What’s going on? Derrick Rose is not officially anointed as the 2010-2011 NBA MVP, but people are coming out from the woodwork to get vocal. They banded together to try to prevent him from getting the award. It just seems that way, which is hilarious. I do not know what the huge deal is. What is the problem? A lot of people are up in arms about this. I have to figure this out. Writers and basketball purists are getting emotional over this. I have to explore the reasoning behind the hate.
I come in peace, but I’ll talk about this. This has to be addressed. Welcome to LeBron’s new nightmare. The Miami Heat is getting $hi#$ed on by the full media blitz. It’s not over. It’s never going to be over with the public onslaught. There is more to come, but no one has mentioned this particular item. I write this with full sincerity - LBJ will not win MVP ever again. This is a bold claim, but there are many reasons to see why.
Last night's game showed off not only LeBron James' game, but also his close knowledge of Eminem lyrics. Check out the clip below to see LeBron rap along to Eminem's verse on "Forever".
For anyone who watches MTV (and apparently some still do), it would come as no surprise that LBJ knew Em's verse word-for-word.
Chris Bosh: I want to be the best player in the NBA. Maybe not this year or the year after next, but one day…’”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Well, it’s good to have a goal, I suppose.
Chris Bosh isn’t even the best or second best player on his Miami Heat, as that distinction belongs to superstars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
Bosh is a very good player, a perennial All-Star, a third option on a great team, but I don’t ever see him being 'The Guy' in the NBA.
However, he played his best basketball with the Toronto Raptors at a bulked up weight, after spending a few months in the gym on conditioning.
His game went to another level. He could still use his skill at the high post or mix it up in the paint on both ends of the floor.
Last year, Bosh arrived at Heat camp out of shape. Instead of lifting weights, he got caught enjoying the hoopla of The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010.
It’s worth noting that Bosh has arrived in superb condition. And perhaps he returns to his top form like when with the Raptors.
--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Both are having historic meltdowns in grand fashion. Remember how Bosh treated the free agency in summer 2010 as some joke? Yeah, joke's on him. The Toronto fan base wasn’t even trying. During the final two years in Toronto, Bosh should have said, “No comment.” That would have shut up any worries because there was nothing to talk about. Instead, he kept the question lingering because he did not really answer the question. His play left more questions, too.
Here are the final five studs. You have to pick one because this list will not change. Take one, only one, and roll with him all the way to the finish line. Let’s hope that the MVP race is not effed up like LeBron’s Decision over the summer where insiders knew he was going to Miami all along. Game by game analysis is a horrible way to determine this. People should do a bi-weekly thing. One game at a time causes too much overreaction. Let the games add up, okay?
Lebron's new home is under construction. The 35,000 square foot Ohio mansion will reportedly include a casino, two-lane bowling alley, barber shop, aquarium, sports bar and a recording studio.
The master bedroom will also have a two-story walk-in closet. Additionally, the home will have a six-car garage.
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.
This kid and his fan base are going through the ultimate stages of trolling from other people right now. I really mean it. Derrick Rose has more haters than fans. You know what that means? Fear. He has a realistic shot in winning the damn thing. That scares people. Admit it; most of us who are in our late 20s – early 30s have never seen anything like this before. 22 years old. MVP? The hell?
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?
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.
Yes, I know the season is about 5 games in by the time you read this. What a great way to look at things. You can still work trades early. Get moving especially if you’re in a pay league.
"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.
Eddy Curry is getting another chance. The Miami Heat will sign Curry on Friday in time for training camp, sources told ESPN.com.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Rumor will become reality.
It's hardly a secret Eddy Curry was dropping weight to salvage his career, and bank account, with the Miami Heat.
Curry seems set to sign a one-year deal for the league minimum. And he has LeBron James to thank.
The former lottery pick has long had a business (they share agents) and personal relationship with James, which surely played a role in the signing.
Hopefully, the Heat aren't relying on Curry him to play major minutes.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
“To be on the other side, they call it the dark side, or the villain, whatever they call it, it was definitely challenging for myself,” he said in an interview with ESPN. “It basically turned me into somebody I wasn’t. Me, personally, I’m not that guy.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He doesn’t like the consequences. But will he change his behaviour?
In a recent interview LeBron James told ESPN he didn’t enjoy being the bad guy or villain of the 2011 season.
Fair enough.
However, James must accept responsibility. He and his people held The Decision, dumping his home-state Cleveland Cavaliers on national television.
And James got on stage and declared that the Heat would win multiple championships before the team had even held a practice.
So it’s hardly a surprise fans, media, and even some peers turned on him.
--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
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.
--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
We all saw LeBron James announce Miami. The moment will always be known as “The Decision.” To basketball purists, we might see this as “The Moment where LeBron threw everything away.” He had the NBA world at the palm of his hand and threw it in the trash. I knew he was going to leave, but LeBron didn’t have to do the state of Ohio dirty like that. Wow! Did this guy just do that? I’m flabbergasted. I am trying to understand this entire free agency period and the Big Network’s exploitation of Ohio.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Heat GM Pat Riley and Thunder GM Sam Presti must have had heart attacks while watching LeBron James and Kevin Durant’s flag football teams go at it.
