Can they be stopped? When will the Heat’s reign end?

November 4, 2013January 6, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The Big Three now go for the three peat

The 2013-2014 NBA season has many captivating story lines. Derrick Rose’s injury, Kobe’s bout against father time, and Eastern Conference’s futility. Still, no NBA team is stirring up more controversy and headlines then a certain team from South Beach. The NBA’s evil empire, the Miami Heat.

With the opportunity to three peat as champions and join some of the league’s most storied teams, the heat is on in Miami. The question is can a David step up and topple the mighty Goliath? Can any team upset the Heat and spoil their quest of dominance? The reloaded Nets and the Bulls struggles have many doubting their ability to knock King James of his throne. Can a team from the Wild West such as the Thunder, Clippers, or Spurs be able to shock the Big Three? Without question the Heat are the lightning rod for attention in the NBA.

Whether its Lebron’s legacy, the team’s health, it’s fans, or just the animosity that no other team seems to get attention in the NBA, the Heat are the logical focal point. It’s understandable why this team is hated so much. The best player in the NBA leaves his hometown team and community to create an all-star team just to win championships. Theres the constant media attention where the top NBA story always involves Miami. It doesn’t matter if Kevin Durant drops 50 points for the Thunder because ESPN needs to analyze James’ supporting cast for the hundredth time. Miami is despised for having the worst fans in sports, who only either care about the team when they are winning or are so spoiled because they have jumped on the best team bandwagon. Heat fans are always complaining for no good reason! Why? Now idea, they’ve won three championships in a decade so what’s the problem? However, the biggest reason the Heat are hated is because they are the best.

They have Lebron James, and your team doesn’t. Their arrogance and cockiness about being the best team drives NBA fans crazy. This team just thinks it will be a breeze to win another championship. However, I think there is another thing at play here. People still love Michael Jordan. The fact that Lebron is threatening what many claim is the NBA’s greatest legacy strikes a nerve within die-hard NBA fans. Then you hear the criticism and laundry list of reasons why Lebron James will never surpass his Airness. The points, position, competition, the list goes on and on and on. The fact that Lebron threatens one of if not the most beloved player in NBA history, and the way he has achieved his success, just riles up Jordan supporters who will try to find any flaws within James’ game. However, there is no question that right now there is no better player in the NBA.

The question shouldn’t be if Lebron James is the best player in the NBA, he is, but is there a basketball team that is constructed better than the Heat right now? Is there such a team whose sum of parts will equal a greater team then the Heat? Obviously, Lebron skews this equation by being the best player in the game, but is there a roster whose depth and overall talent can expose the Heat’s flaws of being a team built on three players? These are the questions that teams in the NBA must answer. I think there is such a team. With so much talent in the NBA and a few teams with loaded and lethal rosters, it might be when not if the Heat are eliminated from contention this year. Will Lebron hoist his third trophy, or will some other superstar begin their own Hall of Fame legacy? We await with bated breath to find out if the King will get another ring, or if his mighty empire will be failed be a worth adversary.

How Superman became Kryptonite

July 7, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

From packing a punch to punch line

For the third time in three years Dwight Howard finds himself with a new team. It’s been a roller coaster career for the 27-year-old NBA star. From being the baby face star in Orlando, going to L.A. to make a west coast dream team, to becoming the diva of the NBA. For the past three years Howard’s antics and comments have made him go from the superhero of basketball, to the Lex Luthor of Houston. Outside of The Big Three in Miami, Howard is probably the most hated player in the NBA. How did this happen? When you force your way out of the franchise that drafted you by mocking the head coach and fan base that will tend to put you on people’s bad side. Then Dwight Howard went to LA to become a Laker phenom, which lasted only a year. Once again Dwight complained about the coaches, not being the focal point of a team with Kobe Bryant, and once again ridiculed yet another fan base. Is Dwight trying to be a villain? I think he’s trying too hard not to be a role model. Now the Howard road show will be heading to Houston. They say everything’s bigger in Texas, so naturally it might be the only place that can handle the NBA’s largest ego. While Houston has the talent to now become an NBA title contender, they need Howard to finally realize his full potential. There is no question that he is one of the greatest physically specimens in the game right now whose bursting at the seam with raw talent. However, for all of his physical gifts, Howard has never become the dominant player he should be. When at the top of their games big men like Shaq, Ewing, and Duncan couldn’t be stopped and took over the game. Howard is still a soft player who despite his physical prowess isn’t a bully in the paint. Maybe the third time will be the charm and Howard will become the force NBA scouts always dreamed about. If Houston wants a title, that is the Dwight Howard they need. The only drawback is that Howard brings more baggage then the Kardashian sisters going on vacation. The question is how long will Dwight Howard behave or be committed? Will this experiment only last a year and will he alienate himself from this fan base? When thing is for certain. Dwight Howard will always provide a show whether it’s on or off the court. Whether he’s throwing down a monster dunk, or participating in the Dwight Howard reality show on E, it’s going to be entertaining in Houston. Can someone pass the popcorn?

