Many people are claiming that this is LeBron’s MVP to lose especially the LeBron James Defense Force. Where do we start? I cannot think where to begin. I don’t even know where the middle lays. Where does it end? Is the based god real? Is this a slippery slope? Only time will tell. Why are we even arguing semantics? Whose side are you on? Many questions. Not many answers. LeBron James versus The World is shaping up to be better than Scott Pilgrim versus The World.
The newly minted 2011 All Star game MVP worked his way to be the star of stars. 37 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 steals are great numbers. Props to Kobe. It is back to business since All Star weekend is over. Where is Kobe in the league MVP race? Remember, this isn’t the legacy award like the All Star spots. Everyone has to put in serious work. That includes Bryant who is usually penciled in before the season started. Every great player's time fades away, too. It sucks, but that's life.
What is the business in Miami? They’re winning. What is the problem? LeBron James recently put in some serious work against Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic with 51 points, 11 boards, 8 assists, and 17-25 from the field. There was nothing quiet about that. Bron dominated that ish. People were writing Wade off. Then Dwyane goes for a triple double against Charlotte (22 points, 10 assists, 12 boards). 28 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal against the Clippers. MVP candidates do not take a back seat to anyone, but Wade did?
Dwyane and his wife Siohvaughn welcomed the latest addition to the Wade family. Zion Malachi Airamis Wade was born on Tuesday, May 29,2007 at 8:45 p.m. CT in Chicago.
Lately, I’ve been hearing that the “Franchise Player” concept is dead in the NBA. There is no such thing as a franchise player. There are super teams instead. I’m here to tell all of you that you’re wrong – dead wrong. The way teams are built in this league calls for a franchise player. The player is usually extremely talented and skilled with an ability to get numbers.There are only 12 or so players on team. One player can make a huge difference. I’ll explain why this concept will not die.
2006 NBA Finals MVP Dwyane Wade was named AskMen.com "Man of the Week".
The men's portal explained that "despite his formidable talents and impressive list of achievements as a basketball player, NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade remains a down-to-earth and approachable guy."
Have you ever gotten to your birthday only to realize that you really do not want to make a big fuss out of it? We get all this attention, or lack thereof for some people, and begin to ponder about our current situations. What have we accomplished? How did we get better? How did we get worse? In the end, who gives a damn? Get out there. Beat your feet. Do it. Get it done. Just ask yourself one thing every birthday from now on, “What have I done lately?” That’s how one should approach this list with the top shooting guards. For the stat whores. Notables missing – Brandon Roy, Tyreke Evans, Ray Allen. I know. I’m shocked about those guys, too.
"They will break the single-season win record [of 72],'' Jeff Van Gundy said. "And I think they have a legit shot at the Lakers' 33-game [winning] streak [in 1971-72], as well. And only the Lakers have even a remote shot at beating them in a playoff series. They will never lose two games in a row this year.” A long time friend brought to my attention regarding this comment about Dwyane Wade’s Miami Heat. I’ve caught this awhile back and needed time to ponder about such a notion. You guys do realize that in order to break the record, the team can only lose nine games, right? Count that again – 9 games. Seriously.
Battier has been a primary target in free agency for the Heat, and sources say the pitch of Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and key Heat players could ultimately confirm Battier’s strong feelings about chasing a championship in Miami.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Talent matters but so does chemistry.
If the Miami Heat subscribe to the above theory then they’ll have to pull out all the stops to sign free agent utility swing Shane Battier.
The former Memphis Grizzly and Houston Rocket does all the little things necessary to win. He defends multiple positions and stretches opposing defenses with his range.
He just hasn’t had superstar talent to complement in the NBA. With LeBron, CB4, and D-Wade, talent won’t be an issue in South Beach.
Of course, Battier’s professionalism and likeability will go a long way in helping heal the Heat‘s tattered reputation. The Eastern Conference champions spent 2011 with a bulls eye on their back, facing the wrath of media and fans alike.
So Battier would get a chance at a championship. The Heat get a quality role player and person. Sounds like a mutually beneficial arrangement.
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The sales pitch has got to be one of the toughest things to put together for any marketing team. It is one of those things that science alone cannot help them. The only way science can help is in producing the right numbers – the sweet science of money. There’s another science as well and that is the science of reproduction. Sex parties are the cure, but then again who wants herpes? That doesn’t cope well with these big name free agents doing public appearances. Even Delonte West gets clowned on and supposedly it’s just a birth mark.
Shortly after being featured in People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People", Miami Heat All-Star Dwyane Wade became Sean John's clothing line's new ambassador.
Wade will be representing the brand starting with the next fall advertising campaign.
"Dwayne Wade is the Sean John man," said Sean John owner, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. "At such a young age, he has become one of the best players in the NBA. We're going to make Dwayne Wade the first NBA male supermodel!"
People involved with the NBA and sports media are really sticking their necks and reputations on the line. I love it! Their true colors are shown. We have never witnessed anything like this before. The entire free agency arms race is 10x more explosive than the Big Network’s extravaganza about Brett Favre and his jeans. Everyone has a hard on for LeBron. Analysts on television, print, and radio are arguing against each other over speculations. Speculations? That’s another word for opinion. Get your popcorn and enjoy the freak show! I have!
'This is quite an honor to be named cover athlete of NBA LIVE in just my second year as a professional," Wade said. "When you look back at some of the great players who have had this opportunity, it's exciting to be a part of the EA SPORTS family and contribute to a game I've been playing for more than 10 years.'
Electronic Arts announced today that NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade will serve as cover athlete and spokesman for NBA LIVE 06, scheduled for release this fall under the EA SPORTS™ brand. Wade is in his second season with the Miami HEAT, where he set single-season franchise records for points per game (24.1) and total points scored (1,854) in helping to lead the HEAT to the top seed in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.
NBA LIVE 06 builds upon the depth and authenticity that the NBA LIVE franchise has delivered for more than a decade and that made last year the best-selling version in the history of the series. With advancements in gameplay and enhanced player graphics, the sport of basketball is elevated to a whole new level in NBA LIVE 06 with the superstars of the game looking and playing more like their real-life counterparts than ever before. Players can feel the emotion and intensity of the complete basketball experience with an up-tempo, fast-break, and physical brand of basketball that yields improved play in the transition game and real-life collisions in the paint.
Wade has emerged quickly as one of the most explosive players in the NBA in just his second season, a year that saw him become just the 10th player since 1979 to finish in the NBA's top 10 in both scoring (24.1) and assists (6.8) per game. A unanimous NBA All-Rookie First-Team selection a year ago, Wade was a member of the U.S. National Senior Men's Basketball Team last summer before returning to have an All-Star season for the HEAT this year. Wade, who was selected to the NBA All-Star Game in February, became one of just seven NBA players in history to average at least 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the floor in a playoff series as he helped lead the HEAT to a recent four-game sweep of the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the 2005 NBA Playoffs. Wade was recently selected as one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in an issue that hit newsstands at the end of April.
Developed in Vancouver, B.C., by EA Canada, the studio which is also home to the popular NBA STREET and NCAA® March Madness® franchises, NBA LIVE 06 will be available on the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube™, and PC. The game also will be available for the first time on the PSP™ handheld entertainment system.
EA SPORTS is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world. Its top-selling titles and franchises include Madden NFL Football, FIFA Soccer, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, MVP Baseball™, NCAA® Football, NASCAR Thunder™, and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR®. The EA SPORTS home page is www.easports.com.
Joining the Heat "would be fantastic," Dalembert said Sunday night from Haiti in an interview with FOX Sports Florida. Miami is where more than 50 of his relatives live and is about one hour south of his home in Boca Raton. As for the volunteering part, Dalembert likely would require a big pay cut to join the Heat, which will be over the salary cap. Dalembert, who made $13.43 million last season for Sacramento, might have to sign for the $5 million mid-level exception.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Miami Heat nearly won a championship in 2011 with an ozone-sized hole at center.
Free agent center Samuel Dalembert wants to sign with the Miami Heat, plug that hole, and help Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade take the final step in 2012.
Dalembert, who spent last year in Sacramento, has a considerable size advantage over Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem, the posts currently on the Heat’s roster.
On some level, Dalembert could fit. However, it’s worth noting that the lanky five was kicked off the Canadian national team and criticized for his work ethic and attitude in Philadelphia.
So the Heat may look elsewhere for reinforcements down-low.
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Michael Jordan officially retired back in 1998. The Washington Wizards comeback does not count because there was a ghost in the shell controlling his aging body during the time. With the nth epic battle between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers in the 2010 NBA Finals and the mega 2010 Free Agent class signings shortly thereafter, one has to wonder how the MJ shadow became grand and legendary. It’s just frightening how massive this shadow has grown in the shape of a Jump Man.
Considering O'Neal previously had compared Bosh to a drag queen, as "the RuPaul of big men," Bosh hardly finds himself compelled to respond to the rehash. "I know the thing is entertainment," Bosh told the Sun Sentinel. "How are you going to get people to buy your book? "So I don't care about stuff that is said in the media or in books or pointed or directed toward somebody, because it's really just a tactic and nothing else. He's an author. He can write whatever he wants. If he sells a bunch, then congrats to him."
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Chris Bosh is right. This is about Shaquille O'Neal selling books.
Nothing more; nothing less.
After all, Shaq has a legacy of attacking coaches, teammates, and even friends when it suits him.
Consider some of his foes: Penny Hardaway, Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson (at times), Dwyane Wade (at times), Pat Riley, Terry Porter and Robin Lopez.
The ultimate was the television Shaq Vs. Well, the future member of the Hall of Fame overheard Steve Nash discussing the concept with his people.
And he liked it. So The Big Fella stole it. A flat-out robbery.
A few days later, after working out the details with ABC, O'Neal casually announced he had a new reality show and Nash rightfully responded with anger.
So Bosh is happy to let O'Neal talk. That's all The Big Broadcaster will be doing from now on.
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So where do these two guys measure up against Kobe? Kobe is a scientific dawg. He works out every day, practices every day. Most of the other stars are just dawgs, not scientific dawgs. Me, I’m a freak-of-nature dawg because of my size. LeBron could be a scientific dawg like Kobe, but he’s got a lot going on like I did, so that’s preventing him from being one.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Shaquille O’Neal thinks Kobe Bryant is a ‘scientific dawg’, which apparently makes him better in the clutch than LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
For the record, I don’t know what a ‘scientific dawg’ is. I do think Shaq is saying Bryant is a superior fourth quarter player because of his focus and commitment to his craft.
Perhaps.
At this stage in their careers, James and Wade are better athletes - and maybe better players - than Bryant. But Bryant always possessed an intangible that more often than not propelled him to greatness when it mattered most.
This was evident from his early days sitting on the Lakers' bench as a 17-year old rookie under Coach Del Harris.
He is indeed the closest thing to Michael Jordan that the NBA has ever had. Shaq, his former nemesis, has to show respect by dubbing him a scientific dawg’.
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The mythical biggest collection of free agents is coming. Neither of these guys is worried about what teams are doing to set themselves up financially to obtain any one of them. They’re too worried about erupting over their team to the press, wondering if the team is good enough to move forward with, or taking suggestions from fans if he should wear eye goggles. What kind of sales pitch would you come up with to seduce any of these guys to join the dark side? Get him an expensive sports car? No. They get them for free. Get them girls? No. They get them for free at the clubs. They’re called “Jump offs.” Clothes? Movies? Videogames? Jobs? Houses? A soul? What? What can possibly be a great selling point to get them to sign with your team?
Ray Allen told the Globe last night that teammate Paul Pierce organized the call of dozens of players to discuss the possibility of breaking up the union if a deal is not reached soon. According to Allen, there were in fact two conference calls, the other on Thursday, in which Allen did not participate.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Are they prepared for the fallout?
Dwight Howard, Paul Pierce, and Dwyane Wade will be blamed if they lead 50 NBA players to decertify the union and take the owners to court in search of a new collective bargaining agreement.
Such a move would be messy. Such a move would be complicated. And such a move would have consequences like the league cancelling the entire 2011-12 season.
It wouldn’t matter that the owners negotiated in poor faith. It wouldn’t matter that the leader of the players union have squabbled like children. It wouldn’t matter that the NBA’s well-to-do business model is out of touch with the current global economy.
The only thing that would matter is that there’s no basketball. After all, decertification means a cancelled season. And a cancelled season means angry fans.
Howard’s good guy days would end. For Pierce, a lifelong Celtic, everyday would be like playing the Lakers. And Wade better expect The ’Heattles’ treatment to continue.
Hopefully, it doesn’t come to this. Hopefully, they find a solution.
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1 hour ago: Would love to see @JCrossover in a Heat uni! What you guys say? 1 hour ago: Maybe @SteveNash in a Heat uni! So we can help each other get our 1st ring
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Lockout or not, LeBron James is recruiting.
'The King' recently tweeted that he’d like Jamal Crawford and Steve Nash to sign with the Miami Heat when the labour impasse is solved.
Crawford, a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate, would punish opposing defences for double-teaming James and fellow Heat superstars Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.
He’d have the same role as Mike Miller. Except Crawford can create off the dribble and has had better luck staying healthy.
The former Bull, Hawk, and Knick is a free agent. Nash, however, is not.
The two-time MVP still has a year remaining on his contract with the Phoenix Suns, so he’d need spend-thrift owner Robert Sarver to buy him out.
Then there are concerns about Nash’s mediocre defense. His teammates and basketball IQ should make up for his tiny stature, though.
We just need a new collective bargaining agreement to see if James’ tweets become reality.
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A random NBA fan wrote on Twitter a message directed at Heat owner Micky Arison. "Fans provide all the money you're fighting over," wrote the fan."Honestly u r barking at the wrong owner," replied Arison on his Twitter feed. Arison has been categorized by NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter as part of a group of owners eager to reach a deal with the players.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The players union may be splitting, but so are the owners.
Case in point: Micky Arison, the owner of the star-studded Miami Heat, who tweeted his frustration over the two sides not finding common ground on a new collective bargaining agreement.
Arison wants to settle on a new CBA, so his Big Three can win a championship and he can maximize his investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.
Clearly, Arison isn’t alone in wanting to settle. Other big-market, ‘have’ owners are comfortable in winning these negotiations with players and do not wish to extract blood.
Unfortunately, the Bulls, Celtics, Heat, Lakers, and Knicks are in the minority. The Blazers, Bobcats, Bucks, Suns, and eighteen other owners are determined to have total victory.
And so we continue to wait for basketball.
--Sandor.
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In addition to (LeBron) James, (Dwyane) Wade and (Chris) Bosh, the Heat were represented at Saturday’s game by free-agent point guard Mario Chalmers, with former Heat player Dorell Wright also among those participating. Heat forward Udonis Haslem, still working his way back from last season’s foot injury, coached James’ team.
Center Eddy Curry, a Heat free-agent target, was a no-show, leaving unanswered questions about his conditioning. Wesley Matthews and Lou Williams also were removed from the rosters, with Harden and Tristan Thompson added.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This wasn’t supposed to happen.
The media had been reporting on the new and improved Eddy Curry, who had lost one hundred pounds to specifically earn a contract with the star-studded Miami Heat when the lockout ends.
Curry’s body wasn’t the only thing that had supposedly changed. His supporters claimed he had matured and wouldn’t be a distraction.
Saturday’s friendly at Florida International University was key. Curry had a chance to suit up with or against potential teammates, while developing a relationship with the Heat’s rabid fans.
That opportunity is gone.
Fans aren’t talking about Curry’s skill or fitness. Instead they’re wondering why a player who wants to join the Heat couldn't bother to turn up.
If he wasn't healthy, why not attend and earn some goodwill?
It’s not a great first impression. The more things supposedly change with Curry, the more they seem to stay the same.
O.Sandor.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The South Florida Classic was exciting, but everyone wanted to know when the NBA games would happen.
Yesterday Dwyane Wade led Team Wade to a 141-140 win over LeBron James’ Team James in a charity match at Florida International University.
A game with several All-Stars is worth watching, however, fans and media were focused on the three month old NBA lockout.
Click the video below, watch Carmelo Anthony discuss his love for the Heat’s Big Three, and Wade, and consider his thoughts on the NBA’s labour impasse.
-O.Sandor.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: NBA players have handled the lockout in different ways.
Heat superstar Dwyane Wade got into a shouting match with Commissioner David Stern at a bargaining session; Nets table-setter Deron Williams is playing in Turkey; Laker great Kobe Bryant has spread his brand and may sign in Italy.
Then there’s Stephen Jackson. The newest edition to the Milwaukee Bucks has released a lockout inspired rap song.
Click the video below, give Captain Jack’s work in the booth a listen, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
(By the way, listener discretion is advised.)
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Despite the on-going labour strife, two of the game`s biggest stars, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, are continuing with workouts.
What does it mean?
Well, nothing if owners and players fail to find common ground on a new collective bargaining agreement and financial framework.
Nevertheless, click the video below, watch ‘The Big Two’ train in Miami, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
--O. Sandor.
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“Very constructive,” said Davis of the portion of Saturday’s meeting he witnessed. “I think both sides are willing and they’re able, and we both understand that as long as we continue–this is a big issue and I think both sides are voicing their opinion and what they’re passionate about. Everybody’s being a lot more receptive today to moving forward. Ever since we’ve been here, we’ve been all trying to figure out the best process.”
Link (Slamonline.com)
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Well, Baron Davis is keeping it positive.
While some are painting a picture of doom and gloom, the Cleveland Cavaliers point guard believes good things are coming from the recent negotiations.
Davis even downplayed the tension between the two sides on Friday that saw Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade and Commissioner David Stern get into a confrontation.
So some good news. And Davis, the optimist, believes good things will happen if the two sides continue talking.
Perhaps.
Eventually the players and/or owners have to move on Basketball Related Income. Then, and only then, will everything else like system issues and guaranteed contracts get solved.
Only then will there be reason optimism.
O. Sandor
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Dwyane Wade "stood up for himself," a person with knowledge of the meeting said when he confronted David Stern, who was behaving with a tone and gestures the players took exception to. According to two people familiar with the incident, Wade warned Stern not to point his finger and made reference to not being a child. After the confrontation, union chief Billy Hunter and Stern met privately, seeking a way to calm nerves and preserve the rest of the negotiations.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: In the players’ corner, we have Dwyane Wade. In the owners’ corner, we have ‘David’ Stern.
Unfortunately, the New York hotel hosting NBA labour negotiations didn’t have a UFC style octagon, boxing ring, or sketchy Blood Sport style basement for Wade and Stern to duke it out.
The biggest news from Friday’s negotiations between players and owners was a tiff between the Miami Heat’s superstar and the commissioner.
Apparently, Wade became incensed when Stern pointed his finger at him, essentially telling the veteran commissioner he was an adult and deserved to be treated as such.
Fair enough. Then he returned the favour.
Wade reminded Stern he had children and repeatedly addressed him as ‘David’ instead of calling him Commissioner Stern.
