Tags
basketball, Chicago Bulls, Chris Bosh, D Rose, Decision 2010, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Miami Heat, NBA
As I am writing this blog, I am keeping an eye on the 2011 NBA All-Star game. There have been some nice dunks (the alley oop from D-Will to Blake Griffin was just sick) but overall, a dull program. Chuck Daly must be turning in his coffin. I know it is a game for the fans, but can you please play a little Defense.
This past summer marked a free agency that was never before seen in the NBA. In case you were living under a rock, LeBron James and Chris Bosh decided to play together with Dwyane Wade in Miami. I definitely was surprised as Chicago had everything a mega star would want. Another All-Star player: Derrick Rose. Check. A great city and fan base: Chicago is leading the league in attendance, check. Want a franchise with a rich history? One word, Jordan! Of course, every great team needs solid core players – we got Gibson, Deng, Noah, and Boozer. Uh huh, why didn’t we land any of those players again? Perhaps it was because of the cold winters. What a bunch of pansies.
Listen, I was bitter for a day or two. Just the idea of James and Rose on the same team made me giggle like a school girl. But for me, it quickly became yesterday’s news and I was more interested in today’s. I would gladly take my chances with Rose leading the charge this upcoming season. We heard all summer that Derrick had developed a 3pt shot and improved his jumper. Plus, Noah has just come off a breakout season and Carlos Boozer was signed on to finally fill the void at power forward. I knew we would be a very good team.
Last time I checked, the Miami Heat hasn’t won anything just yet. And I am pretty sure the ’96 Bulls record of 72 wins won’t be in danger anytime soon either. It is interesting to have arguably three of the top 10 players in the game join one single team. Sure, the New York Yankees is a franchise guilty of buying championships, but typically in the NBA the game’s great players want to beat one another, not join forces. Think in the late 80’s when Jordan was always getting bounced out the playoffs, he ever thought, “Man, I’d love to team up with Ewing and Malone”? Yeah, my guess is the same – Not a chance!
After every Heat game, ESPN runs an article grading their play. Seriously? That is what bugs me. I have always said that not one player or team is bigger than the league. But that is exactly what is happening. The Miami Heat is overshadowing the NBA. We don’t hear much about the record breaking season Kevin Love is having (first player since Moses Malone in ‘83 to average 20+ points and 15+ rebounds), the amazing run of the San Antonio Spurs, and the Chicago Bulls are just now starting to get national attention for their fantastic play. No, the media seems to be more interested that Wade had to wear goggles for a few games and that James sprained an ankle.
I view Chris Bosh as a top player but also someone who cannot take you to that next level. He gets his points which helps create his status as an elite player. But he is also known around the league as a soft player with no heart. I can still hear his cry after the loss from the Bulls during which he twisted his ankle. He told reporters that Asik should not have hustled for the loose ball because it was by his knees and an injury would have compromised Bosh’s ability to provide for his family. Man up, Chris. I’ll take Boozer over you any day.
In regards to Wade…this one probably hurt the most. Dwyane’s a Chicago native like Rose. He spoke about winning titles and he definitely could have done it here. Deep in the free agency frenzy of July 2010, Wade asked for a second meeting with the Bulls, which I later would hear was only a strategic move to keep Chicago from meeting with other free agents. Turns out he was Pat Riley’s toy to help recruit players. I would have respected him more if he came out from day 1 and said he wasn’t interested in coming to Chicago. But, like his counterparts, Wade played a game only to later pull the rug out from under us. I am going to really enjoy his matchups against Rose in the coming years. As Rose gets better each year, Wade seems to break down and lose a step in his game.
And finally, this brings me to “Decision 2010” and the “Chosen One.” Everyone wanted LeBron and even now when I watch him I have to think: Geez, Mr. James you are a freak of nature. You can score anytime you want and defenses are at your mercy. But guess what? I am overjoyed that you decided to take a pass on Chicago. First off, as gifted as an athlete you are, you are immature and I cannot have a knuckle head like you represent my first class city and team (See below, 1A during warm up… reminds you of a punk 16 year old in high school). Second, you clearly think that you are better than everyone else and that we are here to serve you. Sorry buddy, that stuff may have been OK in Cleveland, but not in Chicago (See below, 1B). I read an article from former teammates of James. In Cleveland, each player is given two parking spots inside the stadium; one for the player and the other for either their significant other or family member. During the winters, James ordered management to revoke all the parking spots from his teammates. James planned to give those parking spots to his friends because he did not want them walking outside in the cold. Crappy move? It gets better… his teammates would instead have to use the Cavs’ public parking lot three blocks away from the stadium. Yikes. What message does that send to the rest of the team? Thanks for playing for us, but please be sure to bring your boots to the game because you’ll have to walk to and from your car in the snow. I understand not everyone can be as humble as Derrick Rose but don’t you appreciate the type of person that Rose is just a little more now? Additionally, had LeBron come to Chicago, I feel it would have stumped Rose’s growth, but that’s a topic for another day. Do we need to be reminded of the brilliant performance from Rose against the Spurs this last week? D-Rose is the unquestioned leader of our Chicago Bulls and I would not want it any other way. So as far as I’m concerned, Miami can keep their three amigos. When we get our championship, remind me to send LeBron a thank you card.
Next Topic: The 7 things every man needs in his closet
1A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBsIELq2zqw – Think Derrick Rose would act like this?
1B http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjXQCT47EAc – Can’t spell classy without class