Are Today’s NBA Superstars Just Leaching Off Previous Generations?

After he and his teammates allowed the Dallas Mavericks to celebrate a championship on his own court, LeBron James stood before the press and was asked about the issue of people being happy to see their team’s disappointing finish.

“All the people that were rooting on me to fail, at the end of the day they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today,” he replied according to the Associated Press. “They have the same personal problems they had today. I'm going to continue to live the way I want to live and continue to do the things that I want to do…”

In certain regards, “The King” is right. Since the aftermath of the game six meltdown, the public is returning to their normal lives and routines. Sports fans will only have baseball to look forward to now that basketball is over for the time being (with the reboot date for the 2011-12 season unknown since the current Collective Bargaining Agreement will be up at the end of June).

Yet, the quote isn’t a reflection of the hatred between James and the public, but more so a sense of entitlement that is beginning to fester into the minds and personalities of many rising, young NBA stars of today.

That concept was most illustrative with this Miami Heat team and its inaugural Kanye West-style concert performance they put on when the big three was brought together. The combination of James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh was set to be a frightful sight for anyone who opposes them, but their self-arrogance and haughtiness was a disrespectful spectacle for the NBA and those who came before them.

How could three players come out right and celebrate a dynasty when all three of them combined only have one NBA title since entering the league eight years ago?

Never did the thought of combining to become superior cross the minds of Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird (except for the original “Dream Team”) and nor should it have: they all understood that the definition of greatness lies within the body of work and not their own personal feelings. In other words, it’s not how you look or how talented you are, but what you have done and how hard you work to get better.

The late 1980s-90s generation were not well off like the stars of today are; the generation of NBA stars in the 1960s, 70s and early 80s didn’t create a golden path towards millions of dollars, fans, and endorsement opportunities. There was no universal appeal for basketball; baseball was the American sport most played around the world 20 years ago. Prior to entering the NBA, they were not followed on Twitter or on Facebook and were not showered with publicity and attention by the media.

Most were not even noticeable by everyday people if they were walking down a street.

Their personas and the intrigue they created through the public was made over time. They were beloved by the world because of what they did throughout their career and not the hype surrounding their possible potential. The Jordan-Bird-Johnson period built a new era of basketball on their own and changed the game so much that today’s players are still reaping benefits from them.

That’s apparent when Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Joe Johnson are just a handful of players under the famous Jordan shoe line.

Today’s generation is obviously spoiled in the fact that so much of the groundwork has been laid out by the previous greats before them. This leads into the biggest conundrum with today’s generation: work-ethic and expansion of their game

When Jordan, Johnson, and Bird entered the league, there were flaws to their game that rendered them handicap from being champions and great in their sport. Jordan was a master of flight who had no other means of dominating outside the paint. Johnson had great court vision and versatility, but was more of a full court player with no ability to shoot. Bird was already a great precision scorer from the perimeter, but couldn’t make plays for his teammates.

Despite those inabilities, the three worked hard to not only overcome those shortcomings, but to become better “all-around” players. They understood that just relying on their special abilities wouldn’t allow them to be as great as they hoped. They worked tirelessly to turn their weaknesses into a strength that would make them hard to contain on the court.

What did all that hard work get them? A total of nine titles in their first eight seasons in the NBA (four for Johnson, three for Bird, two for Jordan).

This need to work to expand and improve as an all-around player is what is missing with so many of the great stars of today. Only a few players have shown they were willing to put in the time to be a reflection of past stars.

Derrick Rose was able to grow by leaps and bounds from what he was when he left Memphis to join the NBA three years ago. He can now extend out to the perimeter and be the main source on offense rather than just attacking the rim and being only a facilitator like he was in his first two seasons. It is even more obvious given the jump he and his team made in one year (an MVP award and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance).

Sadly though, Rose is in a small demographic of today’s great players who have evolved into that necessity of becoming that better, well-rounded player needed to become a champion.
The failures of the Heat were obvious given that their flaws were on display for the public to see.

James’ was reluctant to punish foes like Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, and Deshawn Stevenson, who are all small in stature and could not match up to his athleticism, in the post simply because he has no post game. Unless there was a turnover to ignite their team on the break, the six-foot, eight inch, 250 pound forward was helpless to stand around and do nothing in a half court game because his shot wasn’t falling.

Great players find a way to win, but James was nowhere to be found when his team needed him the most.

Wade and Bosh were just as useless in almost the same capacity as their other big piece of the puzzle. Wade has always been a great scorer, but he constantly missed key shots and couldn’t create easy shots for others (which has been a knock on him for years). Bosh is the type of player who has always appeared to loathe becoming a better physical presence in the paint on both ends of the court, a need the Heat was lacking sorely en route to losing the series.

Through it all, all three players also couldn’t cash in on the one area that was complimentary for them to earn during the game: their free throw shooting.

Hitting free throws at key moments is a clutch quality that is required in order to reach the pinnacle of success in the NBA. Jordan and Johnson couldn’t do that early in their career, but when the spotlight of the Finals shone down on them, they were able to capitalize. The Heat will have to learn that great teams make others pay for giving them free opportunities at points (see Dirk Nowitzki’s free throw shooting as a reference).

The Miami trio aren’t the only superstars of today who are subject to scrutiny. The idea of entitlement is an epidemic that is spreading widely throughout the league.

While the rising star of Kevin Durant has a long career ahead of him at such a young age, 22, his game must expand if he hopes to push his team as the favorite to win the West next season. His jumper and ability to score may be uncanny to anyone in the NBA, yet, it is his inability to create for himself and others and a lack of a back-to-the-basket game that continues to be the Achilles heel that has plagued him since his days at the University of Texas.

Another superstar who is nearly equal in his ability to put up points from anywhere is Anthony. Ever since he first stepped onto the court for the Orangemen, the now 27-year-old forward has been known as an unstoppable force who can pull from the outside or go to a post game depending upon his match up. Yet, since his only year at Syracuse and into his eight seasons in the NBA, he appears to be the same lethargic defender he’s always been and a player who has tunnel vision with no court awareness.

It’s difficult to imagine today’s players not eclipsing greats of the past, simply because of the physical specimens that they are and the tools they have before them. Jordan, Johnson, and Bird would have surely revered in such advantages and qualities, especially if they were as prominent early in their career as they were in their later years.

Alas, it appears that anointing these young players early on may only come back to haunt them for their unfulfilled abilities and goals they may never truly reach when the end comes near.

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2011 NBA Finals More About Altering Identity Than Hoisting The Trophy

This year’s NBA Finals may crown the champion for this NBA season, but the teams that will play in it have been ready for this moment way before the start of this year.

In 2006, Dirk Nowitzki and his Mavericks slumped back into the locker room after being shellacked by the Heat in four straight losses, which was proceeded with wins in the first two games of the Finals. With that being the franchise’s only attempt at winning a title in their history, it was chalked up as another tally in the lose column for a team with no championships despite being constant regulars in the playoffs.

Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh were all heralded as dynamic players who were deeply beloved and followed since all three were drafted in the top five of the 2003 NBA Draft. Since they all joined up with the Miami Heat last summer, they have now been identified as the biggest antagonists in all sports because of their selfishness to come together and form an overpowering dynasty intent on taking over the NBA.

Both teams will now come to a head in the NBA season finale, with the winner understanding that it’s not just the Larry O’Brien trophy at stake, but a bigger justice of shedding away the negative connotations attached to themselves and their franchises.

The only two remaining members from the 2006 Mavericks team may be Nowitki and Jason Terry, but the rest of the team is filled with members who have been tagged with the same identity of being a choker throughout their careers.

Point guard Jason Kidd will go down in history as one of the top point guards to have ever played the sport of basketball. Yet, despite the numerous triple-doubles, all-star selections, and gold medals he’s won with the USA Olympic Basketball team; the former University of California, Berkeley star has come up empty in his previous thirteen postseason appearances (including two Finals losses to the Spurs and Lakers as a New Jersey Net).

Being in the playoffs regularly was always a part of Peja Stojakovic’s career. Having played in 76 postseason games for the Kings, Hornets, and Pacers, the 33-year-old sharpshooter was a notable part on a variety of team’s runs through the playoffs. Yet, he’s always come up short of being on a franchise that can truly call themselves champions.

Nowitzki, Kidd and Stojakovic’s inability to claim an NBA title as their own isn’t just reflective of Dallas’ key players, but for everyone who currently wears the teal and grey colors of the Mavericks. Of all the fifteen players on the current roster, no player has ever gone on and been a part of a championship team.

Being successful is an identity many of the guys on the squad have always had, but their constant failing to win a NBA title has always dominated their triumphs.


Supremacy is exactly the reason James, Wade and Bosh decided to join and stick around in Miami. The idea of “taking their talents to South Beach” was an excellent notion in the eyes of the three superstars. The choice to control their future was in their hands after the end of 2010 NBA playoffs, but none of them could have imagined just how hated they would become when it happened.

Prior to this season, the three were the darlings of the league. They were beloved in any city they went to play in and sold out stadiums anytime they were the opposition’s road team. All three were deemed saviors of their franchises and for a league whose key players were entering the twilight of their careers. Never had any of them ever had to endure being hated and mocked at any point in their career.

That is, until after their big declaration in Miami.

As they hosted, boasted, and toasted during their celebration party with the city after they all signed on to be a part of the Heat, the would proclaim loudly that not only would they win a title for their city, but they would do it on numerous occasions.

This became the defiant moment when they turned from the face of the NBA to the heels of the league. Everywhere they went they were booed extensively and fans would cry bloody-murder for their teams to destroy them.

When they finished the month of November with a 10-8 record, they were denigrated and laughed at for their pre-season, boastful antics. After constantly dropping games at the tail end of the fourth quarter from January through March, they were scorned as a franchise with high-end talent who were incapable of finishing off teams. Even coach Erik Spoelstra’s comment of players crying in the locker room was made a mockery of and added gasoline to the fire of labeling the Heat as the league’s top adversaries.

All that bantering and targeting of the big three in Miami as the enemy did was enrage them and allow them to grow stronger together for a greater cause: win the championship to erase those labels.

Winning the title is everything to each player in the NBA. It allows them to reach heights that most would do anything to get to. Only fifteen players a year get to say they are champions and reaching that status can do wonders for their legacy.

The Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks understand that concept very well; as the winner of the 2011 NBA Finals will not only be champions, but finally erase the labels they have come to be identified with.

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Miami Heat vs New York Knicks For The East Finals: A Dream Come True

Two of the most celebrated franchises in NBA history.

Five superstars who have legitimate chances at making the Hall-of-Fame.

High octane offenses that want to get up and down the court with scores near 120.

Sounds like the beginning of a new great rivalry in the NBA.

If Sunday’s immensely-hyped match up between the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks showed anything to the public, it’s that this is the start of something special. Whether it’s Dwyane Wade throwing a lob for a left-handed thrashing at the rim by LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony sticking King James at the end of the game and getting a help side swat by Amar’e Stoudamire, this was a preview of what’s to come in the next five years for these two.

Now, the public can only hope for one outcome come playoff time: an Eastern conference final between these two squads.

Getting that dream to come true will be tough for both teams this season.

The Heat are one of the top seeds in their conference after a slow start to the season and are loaded with talent thanks to their big three with James, Wade, and Chris Bosh. What may stop them from reaching championship status is their lack of toughness and size on the defensive interior, while also dealing with concerns of a shaky outlook at the point guard position.

With the Knicks, their biggest problem is timing. While the Heat were able to gel the team since the offseason, the Knicks will look to take the crash course on molding a group together with only 23 games left in the season. They also have holes in regards to protecting the rim and issues swirling around the effectiveness of their complimentary players.

Along with their own personal questions, the Heat and Knicks face the dilemma of a new look in the league based upon geography.

The West has owned the title of being the elite conference since the 1990s. Teams that were dominant since that time are now hovering near the end of their runs with their stars entering the twilight of their careers (Spurs with Tim Duncan and Lakers with Kobe Bryant). Of all the current top four teams in the West, only the Oklahoma City Thunder have a face for their franchise under the age of 30 (Kevin Durant).

The dominance that has been the signature of the West is now slowly filtering over to the East. In regards to the top half of the current playoff standings in that conference, three of those teams have superstars in their mid to early 20s. The Heat’s big three are all in that age gap, along with Chicago’s Derrick Rose (22) and Orlando’s Dwight Howard (25). With many of the squads on the Eastern half of the United States improving and creating a strong core based upon youth, just getting to the conference finals will be difficult task for any of these teams, let alone a highly hopeful New York vs Miami matchup.

Yet, sports are never pre-determined, so a final of this magnitude is still quiet possible. Not only is this outcome achievable, but it would be extremely promising.