Cooler heads did prevail and Stern twice tried to apologize to Wade.
Oh, the drama. Hopefully, these professionals turned their attention to the hard cap and the split of Basketball Related Income.
There is, after all, a season to be saved.
--Oly Sandor.
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Before a stunning confrontation between Dwyane Wade(notes) and NBA commissioner David Stern in Friday’s labor meeting, Wade, LeBron James(notes) and Chris Paul(notes) told their Players Association peers that they’re willing to sit out the season rather than make further concessions to the owners, sources told Yahoo! Sports.
Wade, James and Paul were at the forefront of a strong players presence at a Park Avenue hotel for Friday’s contentious bargaining session. In a private union meeting prior to the bargaining session with owners, James kept reiterating to the group of elite players that they shouldn’t give back a greater share of the league’s basketball-related income (BRI) than what they’d already conceded in previous negotiations.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will the Average Joe concede or take a stand and sit with the superstars?
It’s great for LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade to announce publicly they’ll boycott the season to get better terms in a collective bargaining agreement.
These guys, the crème de la crème of the NBA, have more money than they know what to do with. They could retire today and be set for life.
So missing a year’s salary isn’t the end of the world, however, many of the league’s rank and file won’t share their hardline approach.
The back-up guard or reserve post is likely extended and needs work. Right now, they may be feeling financial pressures and things will worsen once they miss that first November pay cheque.
--Oly Sandor
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I do think they’ll take a chance on Eddy Curry. They’ve worked him out several times and have been impressed with what they saw. The only concern was Curry’s weight, but he has been working hard this summer and has dropped over 100 lbs. He’s been in Tim Grover’s ATTACK gym every day and he’s determined to prove he can still play. Don’t be surprised if they sign him after the lockout ends. He’s a low-risk, high reward addition who could make a difference in Miami.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Miami Heat had a top-heavy salary structure under the old collective bargaining agreement.
They’ll have little room to strengthen their roster when the lockout ends and the new, stricter financial system is finally agreed upon by owners and players.
After all, the Heat took on three ‘max’ contracts when they signed Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade in July of 2010.
So Executive Pat Riley will have to go value-shopping whenever there‘s a free agent period, and hope to find a deal or two.
Fortunately, there will be bargains. Like Eddy Curry.
The puffy post became a league-laughingstock, earning and spending tens of millions of dollars per year to gain weight on the Knicks’ injured reserve.
Apparently, Curry wants to salvage his career. He’s dropped over 100 pounds and is eyeing a spot on the Heat’s roster. Curry`s post moves would create space on the perimeter for James and Wade and allow Bosh to roam on the elbows.
Best of all, the price would be right for the Heat.
--O. Sandor.
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“My only problem is the whole misuse of the name,” Bosh said. “If I stink it up on the court…. my family takes a lot of pride in our name. My ancestors, we’re very prideful with the Bosh name. I don’t like it being made fun of. I don’t think they appreciate it, either.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’s once again taking ‘Heat’.
Just twelve months ago, Chris Bosh was taking flak for the way in which he left the Toronto Raptors and signed with the Miami Heat as a free agent.
The criticism continued all year as Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade became targets for hoop heads living outside South Beach.
Most of it was fair. Some of it was not.
Over the summer, James and Wade have managed to avoid the spotlight and keep a low profile, while Bosh has continued to be a target.
ESPN’s Skip Bayless recently called the left-handed power-forward Bosh Spice, implying he was soft and precious like a member of the all girl group from Britain.
Recently, Shaquille O’Neal, when making his first appearance as a TNT broadcaster, took a swipe at Bosh, saying the Heat had two superstars in James and Wade.
Here’s the bottom line: Bosh is the third star. There will be a backlash until he wins a championship.
--Oly Sandor.
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I believe, for the first time in the history of this franchise, it is championship or bust, sort of where Riley stood during the best of Lakers times.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s championship or bust for the Miami Heat in 2012. Just like in 2011.
The Miami Heat made a bold statement when they won The Great Free Agent Sweepstakes of 2010, signing superstars Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade to multi-year contracts.
With this coup, the organization committed to winning a championship each year. And nothing but hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy and hosting a victory parade will do.
After all, owner Mickey Arison invested nearly $300 million in these three players. And James - at the post-signing celebration - predicted ‘multiple championships’.
So the Heat have set lofty expectations, which justifies reporter Ira Winderman suggesting it’s championship or bust in South Beach.
To fulfill these lofty expectations in 2012, the Heat must upgrade the point guard position and shore up the bench.
--Oly Sandor.
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The Miami Herald reported Sunday that they expect one of the first calls the Heat make to be to free agent PF/C Nene.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They’ll call. They’ll talk. That’s as far it will go, though.
Despite having little cap space, the Miami Heat reportedly have interest in signing Denver Nuggets post and soon-to-be-free agent Nene.
