NBA

Chris Bosh Key To NBA Free Agency

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The X Factor in NBA Free Agency

Everyone assumes that Lebron James is the one holding up the NBA free agency period. It’s an easy association. He is the best player in the world, and when he makes his free agency decision then the rest of the free agency dominos will fall. There is no question that whatever James decides will create a ripple affect across the NBA, however he may not be the one who has the biggest impact on free agency.

What if I told you that Chris Bosh is the key X factor for NBA free agency? Truth is that his decision would have a greater impact because it impact’s Lebron James’ decision. After opting opt of his contract, the consensus was that the Heat wanted to pay Bosh around 11 million dollars per year, a huge pay cut from last year. Now the Houston Rockets are reportedly offering Bosh a max contract worth reportedly 88 million dollars over four years. If Bosh decides to go to Houston to not only get paid but to also be a member of a title contending team, it would impact the entire league.

Let’s say Bosh goes to Houston. There are even reports that Pat Reiley has been pushing Bosh towards Houston encouraging him to take the money. That would open cap space in Miami for the Heat to get Carmelo Anthony. Lebron has been saying that the dream is to play with Melo and if Bosh leaves that would open up the cap space for Melo to play in South Beach.

That might not be the only scenario. If Lebron feels that Miami has lost too much with the loss of Bosh he may go back to Celeveland or sign a one year dear to see what the market is next year. Don’t forget that Melo may stay in New York for a max deal or that he may want to go to LA. An intriguing possibility is if James takes a one year deal in Miami to see how New York plays out.

While we await the decision of Lebron James, it maybe Chris Bosh’s decision that basketball fans should be paying attention to. This time around it’s Bosh’s decision which could change the NBA.

 

Charlotte Hornets Unveil New Uniforms

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The Charlotte Hornets have just unveiled their new jerseys for the 2014-2015 NBA season. After the organization decided the drop the Bobcats name to once again become the Hornets there was speculation about if the team would wear the traditional pinstripe uniforms and colors from the 90s.

While the pinstripes maybe gone, for now, the new uniforms once again embrace the unique teal and purple color scheme. The team has three uniforms that are white, teal, and purple. While my guess is that the purple is the alternate with the teal being the away uniform, we will have to wait and see. The uniforms feature a hornet on the middle of the shorts wast line for some nice subtle detail.

The white and purple both share the “Hornets” Script across the chest with the interlocking C H logo down the side with a teal side stripe. The teal jersey is slightly different with a purple stripe down the side, “Charlotte” script, and the alternate stinger logo on the side of the shorts. Because this one says Charlotte it is my guess that this is the away uniform.

Either way these uniforms are fantastic and a huge upgrade over the old Bobcats uniforms. These uniforms combine the best of the traditional Hornets colors with a sleek new design for future generations. I know one thing, I’m sure glad the Hornets are back in these are now some of my favorite uniforms in the entire NBA.

Weighing his OPTions: Lebron James Opts Out of Heat Deal

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Lebron could change the NBA landscape once again

Lebron could change the NBA landscape once again

The madness starts now! Lebron James will once again be the main attraction in the circus of NBA Free Agency as he has opted out of his contract with the Miami Heat. Now Lebron James can once again change the entire complexion of the NBA like he did four years ago when he made the infamous decision to leave Cleveland for South Beach.

Does this mean that Lebron James is leaving the Heat? No, but he is sending a clear message. James is putting himself in the best position for himself and the team. By opting out he can take less money and open up more cap space in Miami. However, James has put the pressure on Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade to now take pay cuts. If they both so, James will be back and Miami will have the resources to add more pieces to their talented roster. However, if Bosh and Wade decided not to restructure and keep their high salaries, than James has put himself in position to test the waters of free agency.

Where would he go? New York and Chicago look to be out of the question. New York with their terrible cap space and lack of stars while in Chicago James would always be in the shadow of Jordan. Houston and Cleveland would have the pieces but a lot also depends of Carmelo Anthony.

If Carmelo Anothony decides to take less to play with James, then the two of them could team up somewhere. If Carmelo wants a max contract, then the Anthony James teacup will just be a fantasy. The most interesting place is Cleveland which still remains an interesting option. With a young and talented roster and being James’ hometown team, we could see a reunion in Cleveland. Not to mention there have been strong rumors that the Cavaliers working on a deal with Minnesota by trading the number 1 pick for Kevin Love. If Kevin Love joins the Cavaliers, it would be hard for James to turn down a team with that much young talent.

Even if Cleveland cannot bring in Love, they still have the first pick and could bring in either Andrew Wiggins or Joel Embiid to entice the King. But no matter what any team does to try to lure Lebron James, it’s up to Lebron where he plays. We know one thing, James will look to go to a team that he feels will be able to win him multiple championships. It’s going to be a crazy summer, but we will be here to bring you the latest on the Lebron James saga. The ball’s in you court Lebron, what are you going to do next?

The Legacy of Tim Duncan

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In a sport filled with machismo and flash, it’s easy to see how Tim Duncan

Silent but Deadly

Silent but Deadly

fades into the background among the high profiled NBA stars. With so much attention focused on players such as Kobe Bryant, Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant, and Lebron James, it’s hard to believe that Duncan’s aren’t more celebrated. Everyone talks about James’ quest to win multiple championships and how Kobe Bryan has won his five titles in Los Angeles. With all of the debate about which NBA star needs to cement his legacy but winning an elusive championship ring what the experts and sports fans should be debating is how great Tim Duncan’s legacy is compared to the all-time greats.

When you ask NBA fans to describe the 6’11 power forward and center the reaction is usually a long paused as a sound of “uuummm” protrudes from their lips as they struggle to find the words. Now if you ask most NBA fans if they would consider him an all-time great they would probably say that is blasphemy. Sure Duncan’s a good player, but one of the greatest of all-time? No way?

Consider this. After the Spurs defeated the Miami Heat in 5 games to win the NBA title, Duncan has won five championships. Yes, the same amount as Kobe Bryant and three more than King James. Oh, by the way, two of those title wins were over Lebron James. With a list of accolades such as MVPs, All Star appearances, and countless NBA awards that is longer than a list of all the age jokes about the Spurs, there is no question that Duncan is a surefire Hall of Famer.

Sure, Duncan might not be the flashiest players in the NBA, but he gets the job done. He’s like a Buick while other NBA stars are italian sports cars. Sure he might not be the fastest or prettiest car, but he won’t break down on you and will be there when you really need him.

Even at the age of 38, Duncan may have the opportunity to win another title. Sure he’s not the player he used to be, but being the selfless player that he is and accepting less minutes, the Spurs are still an elite team. A team without stars, but players who all accept their role and do what is best for the team. Add in Gregg Popovich, a hall of gamer in his own right, and the Spurs could win another title or two over the next two seasons. With their well-rounded roster and playoff experience, this team will be dangerous in 2015.

With all the debate about whether James will catch up to Jordan’s six NBA titles, people should be focused if Duncan can surpass his Royal Airness. Wouldn’t it be ironic if the quietest and one of the least flashy NBA players in history won more titles than the electrifying Jordan? Instead of his Airness it might be time to recognize his royal Duncness.

Miami Heat Fans Leave Again: Spoiled Brats

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19e15cc33f4008dc5deac50c79462eea_crop_northAnd the award for the worst fan base in professional sports goes to…….. the Miami Heat! Once again the so called Miami Heat fan base showed why they are the most vile and unappreciative bunch of bandwagoners in sports. While other cities pray for a championship run for once in a lifetime, Miami fans have been treated to four consecutive years of their team making it to the championship. Most NBA cities would be grateful to be in the playoffs or even have a team. Could we please relocate this team to a city like Seattle? A city that deserves a great basketball team.

Seriously, Miami Heat fans are the slime of the NBA. After the Heat fell behind in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, the Heat fans did what they do best. No, not get in a boisterous rant about how how the Heat are a dynasty or immediately rebuttal that they are not bandwagon fans. The Miami Heat fans once again walked out on their team during the NBA Finals.

As we already know, last year these same “fans” walked out of the same building in Game 6 when the Heat fell behind. Then of course, Ray Allen hits the shot, the Heat are back in it, and then the spoiled Heat fans had the audacity to demand to be let back into the game. However, this time they went the extra mile of booing their team. Yes boo the players that have brought you to four straight NBA Title Games, classy Miami. Way to appreciate the team that’s brought you two world championships in a row and is still alive, barely, in this series.

Listen, I hope that San Antonio wins. Not because I don’t want Lebron James to win another title but because I want a city who actually appreciates their team and would appreciate the title. Lets face it. We hate fans who only root for a team when they are winning or don’t appreciate the good fortune they have. Heck, I’m 23 and none of my teams have won a championship in my lifetime and Miami’s putrid fan base is complaining after winning two in a row?

It’s unfortunate that such a talented team is wasted on a bunch of individuals who don’t appreciate their efforts. Seriously, I think MTV should be making a reality show about Heat fans. They already have the rotten drama queens of My Sweet Sixteen, they should have a show called My Heat Seats. The life, struggles, and knowing the perfect time to leave the arena for Miami fans.True there are many great Heat fans who are there for every game and are very supportive. However, the vast majority of this fan base have now walked out on their team not once but twice.

Go ahead Miami. Leave for your clubs and overpriced tanning booths but mark my words. You better hope that this fan base doesn’t walk out on this team again. You never know what could happen. That could be strike three and then the King could to leave.