Luckily, the two NBA superstars, who earn tens of millions of dollars to play pro basketball, didn’t get hurt.
And LeBron returned interception for a touchdown. His celebration dance wasn’t half bad either.
Click the link, watch the video, and come back to HoopsVibe News with thoughts and comments.
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.
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!
Marija Kero, better known as The Knicks Chick, checks in with her first videoblog of 2011. In this episode of Out of Bounds Marija discusses Amar'e Stoudemire's role in the resurgence of her beloved Knicks, and why the Miami Heat's intro stinks.
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.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
In episode VI of Out of Bounds, Marija Kero dissects LeBron's situation, edits the Sports Guy's list, recaps some draft duds and takes a friendly jab or two at Charles Barkley. There's also a cameo by Stephon Marbury's "Vaseline-eating ass". Let us know your thoughts on the topics, and ask Marija a question by leaving a comment below.
LeBron James: Miami/South Florida let's go!!!! HEAT is gone be on FIRE
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: And so ‘The Redemption’ begins.
LeBron James and his Miami Heat were public enemy number one during 2010-11, as fans, media, and even some players objected to the way they came together as free agents.
Simply put, they were the villains, which made for great ratings and publicity.
Sadly, this momentum has been delayed by a petty, annoying, and trivial five-month lockout, where owners and players fought over minor issues when the framework of a deal - like the split of Basketball Related Income - had been in place for weeks.
Now James begins the massive task of reshaping his image. Remember, the All-World three-man was routinely criticized and booed during the NBA Finals.
He was must-see TV. Just not in a good way.
In a sense, the lockout was good for James. It gave him time to pause, reflect and escape the harsh glare of the spotlight.
Time will tell if he’s learned from past errors. The shortened 2011-12 season holds the answer.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
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.
Just when I think I'm out, this story pulls me back in. After reading that LeBron's injury situation was more serious than reported, King James blew up in game three and temporarily put those rumours to rest. Game four saw a slight drop-off for the Akron Hammer (I'm still rooting for that nickname), but there was nothing in his near-triple-double performance to suggest severe damage to his shooting arm.
If someone were to rank celebrity body parts by media attention, LeBron's right elbow would currently fall somewhere between Kim Kardashian's ass and Megan Fox's stumpy thumbs. Unlike those other famous anatomical anomalies, however, the state of 'Bron-'Bron's 'bow is shrouded in secrecy. While the reports and MRI results suggest that it's more a boo-boo (well, a sprained elbow and bone bruise) than a fully-fledged injury, there are whispers that the situation is a little more serious for the Akron Hammer (it'll catch on) and his shooting arm.
This has been a wild month for the Chicago Bulls organization. The whispers of LeBron, Chris Bosh, and now Phil Jackson as head coach have been spreading around the NBA like wildfire. Can the unthinkable occur? How is this even possible? This is something that the rest of the league does not want to happen. The perfect storm might be brewing somewhere in the background of the conference finals. Many people’s feelings are getting hurt around the internet if you are not a Chicago Bulls fan. This team can possibly acquire Videogame James, CB4, and Phil Jackson?
If you're watching the Bulls-Cavs game right now, feel free to join us as we liveblog the action. Just leave a comment in the box to let us know what you're thinking as you watch the game and we'll add you as a participant.
In her second exclusive feature for HoopsVibe, Marija Kero tells us in no uncertain terms how she feels about Joakim Noah, Mark Cuban and the unscrupulous women that roam the streets of New York in search of NFL prospects. Bonus feature: The emoticons make a comeback!
The 2010 Draft Lottery is over. The results are in.
You wouldn't believe the number of inky abominations etched into the pelts of pro ballers. I'd originally planned a simple list of the league's ten worst tats, but when my dishonourable mention section hit double digits I realised I'd need to expand the scope of the project a little. Even when I elongated the list to twenty-five terrible tattoos, I still found that I had to exclude some real atrocities. In the end it took a full fifty spots to showcase the shittiest skin art in the L.
It’s official. LeBron James is a free agent. He’s up for grabs. People were waiting to exhale. Don’t exhale just yet until the first week of July. The Boston Celtics has eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers from the second round in a disastrous series.
Through the Melo Rule, the owners want to limit how much control a player has on where he plays. Players, meanwhile, want the freedom to go where they please. And the player who inspired the rule found it amusing that it could become a part of his legacy. ``I’m just glad I can be part of something,” Anthony said last month. “When I’m dead and gone, the Melo Rule will still be here. I’m just excited that they named a rule after me.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carmelo Anthony’s reaction reveals much about modern stars.
Instead of wanting to create a legacy on-court through winning, many want to create a legacy off-court through business.
This is sad.
For instance, the Denver Nuggets gave Anthony everything. They rolled out the red carpet, supported him during his off-court indiscretions, and paid him like a tier-one superstar.
The returns were mixed. At times, Anthony, was out of shape, feuded with Coach George Karl, and was consumed with scoring.
Bottom line: the Nuggets weren’t a contender until they brought in Chauncey Billups, who provided the leadership that was expected from Anthony.