Having interest is fine. Getting a sought after center to take a huge pay cut is unrealistic.
The Brazilian opted-out of the last year of his contract with Denver, leaving close to $11 million on the table. Whenever the lockout is settled, he’ll ask for, and likely get, term and money as a free agent.
The Heat are in no position to offer either. With $65 million in committed salary for 2012, they`ll have little-to-no flexibility when the owners get their new financial system.
So the Heat will call Nene. He may listen and consider taking less money to play with Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.
Then he’ll remember what he gave up ($11 million) and will sign a big ticket pact with another team.
--Oly Sandor.
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We’re going to make some plans. We’re going to plan to do something,” Bosh said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles. “I think just getting around each other, I think it’s important as far as team-building is concerned and just getting something going. We’re pretty much still in the process of doing that.”
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Like the EPMD album, the Miami Heat has unfinished business.
At least that's the way superstar Chris Bosh sees it, who told reporters the Heat would start preparing for the 2012 season even though there’s little sign the NBA's labour troubles will be resolved.
The Heat, right or wrong, has been called many things by those outside Florida: arrogant, cocky, self-absorbed, villainous, and evil.
But there's no doubting their dedication as Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade seem focused on returning to the Finals and winning the championship that eluded them in 2011.
Consider that the lockout provides ample free time for the Three Kings to enjoy their wealth. They could lie on a beach, party non-stop in Vegas, and appear at training camp, whenever the lockout is solved, looking like former Vancouver Grizzlies post Bryant Reeves.
Instead, all three are working. Wade and James are focused on improving their already strong chemistry, while Bosh is punching the clock.
When training camp finally opens, the Heat - because of Bosh, James, and Wade’s determination - has to be the early favourites.
--Oly Sandor.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest will put on his dancing shoes on the newest season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”. My source close to Ron Ron has confirmed that Artest is one of the participants on the 13th season of DWTS.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwyane who?
Yesterday the world wide web was buzzing with reports Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade will appear on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.
Today the reports are different. Wade is apparently out, while Ron Artest, the Los Angeles Lakers’ larger-than-life swing, is in.
Wade, a smooth and graceful scorer, seems more suited for success on the dance floor, however, Artest could charm with his personality.
Hopefully, neither appears and have to get back to their day-jobs because owners and players settle on a new collective bargaining agreement.
Sadly, Wade and Artest are more likely to dance with a partner on television than to dance around an opponent in an NBA arena.
--Oly Sandor.
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“I don’t know, but I did hear rumors and his name (Wade) did come up. I also heard Ron Artest too.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: NBA players have extra time with the lockout, and some are doing, well, interesting things with that extra time.
Take Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade. According to Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward, Wade is rumored to appear on Dancing With The Stars if the lockout stretches into the regular season.
Yes, you know the show. The very one Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban embarrassed himself on.
Wade is a smooth, graceful athlete, so he’d probably hold his own as a dancer. The spotlight/pressure wouldn’t bother him after spending 2011 as public enemy number one with the Miami Heat.
Lets hope there’s a season and Wade doesn’t make his dancing debut.
--Oly Sandor.
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“They met us in the Eastern Conference finals, and they were one player away from making it a very, very, very tough series,” Wade told ESPNChicago.com during an event for his “Wade’s World” charities. “Derrick Rose is evolving into a phenomenal player. You could look and see they’re one player away from being there every year.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwyane Wade thinks the Chicago Bulls aren’t far off.
Yesterday Wade declared that the Derrick Rose led Bulls are one player away from potentially beating his Miami Heat, who won the Eastern Conference championship in 2011.
Wade is correct when stating the Bulls need a shooting guard to take the offensive pressure off Rose, who too often had to create a scoring opportunity on every possession.
However, the Bulls' options could be limited by the new collective bargaining agreement, which would make it difficult, if not impossible, for an upgrade.
The club already has $61.5 million in guaranteed salary for 2011-12. They only have eleven players on the roster.
Now suppose the owners get their hard cap with no exceptions or loop holes.The Bulls will have to look in-house for another scorer, which means getting greater production from the highly paid Carlos Boozer.
Yes, Boozer. Remember him?
Boozer sustained a freak injury in training camp, missed significant parts of the regular season, and found himself on the bench for parts of the Bulls' playoff run.
Boozer has four years and $60 million left on his contract. No contender can get such weak production from such a big-ticket.
The Bulls will likely have little or no money for free agents. And Boozer may have to be the difference-maker Wade speaks of.
--Oly Sandor.
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Love or hate the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade knows that he and teammates LeBron James and Chris Bosh set a trend the rest of the NBA will follow for years. “Yes, we have,” Wade said. “I don’t know whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, but more guys are going to look to team up and do things like that.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You can’t fault them for what they did. You can, however, fault them for how they did it.
Yesterday Dwyane Wade told media he, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James started a trend for superstar free agents last summer by signing with the Miami Heat.
