3 Thoughts for Friday

Things that have me thinking

Some days there is more than one thing on my mind in the complicated sports world and today is one of them. There are a lot of things to ponder as we sit on the edge of another weekend, likely filled with watching games of different types.

*The world is once again watching Brett Farve. I don’t know why.  He is not going to high school practices because he wants to help kids. Well, maybe he does but his main goal is to get himself out in the public before he decides to come back again, and again and again.  Favre will be wearing purple in training camp. The only real question is if he will show up on time. He should. Just because he is an eventual hall of famer doesn’t mean he has different rules. Showing up late is another tactic to get some media exposure. This is the third year in a row for the watch Brett Saga. It is getting old.

*On a completely different note, there is talk in Cleveland of retiring the jersey of LeBron James. I would just say, why?  Do they want to honor the man who brought zero championships to your city? Maybe you want the jersey of the man who abandoned you on national television to hang over every home game. The retirement of a jersey should be a respected and honorable occasion. In my book Lebron meets neither of those categories, yet.

*And, Chipper Jones is quoted as saying he is getting a “feeling of 1995” with this year’s team. That is the last time the Braves won the World Series. I am older than Chipper, I am getting a feeling of 1991. That is the first time in the modern era the Braves made it to the World Series, they lost in 7 games to the Twins in what is the longest world series, 69 innings in 7 games in history.  Click here for a complete over view of that World Series, its interesting but heart breaking...as a Braves fan.

Chipper and I agree on what is important. This team is special and it looks like the post season is in its future, barring a second half collapse. Getting there is only half the battle. The true test of the team will be whether or not they can get it done in the post season. Time will tell on that.

LJ aint no MJ, or even Dr J

In my absence from the world of modern technology one topic has fittingly filled The Corner. Now, the other half of the Woerner Combo can provide a little perspective on the circus that became known as "The Decision" of LeBron James to head south.

I was reminded of this fiasco in the middle of a driving thunderstorm somewhere in the middle of the North Caorlina Mountains. That is when the man known as The King was scheduled to have his news conference announcing his decision about where he was playing. I enjoyed the experience but couldn't help but let my mind wonder.

If only we could turn back the clock about 20 years. If LJ could stop one of those patented MJ dunks I might give him a little credit. When he could still score on one of he best defenders in history then maybe he would deserve half the media coverage he has gotten.

Michael Jordan was the best player in NBA history long before James was born and will be after he is dead.
If a certain Dr. also with a "J" in his initial had the benefit of the Internet, cable and satellite television and Yahoo news his career would been more appealing than that of Lebron.

James is the most recent example of media frenzy gone crazy. It is fine to call him the best player of his day because he is. The sports world simply needs to keep everything in a perspective of time.
All hail "The King" in his new palace where it is a little warmer than in Cleveland.

The King of....Heat

The King, at the age of 25, decides to shake up the NBA and go to the Miami Heat .  James said that he decided this morning  that he would play for Heat.  His main reason was as he put it “The best opportunity to win and to win now and to win in the future also,” James said. “Winning is a huge thing for me.”

With this news and leading up to his decision the Heat sold out of season ticket packages that were available starting at $4,300, and the auction sites like eBay had some packages offered for as much as $18,500.  Due to this they had to suspend season ticket sales.  Of course not all 19000 tickets are sold out as they hold tickets for single game sales as well.

LeBron's televised event was a bit of a disappointment as all reports, including what LeBron said, indicated the world would know his decision by 9:10.  He showed up to the Boys and Girls club at 8:50 in a lavender stripped shirt but didn't enter "the chair" until 9:18 eight minutes after his reported time to announce.  His actual decision came at 9:28.

Now there are only a couple of things to decide: who's team is the Heat, Dwyane Wade or LeBron James'?  My thoughts are it will be shared.  I cannot wait to see the Heat play next season as it will be something special.  My hopes are the LeBron will play point, Wade will play guard and Bosh will play forward.  Time will tell though.  Another thing to decide is who is Miami going to replace their baron roster with.  If they trade out Michael Beasley the only two returning players from last year are Wade and Chalmers.  Assuming they sign the "Big Three" that would be 4 players, 3 that are starter quality, on a 10 man roster with almost no cap room to work with.  Should be an interesting couple of days or weeks.

Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade....LeBron?

UPDATE JULY 8th:  Even though Lebron doesn't officially announce until tonight many are reporting that he plans to play in Miami, my reason below.  Some more reports this afternoon are that LeBron James has rented six cabanas at the W Hotel South Beach this weekend to celebrate his team decision, two sources confirm to UsMagazine.com. Tune into ESPN at 9pm to watch live.

ESPN is reporting today the Chris Bosh will announce this afternoon his signing in Miami along with Dwyane Wade announcing he will stay in Miami.  Chris Bosh was the 4th pick in the 2003 draft with Wade being the 5th pick in the 2003 draft.  Both played on the gold medal winning all-star USA team in the 2008 Olympics.  This seems like it could be enough to take Miami from an average team that makes the playoffs in the 4th or 5th seed to a championship contending team right?

Well just in case they need some more stardom on the team Wade, Bosh and the Heat decided to recruit LeBron James as well, the 1st pick in the 2003 draft and a member of the Olympic team as well.  Can you imagine the level this team could play at?  I think this WILL happen for one reason, LeBron is starting to get older and still has 0 championships and what a better place to get a championship than with this surrounding cast.  LeBron has said he will announce his decision on Thursday night at 9pm so stayed tuned to see where he is going.  Another good reason that LeBron will sign with Miami is that Wade and Bosh came out and said they are willing to take less money if LeBron will sign with the Heat.


In cases like these, assuming LeBron signs with the Heat, a huge assumption, I would usually say the Heat need to be careful of having an all-star studded roster with no chemistry, but since these players are all close friends and played in the Olympics I am not worried about that.

Again assuming that LeBron decides to join forces with Bosh and Wade here is a peak at next season.  Bosh avgages 24 ppg , Wade averages 27 ppg and LeBron 30.  So between those three players thats 81 ppg, not to mention the other two players that would be on the court.  Also both Bosh and LeBron average 10 rpg so that could be a force to be trifled with under the hoop.  All in all I hope LeBron joins to make this one of the best teams EVER.

Another plus on a personal standpoint from me is that De'Sean Butler (right) from West Virginia was drafted, hasn't signed yet, by the Heat.  What a great place to develop while he returns from that blown out knee than under those three players.

In other NBA news Kevin Durant, a.k.a. the Durantula, resigned with Oklahoma City.  His contract is a 5 year 85 million dollar one.  Not bad for 21 year old.  Also Carlos Boozer signed with the Bulls a 5 year deal worth 80 million.

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