Out Of The Discussion

By going to the Miami Heat LeBron James is 100% out of the greatest player ever discussion. Personally I feel that he was never in it but some basketball fans (97% un-educated basketball fans) felt that he was. LeBron flat out ran away from Cleveland because he was scared that he couldn't create a championship team where he was. Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson all made dynasties where they were, they didn't need nor want to leave their teams for greener pastures.

Michael Jordan:

Jordan went to an embarrassingly bad franchise in the Chicago Bulls and after several years of playoff failures he won 2 3peats which were separated by a short sabbatical in minor league baseball with the Burmingham Barons. Jordan had Scottie Pippen in each one of those championship seasons but he didn't run off somewhere to get him. Michael Jordan is the greatest of all time simply because once he started his championship run there was absolutely nothing you could do to stop him.

Larry Bird:

With the Bill Russell era long behind them the Celtics were in a horrible drought before Bird came along and pretty much singlehandedly resurrected the franchise. Yes, he did have Kevin McHale and Robert Parish but I contest that it was Bird who made them who they were.

Magic Johnson:

Magic got lucky and went to an already thriving franchise but Magic's competitive nature would never allow him to give up on his own team. As the Lakers floor general, Magic orchestrated the offense beautifully leading his Lakers to 5 world championships in his career.

The point is that all three of these guys have a competitive fire in them that would make it completely impossible to do what LeBron did. The second free agency opened a mysterious package was left on LeBron's door. Inside were the original Air Jordan sneakers and a short and simple question. The inside cover of the shoebox read, " You're a king but can you live up to a legend? Can you take on the greatest challenge in sports; look history in the eyes every night. And refuse to blink? The fans of Chicago have a question for you. Do you dare to fill these shoes?"

Lebron's decision to go to Miami proves that he can't. If he could he would. If Jordan, Magic, or Bird were given a similar challenge I think they would have been salivating at the opportunity. LeBron ran.

Beyond all of the legacy reasons for why LeBron is no longer a candidate for that discussion there are also statistical reasons. Presumably LeBron's PPG are going to go way down in Miami because he can no longer jack up as many shots as he wants. Now he has Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh who also expect to get their shots. Without the legacy and without ridiculous numbers LeBron simply has no chance. Even if he wins 5-7 championships with the Heat (which he won't). It still wouldn't put him in the conversation because he basically had to sell out to get them. Jordan, Magic, and Bird all had good pieces around them but they had to carry their teams. By relieving himself of that duty and honor LeBron relieves himself of any Jordan comparison he ever could have had.

Let's Put This To Rest Right Now

Kobe is not........no wait.......Kobe is.............I don't know how to say this. Well, there's no way in hell Kobe's better than Jordan.

After securing his fifth championship Thursday night against the Celtics Kobe Bryant pulled within one championship of the immortal Michael Jordan. Needless to say, the conversations on who's better have been firing since the final buzzer sounded. Let me just clear this up.

Michael Jordan is so much better than Kobe Bryant that it's almost comical. Jordan has the upper hand in championships, in classic moments, in scoring, and really any other category you could think of.

1. Jordan has 10 scoring titles, Kobe has 2

2. Jordan has never lost in the Finals, Kobe's lost twice

3. Jordan has 5 MVP awards, Kobe has 2

4. Jordan won a 3peat, RETIRED then came back and won another 3peat. I'm sorry but that's just unfair. Good luck to Kobe trying to do something that could beat that.

5. Jordan has a Defensive Player of the Year Award, Kobe doesn't.

6. Jordan retired for 3 full years, came back on the Wizards at age 40, and was still a scoring force in the league.

7. Kobe got to play with Shaq and still doesn't have as many titles as Jordan.

8. Jordan has 6 Finals MVP trophies, Kobe has 2 (because Shaq facilitated the first three championships Kobe got on his resume)

9. Kobe has been in the league for 13 seasons (as many years as Jordan was in Chicago) and his achievements are nowhere near Jordan's. So unless, in the next two seasons, Kobe manages to win 8 scoring titles, 3 MVPs, a defensive player of the year award, two more championships, win three straight titles....retire....come back and win three more then he is not on Jordan's level.

Kobe is a fantastic player, the best of his time. But in no way, shape, or form does he even approach Jordan's plateau. Sometimes he does things that are Jordanesque but that's considered a big occurrence for him. It's described as Jordanesque because Jordan did it all the time.

In game 6 of the Western Conference finals Kobe went berserk in the final quarter scoring in jaw dropping fashion pouring in 30 points to put away the Phoenix Suns on the road. That was the best playoff game of Kobe's career. In the 1993 NBA finals Jordan averaged 41 a game. Coincidentally that was also against the Suns. And he also beat them in 6 games. The point is that whatever Kobe does, Jordan did it better.

The highest scoring average Kobe's ever had is 35.4 PPG, a pretty amazing number. Jordan's highest average was 37.1, almost two whole points above Kobe. Kobe's best record in a season is 65-17, Jordan's is an NBA record 72-10. In fact, Jordan won over 65 games three times in his career.

Jordan was a better scorer but scoring isn't everything. Let's look at assist numbers. Jordan's career assist average is 5.3 APG, with his highest mark in a season at 8 APG. Kobe's career assist average is 4.7 APG and his best season was 6 APG back in the 04-05 season.

Jordan was a better scorer and was more unselfish but points and assists aren't everything. Let's look at rebounding numbers. Jordan's career rebounding average is 6.2 RPG and his best single season rebounding average was 8 RPG. Kobe's career rebounding average is 5.3 RPG with his best season at 6.9 RPG.

But points, assists, and rebounds aren't everything. Let's look at steals. Jordan's career steals per game (SPG) average is 2.3, Kobe's is 1.5. Jordan's best single season SPG average was 3.2 in the 87-88 season. Kobe's was 2.2 in the o2-03 campaign.

Let's be fair to Kobe. Points per game, assists per game, rebounds per game, and steals per game aren't everything. Let's look at their efficiency. Jordan's career shooting percentage is .497 to Kobe's .455. And best single season? Kobe can't even come close. Jordan's best single season shooting percentage was a whopping .539 in his first championship season back in 90-91. Kobe's was .469 in 01-02.

Well numbers aren't everything. It doesn't matter that Jordan has higher numbers in points per game, assists per game, rebounds per game, steals per game, and shooting percentage. What really needs to be examined are classic moments.

Jordan has his 63 point masterpiece against the Celtics, his two dunk contest duels, the shot over Craig Ehlo to knock the Cavaliers out of the playoffs, his switching from right to left in mid air against the Lakers in the 91 finals, his shrug after hitting his 6th three in the first half of game one in the 92 finals, and the pose after hitting the game clincher of game 6 of the 1998 finals in Utah.

Kobe has his game 6 scoring barrage against the Suns in the 2010 playoffs, his 81 point dismantling of the Toronto Raptors, you're going to be hard pressed to come up with many more after that.

Hopefully you get the point. Jordan is ahead of Kobe in every statistical category, in every award count, and in classic moments. Kobe has had a 13 year career which is as long as Jordan was in Chicago. Kobe's had the time to compile the accolades. They don't add up or really even scratch the surface of Jordan's. If this article doesn't solidify Jordan's dominion over Kobe then I don't know what will.

Anything Is Possible

Celtics' superstar PF Kevin Garnett appears to be healthy heading into the 2009-10 NBA season. The rest of the league is currently in a group voodoo session, from where I'm sitting that's just about all they can do at this point.

It is no secret to any NBA fan that KG has the most intensity of anyone in the league, maybe ever. If any of you saw him on the Celtics' bench in the playoffs, you will have seen that he was a ticking time bomb. And now that time bomb is about to explode. Expect KG to come into this season hungrier and with more emotion than ever. After injuring his knee, KG has probably come to the realization that his career is not going to go on forever, and he's going to take advantage of the time he has left.

Have you ever seen KG at the end of a play when someone on the other team takes a shot heading into a timeout or a dead ball? Well KG jumps up and either catches it or blocks it from going in EVERY time. This is just an example of the grit that Garnett brings to the floor every night. Nobody I've ever seen gets up for each and every game like Garnett does. The heart with which KG plays is a model that every young basketball player should try to imitate.