Of course, many will be screaming and clamoring for one half of the East Finals to feature the usual Celtic, especially after their hardship last season and their four year supremacy nearing the end. As deserving and enticing it would be to see a youthful team try to topple the veteran Celtic team, no other match up would have more hype and be more mouth-watering than to see New York and Miami go at it.

As former teammates on the U.S.A Olympic team in 2008, the five superstars are close with one another and all equally dying for a shot at the title. Only Wade and James were lucky enough to even reach the pinnacle that is the NBA finals, with the former Marquette superstar being the only one to actually taste success by winning it. Stoudemire, Anthony, and Bosh have all been superstars on their former teams, but never had enough to make it to that next step.

The star power of this matchup is the biggest draw of all. The idea of having all five of these players on the court, trying to out do one another, and being the key standout to win the series is fascinating. Imagine if either one of these players were to emerge as the main force carrying his team to the next level while beating the other out to earn a berth in the Finals. The concept that one of them could hold that above the others for the rest of their life would give them the gas they need to give it their all from the tip off at game one to the last horn sounding off to signal the end of the series.

If both teams were able to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, it would be a premature start to this new rivalry. Last Sunday’s matchup between the two only gave a microscopic look as to how intense and alluring this rivalry could be. Both will continue to improve with a stronger complement of players and time to gel with one another, leading to the magnitude of a rivalry that the public has never seen before.

Just as the Lakers vs Celtics rivalry changed the scope of the NBA in the 1980s, the Knicks and Heat rivalry will undoubtedly alter the landscape of the league and usher in a new era of professional basketball in the 2010s.

Maybe, if we are all lucky, we can see that time begin in the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals.

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Chris Bosh, Meter Maid and Rather Awesome Lover

With the NBA season just a few mere hours away, people will be gathering around their television sets to watch the Boston Celtics take on Miami Thrice...I mean the Miami Heat.

However, Chris Bosh will have to put his job on hold if someone outside the arena is double-parked, because he is Chris Justice:



(Courtesy of That NBA Lottery Pick)

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Summer of LeBron James Results in Box Office Success for NBA

As the summer of 2010 gradually becomes a distant memory, Commissioner David Stern and the National Basketball Association can reflect upon it with tremendous pride due to the record numbers produced at the gate in its wake.

And the teams whose coffers saw the largest boons were the ones who were able to land the biggest fish in the most talent-laden free agent pool in NBA history.

According to Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal, the NBA will begin the 2010-11 season later this month with more than $100 million in new full-season-ticket revenue, a record amount for the league, as well as new full-season ticket sales surpassing the tally for all of 2009.

The five teams with the highest number of new sales through the end of September were the Chicago Bulls, the Miami Heat, the New York Knicks, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Orlando Magic; the majority of whom were prominent players in the LeBron James sweepstakes and made huge splashes in free agency.

The acquisition of Carlos Boozer by the Bulls, LeBron James & Chris Bosh by the Heat, and Amar’e Stoudemire by the Knicks significantly contributed to the major storylines in the off-season that will continue to play themselves out during the regular season.

Will the formidable triumvirate of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh shatter the NBA record for wins in a season on the way to the first of multiple championships?

Can the Chi-Town trio of Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah become an Eastern Conference power to rival ‘Miami Thrice’?

Did the resurgence of the New York Knicks, one of the marquee franchises in the league, truly begin with the arrival of Amar’e Stoudemire in the Big Apple?

Easily numbering in the thousands, fans of these respective teams sincerely believe the answer to the aforementioned questions is a resounding ‘yes’; and that firm belief has manifested itself in increased new ticket sales and will do so in the form of higher television ratings during the regular season as well.

So for all the criticism heaped upon LeBron James for the manner in which he announced his ‘Decision’, all he really did was serve as the backbone of the most intriguing off-season in league history, leading to a series of difference-making maneuvers by several franchises in preparation for his potential arrival or eventual snub.

And in all likelihood, the summer of 2010 will be viewed as a box office and television ratings bonanza for the NBA, the likes of which hasn’t been seen since Michael Jordan was at the apex of his legendary career; which is a winning combination for the owners, the players and, more importantly, the league fan base.

The hope for teams like the New York Knicks is that this also translates to on-court success; especially after the past three years where they have averaged a dismal 28 wins per season.

Click here to read the original article on Examiner.com, which includes relevant links and a special video presentation.

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Ring My Bell, Chris Bosh!

Usually when I wake up to check the day on Wall Street, there are usually a bunch of executives standing around the podium to ring the bell.

Today was a little different as Miami Thrice member, Chris Bosh, and some executives from the After Schools All-Star program were given the opportunity to ring the bell.



(Courtesy of That NBA Lottery Pick)

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What If Other “Superfriends” Joined Forces Past And Present In Sports?

Now that South Beach has formed a new delegation with “King James” (Lebron James), “The Flash” (Dwayne Wade) and “CB4” (Chris Bosh), the NBA will see just what can be accomplished by Miami Heat’s “Superfriends” in Miami.

But, what other creation of super powers would have been interesting to watch in basketball in the past? Or better yet, what about in regards to other sports and their superstar athletes both past and present?

Here are some possible ideas of what other superstar formations would have been interesting to see in their sport and time period:


Football: Present Day


Quarterback: Peyton Manning; Running Back: Chris Johnson; Wide Receiver: Larry Fitzgerald


Having these three on a team would make any Defensive Coordinator be a no-show on Sunday.

Manning is the best quarterback at dissecting a defense and analyzing what they are going to do. If any defense decides to sit back and cover the pass, Manning can hand it off to last season’s 2,000 yard running back Johnson. If any team decides to load the box and try to keep Johnson in check, Manning can just put up in the air and have Fitzgerald win one-on-one battles all game long.

The solution against this offense is simple, pick your poison and hope that the other option doesn’t kill you.


Baseball: Present Day


Hitting: Ichiro Suzuki, Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols
Pitching: Ubaldo Jimenez, David Price, Tim Lincecum


Any manager would love to have these six players at their disposal.

Ichiro is the best lead off hitter and, probably, the best defense outfielder in baseball. He can hit and run while throwing out any player who decides to try and advance a base on him. Cabrera is the most dangerous hitter in the league right now and might have a shot at winning the Triple Crown. In each of his nine seasons in the big leagues, Pujols has at least 30 HRs, 100 RBIs, and a batting average over .300. He’s on pace to do the same this season.

Add a rotation with Jimenez (who has been virtually unhittable this season with only one loss at this point), Price (who appears to be the best pitcher in the American league this year) and Lincecum (back-to-back CY Young awards in 2008 and 2009), and no one will be able to score on this team.

Basketball: Past

Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson


There’s been the talked about trio of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird already, so they will be excused (despite those three being probably the best trio that could ever team up in basketball).

But spin time backwards even farther in time when there was no three point line and post players dominated the league. Russell alone won eleven titles in thirteen seasons, while Chamberlain won two in his fourteen year career. Having both players on the same team would simply be unfair.

Add in the mix “The Big O”, who was the only player ever to average a triple double in a season and quite possibly the best combo guard of all time, and each team they face would forfeit every game.


Football: Past


Quarterback: Dan Marino; Wide Receiver: Jerry Rice; Running Back: Barry Sanders


All three players are arguably the best at their position and would form the greatest football team if they played together.

Marino’s claim to the title of best quarterback can be seen in his career statistics. If not for “Mr. Iron Man”, Brett Favre, Marino would be the all-time leader in passing yards, completions and touchdowns. On the other hand, Rice owns all receiver categories with the most receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. Sanders was a human blur on the field and could have led any statistical running category he wanted if he didn’t retire after 10 NFL seasons.

Having all three on the same side would have been a nightmare for any opponent.


Baseball: Past


Hitting: Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Frank Robinson
Pitching: Bob Gibson, Juan Marichal, Sandy Koufax


The idea of having these players on the same team would be a dream come true for any baseball squad.

Aaron was regarded as the home run king for many decades and could hit the ball out of any ballpark. Mays was one of the greatest all around players who could hit for power, hit for average, run, throw and catch. Robinson was a great hitter as well and that was shown when he won the Triple Crown in 1966.

On the other side, having this rotation would be even more dominant. Gibson had an overbearing look on his face whenever he stepped on the mound and won over 250 games with over 3,000 strikeouts. Marichal was just as good with more wins than any pitcher during the 1960s (that includes Gibson and Koufax). Koufax had outstanding numbers (165 wins and 2,396 strikeouts) and would have had even better numbers if his career wasn’t cut short due to arthritis.

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Heat trade Michael Beasley to Timberwolves; Offer Free Agent Mike Miller 5-year Contract

In the aftermath of LeBron James announcing his decision to form the ‘Biggest Three’ in South Beach with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Miami Heat president Pat Riley wasted no time in beginning to put the pieces around the trio that is expected to be the foundation of the next great dynasty in the NBA.

According to ESPN.com, the Heat agreed to a trade that will send small forward Michael Beasley, who averaged 14.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season, to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a second round draft pick in 2011. In addition, the teams have also agreed to a swap of unspecified future first-round picks.

This transaction, whose goal was to clear salary cap space on Miami’s roster, paved the way for the Heat to reportedly offer free agent swingman Mike Miller a five-year contract worth between $27-30 million.

As a member of the Washington Wizards last season, Miller averaged 10.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per contest while shooting 50.1% from the field and a robust 48.1% from three-point range.

And it is certain Pat Riley will continue the tireless search for additional players to fill out a Miami roster that will become the most marked team in the league even though Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are the two-time defending NBA Champions.

But with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on board, it shouldn’t be too difficult a task for Riley to sell the appeal of playing for the Heat.

Click here to read more on LeBron James agreeing to sign with the Miami Heat on Examiner.com.

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LeBron James to join Wade & Bosh in Miami; NY Knicks Left Holding The Bag

After a nauseating overload of rumors, salary cap analysis, source-driven reports, speculation and tweets, the final decision on where the most coveted free agent in professional sports history will be headed came down to these simple words: "I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat."

In a one-hour special on ESPN entitled ‘The Decision’, originating from the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, Connecticut, LeBron James officially announced that he will be signing with the Miami Heat to form a daunting triumvirate, unlike any other in the history of the National Basketball Association, with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

So by turning his back on the Cleveland Cavaliers, James opted to begin a new chapter in his career with Wade and Bosh, who also happened to be his 2003 NBA Draft classmates and his teammates on the gold medal-winning men’s United States basketball squad at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Concurrently, the 25-year-old James, a native of Akron, Ohio, spurned offers from the New York Knicks to light up Broadway with five-time All-Star Amar’e Stoudemire, who was introduced as the newest member of the Knickerbockers Thursday afternoon.

Therefore, it goes without saying that James will not be well-received at Madison Square Garden and the Quicken Loans Arena when the Heat visit these venues next season; especially considering that, at various points throughout the free agent process, it was thought James would return to Cleveland or become the savior of New York basketball.

However, the prospect of playing with a six-time All-Star in Wade, who averaged 33.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game last season, and a five-time All-Star in Bosh, who posted 24.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest, proved to be much too tempting for James to pass up at this juncture of their respective careers.

With James, Wade and Bosh on the same side of the floor, Heat team president Pat Riley has pulled off joining together the most athletically gifted trio of talent in the annals of the NBA; and there can be no doubt that playing for Riley, a seven-time NBA Champion as a player (1972), an assistant coach (1980) and a head coach (1982, 1985, 1987-1988, 2006), was an important factor in James’ decision.

But Riley’s genius will truly be measured between now and beginning of the 2010-11 season as he proceeds to surround his marquee talent with the players necessary to place Miami in a position to win multiple championships.

As for the New York Knicks, fans are left to wonder were the past two years of clearing the salary cap space to bring LeBron James to the Big Apple worth it.

Amar’e Stoudemire is a tremendous building block but, make no mistake about it, James was the foundation of Donnie Walsh’s game plan from the moment he took the job as President of Basketball Operations; even if it came with the guarantee of two seasons of futility.

Is a third in the offing as the Knicks and the rest of the league collectively begin to look forward to the summer of 2011 when Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony become free agents?

Only time will tell.

Click here to read the original article on Examiner.com, which includes relevant links and special video presentations featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

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Sources: LeBron James leaning toward Miami; NY Knicks Hope for Upset

As reported here, LeBron James will announce the team with which he will sign on ESPN Thursday evening during a one-hour special appropriately entitled ‘The Decision’.

In a matter of hours following this information becoming public knowledge, it was discovered that Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were headed to Miami and that the door was wide open for James to join them to create the most formidable triumvirate in the history of the National Basketball Association.

However, with Amar’e Stoudemire pledging his allegiance to the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, in conjunction with his strong ties to Akron, pulling on James’ heartstrings, the consensus was that ‘The Decision’ had quickly turned into a three-team race between the Cavaliers, the Knicks and the Miami Heat. And depending on who and when you asked, all three of the aforementioned teams were the early favorites.