Then came last year. Perhaps inspired by LeBron James’ Decision, Anthony held the Nuggets hostage for months by refusing to sign an extension and flirting with teams in the New York area.
The rumours were too much. It was 24-7. And a major distraction for the Nuggets, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets.
After several near-deals, Anthony got his wish and was finally traded to the Knicks. The process was ugly and again showed the polarization between have and have-not markets.
It also showed that high profile players can and will hold several teams hostage for months in an effort to get their way.
Rather than calling the process an unfortunate but necessary part of business, Anthony is proud. He doesn’t realize that his actions have created a sticking point in negotiations between players and owners, which, in turn, has delayed the 2012 season.
Compare Anthony to another ‘Legend’. Larry Bird, the Hall of Fame forward, was never proud of the ‘Larry Bird Rule’ in the old Collective Bargaining Agreements. He was too busy winning.
Perhaps Anthony should learn something from Bird. Perhaps he should focus on what matters -winning.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
The second round series is currently one to one. On May 3, 2010, the Boston Celtics dominated LeBron’s Cavs on their home floor 104 -86. Kevin Garnett did the usual damage of 18 points and 10 boards. Ray Allen chipped in with 22 points, but the star was Rajon Rondo racking up 13 points and 19 assists. LeBron, The Cavs, and the fans were hopeless and dumbfounded.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The great ones put in work regardless of the circumstances.
Even though there’s a lockout, Kevin Durant and LeBron James are training with the hope that owners and players will solve their differences and have a season.
Click the video below, watch these superstars train, and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
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’.
--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
The regular has ended some time ago and it’s time to touch on the players and moments that made this season memorable. The playoffs just started and it is going to take awhile to determine the champion, but I’d like take this time to look back at stuff that impacted the season and future to come. Hold up. There will be some moments that did not impact the season. It was just funny to point out. Dwight Howard wins another Defensive Player of the Year, Scott Brooks wins Coach of the Year, and Aaron Brooks won Most Improved Player. We can safely assume that LeBron James won Most Valuable Player.
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Brought to you by the makers of Michael Jordan versus series, LeBron versus line, Kobe versus and the barely visited Dwayne Wade versus LeBron debates, we bring to you the latest and greatest in the long line of internet debates, Kevin Durant versus LeBron James. Yes, it is another one in a classic barn burner debates spark by large usage of extreme GIF images to represent reaction and smart witty remarks with people using a lot of free time to dissect statistics.
As the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls rage war in the first round of the playoffs, ABC decided to air a segment at halftime called, “The Chase down Block.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Just a hunch, but I’m guessing LeBron James doesn’t like being asked who’d win one-on-one against Kobe Bryant.
This, however, did not stop The King from taking himself when asked by a British reporter. Click the video, watch James get snaky with a foreign scribe, and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts on LeBron vs. Kobe.
LeBron vs. Kobe in one-on-one? Get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below with thoughts.
I start taking a couple of steps towards Pat. Udonis Haslem steps in and I shove him out of the way. Then Zo tries to grab me. I threw him aside like he was a rag doll.Now it's me and Riley face-to-face, jaw to jaw. I'm poking him in the chest and he keeps slapping my finger away and it's getting nasty. Noisy, too. He's yelling "F--- you!" and I'm yelling back, "No, f--- you!" Zo is trying to calm us both down and he has this kind of singsong panic in his voice. He keeps saying, "Big fella, no big fella, big fella!" I finally turn around and tell him, "Don't worry. I'm not going to hit the man. Do you think I'm crazy?"
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Shaquille O’Neal’s tell-all tour continues. No player, coach, man, or woman will be spared.
The future Hall of Fame center has a spill-the-beans book coming out, so he and his people have leaked excerpts to create a buzz.
Like O’Neal’s World Wars with Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. Like O`Neal`s take on LeBron James ignoring Coach Mike Brown in Cleveland. Like O`Neal`s lack of a relationship with iconic center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The latest: O’Neal nearly fought Pat Riley, also known as the oil slick, during practice with Miami. Of course, O’Neal says he was heroically sticking up for teammate Jason Williams.
This may or may not be true. There’s no disputing O’Neal has had problems with coaches.
There was the fallout with Riley. There were problems with Phil Jackson, another all-time great on the sideline. And he undermined Terry Porter in Phoenix.
So before blaming others, O’Neal should perhaps look inward first. This, however, is unlikely.
--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Hoops Vibe’s Very Quick Call: This is what we are missing. LeBron. Kevin Durant. Rudy Gay.
The best athletes in the world are not able to perform in the proper forum because they and their bosses can’t agree on splitting billions of dollars in revenue.
Anyway, watch King James drop 43 at Gay’s charity game and get at us with thoughts in the comments box below.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
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?
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: ‘Basketball Never Stops’ -even if there’s a lockout.
The good folks at Nike have filmed an awesome ad campaign called 'Basketball Never Stops'. In this clip, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and others discuss what this suddenly famous saying means to them.
Click the video below, watch it, and tell HoopsVibe News what Basketball Never Stops means to you.