Archive for lebron james
LeBron Wins MVP: Ho-Hum
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LeBron James and the acronym “MVP” are going to go hand in hand for the next several years. Like Kobe Bryant before him, LeBron was just named the NBA’s league MVP (for the second straight season, no less). He tallied 116 of the 123 total first-place votes. In a word: Wow. It’s always nice to see one of our athletes do so well, but it’s hardly surprising. After all, Upper Deck has consistently partnered with some of the top athletes in their chosen profession for years, so why not team up with a superstar hoops standout like LBJ? We’ve had him under an exclusive autograph contract since June 2003.
Child's Play: The high-percentage dunk by LeBron.
This past NBA season was a study in durability as far as I was concerned. Would Kobe dodge the injury bug? Would LeBron stay healthy? Would Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett’s 30-something-year-old bodies start breaking down over the long haul? Everybody knew going into the season that it would likely come down to the current eight teams still in contention for the title, but how many of us were secretly hoping that LeBron and Kobe would go head-to-head in the Finals? As a sports fan, I was. But as a Celtics follower for the past 40 years, I was kind of hoping the Big Three (Ray Allen, Garnett and Pierce) would emerge with Beantown’s 18th banner.
As we head into Game 2 of the Cavaliers/Celtics series, we see that LeBron’s twitchy right elbow isn’t so bad after all. That funny bone tweak of his didn’t exactly wreak havoc on LeBron’s high-percentage dunks in Game 1’s 101-93 Cleveland victory. I mean, he only poured in 35 points on 12-for-24 shooting from the field while nailing eight of his 11 free throws. And not one of them required him to try his left-handed shooting touch from the charity stripe. On paper, the Cavs should roll in this series, but it’s the luck of the Irish – and the ghost of Red Auerbach – that makes it difficult for anybody to bet against the C’s.
Like the campaign says: "We are all witnesses..."
Over in the Western Conference, we see the Kobe-led Lakers starting to take form following a somewhat hair-raising first-round series against the upstart Thunder of Oklahoma City. After outlasting the Thunder, the Lake Crew opened up their best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final battle against Utah with a 104-99 victory. Ever after losing the lead in Game 1 with less than three minutes remaining, the Lakers and Kobe still found a way to win. The fact that Bryant poured in 11 of his 31 points in the final four minutes only added to his legend.
I think it will most likely be Kobe and company squaring of against LBJ and the Cavs in this year’s NBA Finals. But it’s always fun watching the guys earn their plane rides.
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Not a Slam Dunk Yet
Posted by: | CommentsWatching the NBA playoffs over the past two weeks, it’s become painfully obvious that no single team is head-and-shoulders above the rest. In fact, after watching the Lakers get spanked twice in Oklahoma City (the second loss by 21 points), it’s actually been a lot of fun following the early action. You see, I hate the Lakers and I’m not a Kobe Bryant fan, so to see him get called for fouls (any fouls) is a welcome sight. Too often the “Jordan Rules” apply to guys like Kobe, LeBron James and even my guy, Paul Pierce, so to see the league’s elite personnel getting hammered by the zebras from time to time is very cool indeed.
We are watching history once again and it’s not a total stretch to predict the Cavs squaring off against the Thunder in the Finals. Granted, I don’t think that eighth-seeded Oklahoma City will actually win the Western Conference, but wouldn’t that be great to see? After all, 21-year-old wunderkind Kevin Durant did win the scoring title this year (30.1 ppg) and his teammates do appear hungry, especially after feasting on the prime-time Lakers at home. Tonight’s game might spell a different ending as Kobe does seem a bit miffed with all the “no calls” coming his way lately. But we’ll just have to see how things play out in L.A. After blasting the Lakers by a combined 26 points, you better believe the Thunder feel adequately rejuvenated.
I bet the Lakers and Phil Jackson wish they had Magic on their roster.
With apologies to the remaining Western Conference tandems – Spurs/Mavs, Trail Blazers/Suns, and Jazz/Nuggets – I need to move my rant over to the Eastern Conference where I truly believe this year’s NBA champion resides. And no, I don’t think the winners of either the Magic/Bobcats or Hawks/Bucks series will vie for the coveted ring in June. Instead, it will come down to either my beloved Celtics, who currently own a 3-1 advantage over the Heat, or the LeBron-led Cavaliers, a team that’s never won it all, but has come awfully close.
In theory, the Cavs are younger and – you would think – hungrier than the aging Celtics, but you can’t ever bet against the Beantown Leprechaun. I watched guys like John Havlicek, Dave Cowens and Jojo White perform miracles out on the parquet floor during the ‘70s and then proudly witnessed new miracles being staged by magicians like Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale during the ‘80s. A certain team from Chicago did own the ‘90s, but the Celts have tasted victory in the new millennium and this year’s Eastern Conference winner will go through Boston. I’m certain of it.
Now let’s kick back and see who wants it more. Who’s your team? I’d like to know.
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Upper Deck: Home of the No. 23
Posted by: | CommentsVery few people would argue with me if I said that Michael Jordan was the best player to ever step on to a basketball court. What many don’t understand is that Jordan was not simply blessed with unbelievable talent. He was never the fastest player on the court, nor the strongest. He didn’t even make his high school basketball team the first time he tried out. Something else made him great and it was something that no one else at the time seemed to have: heart. One thing that can’t be taught is having the passion and drive to persevere through hard times. Jordan lived by the motto of “what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.” Jordan displayed this passion for the game his whole career. This is the reason that he is also one of the most respected basketball players of all time.
When Jordan entered the NBA in 1984, he quickly emerged as a rising star. Since then, people have been in a rush to anoint someone else as the “next MJ.” The title has gone to many unworthy people such as Grant Hill, Jerry Stackhouse, Penny Hardaway, and even J.R. Rider! Many felt that the closest comparison to Jordan would be Kobe Bryant. But that was before LeBron James entered the league. Like Jordan did, James wears uniform number 23, largely out of respect for his favorite player of all-time. That isn’t the only thing James mimics about Jordan. James has undergone Jordan’s offseason and regular season workout routine. When Jordan finishes a regular/postseason, he takes a couple of weeks off, and then gets right back to work. He chooses one facet of his game that he could improve on and works on that during the entire offseason. This is the same regimen that James employs. Additionally, James can seemingly fly like Jordan, and also shares a similar understanding of the game.
For all of these reasons that symbolize greatness is why Upper Deck signed an exclusive partnership with James. He has joined his idol – the other No. 23 – as an exclusive representative of Upper Deck. Not only is James following Jordan on the court, but off the court as well by making smart and timely business decisions. Jordan has been an exclusive partner with Upper Deck since 1991. He is also one of the most successful sports businessmen of all time, a moniker James would like to wear as well.
James got off to the right start by teaming with Jordan and Upper Deck. Their job now is to help revitalize the trading card industry, and reaffirm Upper Deck’s position as the industry leader. If you would like to collect any trading cards or memorabilia that boasts a signature from either of these living legends, look no further than Upper Deck. We have several pieces of autographed memorabilia that would more than satisfy any collector.
One of the more intriguing pieces in our inventory is a Jordan-autographed Bulls game-used floor. Between 1996 and 1998, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls dominated the NBA like no other team in history, setting the record for victories in a single-season (72-10, 1995-96) and over a three-year span (203-43, 1995-98). Upper Deck presents a direct link to that historic era with a familiar section of the playing surface, an authentic piece from the 1996-98 United Center floor featuring the Bulls team logo. This amazing showpiece measures 8’ x 8’ and will be signed and custom inscribed by Michael! Be the first to own this extremely rare 1-of-1 piece of memorabilia by visiting www.upperdeckstore.com.
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2009-10 NBA Season Outlook
Posted by: | CommentsThe 2009-2010 NBA season is less than two weeks away, and speculation of a hoops campaign even greater than last year is already underway. Just when we thought we had seen it all with the Kobe Bryant-Lebron James puppets, a new season with far more parody is about to take flight.
The NBA has been through several ups and downs since the end of last season. Highlighting its offseason is Commissioner David Stern’s lockout of veteran referees. The current deal between the league and its officials expired September 1, 2009. As of now, the two sides have reached an agreement on two of the three pressing issues: severance payments for referees who retire, and the number of game assignments given to referees from the NBA D-League and WNBA. The only remaining matter is the referees’ pension plan. Stern wants a reduction while the referees’ association wants to leave it the same or increase it.
