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REACTION 2010 – A Twitter Timeline

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Decision 2010 has come and gone. After creating a spectacle few will forget, LeBron chose Miami (or rather SOUTH BEACH). Thanks to twitter the reactions were instant and raw coming from fans, players and media — everyone but Miami Heat fans. Are there any out there??? The most extreme reaction came from Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert who seems to have a case of verbal diarrhea. Talk about transparency. If there is one thing you need to read this AM it is this — Open letter to fans. While you are at it… may as well check out the Twitter meltdown from LeBron’s former teammate Mo Williams. Epic.

There are enough amazing columns about the whole ordeal from the leadup to the letdown (see below for a few selections). Everyone has an opinion and on this night in particular — they had jokes. One of the things that grabbed my attention was seeing how other athletes reacted to the news. I selected a few and formed a timeline as the events unfolded. Here goes…

THE HYPE…

Anthony Morrow – If LeBron leaves Cleveland they may as well go back to wearing those black unis wit the orange rim on them like back when bob sura played LOL

Sean May – Just got finished hoopn headed home to see what LBJ gone say! I say cleavland! Lol! This is kind of wild how everyone is waiting to see what 1 person does

Chris Bosh – Finally done with my physicals! I have to hurry so I can get in front of the TV and watch “The Decision”

Aaron Brooks – Lebron will start his own team in the state of Akron. