You Haven't Won Yet, Lebron

Ok I know you're about to sweep a battered Detroit squad that shouldn't even be in the playoffs. But come on, aren't we getting a little cocky?



Oh and, nice try, but the Heineken version was funnier.

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New York, New York, All About New York

Lebron James heads into Madison Garden today to play the New York Knicks. Before moving on, let’s get one issue straightened out: Lebron James still plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The former #1 pick is arguably the most dominant force in basketball, both on and off the court, but he is clearly lacking in the professionalism department. Lebron James was born in Akron, Ohio, played high-school basketball in Akron, Ohio, and now plays professional basketball in Cleveland, Ohio. His entire life was spent in Ohio and yet, the only time he ever dawns a piece of Ohio gear is on the court. I understand that Ohio is not the greatest place to be a professional sports fan (Browns, Cavs, Indians), but to go out to various professional venues wearing New York hats is just a slap to the face for the people of Ohio. Sure, Lebron has maintained professionalism throughout his career by being an effective role model for the league and maintaining an immaculate track record off the court, but he is displaying complete and utter disrespect for the team and city that is paying him.

Basketball is a business and James is merely a part of their short-term business models. With Lebron on the roster, the Cleveland Cavaliers receive significant sales in jerseys and other merchandise, a superstar who is capable of winning games and national television time, and ticket sales from fans that want to see their hometown team win.

Unfortunately for the Cavaliers franchise, Lebron James attends Cleveland Brown games on the opposition’s side wearing a NY hat, goes to Cleveland Indian games wearing NY hat, and hangs out with Jay-Z, part owner of the New Jersey Nets, religiously. And today, after previously wearing NY Yankee inspired shoes against the Knicks, Lebron wore his new kicks, the Nike Zoom Lebron VI "Big Apple" edition, directly inspired by his love and adoration for New York.

I am not trying to say that Lebron owes any of his success to the people of Ohio, but he definitely needs to show Ohio some respect. He can say what he wants about winning and how he loves his hometown, but if he’s continuously dissing his state on nationally televised games by wearing NY apparel, it shows where his current and future priorities lie.

Lebron, you’re a great player, but come on. This is way too much. You are a superstar and everyone expects you to have superstar friends, but the hats have got to go. Show some class and love for your hometown.

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Reminiscing: Things I Miss About Basketball

The NBC theme song
This song was amazing. The melody set the stage for basketball, it pumped you up, it pumped up the commentators, and you were just ready to watch basketball.

Chicago Bulls Introduction
NBC loved to televise Chicago Bulls game, and before every game they would make sure they televised the Chicago Bulls introduction movie and song. I don't know what it is about the little movie with the bull, but I really liked watching it. I was really glad that they played the introduction movie for the Boston Celtics on ABC this year.

Player Introductions
ABC, TNT, ESPN, whichever, they don't like televising player introductions and I don't know why. It was always great on NBC when they introduced the position, college, and number of years in the league for each player. You were allowed to watch the players get introduced, which definitely added a personality aspect to the players. But nowadays, the networks show a little pop-up of the starting lineup and leave it as that, LAME. Let's bring in some character, yea? (Yeah I know, ABC did it in game 7 of the Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game; maybe they heard me)

Player rivalries/fights
This is probably for the best, but I miss player rivalries. Nothing like Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams, but more like Kobe Bryant vs. Reggie Miller. Charles Barkley retaliating against Shaq. Anyone vs. Mr. 7'6" Bradley. I know fights look bad for the league, but c'mon now, a little extra fight never hurt basketball, it probably helped it (outside that Detroit fiasco). Sometimes I would watched Indiana Pacer games just to see Reggie Miller get into shit with someone.

Shawn Kemp
Sucks that he did drugs, but this man was out of control. He was what Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson are today in the NFL. He was skilled, talented, and he made sure that you knew it. He would slam it down every chance he got, and afterwards you would get a slam dunk celebration. This man had no fear, he would always try to slam it your face, try to embarrass you, and you know what, hell yeah baby, give me some more!

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