From the enticing possibility of transforming Miami into the center of the basketball universe by joining Wade and Bosh to choosing the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, Connecticut, a stone’s throw away from New York City, as the locale for the announcement to stabbing Cleveland in their collective hearts by making a spectacle of his intention to leave, valid arguments were made for each scenario that James has to choose from.

But early Thursday morning, all signs pointed to one particular team having the clear edge to land the biggest fish in this summer’s free agent market.

According to ESPN.com and several sources with knowledge of the situation, barring a late change of heart, all indications are that LeBron James is leaning toward signing with the Miami Heat to join fellow All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

The financial impact of joining the Heat would be that James would leave nearly $30 million on the table, unless Cleveland agrees to an unlikely sign-and-trade. The Cavaliers could give him a six-year, $128 million contract, while Miami can offer him only a five-year deal worth up to $99 million.

The larger concern for James appears to be the impact on his brand and how joining Wade and Bosh to form a ‘Super Team’ will be viewed in terms of taking up residence in Wade’s house, not to mention the fact that, whatever decision he makes, James will be vilified for the subterfuge and spectacle that his free agency has become; mostly due to James and his camp and partly due to the media.

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks and their fans are left to hope that LeBron James shocks the world by coming to the Big Apple to resurrect one of the marquee franchises in the league and where he will be the undisputed leader of another potential ‘Big Three’, which would feature James, Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, who has openly expressed a desire to play in New York when he becomes a free agent next year.

Either way, in a grandiose display, James will be breaking many hearts in several cities Thursday evening and his public image will be tarnished in the process; which is the reason why he will never be viewed in the same light as Julius Erving, Larry Bird, ‘Magic’ Johnson and Michael Jordan.

They say the best revenge for a slight of this nature is success; and, if ‘The Decision’ doesn’t turn out the way they hope, the New York Knicks can and will succeed without LeBron James.

Click here to read the original article on Examiner.com, which includes relevant links and special videos featuring Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

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Chris Bosh to join Dwyane Wade in Miami; NY Knicks Left to Wonder About LeBron James

Two huge announcements that came within nine hours of one another have sent shockwaves that continue to reverberate throughout the National Basketball Association and, particularly, Madison Square Garden as it relates to 2010 NBA free agency.

Early Wednesday morning, according to ESPN.com, NBA Insider Chris Broussard learned through independent sources that LeBron James is planning to announce the team with which he will sign during a one-hour special on ESPN Thursday night.

At the time, ESPN would only confirm that active discussions for the special were ongoing. But sources told Broussard that representatives for James contacted the network, proposing that James makes his announcement during a 9PM ET special.

Those sources said that James' representatives requested they be allowed to sell sponsorship for the one-hour special, with the proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and that ESPN agreed to the proposal but had not been told what James has decided.

Since this information became public, it has been confirmed that James will indeed officially announce his free agency intentions Thursday night on ESPN as part of a one-hour special called 'The Decision'. The program is scheduled to air at 9PM ET.

Coming on the heels of the aforementioned news came word that Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will be joining forces in South Beach.

According to a separate ESPN.com report, NBA Insider Chris Broussard has learned through sources that Wade and Bosh are expected to announce they will sign with the Miami Heat regardless of LeBron James' final decision.

Wade, a six-time All-Star, will be re-signing with the club that selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft while Miami will sign Bosh, a five-time All-Star and the fourth overall pick in the 2003 Draft, as an unrestricted free agent or acquire him through a sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Raptors. Bosh could earn $125 million over six years via sign-and-trade, but only $96 million over five without it.

The announcement of the respective decisions by Wade and Bosh is expected to come Wednesday afternoon, which will lead to tremendous debate and speculation about where LeBron James will be headed; a point of special interest for the New York Knicks.

With an agreement in place for Amar’e Stoudemire to come to New York, ‘The King’ has options before him that could change the landscape of the league for several years to come.

The two most attractive options appear to be joining Wade and Bosh in Miami to form a new ‘Big Three’, the likes of which, arguably, has never been seen in the league, or forming a tandem with Amar’e Stoudemire in the Big Apple that will rival the Heat’s dynamic duo.

However, a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers and signing with the Chicago Bulls or the New Jersey Nets can still be viewed as viable alternatives as well.

Ultimately though, LeBron James will be viewed as a leader or a follower depending on which team he decides to play for next season.

More specifically, James can be leader in New York or a follower in Miami.

Stay tuned.

Click here to read the original article on Examiner.com, which includes relevant links and a special video presentation featuring Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

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Dwyane Wade & Chris Bosh to sign with Miami Heat

The major dominoes in 2010 NBA free agency are beginning to fall into place and one can only imagine the ripple effect that will result throughout the league.

After learning that LeBron James will announce where he will sign on a one-hour Thursday night ESPN special, now comes word that Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh will be joining forces in South Beach.

According to ESPN.com, NBA Insider Chris Broussard has learned through sources that Wade and Bosh are expected to announce they will sign with the Miami Heat with or without LeBron James.

Wade, a six-time All-Star, will be re-signing with the club that selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft while Miami will sign Bosh, a five-time All-Star and the fourth overall pick in the 2003 Draft, as an unrestricted free agent or acquire him through a sign-and-trade deal with the Toronto Raptors. Bosh could earn $125 million over six years via sign-and-trade, but only $96 million over five without it.

The announcement of the respective decisions by Wade and Bosh is expected to come Wednesday, which will lead to tremendous debate and speculation about where LeBron James will be headed.

‘The King’ could decide to join Wade and Bosh on the Heat to form a ‘Big Three’ the likes of which hasn’t been seen in the NBA in decades.

Alternatively, James could opt to remain in Cleveland and hope that the Cavaliers will continue to build around him with the remaining free agents on the market.

Finally, James, a six-time All-Star and the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, could make his way to the Big Apple to form a comparable tandem to Wade and Bosh in Miami with Amar’e Stoudemire on the New York Knicks.

These appear to be the most viable options for James who attempted to persuade Chris Bosh to join him in Cleveland, but was unsuccessful because of Bosh’s unwillingness to play for the Cavaliers.

Ultimately though, James will be viewed as either a follower or a leader when he finally announces his decision.

Stay tuned.

Click here to read more on LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and NBA free agency at Examiner.com.

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LeBron James & Chris Bosh Are A Waste of Time for the New York Knicks

In the aftermath of the 2010 NBA Draft, it should be painfully clear to fans of the New York Knicks that the organization’s chances of landing LeBron James in this summer’s free agent market are virtually non-existent.

Not only were the Knick contingent forced to watch the Utah Jazz select Butler’s Gordon Hayward with the ninth overall pick in the Draft, a pick Utah acquired when New York traded for Stephon Marbury in 2004, they could only stand by helplessly as the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat finalized trades to clear enough salary cap space to potentially sign two elite free agents within the next several weeks; particularly James and Chris Bosh.

To add insult to injury, these multiple death knells for New York, as far as their plans to persuade James to ply his trade in the Big Apple, all took place in Madison Square Garden.

If that weren't enough to prompt New York to put their contingency plans into motion, the rumors that have been running rampant over the past several days should be a collective slap in the face to the Knick front office.

According to the New York Times, an unidentified NBA executive of one of the five teams (Bulls, Heat, Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, New Jersey Nets) who plan on meeting with LeBron James in his hometown of Akron, Ohio on July 1 said he gathered from fellow executives that James was strongly leaning toward signing with Chicago in tandem with Chris Bosh.

“I think it’s a done deal,” the executive said.

The executive, speaking on the condition of anonymity, further added that he thought James was going ahead with the meetings in Ohio “to be respectful to all these teams who jumped through these hoops,” an obvious reference to clubs, like the Knicks, who traded reasonably talented players like Jamal Crawford the last two seasons in an effort to open up as much salary cap space as possible.

However, according to “reliable” sources in Cleveland and New York for FOX Sports Radio’s Stephen A. Smith, LeBron James and Chris Bosh are planning to head to South Beach to play with Dwyane Wade on the Miami Heat.

So, depending on who you want to believe these days, it certainly appears that either Chicago or Miami will be the likely landing spots for James and Bosh when the dust finally settles.

If this is indeed the case and both James and Bosh have already made up their minds about where they’re going to sign or, at the very least, narrowed down their options to two specific teams, they should really spare organizations like New York the insult of a ‘pity meeting’.

And for their part, the Knicks should find more constructive ways to spend their time than by making impassioned pitches to players who have absolutely no intention on coming to the Big Apple; because, at this stage of the game, New York has invested enough energy, money and time on wooing LeBron James.

There are plenty of other quality fish in this year’s free agent market, including Joe Johnson, Carlos Boozer, Amar’e Stoudemire and Dirk Nowitzki; and it’s time for New York to place more of its focus on the attainable reality as opposed to the unattainable dream.

The acceptance of this ‘pity meeting’ from James is simply an opportunity for Knick brass to do more begging and groveling at the feet of a man who has been placed on much too high of a pedestal.

If New York refuses to accept this hard truth then LeBron James, and Chris Bosh, should open up their respective mouths and tell Donnie Walsh not to bother with making any recruiting excursions.

That would be the honorable thing to do; wouldn’t it?

Click here to read the original article on Examiner.com, which includes relevant links and video updates on 2010 NBA free agency.

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Q & A with NY Knicks Prime Free Agent Target Chris Bosh – Part 2

As reported here, Toronto Raptors prospective free agent power forward Chris Bosh co-hosted ‘Mike and Mike in the Morning’ on 1050 ESPN Radio on the day of the 2010 NBA Draft.

Bosh’s one-day co-hosting assignment was essentially a four-hour Question & Answer session, with the five-time All-Star fielding questions regarding his pending free agency from daily show host Mike Greenberg, ESPN NBA Insider Chris Broussard, callers and even actor/comedian Adam Sandler.

From this particular point, what follows are continuing highlights from Bosh’s special appearance on ‘Mike and Mike in the Morning’. Click here to read Part 1 of this series.

‘Mike and Mike in the Morning’ – Thursday, June 24

Greenberg: Ever since the season ended and everything, we have all been talking about ‘The Summit’. Dwyane Wade really was the one who brought it up, who said you guys would all talk to each other.

Now the way I interpreted that from the outside is, you guys are friendly, you run in the same social circles, you all have a really big decision that you’re each making at the same time. It would only make sense that you would sort of feel each other out; “What are you thinking? What are you thinking?”, that kind of thing.

What has the communication been like between you pending free agents so far?

Bosh: Well, for me, it’s been non-existent. I just talk about it with my friends and family. Everybody’s just keeping their secrets close; and I think everybody’s doing that as well as the teams and the individuals.

To read about the ‘The Summit’ and stuff like that, I remember when somebody first told me they were like “Yeah, you know it’s the meeting and they’re calling it ‘The Summit’ now.” It’s ‘The Summit’? They gave it a name? It’s crazy. But it’s fun to watch that stuff because, you know, when things come out about you, it’s like alright I didn’t say that, but that’s funny.

Greenberg: So there is no ‘Summit’?

Bosh: No, there is no ‘Summit’.

Greenberg: You have not talked to LeBron at all?

Bosh: No.

Greenberg: Really?

Bosh: Nah.

Greenberg: Now see, I would find that strange. I would think if I were a guy in your situation I would be talking to LeBron and if I were in his situation I’d be talking to you; the way you each play the game it would seem you were such a nice fit together. Why wouldn’t you have some conversation?

Bosh: Well, I think it’s just all at a point in time it’s gonna come together. If we’re gonna have a conversation it’s not gonna be now, might not be before July 1st. But whenever it happens that’s when it’s supposed to happen. That’s the kind of mentality I’ve been taking into this, and I’ve just been rollin’ with it.

Broussard: Chris, the feeling around the league among a lot of people is that you and LeBron would like to play together. I talked to LeBron a few years ago when this free agency stuff just started coming up. It was after the Olympics in 2008; and I asked him of all the guys that realistically would be free agents in 2010, which one would he most want to play with, he said you. And so a lot of people feel like, not necessarily that it’s a package deal, but that you two would like to play together in one of these cities, even it could be Cleveland.

How true is that you guys would like to look at the possibility of playing together?

Bosh: I think that’s something you should look at. He’s going to be a Hall of Famer. Everybody knows he’s an incredible player; back-to-back MVP. And you’d be kind of crazy not to want to play with a guy like that, but I think that makes each situation attractive; to be able to play with another superstar is great.

Broussard: Now will you go visit teams, visit cities and go through the whole recruitment tour?

Bosh: I think so. I don’t know what’s goin’ on, man. I’m still waitin’ to see how it’s gonna happen.

Broussard: Is there any chance a couple of you guys would go together, like maybe you and LeBron would go visit together or anything?

