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?

• Because though we relate the number 23 to MJ, I can relate it to LBJ as well
• Because the number 23 gives kids/players inspiration to do something amazing, to achieve greatness every time they wear that number
• Because one number’s inspiration doesn’t have to be limited to one person

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.

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 other accolades. The most noted achievement came last week as MJ was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2009.

It was inevitable, as we all knew even while he was still playing that he was a special player and that he’d be recognized for that one day. I admittedly missed watching the ceremony live on ESPN but I caught up with all the speeches online and was truly moved when listening to Michael talk about the game, but more so hearing more about his mentality as a competitor.

He’s fought every day to get to where he’s at today and he’s constantly pushed himself & his teammates to succeed. His motivation comes from his family, as well as from coaches and players that he’s connected with throughout his career. He used the naysayers and his competitors to push him and to prove them wrong.

This competitive nature was summed up at the end of his speech with this great quote:

Limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.

Though his speech may have raised a bit of a debate as to whether he’s ‘too competitive’, no one can deny that his nature was that of non-complacency and is the reason why many of us think of him as one of the greatest players to play the game.

He never settled; nor did he ever give up.

He succeeded, but it was never enough.

Every one of his victories and championships were cherished like it were his first, but he was never satisfied. That passion and thirst for more from the game of basketball stayed within him – and I don’t doubt that same drive is still with him to this day.

So if you haven’t seen his speech, take some time out to watch it: part 1, part 2, part 3.

What do you think of his competitive nature? Is it extreme or is it something that can be instilled in all of us? I want to hear how someone’s own success inspires you.

Photo credit: barnezy

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 you won’t survive. It means you’re on the path to success, where walls pop up in front of you, where obstacles come your way, where people will try to steer you off-course. Sounds rough, because well, it’s meant to be. But the times you’re knocked down is where the best in you will come out.

The inspiration for this post came from this great Jordan commercial:

It’s something we all can relate to. When we’ve been knocked down or have a wall in front of our path, we have to be willing to look ourselves in the eye and ask whether or not we have the motivation and drive within us to continue on. Some of the greatest inspiration that’s helped me in these times has come from basketball.

Grant Hill is one player that will always inspire me. He’s shown me more courage and desire than any basketball player I know. He started his career with the Detroit Pistons and after his first few seasons, was touted as one of the rising stars of the league and a superstar for many years to come. But after six seasons with Detroit and his switch over to the Orlando Magic, the line of roadblocks began piling up in front of him. He played less than 50 games in his first three seasons with the Magic due to numerous ankle injuries and actually had to sit out the entire 2003 season. FOUR years of his career, torn apart by injuries.

But he pushed forward. He willed himself to rehabilitate and get better – and he did. Though he had minor injuries nag him every so often, he came back to a point where we were reminded of the Grant Hill of old. The Grant Hill that was a triple-double machine and one of the best all-around players in the league. Grant saw that in his eyes and he had the drive and patience to continue on his path and around those roadblocks. Where’s he at now? He’s with the Phoenix Suns, playing a key supporting role to their explosive offense and just this past season was he able to play in all 82 games – the first time in his career.

So, tell me, who inspires you? Where do you go when you need motivation? It can be a basketball player or just someone else that you admire. I want to hear what drives you.

Photo credit: periwinklepenguins