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NBA – LeBron Returns To Cleveland

03 Dec

LeBron James’  highly-anticipated return to Cleveland finally took place last night, and his Miami Heat defeated the Cavaliers soundly. Big deal. When watching James play, I’ll admit he is a terrific talent. I’m also convinced that he will never play on a championship team, no matter where he goes or how many other superstars he teams up with. The problem is that wherever he goes the team’s style of play has to revolve around him. I don’t think it’s an accident that both Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have been a bit disappointing so far this year while James has thrived. Wade and Bosh are slowly becoming what James’ former teammates in Cleveland became – spectators. James is basketball’s equivalent of football’s O.J. Simpson and Dan Marino – their teams never won because the style of play of those teams had nothing to do with winning. It had to do with piling up gaudy statistics for those players and hoping that would add up to winning. In the end it didn’t. In James’ own sport, Pistol Pete Maravich is a good example of the same type of thing. He was an electric shooter and a great showman, and the type of player you’d pay to see play. But there was no way any team he played on was ever going to win a championship. In baseball, the greatest player who never won a World Series is probably Ted Williams, but I don’t put him in this category. Baseball players can’t really hog the ball. They all get their turns at bat, and can only field and throw the ball when it’s hit to them.  While watching James, the impression I get is that he doesn’t take his profession very seriously, and in no way, shape or form has the work ethic or drive of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Julius Erving or Larry Bird. If James gloats or struts around after thrashing the Cavs, I really don’t want to hear it. Talk to me when you stop getting routed by the Celtics, or when you beat the Lakers. After all, these guys promised “multiple championships”. The only thing “multiple” they’ve produced so far is multiple beatdowns at the hands of the Celtics.

 
1 Comment

Posted in Basketball

 
  1. Emmett Niccoli

    December 3, 2010 at 5:46 pm

    Hi, great write-up. So I’m sure you watched the Heat-Cavs game… unfortunately, he is still the king. I hope that it wasn’t the beginning of the end for Cleveland. If the Cavs won’t rise up for this, whats going to liven them up? I’m just pleased the fans were good. Anyway, slick blog… I’m subscribed to your feed now so I’ll be checking in regularly!