Why We Hate The Lebron "Decision"

Bill Simmons, an ESPN writer who answers and publishes his readers' questions, probably has the best explanation why a lot of us hate the fact that Lebron joined forces with Dwyane Wade in Miami.

As for me, I figured out why the LeBron/Wade alliance bothers everyone beyond the irrefutable "Jordan would have wanted to beat Wade, not play with him" argument. In pickup basketball, there's an unwritten rule to keep teams relatively equal to maximize the competitiveness of the games. That's the law. If two players are noticeably better than everyone else, they don't play together, nor would they want to play together. If the two guys have any pride at all -- especially if they play similar positions -- then getting the better of each other trumps any other scenario. They want that test. Joining forces and destroying everyone else would ruin the whole point of having the game. It's like a dad kicking his young son's ass in a driveway one-on-one game. What's the point? When LeBron and Wade effectively said, "Instead of trying to whup each other, let's just crush everyone else" and "If these teams end up being uneven, we're not switching up," everyone who ever played basketball had the same reaction: "I hate guys like that."

So when my wife asked in all sincerity, "What's the big deal if they play together?" I couldn't really explain it to her other than to say, "It's a basketball thing. You just don't do it." Your goal as an alpha dog is to assemble the best team you can and beat the other alpha dogs. There are five alpha dogs right now: LeBron, Wade, Kobe, Howard and Durant. If two ended up on the same team by coincidence -- like Kareem and Magic, Shaq and Kobe, or Michael and Scottie -- that's one thing. That's sports. S--- happens. But willingly deciding that it would be easier to play together than beat one another? Even two weeks later, I can't get over it. LeBron's last two Boston games were a massive disappointment to anyone who truly cares about basketball, but for me, copping out by joining forces with Wade was even worse.

I think this sums it up quite nicely. What do you think?

Competition & Rivalry: A Sign Of The Times?

Lebron James and his decision to join the Miami Heat to partner up with fellow mega superstar Dwyane Wade and current Top 10 player Chris Bosh has sparked a slew of controversy, criticism and debate. And there have been thousands upon thousands of articles trying to dissect this very topic. This article ISN'T going to talk about that. "Nope... 'cause quite honestly aren't we all tired of it?" But what I do want to talk about is a sub-topic that this LBJ-Decision media circus has created. And that is..."Is competition and rivalry in the NBA dead?"


If Michael and Magic played together on the same team instead of against each other in the spirit of competition and rivalry, would people even tune in to watch the NBA Finals every year? (Off the subject but who remembers Magic's signature shoes from Converse? I think they were called the Converse Magic but it's been a while and I'm not exactly sure)

I recently read an article that quoted Michael Jordan saying that if put in a similar position as James he wouldn't have made the same decision.

"There's no way, with hindsight, I would've ever called up Larry [Bird], called up Magic [Johnson] and said, 'Hey, look, let's get together and play on one team,' " Jordan said after playing in a celebrity golf tournament in Nevada. "But that's ... things are different. I can't say that's a bad thing. It's an opportunity these kids have today. In all honesty, I was trying to beat those guys."

Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley have also been quoted on separate occasions, agreeing with Jordan's opinion. So what's wrong with that? Nothing. Just like there's nothing wrong with Lebron James joining the Heat. The opportunity was there, so he took it. Period. End of story. Let's move on.

What irritates me is all this garbage from LBJ supporters in the media who are trying to downplay the MJ, Magic and Barkley criticism by saying that these Hall of Famers lived in a different time when the sport was played under the rule of competition and rivalries.

Huh?

So what did we just see this past June in the NBA Finals? I'd say the "competition" and "rivalry" displayed by the Lakers and Celtics in the Finals matched what MJ, Magic, Bird, Barkley even Jerry West and Bill Russell had back in "their time", wouldn't you agree? And since when did the sport of basketball stop being competitive?


"To be the best, you have to beat the best." If there was no competition to push their limits, would MJ and Larry have been as great as they were?

The word "sports", "competition" and "rivalry" almost always go hand in hand. If you still doubt that statement, let's consult with Merriam-Webster shall we?

Sports - physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively

Competition - the act or process of competing : rivalry: as the effort of two or more parties acting independently to secure the business of a third party by offering the most favorable terms 2 : a contest between rivals; also : one's competitors

Rival - one of two or more striving to reach or obtain something that only one can possess b : one striving for competitive advantage

So saying that MJ and Magic played in a different time where competition and rivalry was the rule just to help relieve a bit of the sting from their criticism of Lebron's decision to join the Miami Heat is a bit of a stretch. So let's put this topic and the rest of the LBJ-Decision topics to bed and let's just wait and see what happens this upcoming NBA season. Because to me, the game of basketball is always going to be about competiton, rivalry and wanting to be the very best. And if that ever changes, then I guarantee that basketball will have one less fan.


