Today, USA Today announced that LeBron James has been nominated for Time magazines "Person of the Year". This award is given to the individual who has had the most influence on the events of the year. This is a great honor for LeBron.
I personally could not be happier for LeBron on the nomination. I know his persona took a huge hit this year since his decision to go to Miami was made, but I am glad someone out there had the integrity to honor everything that he has done for the the Heat, the League, and the public.
LeBron is involved in countless fundraisers and is always looking for new ways to give back to the youth. We all know that the decision made millions for the boys and girls club, but that is not all he has done. He is also involved in the fight against cancer and many more charities; too many to list. There are countless fundraisers in his name and he does everything he can to give back when he can.
For the league, James does just as much. The NBA has made much more money since he has come into the league, and his move to Miami has given Heat games their best ratings ever. This season, certain Heat games were more watched than the world series. The league and the city of Miami make some nice pocket change courtesy of the king.
LeBron has used his fame and fortune to help those in need time and time again, and that is one statistic you will not find on a score sheet. I just wanted to take this time to honor the fact that LeBron has been nominated, and although he claims that it is too much, I believe it is a well deserved nomination.
New Orleans comes into this game looking good. 4-0 with the ever-so-important home court advantage. However, Miami is HOT, and are looking to roll over the Hornets like they have the past 4 teams they faced. On paper, this looks like a good match up. However, also on paper, Orlando was supposed to give Miami a run for their money. We all know how that went.
LeBron is fully expect to start in spite of his mild leg injury. In my personal opinion, Miami is a good enough team that if LeBron thought there was any risk of him hurting himself further, he would not be in the game. Therefore, I have to think that he is ready to go.
The Hornets are pretty good, and a strong defensive minded team. However, I still expect Miami to get into the lane early and often. Expect Dwayne Wade to be the early attacker, while LeBron throws a good amount of assists. I expect to see a lot of what we saw against Minnesota; early assists for LeBron and early points for Wade. How they play the second half will be a result of how LeBron's feeling, and if Miami happens to be down, look for him to try and take over.
Bosh is my X factor in this particular game. I want to see him dominate the boards like I know he can. His defensive presence is a must in the game, and he needs to be getting some monster boards in the first quarter. Miami plays great defense, just don't give New Orleans any second shot opportunities. I predict a double double from Bosh.
I want to see Jones and House continue to hit big shots. LeBron is going to find you, it is just a matter of knocking down those jumpers.
My Prediction : Miami by 12
In other news, Cleveland released a response video to Lebron's new Nike "Rise" commercial. I have a few things to say in response.
Everyone who hates LeBron in Cleveland, you should all be ashamed of yourselves. It is okay to dislike an athlete, it is okay to not support their decision, and it is okay to boo them at games. However, under no circumstances is what you have done to LeBron okay. You wonder why he didn't tell you that he was leaving? If he had told you the day after they lost to Boston that he was leaving, you would had done everything you could to drag his name through the mud and ruin his reputation. At first I was iffy about if LeBron really made the right decision to wait to tell you. But now, after seeing the way Cleveland has treated him post the decision, from owners all the way down to fans, he did the right thing. I understand you have not had a championship for a very long time, and LeBron was supposed to bring that. But the fact of the matter is he broke his back for Cleveland carrying a team for 7 years, and he did more for your city economically than you can imagine. If this was 30 years ago, none of you would dream talk about an athlete like that, not on TV, not in the news, not in the magazines. It just wouldn't exist because their was something that existed called human decency. The bottom line, it's a sports team, your mayor didn't leave, your governor didn't leave. You lost an athlete, and after the way I have seen you deliberately attack him, you all need to take a good look in a mirror. If you saw him in person, would you still be saying all the things you said to him, would you like it if you went to a better job and everyone from your old job did everything they could to make you look like the devil for wanting something more? You all need to stop and think about what you are saying. Get a grip.
Many people have had their say on LeBron these days. I am here to tell you that LeBron is without a doubt the best player in the NBA. When you look at all the factors, you can clearly see my point.
5. Work ethic- No one in the NBA works harder than LeBron. When he came into the league he was considered a star before he even stepped foot in the court. Many people would let this get to their head, and be lazy because of it. However, LeBron saw that there were still some holes in his game, so he began to get even bigger, develop a MUCH more consistent jump shot, and overall take his game to heights we could not have imagine. No one in the league works as hard day in and day out at being a better player.
4. Driving the Lane- LeBron has one of the most amazing combinations of agility, speed, and strength. He goes to the lane with such power, yet he still has the body control to create the contact, draw the foul, and finish the shot. His first step blows by the defender and he creates an easy shot for himself. If the defense collapses, he will always make the right pass. LeBron's drive is like no other.
3. Defense- Two word; Lock Down. Whoever LeBron decides to guard isn't going to score and the chase down rejection has become his forte. LeBron takes the best player out of every game. You can't put a price on that type of defensive presence.
2. Passing- Magic Johnson's flare with John Stockton's fundamentals. I love the way LeBron sees the court. His vision is unmatched, and he always hits his target. On top of everything else, its fun to watch. Most people that can score the way he can do not make the effort to become great passers. You can really admire LeBron's commitment to being a solid all-around player.
1. LeBron James makes everyone on his team better- Every player that steps on the court wearing the same jersey as LeBron has become a better player because of it. He constantly gets his team mates involved, and pushes the idea that the team needs to be successful as a whole. It is nice to know that he has the capability to do it himself, but opts not to many times. He turns players into good players and good players into All Stars (Mo Williams). Often times we let superstars try and do everything themselves rather than allow a true team to develop.However, LeBron is the ultimate team mate and this is what makes him the best player in the NBA.
LeBron's talent is undeniable. His skills, along with his intangibles, are what make him such a great player and team mate. Many people have their opinions, but when you look at the facts it is clear to see that LeBron is the best player in the NBA. The Miami Heat play the New Orleans Hornets this evening, and I am most certain we will be seeing all of these reasons at work.
I will surely be giving you my pre game predictions before the game later today. Get em Lebron.
LeBron and friends put a beating on the Nets last night in Newark. It helped that New Jersey missed a ton of layups, and Terrence Williams had a terrible game, but a win is a win. Although the game had its moments (LeBron's tomahawk throw down in the second quarter drive to the lane for the big finish) but for the most part it was a fundamental victory.
This is the type of basketball I like to see. Sure, there were not a lot of high flying theatrics, no look passes, and buzzer beaters, but when your that good who really needs them? This type of win is what every basketball player likes to see. The Heat put good pressure on the ball, dominated the boards, and did not give the Nets any easy looks (not including the gimme's Lopez was getting in the first quarter. No one really had a dominate performance, but James had 20 points 7 boards and 7 assists while Wade added 18 and Bosh added 17.
Its great to these three gel like this, especially so early in the season. It was amazing to see how quickly people jumped off the heat bandwagon to try and hitch a ride to LA after the opening day loss to Boston. However, this group of guys quickly realize that in order for them to be a successful they need to work together. I love how LeBron does not have to carry the team anymore, and by working as a team the results this season should be outstanding.
As for LeBron, he was a presence to say the least. Between altering shots, throwing down a pair of dunks, and hitting up Z and a few other fellas for some assists, he was fun to watch. I love the way he handles the boos he receives no matter where he goes. He doesn't yell back or pound his chest. He just wins, and his game does ALL the talking.