He’s right. The days of one superstar leading a contender is over. The crème de la crème have to partner up to win an NBA Championship (of course, the new collective bargaining agreement may change this).
Contrary to popular opinion, there’s nothing wrong with great players seeking each other out and deciding to play together.
Free agency is about choice, right?
In fact, it shows this trio values the collective experience of winning more than being The Man on a second rate franchise.
So credit Bosh, James, and Wade for deciding to share, but criticize Bosh, James, and Wade for the way they came to this decision.
Last July, Bosh and Wade took the cameras everywhere. They talked about making a documentary on their free agent experiences; they fired off annoying, mindless tweets.
Bosh, in particular, showed a lack of respect for the Toronto Raptors, the team he led for the previous seven years.
Then there was James. ‘The Decision’ was an exercise in how not to handle free agency. He went from beloved superstar to hated villain.
Bosh and Wade also became bad guys when they pranced on stage and held a championship celebration -even though they hadn’t won a game or practiced together.
Wade is right. The Three Kings started a trend for free agent superstars. Some of it was good; some of it was bad.
--Oly Sandor.
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“At that point it was me. Obviously we went through a lot last year. It was unfair some of the stuff that we had to endure but we grew from it. That’s over with. We move on to whenever we play basketball again and we will be a different team.”
Link
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s relative.
Yes, Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and the Miami Heat endured a massive backlash last year and were the undisputed league villain.
Was it unfair, though?
On the one hand, this trio handled their South Beach union with as much modesty and class as Kanye West at an awards show.
On the other hand, Bosh, James, and Wade stay on the right side of the law, take care of their kids, and are involved with charity.
So to lump James in with Charlie Sheen, Donald Trump, and Tiger Woods may be a tad harsh.
Of course, the public is split. The Heat are as polarizing and captivating a team to take to an NBA floor or compete in a North American sports league.
Perhaps the Heat were treated poorly, however, the public will not have sympathy for three highly paid professional athletes.
Instead, The Three Kings should embrace being the villain. The sooner they accept being the bad guy, the sooner they win that ever elusive championship.
And only then will the hoopla, controversy, and speculation teeter off.
--Oly Sandor.
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"I will play (basketball)," he said at the Dwyane Wade Fantasy Camp at Fontainbleau Hotel. "I don't know where I will play it. Just because we're in a lockout don't mean I'm going to stop playing the game of basketball."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Lockout or not, Dwyane Wade will play basketball next year. He just doesn’t know where.
Fair enough.
Wade like most of the NBA is waiting for the Players Union and owners to settle their dispute and negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The Miami Heat guard, unlike some his superstar peers, has been bullish on playing during the labour strife. But why?
1) Wade would earn between $1-$2 million per month to play his trade for a club in a foreign league.
2) Wade would have numerous opportunities to further the D-Wade brand, which is always good.
3) Wade would show NBA owners that the players have options and do not need to fold during bargaining.
--Oly Sandor.
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Just hours after Shanxi Zhongyu announced their deal with Kobe, the Chinese basketball league decided not to allow players who have deals with NBA teams to play in CBA. The league lists 108 players who have no deals with NBA; only them can register in CBA.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki, and Dwyane Wade won't be playing for a Chinese club come fall.
Today, the Chinese Basketball League banned NBA players from signing with Chinese clubs if they have an NBA contract.
NBA free agents can still sign in China; however, getting an opt-out clause to return to America when the lockout ends may be difficult.
In other words: if you sign in China, you stay in China.
This is fair. The government created the Chinese Basketball League to develop talent for the national team, and not to provide leverage for locked-out, millionaire superstars from America.
And now Billy Hunter and the Players Union have a problem. The game's biggest stars have maintained they'll head to China if the owners prolong the lockout with their hardball negotiating tactics.
Such a threat is now meaningless. The money, lifestyle, and branding opportunities aren't as good in Europe. Greece, Portugal, and Spain are also in poor financial shape, so few roster spots will be available.
Hopefully, this development forces the players back to the bargaining table.
--Oly Sandor.
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Looking back on last year’s free agency and “The Decision,” do you look back and think it could have been done differently or do you just own up to it? Chris Bosh: “I say you own up to it. We all make mistakes. I think anybody would be kidding themselves if they thought they were perfect at anything.
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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: So, Chris Bosh believes LeBron James made a mistake with The Decision.
Well, left-handed power forwards in glass houses shouldn`t throw stones, right Bosh?
In an interview, Bosh indirectly said James slipped up last summer by announcing on ESPN he was ‘taking his talent to South Beach’ and leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.
James admitted as much last year, although he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, say what he’d have done differently.
Equally as damaging to the Heat was Bosh, James, and Dwyane Wade’s collective decision to announce their arrival the way teams celebrate a championship.
The Three Kings held a massive party, and acted more like rock stars than NBA superstars. A sold out stadium of Heat faithful cheered. To be fair, James was the one who predicted multiple championships.
Bosh`s arrogance at this pre-emeptive celebration - along with James and Wade’s surliness - turned off fans outside Florida and solidified the Heat’s status as villains.
From that moment the Heat was public enemy number one. And they have yet to get the bulls-eye off their back.
--Oly Sandor.
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Curry weighed 350 when he auditioned for Miami in March. Curry intrigues Pat Riley, who might offer him a minimum deal postlockout if he loses another 12 pounds or so. His skills “are there, no question,” Grover said.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Eddy Curry could soon become Pat Riley’s Greatest Reclamation Project.
Reports indicate Curry has dropped close to 40 pounds and, if his waist line continues to shrink, he may sign with the Miami Heat for the minimum when the lockout ends.
This is rather remarkable, especially when considering how low the skilled big had sunk.
Curry made $31 million to play in 30 games over the last three seasons. He blew most of that $31 million and, reportedly, took out high-interest loans from dubious characters. And then there was this.
Of course, Curry might not be best for South Beach. He was a finesse-five for the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, and the Heat need a defensive-minded banger down low.
Still, Curry won’t cost much, so, perhaps, he’s worth the risk -as it will appease the people behind Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.
Move over Rafer Alston, Derek Anderson, Ike Austin. Smush Parker, Antoine Walker, and all others. Eddy Curry may soon be coming. You’ll have competition for Riles’ Greatest Reclamation Project.
--Oly Sandor.
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If the Heat cannot sign preferred choices Shane Battier, Grant Hill or Tayshaun Prince postlockout, Miami will consider Michael Redd.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Is he healthy? Is he willing?
In theory, Michael Redd could absolutely help the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat win an NBA Title.
For years, Redd was a prolific scorer with the Milwaukee Bucks, killing opponents with his deadly outside range.
The left-handed gunner has the skill-set to punish defenses for cheating on Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.
Of course, health matters. In the last two seasons, Redd has played in just 28 games, and doesn’t resemble the perimeter threat that terrorized opposing defenses.
Redd's goal may be to re-establish his reputation as a star rather than support another team's stars -like Bosh, James, and Wade in Miami.
If healthy and willing, Redd would help the Heat. A contender can never have enough shooting or depth.
--Oly Sandor.
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If the Heat cannot sign preferred choices Shane Battier, Grant Hill or Tayshaun Prince postlockout, Miami will consider Michael Redd and Tracy McGrady, among others.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Would the ‘Three Kings’ welcome a king turned pawn in Tracy McGrady to South Beach?
Well, the Miami Heat may have interest in McGrady, but only if - and this is a massive if - he agrees to a supporting role next to Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.
The former All-Star would have to accept that the ‘T-Mac’ era is done and become the player he was at the start of his career with the Toronto Raptors.
Up north he used athleticism, length, and quickness to complement Vince Carter, who was then the league’s fastest rising superstar.
Back then McGrady defended any and every situation. He locked opponents down; he helped teammates; and he pressed and trapped in the open court.
McGrady also stuffed the stat-sheet. He collected assists, rebounds, and steals; doing the all-important little things to help right the Raptors' fortunes.
Finally, McGrady can’t be ‘That Guy’. He can’t be the veteran malcontent that complained and bragged in Orlando and Houston, and was partly responsible for sabotaging Detroit’s 2010-11 season.
If he’s humble, if he’s hungry, and if he takes another contract for the minimum, then McGrady may land in Miami when the lockout ends.
The alternative is to keep clinging to the ‘T-Mac’ identity and finish his career playing meaningless basketball.
--Oly Sandor.
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“Dwyane Wade’s agent said Friday his client has received no offers nor has had any discussions with professional teams from China, but he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of that scenario changing. ‘If offers are made down the road, will they be looked at? Absolutely,’ agent Henry Thomas told ESPN.com on Friday. The Chengdu Daily reported that Zhejiang Guangsha was offering Wade $2 million per month to play next season in the Chinese Basketball Association, a report that was later denied by a team official.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: China makes the most sense for a temporarily out-of-work NBA superstar.
After all, China is flush with cash because of their strong economy. And with a billion people, it would provide opportunities to spread the superstar’s brand.
However, the greatest reason may be timing. The season doesn’t start in China until December, which would allow the superstar an extended break, while hedging his bets on when the NBA season starts.
Conversely, Europe is broke, the branding opportunities are limited, and training camp for the long season will soon be opening.
So Dwyane Wade, like most big-ticket American stars, will play in China or rest until the owners and union can find common ground on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Forget the $2 million per month salary, Wade has yet to receive a formal offer of any kind from a Chinese side.
That doesn't mean it isn't coming, though.
These clubs need to identify sponsors to help finance big-ticket offers and are waiting to see what happens with negotiations between Commissioner David Stern and Union Boss Billy Hunter.
--Oly Sandor.
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