How exciting would it have been to watch these two great competitors battle it out for NBA supremacy in their primes? MJ is probably just imparting words of wisdom to a very young but very competitive Kobe Bryant..."Listen here young buck, there may be no 'I' in team but you need an 'I' to WIN!" (I just made that up...he really didn't say that...or did he?)

SHOE REVIEW: Nike Hyperdunk 2010

The much anticipated Nike Hyperdunk 2010 is here! And the question on everyone's mind probably is...was it worth the wait? Given the success of the first Nike Hyperdunk released in 2008, one can't help but wonder what else could Nike do to improve on this already great shoe. Read on to find out...

STYLE

Fans of the first Hyperdunk would probably notice that the ankle area and external counter heel of the 2010 remain relatively unchanged from the 2008 model which isn't really a bad thing since it was a good and functional design to begin with. The use of Flywire continues to be a very prominent design feature however the material used for the upper has changed from the traditional leather to the synthetic "skin" material also found on the Zoom Kobe V. This gives the shoe a variety of finishes and textures (metallic to matte to "croc skin") which adds a bit of "bling". In fact, at first glance, the Hyperdunk 2010 looks like a plainer, high cut version of the Zoom Kobe V. This would definitely score on-the-court style points and is sure to turn a few heads as you run, jump and slash your way on the hardwood. (I couldn't help but stare for a second when I first saw these being worn by a couple of high school basketball players we were scrimmaging against) But the Hyperdunk 2010 isn't as versatile stylistically as the ZKV since I don't believe the shoe could hold itself up as a lifestyle shoe. The height of the cut gives the Hyperdunk 2010 an awkwardness when worn with casual shorts and the lack of texture and materials in the mid and lower part of the shoe isn't enough to stand out when worn with a pair of jeans. All in all, the Hyperdunk is an attractive shoe but needs to be in its element (the basketball court) to truly stand out.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5


The external counter heel and outrigger on the outsole (purple and yellow parts) are just a couple of components that make the Hyperdunk 2010 a superb court performer.

PERFORMANCE

As I had mentioned in the beginning of this review, one may wonder what else Nike could do to this shoe to improve it from its predecessor and the answer can be found by simply wearing it. Not only does the Hyperdunk 2010 share aesthetic design similarities with the Zoom Kobe V but these similarities also transcend to the performance of the shoe. First, the shoe is extremely lightweight which will help reduce player fatigue and at 11.5 ounces it is 2 ounces lighter than the 2008 model. Secondly, unlike other lightweight shoes out in the market, the Hyperdunk 2010 is extremely stable thanks mainly to the external counter heel, 2nd generation Flywire complimented by the synthetic skin and mesh bootie in the upper as well as the herringbone pattern, midfoot shank and outrigger incorporated in the outsole of the shoe. The upper hugs your foot while the outsole provides a stable platform every time you take a step. The fact that the shoe is also a high cut design adds to its stability. Lastly, the zoom air cushioning of the Hyperdunk 2010 is softer than the 2008 model which helps reduce shock to the knees and back. The improved cushioning still allows the player to "feel" the court which is necessary when playing at a competitive level.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5


The herringbone pattern and midfoot shank in the outsole provides the shoe with exceptional traction and stability.

OVERALL

The Nike Hyperdunk 2010 is definitely an improvement from the 2008 model. It is truly a superb on the court performer that can compliment a variety of playing styles. The shoe is lightweight and provides responsive "court feel" for players with an uptempo, "stop-on-a-dime" kind of game but the stability and cushioning of the shoe will benefit players with a back to the basket and "pound-it-inside" game. It may not be the best shoe to wear for a night out on the town (the 2008 model wasn't much of a lifestyle shoe either) but if you are simply looking for one of the best basketball shoes for the purpose of helping improve your "game" on the court then look no further than the Hyperdunk 2010.
Rating: 4 out of 5

Photos courtesy of www.footlockerunlocked.com

The Aftermath: Lebron Joins D-Wade and Bosh in Miami

Now that the dust has settled from the "Free Agency Bomb" Lebron James set off when he decided not to re-sign with Cleveland and "take his talents to South Beach" to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form the new "Big Three", let's take a look at how I think each free agent on my top 5 list will fare this upcoming NBA season. Let's start with...