Can anyone topple the NBA’s evil empire

June 22, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Can anyone knock the Heat off their throne

“This fall I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat”. When Lebron James uttered these words in front of a surprised nation, a new villain had been spawned. “The Big Three” of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh became the new villains of basketball. Much like the movie Star Wars, this evil empire is led by three NBA juggernauts who for the past three years have bullied the NBA’s best. In those three years the Heat have won two championships and have been in the finals every single year. Now the question is can anyone take down the empire? While it remains to be seen if Chris Bosh will return, there is no question that the Heat will be the favorites to three peat. The thing is that there aren’t many eminent threats to this evil empire’s reign. The Pacers and Bulls represent the biggest threats with their deep pools of talent. However, the Bulls will need Derrick Rose back and healthy if they want to beat Miami. If healthy I think that the Bulls could be the team that is the biggest threat in the East. That is if they can stay healthy. What about the Pacers? While the Pacers have a talented roster and a physical style of play that can exploit the Heats, I think Miami will do two things to prevent this. First I think they will not underestimate the Pacers again, and second I think that the Heat will add a physical big to help counter the physical in the paint style of the Pacers. The only other team that could compete with the Heat would be if the Celtics can reload their roster with young talent while removing the original big three of Garnett and Pierce. What about the West? While Kevin Durant’s Thunder pose the biggest threat it was apparent this postseason that he still needs help around him. The LA teams? The Lakers and Clippers are both messes right now, with the only exception being that the Clippers are a glorified highlight reel. The Spurs? Unfortunately I think this was the last hoorah for Parker and Duncan as father time becomes their biggest challenger. While there may not be an immediate end to the Heat’s reign, the one thing that all other NBA fans have is hope. They hope that their team, or some other team will rise from the NBA depths and overthrow the Heat’s empire for good.

Why Miami Heat fans are the worst

June 19, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / 2 Comments

These are not true fans

After an epic comeback win to force a game seven, the Miami Heat’s victory the other night will go down in NBA history as one of the greatest finals games. Quick question though, if there’s no one around to witness it did it really happen? Unfortunately for the Heat, while they probably have the best talent on the court, they have the worst fans in basketball and probably in sports. When the Heat fell behind in the third quarter to the Spurs, there was a mass exodus of fans from the American Airlines Arena. Instead of waiting to see the end of a historic season, or giving the Heat the home crowd advantage to start a comeback, these fans thought it was more important to hit the clubs early or just go home. Oh I haven’t even gotten to the best part. While the Heat were crafting one of the greatest comebacks in finals history, lead by Lebron James incredible fourth quarter run, these fans had the audacity to come back and try to get back in. Then when they were denied readmission they resorted to profanity and juvenile behavior that was so absurd that the Miami police department was called in. How dare you! If I had it my way if you had game seven tickets I wouldn’t let you in the building! This once again portrays that Miami Heat fans are spoiled little brats that only care about this team when they’re winning. This Heat team has brought you a world title, an incredible winning streak during the season, and is in the NBA finals for the third straight year. How can you be so ungrateful? Why does this anger other fans? Most NBA fans would go crazy if there team was just in the NBA finals and would do anything to give their team a home court advantage. But Heat fans? They are not true sports fans who instead decide to take the easy way out when their team is struggling. Someone should tell these fans it ain’t over till it’s over. For real sports fans we stick with our team through thick and thin. Times may be tough right now, but we find the silver lining and now that their could be a bright future for our teams just over the horizon. But here in the present despite dominating the past three years, and having a chance for a comeback, that these fans refused to support a team that other fans would be dying to have. The Heat may win another championship for this city and while the players deserve it, this horrendous fan base doesn’t.

