional facility in Virgina. His high school senior year of playing was gone. In 1995 the Virginia Court of Appeals overturned the suspension, because of lack of evidence. The whole story of this trial will be shown on a documentary tommorow. As part of ESPN's 30 for 30 series tommorow "No Crossover: The Trial of Allen Iverson" will air at 8p.m. ET on ESPN and at 11p.m. ET on ESPN2  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9hezhStmrM . That incident and trial forever changed Iverson's life.

Iverson was able to get passed that incident and play college basketball. Iverson played two seasons at Georgetown. He was a star there. While Georgetown never won anything there he's famous for his performance vs. UCONN's Ray Allen in the 1996 Big East Championship Game http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awAwn5wMd7Y . It was epic and raised his profile.

Iverson was the first pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. In his first few seasons his crossover schooled many players including Michael Jordan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3X274lz3wY . In fact Iverson's rise to the top occured once MJ retired (the second Bulls one).

For many people who are in their 20's today (myself included) Allen Iverson was THE NBA STAR in the bridge between Michael Jordan and Lebron James/#24 Kobe Bryant. More than Shaq, more than a young #8 Kobe Bryant, more than Vince Carter, more than anyone, Allen Iverson was the star. His 2001 season was amazing. He won the NBA MVP, and carried a meidocre Philadelphia 76ers team to the NBA Finals before losing in 5 games to Shaq, Kobe, and the Lakers. In fact Iverson was the player David Stern and the NBA marketed following MJ's final retirement from the Bulls. Over time, though, Stern did not like the "bling bling" look the NBA had going around, lead by Iverson, and adopted the dress code of suit and tie to games and press conferences that rull the NBA today.

Around this time, people like me, looked at Iverson as the "underdog" and the "everyman" of the league. Getting passed the tattoos, the big jeans and backwards hats, all the bling, the cornrows and the rap songs from him Iverson represented some of the same core values "Middle America" has. At 6 ft. 180 lbs. (though I have never ever believed he's 6 foot) Iverson represented the underdog role. Too small to be in the NBA, he flourished in the league. His never give up attitude on the court, diving on the floor, and fighting for every second represented the "lunch pale" work ethic "Middle America" is all about. Iverson's "me against the world" mentality is what made him great, and what made him loved. It's alos what brought his downfall.

Since that bowling lane incident on that fateful February 13, 1993 night Iverson has always looked out for himself, first and foremost. As great as Iverson was, if he could have been a more unselfish player he would have been a better player. This mindset caused his "practice" rant when he could not understand why his practice would make his team better http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI&feature=related . It's that same selfishness that drove Larry Brown insane when he coached Iverson at Philly. His selfish play lead by him and Stephon Marbury was the face of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team's dissapointing bronze finish. This mindset caught up with him when his playing skills diminshed. At this point had Iverson been more unselfish he could have been a tremendous role player going for a title (like Ray Allen with Boston). Instead he fought to be the star in Denver, Detroit, and Memphis when he no longer had the skills worthy of star status.When Iverson realized this it was too late. Iverson teared up when he was given one last chance with Philadelphia earlier this past season  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8qQ9D97cIA . Iverson played a few games then left, because of turmoil in his off-court life. Part of his downfall.

Iverson's "me against the world" attitude has doomed him off the court as well. In 2002 Iverson had a domestic dispute charge on him from his wife. It was later dropped, but showed the complex life he lived. Now in 2010 Iverson is getting divorced from his wife, his 4 year old daughter is in bad health, and Iverson is reportedly broke because of alcohol and gambling problems. Was anyone suprised when they heard this? I surely wasn't. It represents who he is. "Me against the world" people turn to alcohol for comfort. And Iverson was the ultimate gambler on the court. So why would he not be one off the court? Unfortanetly professional athletes going broke is a trend on the rise http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ys-investopediamoneyloss031010&prov=yhoo&type=lgns . Iverson is just one of the casualties of players losing all/most of their money when their careers come to an end.

