We all remember it. Last June at the close of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Magic close out the series and instead of shaking the hand of Dwight Howard, Orlando’s Super(man)star, LeBron James walks off the court. More than 8 months later, Peyton Manning gives the same whiff to his counterpart and Super Bowl XLIV champion and MVP, Drew Brees.
Watching the Cavaliers vs. Heat game last night, the camera zoomed into the legendary Michael Jordan, who was in attendance and sitting next to Miami team president, Pat Riley. Even MJ couldn’t resist watching two of the games top players going at it – LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.
The game was intense and the Cavaliers pulled out the victory, but that wasn’t the most interesting part of the night. Heck, even DWade’s monstrous, disgusting, sick, all of the above dunk on Andy Verajao (OUCH) wasn’t it either. It was LeBron’s comments at the end of the game that caught my attention (video link):
I respect LBJ for stepping up and showing Michael Jordan the respect that he rightfully deserves. I also respect the maturity that it takes to consider giving up the number you’ve worn since your sophomore year in high school. But I question whether he’s giving up the number 23 for the right reasons. Why?
Jerry Rice wore the number 80. I will always equate the greatest receiver of all time to that number. I think of him when I see other WRs wearing that number. But I also know that those players willing to suit up with 80 on their back are going onto the field knowing that they represent a number that achieved greatness – and will aspire to do the same.
As much as Michael Jordan achieved wearing the number 23, I think LeBron James (without getting into the comparison debate) in his own respect, can do the same.
But enough of what I think – do you think LeBron James is doing the right thing? Do you think he has to do it in respect of Jordan? Let me know what’s on your mind.
The off-season seemed like an eternity (for me at least), but the NBA is back and we’re less than 3 days until the start of the 2010 NBA season. Admittedly, it’s been quiet over at Rockin’ The Rim during the off-season, but there’s been a ton of activity in the NBA. From big Shaq heading [...]
When it comes to the NBA and the word greatness, one person that will always pop up in our minds is Michael Jordan. We all know him for what he’s done on the basketball court and the success of 6 NBA Championships that followed. Countless MVPs, regular and postseason, All-Star Appearances, and a myriad of [...]
There comes a time when we’re knocked down to the ground, on the path to our goals, and wonder if it’ll ever stop. If you’ll ever overpower the forces of the universe and if you’ll even make it to those goals you’ve set for yourself. Will these roadblocks ever stop? No. But that doesn’t mean [...]
This year’s Finals were supposed to be one of great proportion. What happened instead was the underdog hitting the bright lights to play against the L.A. Lakers this year. Over-manned the first game and playing catch-up the rest of the series, the Magic finally met their match. Their hot shooting either came to end or [...]