Bosh: I doubt if we’ll schedule something like that, but I wouldn’t be surprised if teams really start pulling some tricks out of their sleeve. There’s no telling what’s gonna happen. People have been planning on these meetings for years now so there’s no telling what, we’ll see.

Greenberg: Why wouldn’t you go on the recruiting trips? There’s no rush in any of this. Why wouldn’t you go, let them wine and dine you like crazy, it’s sort of like college recruiting on steroids. Go to New York, go to Chicago, go to all these places where you know they’re gonna sell you like crazy.

Is there any reason you wouldn’t do that?

Bosh: Well, that’s one thing you have to consider, especially me, because this is something that is very important; this is the next biggest decision of my life. So to be able to take my time and actually feel out the process and see how things go, look at the guys in their face and really talk to the organizations and take my time; I think anybody in this position should do that.

Subsequent to the return from a commercial break, Bosh was posed the following set of questions:

Greenberg: If you’re looking for a max contract, that limits your options? If a max contract isn’t that high a priority, your options are basically unlimited.

Is a max contract a deal breaker for you come July 1st?

Bosh: That’s a good question. This is a business and there’s always a saying you don’t want to leave money on the table; but I never burn my bridges and I always keep my options open. Now is that an option I would really lean towards; that would have to be something discussed between (Sort of jokingly) me and myself, I guess.

There’s just so many different scenarios. Do you take max, do you not take max? Do you go here, do you go there? It’s kind of confusing at times. That would be something that guys would really have to look at but, at the same time, guys have to be on the same page. Everybody has to be on the same page.

Bosh was also referring to taking less than maximum money to play with two other free agent superstars in his response.

Broussard: Conceivably, you, LeBron, Dwyane Wade, you guys could team up in Miami if you agree to take about $13.7 million a year to start versus $16.5 million, which is the max you guys can get.

Is that something that would intrigue you guys, the possibility of you three coming together and taking a slight pay cut but not anything drastic like the mid-level exception?

Bosh: It’s funny, that’s the first time I’ve heard that one; so like I said there’s a bunch of different scenarios. I don’t know if that can happen. I highly doubt something like that…. That’s kind of like PlayStation.

Greenberg: But for the first time ever you could actually do it. This isn’t the Wii.

Broussard: I don’t know who would be around you.

Later on in the segment, Greenberg posed this question to Bosh, which resulted in an intriguing response from the highly sought after prospective free agent power forward.

Greenberg: How much is it your sense that LeBron is a key figure in what everyone else, including yourself, will wind up doing?

Bosh: He is THE figure, to be frank about it. You have to wait on what he does. He’s the biggest free agent in, probably, the history of sports. Quite frankly, you’re gonna have to wait on him and after he makes a decision, no pressure, LeBron, the rest of the league is gonna fall in order.

And Bosh’s response only further confirms that, like Brett Favre in the National Football League, LeBron James has been built up to be bigger than any player, any one individual team and the game of basketball itself.

That is just too much influence and power for any one man to have, even if he is, arguably, the best player in the NBA.

Click here to read the original article on Examiner.com, which includes relevant links and a special video presentation featuring Chris Bosh.

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Q & A with NY Knicks Prime Free Agent Target Chris Bosh – Part 1

In what can only be described as a ‘calculated coincidence’, on the day of the 2010 NBA Draft, Toronto Raptors prospective free agent power forward Chris Bosh co-hosted the ‘Mike and Mike in the Morning’ show on 1050 ESPN Radio with regular host Mike Greenberg and NBA Insider extraordinaire Chris Broussard.

However, to say that Bosh, a 5-time NBA All-Star, co-hosted the four-hour program would be a gross overstatement. Simply put, Bosh’s presence on the show was an opportunity to pick the brain of a prominent member of the most highly anticipated free agent class in professional sports history.

The 26-year-old Bosh, a 2002 McDonald’s All-American and the fourth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, fielded questions from Greenberg and Broussard and calls from fans of teams that would be drastically improved by his addition to their respective rosters. Even actor/comedian Adam Sandler joined the fray to make a pitch on behalf of the New York Knicks.

The Dallas native, who averaged 24.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game with the Raptors this past season, provided some poignant perspective on his thought processes as he prepares to be heavily recruited by a score of franchises, including New York, that are counting on him to be a significant piece of the foundation in the construction of a championship team.

From this particular point, what follows are highlights from Bosh’s special appearance on ‘Mike and Mike in the Morning’.

‘Mike and Mike in the Morning’ – Thursday, June 24

Greenberg: Let’s get right to it. After all this talk and all of this anticipation, the clock is going to strike midnight and it’s going to be July 1st. At that moment, where physically are you going to be?

Bosh: I’m a be home.

Greenberg: Is home Toronto or home is Dallas?

Bosh: Dallas; I’m a just be hangin’ out.

Greenberg: In your house?

Bosh: I’m a keep the situation as normal as possible, and just hang out at home and sit by the phone and wait for it to ring.

Greenberg: Are you anticipating a phone call or are you anticipating (Simulates knocking on a door) “Hi ya, Chris; it’s Donnie Walsh, I’m standing outside can I come in?”

(Laughter follows)

Bosh: Well, if that happen I don’t know whether I should let him in or call the police. (Additional laughter follows) It’s not easy to get to my front door.

Greenberg: So should we take it as a sign that if you call the police you’re not signing with that team?

(More laughter ensues)

Bosh: Probably after that, I don’t think they want me to talk to them anymore.

Greenberg: Are you kidding? Donnie Walsh would do 10 years in jail if it meant you signing with the Knicks. (Laughter) OK, so seriously, so you’ll be there in the house. What are you anticipating? What do you expect? Are you expecting in the first minute, stuff to happen?

Bosh: Yeah.

Greenberg: What?

Bosh: I don’t know. Just a lot of conversations with my agent, and I don’t know when I’m gonna go to sleep. I know we’ve been talking about this for a while and he was like yeah, you know, the offers are gonna come in right at 12:01; and he has to do his job and let me know the information that he’s received and relay it to me, and we’ll go from there. I mean pretty much he was like yo, you need to keep your whole first week open. So I cancelled a lot of things. I was trying to do some fun stuff but, you know, it’s business first.

Greenberg: Well, this could be fun.

Bosh: Well yeah, I make everything fun; my life is fun.

Greenberg: Chris Broussard, what you do expect? Do you expect people lined up at his door? Will there be people standing outside? Will they have to take a number like people waiting for the ‘Twilight’ premiere?