Why Michael Jordan’s legacy is already greater than Lebron James

June 17, 2013June 17, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

Throughout these NBA Finals I’ve been getting sick of the constant Lebron James and Michael Jordan debates about who will have the better legacy. While Lebron still has many more chapters to write for his legacy, the Jordan legacy is one of if not the greatest athletic legacy of all time. While these analysts will throw out statistics and try to analytically compare these two icons, Jordan’s legacy goes beyond the basketball court. While this debate will probably never end here are five reasons why Michael Jordan’s legacy is greater than Lebron James will be.

5) College glory

Unlike Lebron, Jordan has a National Championship on his legacy

This one is a quick and one-sided debate. Since Lebron James never attended college he never had the chance to leave a legacy on college basketball. However, Jordan did. As a freshman, he made the winning shot against Georgetown to win the National Championship in 1982. With Jordan, the Tar Heels helped to build one of the best programs in college basketball which continues today. While Lebron supporters will say that it is more impressive to go from high school to the NBA, Jordan had one of the greatest college basketball careers and has added bonus points to his resume. Only a handful of players have made such an impact in both the NCAA and the NBA, and Jordan is one of them.

4) Hometown Hero

“The Decision” will always be a negative aspect of James’ career

Why is Lebron James hated so much? Well when you embarrass your hometown on national television people will tend to think you’re a jerk. “The Decision” which aired on June 8, 2o10 on ESPN is one decision that Lebron James wishes he could change. Not necessarily joining the Heat, but how he handled the whole situation. Instead of just having it announced like any other athlete, he decided to torture the Cleveland faithful even more by giving them just a glimmer of hope that he’d return only to take it away in an instant. Also it doesn’t help when you say that you made the decision that morning. Doesn’t look like you put that much effort into it. Personally I don’t think that going to the Heat instead of playing Cleveland should hurt Lebron’s legacy. However, Jordan did stay with one team and did win for the hometown team instead of leaving. For me though I think just how he handled the decision and turn it into a publicity stunt will hurt his legacy more in the long-run then actually leaving Cleveland.

3) Jordan’s impressive 6-0

Jordan’s perfect tile record is one thing James will never be able to accomplish

If Michael Jordan was a movie he’d be known as The Lord of the Rings. While he may not have the most rings, there is no question that his perfect NBA title record is unmatched. While you could possibly beat Jordan any other time of the year, when the lights where brightest and it was the final minute of the season, you had no chance. Jordan was clutch, and being able to go to six championships and win six rings in an amazing accomplishment. Heck if Jordan didn’t take off to play baseball he could have probably added another ring or two to his trophy case. Unfortunately for James, his 1 for 3 NBA finals record makes this is an easy win for Jordan. Even if James can pull out a title this season he’ll only would have won 50% of his NBA title shots. Sorry Lebron, Jordan’s got you beat here.

2) His Royal Airness

Jordan is just as big of a winner off the court as on the court.

Jordans. Just saying that jars up the jump man image on the side of a sweet pair of sneakers. The “Air Jordan” brand has become a world-wide icon and cements Micheal Jordan as the most marketable athlete in history. James doesn’t have his own brand and will probably never come close to establishing a brand like Jordan has. Beyond the Jordan brand, while James will probably make more money off of endorsements then Jordan, his airness did create the market for modern-day stars. Jordan was a trailblazer for sports marketing and has allowed for athletes to get the endorsements they do to this day. Jordan’s impact is incredible when you realize how he’s become integrated into modern-day culture. Even today he is still a marketing juggernaut even after stepping off the hardwood more than a decade ago. Think about it Jordans, McDonald’s, Hanes, Gatorade, Coca Cola, Ball Park Franks, Wheaties and Chevrolet. Chances are you still have a favorite MJ commercial you remember and that you’ve seen all of his commercials from these brands. As for James, his only commercials are with Nike and his most memorable one is when he had this pity party commercial because people now looked at him as the villain. Sorry James MJ wins with impact, volume, variety, and doesn’t whine when it comes to his commercials. Also the man played with Bug Bunny in Space Jam! Seriously every kid I know has seen that movie. Have you played basketball with a world-famous cartoon character? Nope didn’t think so Lebron. Click here for a trip down memory lane.