As far as basketball is concerned, many people believe that the Los Angeles Lakers are still the team to beat in the Western Conference, in spite of all the distractions they’ve had to deal with. They recently acquired Ron Artest, who has a history of bringing drama wherever he goes. I disagree with this move and feel they would have been better off re-signing the more manageable Trevor Ariza, rather than taking a chance on somebody who many call a “ticking time bomb.” The Lakers also had a long offseason dealing with Lamar Odom. Many felt that he would be playing elsewhere this upcoming season, but the Lakers waited until the last possible minute to re-sign him. Additionally, he just got married to reality star Khloe Kardashian. It’s bad enough that the Lakers play in Los Angeles (the ultimate place for distractions), but now, Odom has given himself a natural excuse to underperform.
Last year, the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets were considered the Lakers’ biggest competition. However, neither of these teams made significant moves in the offseason to upgrade their roster. The key word here is significant. The Rockets signed Ariza, the unsung hero from last year’s Lakers’ championship team. This is a great addition for the Rockets, yet, it makes little sense. The Rockets are already one of the best defensive teams in the league and have been since Rick Adelman assumed head coaching duties in 2007. Ariza was credited with shutting down stars like Hedo Turkoglu and Carmelo Anthony in the playoffs. His sole purpose on a stacked Lakers’ team was to defend. So, why add more defense? Ariza has improved his offense since entering the league in 2004, but is simply not yet ready to carry a team on his back.
The Denver Nuggets were in the best position to oust the Lakers from last year’s playoffs. However, their failure to add one or two more players in the offseason will cost them dearly. They may even have problems repeating as division champions. Both the Utah Jazz and Portland Trailblazers represent young teams that seem ready to take the next step. As close as the division was last year, I can’t fathom why the Nuggets think they are good enough to remain with the status quo. It was apparent to all who watched the series that the Nuggets were just one big man away from eliminating the Lakers. They failed to make that move and could consequently find themselves on the outside looking in this season.
The Eastern Conference, however, is far more intriguing. I believe that it will be a three-team race toward the end of the year with Cleveland, Orlando and Boston separating themselves from the rest of the pack. With Shaquille O’Neal going back to the east to team up with LeBron James, can anyone say championship? The last time Shaq went to the east and was paired with one of the most dynamic players in the league, he came away with a championship. (Remember Dwyane Wade?) If you think the Cavs had fun last year, just wait until Shaq gets acclimated to his new teammates.
The Orlando Magic lost their leader in Hedo Turkoglu, but replaced him with a seasoned veteran in Vince Carter. Carter will not be able to fill Turkoglu’s shoes because the whole offense ran through him starting in the fourth quarter. Carter does not have the same skill set as Turkoglu, but nevertheless, he represents great star power to have at shooting guard. They also made a great move in matching the offer for center Marcin Gortat. He will still play behind Dwight Howard, but Head Coach Stan Van Gundy believes that at times during the game, they can both play together.
Many NBA fans have forgotten about the Boston Celtics. The NBA champions from two years ago made a significant move in signing Rasheed Wallace. Wallace will be able to ease the pressure on Kevin Garnett, as well as spread the floor because of his ability to knock down the three. He also works as an insurance policy in case anything else happens to Garnett. Moreover, let’s not forget about Rajon Rondo, who was already one of the best point guards in the league. He’s added another year of experience under his belt, which could only pay dividends.
We have endured the NBA offseason for a long three months, and it is finally tipping off on Tuesday, October 27, when the Celtics visit the Cavs. Obviously, the NBA schedule-maker is just as excited as we are to see how these two teams will perform with their new stars.
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Brandon Roy Has Got Next
Posted by: | CommentsThe legend of Brandon Roy continues to grow. He is truly an NBA superstar even though he is still not a household name in many NBA cities. He’s out to prove to everyone that he belongs on the list of the NBA’s elite with the likes of Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James. Judging by what he has already accomplished in his young career, Roy is almost there. For those who don’t agree, Brandon has a few words: “My time is almost here.”
Players like Wade and Bryant boast awe-inspiring workout routines that they follow during the NBA’s off-season. “B Roy,” as he is often called, employs the same desire and dedication to succeed as they do, albeit in his own workout regiment. He knows that he and his young Trailblazer teammates are on the verge of something really, really great in Portland. In addition to being the squad’s leading scorer, he has matured and evolved into their ever present leader. He has amped up his off-season conditioning and added a new haircut in hopes that his team will follow suit and take the next step toward an NBA Championship.
Take a look at Brandon Roy’s training camp workout and his thoughts on competing with Kobe:
Training Camp Week: Brandon Roy Workout
When judging Roy’s dedication to win, you need look no further than his boyhood idol while growing up in Seattle, “His Airness” himself, Michael Jordan. Brandon witnessed Jordan, who was perhaps the league’s best competitor ever, continually improve and upgrade his skills every off-season, even when winning scoring titles and NBA rings.
Roy used his mentor’s inspiration to become the state of Washington’s best high school basketball player in 2002. He even flirted with going directly to the NBA before pulling out of the draft and attending the University of Washington. Even though he was a top 50 recruit, Roy had doubts about academically succeeding at the NCAA level amid problems passing the SAT test, so he took a minimum wage job at the Seattle Ports cleaning out shipping containers until he could work out his difficulties with the entrance exams. His parents discovered that he had a common learning disability, which was common to many students, and eventually he passed the exam after being granted some extra time to complete the test.
Brandon honed his all-around skills in his four seasons under Coach Lorenzo Romar at Washington. After his junior season he thought again about going pro but stayed for his senior season since teammate Nate Robinson had already declared for the draft. Roy excelled in his senior campaign, averaging 20.2 ppg and led the Huskies to a 26-7 record and a second straight Sweet 16 appearance. He received many accolades including PAC-10 Player of the Year, All-America honors, and was a finalist for many national Player of the Year awards.
With his draft stock at an all-time high, he was selected No. 6 overall in the 2006 NBA Draft, before being traded to Portland for Randy Foye. His rookie season in the NBA was sensational from the start where he scored 20 points in his first game and never looked back, averaging 16.8 ppg, 4.4 rebs, four assists, and 1.2 steals for the season. His excellent numbers as well as his team’s improved play helped earn him an All-Star nod and Rookie of the Year honors even though he played in only 57 games due to a heel injury.
During his second season he improved his numbers to 19.1 ppg and a career high 5.8 assists, earning another All-Star berth where he led all Western Conference scorers with 18 points along with Chris Paul and Amare Stoudemire. Last season, “The Natural,” as local Portland play-by-play announcer calls him, had his best season by setting career highs in scoring (22.6), rebounds (4.7), FG% (.480), and 3 PT% (.377) earning yet another All-Star appearance along with an All NBA 2nd Team Selection (first Blazer to do so since the ‘92 season).
Roy could be called the next “Mr. Clutch” since he has 24 last-second shots where he has either tied or won a game with less than 35 seconds remaining. Portland definitely knows Roy’s worth as their franchise player since they resigned him in August to a four-year contract, with a fifth-year option, keeping him in “Rip City” through 2014.
Another facet of Roy’s game besides numbers is his leadership and ability to make those around him better. The season before he arrived in Portland, the Blazers finished fifth in their division with a dismal 21-61 record. Roy, along with young stars LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden, helped increase the Blazers’ win totals to 32, 41, and 54 wins respectively. Roy also led them to the playoffs and has revitalized a once-proud franchise which hasn’t won an NBA title since Maurice Lucas and Bill Walton led the in 1977 under Hall of Fame Coach “Doctor” Jack Ramsey.
One thing is for sure: the NBA’s Western Conference elite teams like the Lakers and Spurs should beware of the upstart Blazers. The Blazers’ and Brandon Roy’s time is coming, if it isn’t already here. I’m sure for Blazer fans, it is “Rip City or Bust!”
Check out Brandon Roy’s website for his full workout routine (http://www.broy7.com/roy/index/)
Allen Moll is an avid NBA and college basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for thehoopdoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, UpperDeckblog.com, and his own blog, Hoops Haven (hoopsworld4.wordpress.com).
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