Iverson's story is truly that of a Greek tragedy. The same characteristics that brought the rise, lead to his downfall which is the essence of any Greek tragedy. His selfish nature lead to the rise and fall of his NBA career. But that is not the tragic part. The fact that his off the court life is spirling downward is the real tragedy. Truly a play, a book, a story could be made of The Rise and Fall of Allen Iverson. A 21st Century Greek Tragedy.

Kofod

Running Diary of Sunday at The Masters

Inspired by ESPN.com writer Bill Simmons who does this for sports events all the time here is a running diary of yesterday's final round of The Masters. What it is I write down the time (all Eastern Standard Times) of something that is happening and then my thoughts about them. All of this is coming from a guy who has always been a huge fan of Phil Mickelson and not liked Tiger Woods (way before all the stuff of the last 5 months). So enjoy.

1:55 : Goooooooooooooooooo Phil, booooooooooooooooooo Tiger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1:56 : As a side note how great of a sports day was yesterday (Saturday the 11th). In a 5 hour span you had Lee Westwood playing steady, Fred Couples turning back father time, Tiger imploding then fighting back to get to -8, and Phil making eagles left and right. Plus you had C.C. Sabathia taking a no-hitter into the 8th inning, and for me personally the Florida State football spring game was online (the first one without Bobby Bowden, and the return of Christian Ponder, who looked great by the way). The previous week' Saturday of the Final Four was nice, but yesterday was 10 times better.

2:04 : Is their anything better than hearing the Masters theme music, as you see the sights of Augusta on tv? So peaceful, so beautiful, so good.

2:30 : Horrible tee shot by Tiger! Dropped his club as soon as he shot it! Good luck hitting that out of the woods. I'm suprised Tiger didn't swear.

2:32 : Speaking of swearing I heard Tiger swear at least 5 times on television yesterday. So much for Tiger changing his bad behavior on the course.

2:33 : Over/Under on Tiger swearing today? I'll put it at 5. I'm taking the over!

2:34 : Tiger hit his tee shot past the woods, onto the 9th hole. That's still a tough second shot!

2:38 : Good enough second shot by Tiger. Could have done far worse.

2:40 : Does anyone in America want Lee Westwood to win? I know I don't. It seems everyone, here in the States, would either want Phil, Tiger, or Couples to win. Sorry chap!

2:41 : Phil definitely got the loudest ovation. Loved the guy who yelled "you're an animal" right after he hit his tee shot. That's the sophisticated crowd at Augusta for ya!

2:45 : Tiger bogeys the 1st hole. Good!!!!!

2:48 : Westwood hit a branch! Oh could he implode today? This is a terrible start for him.

2:52 : Good for Westwood to escape with only a bogey on the 1st.

2:55 : David Feherty is awful! He calls every shot that hits close to the hole amazing, or fabulous before it rolls 20 feet past the hole! Please give me more Faldo and Nantz, and less Feherty!!!!

3:11 : Falling debree ruins Phil's birdie attempt! Don't tell me the Golfing Gods want Tiger to win!!!!!

3:36 : I don't know why but I really like K.J. Choi. P.S. Tiger is done!

3:47 : Tiger's mike I think is muffed. Haven't heard him swear once today. Good job by CBS.

4:00 : Tiger has his "Phil" moment with an eagle.

4:22 : May have spoken too soon. Tiger is back in it. Dammit!! Where is CBS to muff me?

4:31 : Choi, Mickelson, Woods, Couples all making huge shots! This back 9 will be unreal!

4:36 : Tiger at -9. Shame on me for doubting him.

4:44 : Huge up & down par save by Phil. Bad putting by Lee Westwood. You never want to 3 put in Augusta. Phil has the lead all alone!!!! 9 holes to go!

4:51 : K.J. Choi! Ties Phil! He's playing really well. And he's had to deal with playing with Tiger for four straight days. How can you not like this guy?!

4:57 : Tiger really needs another amazing shot. He needs to get at -10 to really put the pressure on all the other players.

4:59 : Another amazing up & down par for Phil at 10. Old Phil battling New Phil. Fascinating to watch!

5:00 : If Couples loses he can blame his putter. Can't miss gimmies at The Masters. My pick to win at 5:00? K.J. Choi.