After missing so much time and feeling the pain which the sidelines brings, expect KG to be hitting his head even harder off the basket support before games. And expect him to be once again hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy in June at the expense of the Lakers.

It Must Have Been the Booze Talking

Much to the surprise of Carlos Boozer, he is still a member of the Utah Jazz heading into training camp.

"Management brought me back so I'm here in town, I'm ready and looking forward to playing."

I would be too, the Jazz have a solid team in place and have the potential to make a postseason run. Also, if Boozer plays well this year and stays healthy his stock will go up like a launching space shuttle. There are many teams in the NBA who would love to have a guy like Boozer, they include Chicago, Miami, Detroit, New York, New Jersey, Denver, Indiana, Charlotte, Sacramento, and the Lakers. With so many possibilities Boozer is bound to get big money from one of them.

Boozer really should have chosen his words more carefully over the summer, now he is probably going to be hearing some unhappy fans in Utah on opening night. By calling Miami his, "Paradise," he is pretty much saying, "Send me to the Heat". That's not going to go over well with the fans in Salt Lake City.

Even with all the distractions Boozer will still have a good season if he can stay healthy. He has great scoring and rebounding abilities and he will re-establish himself as a force in the low post this season.

Top 5 Fantasy Shooting Guards

The fantasy basketball season is right around the corner and there are a few hazards to be weary of. For instance, make sure you're aware of any roster changes a team has made in the offseason. Sometimes a big trade or signing can drastically affect a player's statistical production. I will give you my top 5 shooting guards to take in this year's fantasy games. When reading this post keep in mind that the fantasy game that I'm guiding you through is the Sportingnews Ultimate Salary Cap Challenge. In this particular fantasy game you are given a 35 million dollar salary cap. You need 2 guards, 2 forwards, a center, and a sixth man.

1. Dwyane Wade (MIA)

Estimated cost: 12.2 million $

D-Wade is a living legend, the plays he makes and the shots he hits are reminiscent of a young Michael Jordan. Last season Wade lead the NBA in scoring with 30.2 PPG. Add in his 7.5 APG and Wade will be easily worth the large portion of your payroll his services will require. Wade's one potential problem is his durability, Wade has had major injuries to both his left knee and his right shoulder. The all out hustle style in which Wade plays makes him more prone to injury, and thus is more likely to miss games. Still, if you have cheap PFs in mind, take the chance on Wade.

2. Kobe Bryant (LAL)

Estimated cost: 11.7 million $

Yes, Kobe is a better player than Wade. However, not only does Wade have better numbers, but the addition of Ron Artest to the Lakers will hinder Kobe's PPG. Kobe's 26.8 PPG average will drop one or two points, this is strictly because Kobe will have to be less selfish this year. If he isn't, don't be surprised to see turmoil in the Lakers locker room. Artest is just as egotistical as Bryant, we saw how well it worked out the last time Kobe had a big ego alongside him. Kobe is very consistent, if you find yourself in the lead of your league make the necessary moves to obtain him. He'll put up 25-27 every night, unlike Wade who will have 17 one night, 43 the next night, and 23 the night after that. Wade might put you in the lead but Kobe will definitely keep you there.

3. Brandon Roy (POR)

Estimated cost: 9.9 million $

There is a significant drop off in SGs after Kobe and Wade. Roy is one of those guys who plays better than his numbers show, unfortunately the world of fantasy basketball doesn't care. With numbers like 22.6 PPG and 5.1 APG Roy would be a good choice on a balanced team. What I mean is, if you're not going to pick a high priced superstar; and balance your team will all players in the 6-9 million dollar range, Roy is not a bad choice. With the addition of veteran PG Andre Miller, Roy's numbers will slightly rise. However, not enough to raise any eyebrows. Don't get me wrong, Roy is a sensational young SG, it's just that fantasy basketball does not suite him well.

