We’re only a few weeks into this NBA season, and already we’re seeing some interesting developments:
Last week, LeBron proclaimed that he will (probably) change his number next season. Before I tell you why he’s right and why he’s wrong, watch his explanation:
I definitely understand LeBron’s intentions here. Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player on the planet, and he has had more of a global impact on the game than anyone. Still, having respect for a guy is not necessarily a great reason to change your number. So, if he dons the number six jersey as he plans, then has a deep conversation with Bill Russell one day, will he then change his number again? I mean, Russell does have a record 11 NBA titles in thirteen seasons (eat your heart out, Robert Horry), and I don’t see that record falling anytime soon…not in today’s salary-strapped NBA. In addition, he was player-coach for the last two titles, and the league’s first black head coach. THAT’S the kind of guy that everyone should respect.
LeBron himself said that he idolized Jordan at a young age, as do lots of kids that grow up watching basketball. My gripe is that as a grown man, you shouldn’t still be wearing #23 because your idol wore that number, anyway. Unless the guy was your dad…or there’s some other meaning behind your jersey number, it shouldn’t be that important. Personally, I think players should be more like Ron Artest, changing numbers every couple of years. I’m sure the NBA wouldn’t mind that much, as those die-hard LeBron fans would have to buy jersey after jersey to keep up so they can keep idolizing their favorite player. Accordingly, grown men shouldn’t wear another grown man’s jersey. It’s just kind of lame to me to see some out-of-shape fan squeeze into a Kobe Bryant jersey. Seriously man…you could’t pull that look off on Halloween.
Lastly, that’s the type of call that has to come from David Stern and the league. When I think of an entire league retiring a jersey number, I think of Jackie Robinson. Nothing against Jordan, but Jordan wouldn’t be who he is without Jackie Robinson…or Sweetwater Clifton. Notably, Magic Johnson agrees with LeBron on the matter.
– With a win in Houston Tuesday night, the Suns have started off 10-2 with the NBA’s best record. Nash looks great right now. He’s turning it over a lot, but he always does. Amar’e Stoudemire and Leandro Barbosa aren’t exactly impressing me (or my fantasy basketball team), but Channing Frye is playing great basketball, fitting in much better than Shaq ever did. His ability to space the floor makes it much easier for Amar’e to work inside and for perimeter players to drive to the hoop.
– Speaking of Shaq, his positive effect isn’t obvious to me yet in Cleveland. They did manage to beat Orlando, but that probably had more to so with Mo Williams actually playing well, something he couldn’t do in the playoffs last year. The biggest impact I’ve seen Shaq make this year was on Gilbert Arenas’ fiance. Of course, I was eager to see the first Wizards-Cavs game since the rumor broke, but Shaq was out tonight with a bum shoulder. Even though Gil is a nice guy, I don’t know how calmly one can take such large-scale rumors about the biggest clown in the NBA smashing the mother of your two (soon to be three) children. Add Delonte’s issues and the fact that LeBron still isn’t talking about his destination next season, and that’s a lot of drama. Maybe LeBron will give the Browns a chance. I silently think they traded Braylon Edwards away to make him happy.
– Earl Boykins is back in the league, and he just made Mo Williams look stupid, running circles around him late in the game. Earl is a hell of a pickup for the Wizards bench — I’m somewhat surprised he was still floating around and available. He’s a proven bench spark plug, and could probably help any team in the league.
– In contrast, Iverson might be able to hurt every team in the league. When the Grizzlies waive you, that’s what you call rock bottom. As I previously stated, Iverson could have played his way into the starting lineup. Still, it’s probably for the best. I think AI would be wise to chill out for a little while, stay in shape, and hope some team looking for an extra boost to make a playoff run takes a chance on him.
– Can we name Brandon Jennings the Rookie of the Year now, or do we have to wait? I say we should just do it now — just to relieve some of the pressure on Blake Griffin when he comes back. I willmake a bold stament (and by bold, I mean not very bold at all) and say that the ROY will definitely NOT be Hasheem Thabeet.
Flagrant Fouls 