1. Dirk Nowitzki - As predicted, he re-signs with Dallas, who in all reality was the only team interested in the Big German. Dirk will continue to put up solid numbers and will keep his team competitive well into the playoffs. Given how the Mavericks have fared in the playoffs in the last four years, he will always have to carry the burden of being labeled a "big stage choker" until he can once again lead "his" team into the finals (they don't necessarily have to win it). They re-signed center Brendan Haywood and acquired Tyson Chandler via trade which should make their frontcourt quite formidable (but nothing close to special) as they try to uproot the Los Angeles Lakers from their Western Conference throne. The real key to the Mavs success is whether Jason Kidd can still play at an elite level and raise the game of Caron Butler who needs to pick up the scoring slack left vacant by Josh Howard.

Prediction: The Mavs will have another solid season with a possible return to the Western Conference finals were they will meet their demise at the hands of the defending champs.

2. Amar'e Stoudemire - It was a sure bet that he would leave the Suns while joining the Knicks was a good calculated guess on my end since NY was the only team, with D'Antoni's offensive system, best suited for Amar'e's game which is all offense, all the time. How will his reconstructed knees and surgically repaired eye hold up during the 5 years of his contract with the Knicks only time will tell. With the addition of Raymond Felton to the line-up, who's no Steve Nash, the Knicks should at least be more entertaining to watch than last year's squad. Will they be competitive in the re-vamped East...well at least they'll be entertaining to watch.

Prediction: The Knicks will miss the playoffs by the slimmest of margins and will probably be one of the top 3 scoring teams in the league and probably the worst defensively. Losing the Lebron sweepstakes really hurt them and is still one top free agent away from being a contender. Will Knicks management be patient enough to wait for the right piece to come along or will they prematurely pull the trigger on a bad acquisition due to pressure from the fading Knicks' fanbase?

3, 4 & 5 - Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade & Lebron James - Chris was a shoe-in to join D-Wade, who also made it clear he was staying, with the Heat. The biggest surprise came when LBJ announced on national television that he was going to leave Cleveland and join the Miami Heat to form what can be labeled as a "Super Team". I was almost sure he would either re-sign with Cleveland, who owned the best record in the NBA last season, or sign with Chicago with their young line-up of stars (along with the addition of former running mate Carlos Boozer) ready to make the primetime with James as their centerpiece. Instead James opted to go to a team that gave him the best opportunity to win a championship.

The Heat arguably have 3 of the top 7 players in the league and will make a strong case to be favored to "win it all" this upcoming NBA season. The eminent signing of sharpshooter Mike Miller further strengthen's this arguement. But signing such big names has left the team with little money to fill significant holes in their roster. Sure, they may have the most talented starting line-up with Mario Chalmers (PG), Wade (SG), Lebron (SF) Bosh (PF) and Haslem (a very undersized C) but what about their bench? Jermaine O'Neal has left to join the other old men in Boston for one final championship run and Derek Fisher who would have been a nice veteran pick up at PG decided to stay with the Lakers. We'll just have to wait and see what Pat Riley has up his sleeve in the coming weeks.

Prediction: Just like the Lebron "Decision", the success of the Heat in the 2010/11 season is hard to predict. It will all fall on how well the pieces (once they have them) fit together to form a "team". But if I had to make a prediction (and I will) the Miami Heat, solely riding on the talents of its Big Three, will jump out and secure the best record in the league 25 games into the season. They'll hit a few bumps and show some signs of weakness before the All-Star break but will regain their stride after a shocking 3 or 4 game losing streak. But the long season will start to wear on the Heat's superstars and teams are adjusting to the Heat's lack of offensive flexibility given that LBJ and D-Wade share similar offensive styles which demand too much of the ball in either of their hands thus limiting the effectiveness of Bosh, exposing the fact that Chris was only an effective scorer when he's the focal point of the team's offense. Defenses play more zone and will dare the Heat to shoot from the outside which will put too much pressure on Miller to perform. At the end of the regular season, the Heat will still have the best record in the league but will have some lingering doubts about their overall effectiveness as a team heading into the playoffs. This will be put to the test against a strong Chicago squad which will push them to the limit before advancing in 7 seven games to the Eastern Conference semifinals. There, the veteran savvy and balanced attack of the Boston Celtics will prove to be a far greater challenge than expected and super teammates (Wade and James) will take turns inefficiently scoring thus isolating the rest of their teammates causing a team meltdown which ends their playoff run.

Of course all of this is speculation and just for the mere fun of trying to predict the fortunes of each of these players and their teams. I do this simply as a fan who is passionate about the sport of basketball. So let's all pull up a seat and enjoy watching all the thrills and drama unfold in this upcoming NBA season...it looks like it'll be a wild one for sure!