Broussard: It’s going to be interesting. I mean, typically, teams just make calls. And I wanted to ask Chris, how much does it matter to you who’s that first to make the call? Does that play a role in it? Or if a team did come to visit you at 12:01 versus a team that just made a phone call?

Bosh: Well, I don’t think the order of the calls are that important or the home visits or whatever. I think it’s just pretty much catered to what I want to do. I’m in a situation where I can control the situation, so I just want to be comfortable and make sure that we do things the way I want to do 'em.

Greenberg: What will be some of the deciding factors? In an NBA where essentially everyone knows how much money they can offer you and everyone, besides Toronto, can essentially offer you the same amount of money; what’s next, what is the next consideration for Chris Bosh?

Bosh: Well, I mean it’s winning first off; I just want to be in a situation where I can win basketball games. I want to win a championship. I think that’s the dream of every NBA player, and I know I’m gonna do it; it’s just picking out the right situation for me. That’s what it’s all about for me. I’ve struggled in the past and, you know, it’s been a growing process since I got to the league but I feel that I’ve worked hard enough to put myself in this position right now; and make sure I can win games next year. That’s all I want to do. I’m a winner, I believe heavily in competing hard every night and just giving it your all; so I can’t wait to see what happens.

Greenberg: Now in an interview that you did with SNY, SportsNet New York, one of the questions that was asked of you is how good are the Knicks’ chances of signing you and you said, “We’ll see after Draft Night.” Now that’s tonight. Why did you say that? What is the significance of Draft Night?

Bosh: Well, I think the significance is very important. Just like you said earlier, a lot of teams are gonna be putting themselves in better position to make some moves for next week and that makes for a lot of movement in the draft. And that kind of makes the draft exciting; you know people love trades in the draft. I think there’s gonna be a lot of movement tonight. There’s a lot of teams trying to move up, some teams trying to move down, trying to get more picks, trying to clear cap space, trying to build on their core that they have with their team in their city. So everybody’s trying to get better and be put in better positions.

Greenberg: Some people took that quote and interpreted it to mean the possibility of a sign-and-trade; that before the Draft tonight that you would potentially sign a contract with Toronto and then be traded somewhere. Is that a possibility? Is there a possibility of a sign-and-trade that could be worked out sooner than people are expecting?

Bosh: No, there’s not much talking at all. It’s not anything you can do right now. That’s the toughest thing about being in this situation, everybody has their cards and they’re not showing them. So there’s always gonna be speculation and everything, you know, I just laugh at it. We just try to stick with what’s working right now and what we need to work on for preparation for July 1st.

Click here to read the original article on Examiner.com, which includes relevant links and a special video presentation featuring Chris Bosh.

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Did This Kid Really Just Say Wade, Amare, Lebron, Bosh, Boozer Are All Going To The Heat?

I Just soiled myself...twice. This kid just said with a straight face that the Miami Heat are bringing in Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, and Lebron James next season. I don't know about you Dwyane, but I'd get a pen real fucking quick and sign that contract. Move over John Hollinger and induct this kid into the NBA insider Hall of Fame.

P.S. My ass is still leaking...

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Pierce Goes Nuts On Bosh

Paul Pierce not only dunks on Chris Bosh, he gives Bosh a stomach ache that he will never forget.

Not only did he receive a stomach ache, he finished the game speaking in soprano.

(Courtesy of Celtics Blog)

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Chris Bosh - First Ink DVD

First Ink features a documentary film which follows Chris Bosh as he navigates the most important off season of his career. Chris spends time with his family, friends and a few familiar faces and ultimately makes some changes that will affect him for the rest of his life.

First Ink also shows the world a side of NBA superstar Chris Bosh that most people have never seen.

Bonus material includes exclusive interviews, and never before seen, high school footage. First Ink is set to be released December 1, 2009.

Thanks to cboshtv

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NBA Top 50: Chris Bosh (No. 28)

OtB is counting down the days 'til the NBA 2009-10 season tips off by ranking the top 50 players in the league. On Tuesday there are 28 days left.

Busy Bosh was 27 on my list last year, but when I set about compiling this year's and figured him at today's slot, I thought it was low. I checked back at how I'd ranked him in the 2008 offseason, and lo and behold, the same. Look, I think the world of Bosh, and by all accounts he's a great guy, great to have in the locker room or on your computer screen. Yeah. The other thing that puts him higher on my character list than this is his performance in the Olympics, when Dwight Howard pulled a bit of a disappearing act. Still, his failure to make the playoffs two years in a row is damning. Damn damning.

Chris Bosh Bobbled, originally uploaded by longshots.

Look, it's not really all his fault. The team just doesn't have enough cylinders to fire on with Calderon holding all the distribution rights. Hopefully the arrival of Hedo alleviates that factor a bit. Still, can you really say the Raptors were that much worse than the Heat, both teams sans their superstars? Wade willed that team to the playoffs. And, sure, you can make the qualifying statements like Wade is able to will a team because he has the ball in his hands, blah blah blah. But if Bosh can't do that because he's a big man, that just reinforces the idea that the importance of big men is fading. Or perhaps it's their effectiveness that's fading.

Bosh has been mentioned in the same breath as Lebron James and Dwayne Wade and Ama're Stoudamire, especially with the 2010 free agency topic always hot on tongues that wag. The fact of the matter is Bosh isn't quite in the same class as the first two, and wouldn't be in Ama're's either if Stat wasn't looking more and more like crunch time, choking Karl Malone rather than the Mailman of the first 45 minutes of a game. Bosh, again, is a great player (22, 10, 2.5 assists, a steal, and a block per game gets it done, folks), but look for him to make the Pau Gasol step in years to come. He really doesn't seem destined to be a Shareef Abdur-Rahim player, who will always put up good stats for a bad team. Chances are he'll team up with a dynamic wing, and that'll allow the world to truly appreciate Bosh for the complete presence he can be. For now, 28 Mr. CB4.

kanye-west-screenshots-of-good-morning-11, originally uploaded by bapexmalikjones.

I never sleep anymore, by the way. 1:30 a.m. HST, and I gotta wake up before 5 am. Got anything to say, Kanye?

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Today's Moment of Zen: "Here's Chris Bosh with the weather"

In today's edition of the Moment of Zen, there has been a clip of Toronto Raptors star Chris Bosh doing the weather for CTV in Canada circling the blogosphere.

However from the clips that I have seen, it is an abbreviated clip that was shown for Rogers Sportsnet.

Here is the entire clip from that broadcast, enjoy.

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