5:03 : Seeing golf balls in all these exact spots in woods, or on greens makes me think one thing. Golf is the best sport in HD. You see every divot, leaf, bug, whatever. Football is #2, hockey is #3, and basketball is #4.

5:05 : When will K.J. Choi make a bad shot? It has to happen eventually right?

5:07 : I always hate it when Tiger says "Tiger" after a shot. Referring to yourself in the first person is so stupid and is one of the little reasons I don't like Tiger. Saying that though he made a great shot at 11.

5:09 : Anthony Kim making a run with birdies at 13 and 14. Who will win? A great couple of hours still to go!

5:29 : Phil takes the lead. Kase hates Phil and says he will blow up! I say no, he only does that at the U.S. Open. Choi is starting to make bad shots. Phil has the Masters right in his hands!

5:35 :  CBS has had a real problem covering the last few shots and following the ball. Or as Brett put it "Good fucking camera work you assholes CBS!"

5:42 : 13th hole. Like I told Brett, "No one pulls shots out of his ass like Phil Mickelson!" Shot of the tournament!

Phil's Miracle Shot at 13.

5:49 : Thank God Phil made birdie at 13. Should have had eagle! But -14 after 13 is still pretty damn good.

5:51 : Tiger just had the worst 3 putt you could imagine. Tiger just putted like he's Taylor. Drunk and in a hurry.

5:54 : Just when you think he's out, he stays partially alive. Sick of Tiger. Great par by Kim at 18. -12 might be enough if Phil can bogey a couple of the last holes.

6:10 : James, Neal, Brett, and Kase played 9 holes earlier today. Neal would like to note that Kase finished 4th out of 4 people. Kase says this is only the second year he's played golf. Neal says that's B.S. that Kase was on the 7th grade Modified Golf team. Yup, these are typical arguments Cassadaga boys have!!

6:19 : Phil's got it! Now don't blow it Phil!!!!!!

6:36: Too bad Tiger you didn't win. Boo hoo. Just think about one of those times you slept with a porn star to cheer you up!

Too Bad Tiger You Lost.

6:52 : He did it! Phil has won the 2010 Masters! At -16 that's one of the greatest performances in Masters history!

The 2010 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson!!!

7:00 : Seeing Phil hug his children and his wife Amy....what a moment! Tears down Phil's eyes, Amy's eyes, and probably millions around the world. Seeing different Facebook status of people saying how choked up they were at that moment. Moment's like that are what make sports amazing at times.

A touching moment. This was the first time Phil's wife Amy has been able to travel with and see Phil play golf since she was diagnosed with breast cancer over a year ago.

7:05 : Phil's get his third green jacket! Puts it on! The Masters Green Jacket ceremony is one of the best traditions in all of sports!

Phil gets his third Green Jacket.

7:10 : All the guys have noted the bad tan line Phil has on his forehead. His face is beat red, but his forehead is completely white (because he wore a hat). Everyone wondering why he did not wear a hat. I'm sure that's the last thing on Phil's mind right now.

7:30 : That's it. Phil takes the Masters. Tiger can go back to sex rehab or whatever stupid thing he's doing. That was a fun four rounds of golf, and a great Saturday and Sunday. Can't wait for the U.S. Open!

Go back to Sex Rehab Tiger!

Music Video of the Week April 9th

Kase had this song as his status last week. I absolutely love this song as well. It's Bulletproof by La Roux. What I like about it is that it has an 80's song feel to it. From the way the song sounds, to the hairdo of La Roux, to the way the music video is shot it just screams 80's. Love a 1980's type song to come out in 2010.

New Tiger Woods Nike Commercial

Here is the new Tiger Woods commercial from Nike. It's Tiger Woods in black and white with the words of his deceased father Earl Woods in the background. So far it has recieved mostly negative reviews. Look I am not a Tiger Woods fan, I have always been more of a Phil Mickelson fan, but I do think the commercial is very strong (even when considering Earl was no saint considering the infidelities he had). Here's the commerical below.






It reminded  me of this Nike Tiger Woods commerical that came out a few years ago right after Earl Woods passed away.





Personally I think Nike should have used this commercial haha.




Kofod