The 2013-14 NBA season

DewieCox

I think if you're talking sheer basketball ability there are several players better than Lebron, but when you figure in his freak athleticism it's tough for me to say that anybody outside of Jordan can top James. I think the guy's a douche and will enjoy rooting against him for the next decade, during which hopefully Durant can overtake him as the best player in the league.

Ledbetterman10

pjhawks wrote:

Ledbetterman10 wrote:

[
Alright fine but what everything else I wrote? Actually don't bother with it. We'll just agree to disagree.

the only other thing you referred to was Kobe in 2010 game 7. yes he shot poorly but he was the leading scorer and leading rebounder in the game for either team and ended up with 23 points and 15 rebounds.

no problem agreeing to disagree I just wanted to know why you thought Lebron was clearly better than Kobe and Bird. it's all good.

But if Lebron had that same game 7 as Kobe did a few years ago, I think you'd be on his case for it. Not just you, many people would. I wouldn't. I'd say (as I said for Kobe at the time), "Well he got them there. You can't fault him for having teammates that could pick him up when he's playing like shit."

But...to each their own.

mydogmookieblaylock

Lebron ain't got no worries

pjhawks

Ledbetterman10 wrote:

pjhawks wrote:

Ledbetterman10 wrote:

[
Alright fine but what everything else I wrote? Actually don't bother with it. We'll just agree to disagree.

the only other thing you referred to was Kobe in 2010 game 7. yes he shot poorly but he was the leading scorer and leading rebounder in the game for either team and ended up with 23 points and 15 rebounds.

no problem agreeing to disagree I just wanted to know why you thought Lebron was clearly better than Kobe and Bird. it's all good.

But if Lebron had that same game 7 as Kobe did a few years ago, I think you'd be on his case for it. Not just you, many people would. I wouldn't. I'd say (as I said for Kobe at the time), "Well he got them there. You can't fault him for having teammates that could pick him up when he's playing like shit."

But...to each their own.

I think the reason people get on Lebron in these situations (besides the decision fiasco) is because so many are already trying to proclaim him the greatest ever (and even better than guys like Bird ) already, long before his career has played out. so when one side makes claims the other side has to respond (like I did). Lebron may end up being better than Jordan (although right now I don't see that happening) but I don't get proclaiming it just yet because as of yet I don't find it to be true.

norm

better than bird

Ledbetterman10

norm wrote:

better than bird

Dude, it's not THAT far-fetched. Take away your fuzzy feelings for Bird (and hey, I have them too) and ignore the fact that for your entire life you've felt that Larry Bird is a basketball god (which he is), and just compare one player to the other. Is Bird at his best better than Lebron at his best? Yeah I guess so. But Bird played at his super high level for like 8 years before injuries wore him down. Lebron's played a his super high level from the moment he entered the league. And I know Bird had way more success in his first 8 years than Lebron did, but Cleveland didn't exactly have McHale, Parish, and Dennis Johnson. If Lebron retired today, I guess Bird would have had the better career. But in 5 years, it won't even be close. He'll be up at the Kareem/MJ level by then. All I'm saying is you can agree or disagree but it's not a statement that warrants eight laughing smiley faces. Maybe one laughing smiley face. But not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, not seven....

pjhawks wrote:

I think the reason people get on Lebron in these situations (besides the decision fiasco) is because so many are already trying to proclaim him the greatest ever (and even better than guys like Bird ) already, long before his career has played out. so when one side makes claims the other side has to respond (like I did). Lebron may end up being better than Jordan (although right now I don't see that happening) but I don't get proclaiming it just yet because as of yet I don't find it to be true.

Yeah I totally get this because I very much disliked Lebron for the same reasons. Televising his high school games? Get this shit of ESPN. The Chosen One? King James? Wearing #23? Who does this guy think he is? I was a hater. Straight-up. Not just of the coverage of him but of his game....calling him overrated and stuff like that. This game against the Pistons in 2007 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1Px-jPm_TU) changed my thought on the whole overrated thing. I realized that this guy was this good. Still, I didn't like him....until....

I think I stand as the only person that BECAME a Lebron fan after The Decision. Not because I thought it was cool. It was pretentious and self-serving and whatever else ya wanna call it. But then...the whole world turned on him. And for what? Changing basketball teams? And look, I get cheering against athletes ya don't like. But so many people seemed to take on full-hatred of this guy. Because he changed teams? Fuck that. It was a microcosm of the world we live in today. People WANT to hate people. And I'm not talking about guys like you that just disagree on a basketball argument about him. I'm talking about the people who actively, obsessively hate the guy. And strangely, there's a lot of them. So I began taking a bit of pleasure in watching him make those people upset with his good basketball playing. lol...reread that, there are actually people that get truly upset over some guy's basketball playing. Crazy.

i haven't had a favorite NBA team since the 2003 Blazers (where Pippen went, I went). So now I like the Heat. That doesn't' necessarily mean I cheer for them. I was pulling for the Spurs last night and I cheered for Dirk and co. in 2010. But win or lose, I like them. Whether they're being full-of-themselves assholes or gracious champions, I like them. I like Spo. I like Birdman. I like their bandwagon fans. I guess I just like watching the Miami Heat. And it's because of Lebron.

And as for Jordan, I can't even compare them. I was an obsessed teenage basketball fan during his run and can't even put it into proper perspective. Lebron can cure AIDs and I don't think I'd find it as impressive as beating the Jazz while fighting the flu. The only fair Lebron vs. MJ comparisons will be done by future generations that didn't see either play and have no emotional attachment (or hatred, in Lebron's case) for either guy. Those people can watch the films and decide for themselves. Me? When I was 10 years old, I actually called up AM radio stations looking for Birmingham Barons games to listen to. So you know where my allegiance lies.

dcfaithful

Just to chime in, all I really want to say on it is that comparing is kind of pointless.

LeBron is LeBron, and at the end of his career he will have his own accomplishments to stand next to.

Let's take a look:

2 Olympic Gold Medals
2× NBA champion (2012–2013)
2× NBA Finals MVP (2012–2013)
4× NBA Most Valuable Player (2009–2010, 2012–2013)
9× NBA All-Star (2005–2013)
2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2006, 2008)
NBA Rookie of the Year (2004)
NBA scoring champion (2008)
7× All-NBA First Team (2006, 2008–2013)
2× All-NBA Second Team (2005, 2007)
5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009–2013)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2012)
Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2012)
Cleveland Cavaliers all-time leading scorer
Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2003)
3× Ohio Mr. Basketball (2001–2003)
2× Consensus National H.S. Player of the Year (2002–2003)

Of course, the comparisons will never end. Each great player is great because they've built their own legacy. LeBron is doing that as we speak. He deserves to be recognized solely by himself. The Jordan comparisons are just the everlasting crutch for non-LeBron fans to use. It's a waste of breath.

Looking at Bird, Kareem, Jordan, Duncan, and their list of accomplishments, they're all just as impressive and pride-worthy. But they are impressive because they're unique to that player.

cutz

Either way if would've been a dog and pony show?

But, it did raise a lot of money for a good cause:

http://www.sbnation.com/2010/7/8/155987 ... t-ad-sales

SatansFuton

cutz wrote:

Either way if would've been a dog and pony show?

But, it did raise a lot of money for a good cause:

http://www.sbnation.com/2010/7/8/155987 ... t-ad-sales

That is actually the first I've heard of that part.

cutz

pjhawks »end of the game, one shot for an NBA Championship i'm taking Jordan, Bird and Kobe all before LeBron. in my eyes of those 4 Lebron has the best chance of bricking that winning shot.

What about Big Shot Bob?(Robert Horry)>

I'llridethewave

Ledbetterman10 wrote:

the Decision....But then...the whole world turned on him. And for what? Changing basketball teams? And look, I get cheering against athletes ya don't like. But so many people seemed to take on full-hatred of this guy. Because he changed teams? Fuck that. It was a microcosm of the world we live in today. People WANT to hate people. And I'm not talking about guys like you that just disagree on a basketball argument about him. I'm talking about the people who actively, obsessively hate the guy. And strangely, there's a lot of them.

Yes.

Indifference71

So how pathetic do the Lakers look begging Dwight Howard to re-sign?? I really don't get why teams are going nuts over Howard. Yes, he's a great talent and one of the best big men in the league. But he has proven to be a coach killer and has never won anything.

Jason P

Indifference71 wrote:

So how pathetic do the Lakers look begging Dwight Howard to re-sign?? I really don't get why teams are going nuts over Howard. Yes, he's a great talent and one of the best big men in the league. But he has proven to be a coach killer and has never won anything.

His ego poisons locker rooms. I don't think his production can offset that, plus he eats up a lot of cap space.

No Coder

Jason P wrote:

Indifference71 wrote:

So how pathetic do the Lakers look begging Dwight Howard to re-sign?? I really don't get why teams are going nuts over Howard. Yes, he's a great talent and one of the best big men in the league. But he has proven to be a coach killer and has never won anything.

His ego poisons locker rooms. I don't think his production can offset that, plus he eats up a lot of cap space.

Physically, there is no argument - Howard is a Beast.
Mentally though is another case. Could you imagine how good this guy would be if he had half the drive of MJ and Kobe. He just does not seem to care and wants to be pandered too. The guy has been in the league for years now and he still hasn't developed a reliable mid range jumper or go to shot away from the basket. I'm not even going to go near his free throws (he isn't the first big man to have major issues there).

I can't see him resigning with the Lakers- he wants to be the Star and while ever Kobe is there, he will play second fiddle. And after this season's disaster, why would they want him. If the Warriors are serious about a Sign and Trade, I think the Lakers would be nuts not to take it. Bogut has worked his way back from injury and played great ball in the playoffs. And Harrison Barnes is going to be a VERY SOLID SF for years to come. A starting 5 for the Lakers of Bogut, Pau, HBarnes, Kobe and Nash is very good. Just need to pick up a better back up at PG and they would be a lot better than this year. I know Bogut doesn't really suit the Coaches style, but he does fit better with the players on the team- he just wants to win and will play defence and set screens without caring who is getting touches. At least this way the Lakers get something out of the bad experiment last year.

Personally I think he will go the Rockets though.

CROJAM95

Brad Stevens was a sly great move by Ainge IMO! Will pay off few years down the road.

Build through Lottery first few years ** Cough NBA fixes draft lottery for Wiggins to wear Celtics Green cough cough**


Sign a few free agents.... Back in business.

I'd trade Rondo to highest bidder.. Might as well drain the swamp completely. lakers should follow suit, but their current leadership minus the late great Buss, are too stupid to realize it.

The Juggler

CROJAM95 wrote:

Brad Stevens was a sly great move by Ainge IMO! Will pay off few years down the road.

Build through Lottery first few years ** Cough NBA fixes draft lottery for Wiggins to wear Celtics Green cough cough**


Sign a few free agents.... Back in business.

I'd trade Rondo to highest bidder.. Might as well drain the swamp completely. lakers should follow suit, but their current leadership minus the late great Buss, are too stupid to realize it.

yeah i think it's a great move for them.

Newch91

:fp: :fp: :fp:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba-may-he ... --nba.html

cutz

Newch91 wrote:

:fp: :fp: :fp:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba-may-he ... --nba.html

I think Pete Maravich had "Pistol" on the back of his jersey at one time.

Did "DR. J ?

Indifference71

He expects them to retire his jersey??? This guys an even bigger idiot than I thought.... :fp:

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/98342 ... -12-jersey

No Coder

Indifference71 wrote:

He expects them to retire his jersey??? This guys an even bigger idiot than I thought.... :fp:

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/98342 ... -12-jersey

It's a real shame this guy doesn't have the maturity to reach his full potential. For his body and athleticism, he should be dominating EVERY night, but in all the years he has been in the NBA he has never worked on a reliable shot enough, nor had his head in the game every night.
If you could put Kobe/MJ/TD's brain inside this guy, he could be been the best C ever.