4. Andre Iguodala (PHI)

Estimated cost: 7.8 million $

There are better SGs in the league than Iguodala, but you will most likely get a good deal on him. A good enough deal that you can get him, along with a marquis PG, SF, or PF. Iggy's numbers (18.8 PPG, 5.3 APG) did not stand out last season but I have a strong hunch that he's due for an offensive explosion. Iguodala is somewhat frustrating because he shows flashes of being a great scorer but has an enormous demon with consistency. This is the year that he'll finally get it right. Also, having lost PG Andre Miller to free agency, Iggy will be taking more shots. This is great news for a fantasy basketball player. You want guys that are going to have the potential to put up 40+ on any given night and Iggy is definitely one of them.

5. Ben Gordon (DET)

Estimated cost: 6.5 million $

It is with great reluctancy that I put Gordon on this list, I am all to familiar with his inconsistency. Gordon is a player who you're going to have to monitor on a nightly basis. Don't keep him on your team for more than 2 games at a time. While Gordon is more than capable of going off for 50, he could just as easily shoot 3 for 24 and have 8 points. People got a false glimpse of Gordon during the nationally televised Bulls vs. Celtics' first round mêlée. I can confidently say with great emphasis that Ben Gordon has never had a stretch of seven games where he played anywhere close to how he did against the Celtics. His numbers of 20.7 PPG, 3.4 APG will for the most part stay where they are. In a time of desperation take Gordon and pray that he has a big night. Other than that, leave him in the free agent pool.

Lamar Odom Re-Signs with Lakers

After about a month of rumors about the Miami Heat Lamar Odom has re-signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The deal is a 4 year\40 Million Dollar deal, 27 of which is guaranteed. Lamar staying with the Lakers is pivatol for the Lake show to repeat as NBA Champions. Maybe the Miami Heat should have thrown in a bucket of gummy worms to help persuade Odom.

Biggest Rivalries Heading into the 2009-2010 Season

Here are the biggest rivalries with bad blood between them heading into next season.

 

1. Bulls vs. Celtics

After the classic seven game series in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs the Bulls and Celtics are undoubtedly the two teams with the most bad blood between them. Rajon Rondo will be booed for the rest of his career in the United Center and likewise for Kirk Hinrich in the TD Banknorth Garden. By game 5 during their epic series a flagrant foul had become a normality, that's when you know that these two teams are hot for each other. There are emotional players on each side, KG for the Celtics and Joakim Noah for the Bulls. And don't think that Brad Miller has forgotten about Rondo's bitch slap in game 5. Don't be surprised to see Rajon hitting the floor hard at the hands of Brad Miller.

 

2. Celtics vs. Lakers

The Celtics and Lakers have been bitter rivals going all the way back to the Russell\Chamberlain era. The players have changed but the rivalry has remained the same. It is my personal opinion along with many others that if the Celtics didn't lose KG to injury they would have repeated as NBA champions. Going into the season the Celtics are going to be eager to show that they are still the powerhouse of the Eastern Conference. And God knows they have re-loaded themselves with talent, adding Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels to go along with their already star studded lineup. Assuming that there are no injuries to major players on either teams it is my prediction that they will meet in the championship again and once again the Celtics will come out victorious. A major reason for this is because right now KG is like a land mine ready to explode, he had to watch his team get knocked out in the second round of the playoffs while he could do nothing. Expect Kevin to enter this season hungrier than ever and hitting his head even harder off the Basket support before games. 

 

3. Nuggets vs. Hornets

After the New Orleans Hornets got trounced by 58 points on their home floor I expect them to come into this season eager to show that they are a contender. Once Denver makes their first trip to New Orleans I expect a very physical and emotional game on the Hornets part. If they don't have any different attitude towards Denver then they have no soul and don't deserve to even take the floor. 

 

4. Detroit vs. Cleveland

This rivalry won't attract as much attention as the others but I still believe that there is a strong motivation in the Pistons' mind to disassemble the Cavs this season. Detroit has added the very dangerous and streaky scorer Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. For the whole decade the Pistons have been at the top of the Eastern Conference and for 8 seasons in a row they were in the Conference Finals. Detroit is going to be looking to enter into the Eastern Conference hierarchy, which consists of the Celtics, Magic, and Cavs. 

 

I love bad blood between teams, it makes for a more interesting and emotional game. And at the same time, the level of competition is unquestionably raised. I look forward to seeing these rivalries develop this season.