1 ) Coming through in the clutch

Now one was a better closer then 23

Game 7, clock about to expire, your team needs a basket who do you give the ball to? I’m betting that if you could choose any player to take the winning shot, it would be Jordan. This basket at the end of the 99 Finals is one of those moments when Jordan came through in the clutch. In the face of adversity Jordan always seemed to come up big. Whether it was game winning shots, dunks, or being able to overcome the flu (click here), Jordan’s career was filled with coming through in the biggest moments. James, on the other hand, has come up short in big spots. Sure he had the game winner against the Pacers this year, but other than the game winner in Cleveland a few years ago what has he done? Not only has Jordan created more clutch moments but, but he’s done it on the biggest stage in the finals. Has Lebron made any memorable plays in the finals? Jordan has, heck you could have a highlight show of all his memorable moments in the finals. In the end there is no question that when you want a game winning basket, you’re giving the rock to Jordan.

While I still find it difficult to pick between these two players, they’re both very different players in very different eras, in the end of the Jordan versus James debate it is clear that Jordan is the clear winner. Sure Lebron could break his scoring records and even title wins, but at the end of the day no player had a greater impact on the game of basketball then Michael Jordan. While statistically both these men are very close, and you could argue Lebron is superior, when you combine all of the other factors MJ is the clear victor. No athlete has had such an impact both on and off the court as Jordan has. While Lebron may truly end up being the king, there is no question that Jordan will always be the greatest.

Lone Star Mess: Dallas’ uniform debacle

June 9, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Fans designing the uniform? Either genius or a disaster waiting to happen

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most iconic sports uniforms in history. From the white jerseys, to the iconic navy star on the helmet, the Cowboys logo and uniform are as recognizable as Coca Cola. Unfortunately, while the Cowboys may have one of the best uniforms and logo in sports, the other Dallas teams don’t provide the same nostalgia. The Mavericks and Stars are updating their looks for the 2013 season. First, renegade NBA owner Mark Cuban is once again thinking outside the box. Rather then hire a professional design team, Cuban has announced that the fans will have the chance to redesign the logo and uniform in a fan contest. While this does give the team great publicity, along with increasing the relationship between the fans and the team, it also could be a publicity stunt that goes horribly wrong. But seriously though do you really want some twelve-year-old with crayons designing your pro team’s uniforms? To see what the fans have come up with so far check it out (here). However, there is still hope that the Mavs could have some pretty awesome uniforms, however the same cannot be said for their NHL counterparts. The Dallas stars have had

Houston we have a problem

an identity crisis for a few years now. After years of uniforms that just read “Dallas” in a boring script, when it was announced that Stars would get their long-awaited makeover people rejoiced! Then when the jerseys made their debut fans were seeing stars, and not in the good way. Rather then tweak their intimidating black and dark greens uniforms, the Stars decided to ripoff of the old Hartford Whalers. Seriously call Gary Bettman these uniforms were stolen! Seriously the lighter green, and a black that suspiciously looks navy, I think the Whalers were robbed. While the uniforms might have been ok, the logo just kills these uniforms. You thought Dallas would have learned from their infamous constellation uniform disaster, but unfortunately the new logo is terrible. A giant D with a simple star? Really? These uniforms are disappointing. This is just another attempt of what I call “modern retro”, when a team tries to make themselves have a classic look, when they don’t have that classic look. While some Stars fans may like the change, personally I hate these uniforms. I think the Stars have a major identity crisis and these new uniforms aren’t helping. What do you think about the Stars new uniforms? Take the poll to vote for your favorite.