Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Tricks of the trade.........

The farther along a player gets in his career, the more they have to change their current skill set to still remain competitive at a high level. People always mention MJ as being one of the best at this. Just for parities sake, let's look at Kobe, who at 31 has played far more basketball (World Games, Playoffs, Finals) than a player his age normally would. Gone are the high flying dunks, 360 reverse layups, etc. Replacing them now are fadeaway jumpers, an assortment of post up moves, and a knack for getting to the free throw line. Take a look at the older, wiser Kobe Bryant:

Thursday, July 15, 2010

The Decision

A hilarious parody of the ESPN special, "The Decision" with Steve Carrell and Paul Rudd that was featured on last night's ESPY's.

Friday, July 9, 2010

We Are Witnesses

Yikes. Lebron, Wade and Bosh on the same team? That's scary. That's a potential dynasty there. But I'm not willing to anoint them as champions quite yet, until I see how Pat Riley fills out their roster. You can't win a championship with just 3 players. And the Lakers are still the defending champions. Trading away Beasley for like nothing seems like a suspect move though. He has potential to be a star in the league. And was the #2 pick in the draft just a couple years ago. I feel for the fans in Cleveland. Lebron jumping ship is like a dagger in the heart. If it's any consolation, I'll be rooting again the Miami Heat next year. I'm not a big fan of ring chasers. Lebron should have proved his mettle by leading his hometown team to an NBA title. But that's just my two cents.



On the Fantasy side, this should hurt the value of Lebron, Wade and Bosh. There is only one ball to go around. And I think Durant is the clear #1 pick in all formats now. He's a beast!

It should be interesting to see Cleveland's reaction over the next few weeks. The below letter is just the beginning.

Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert.

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....

Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers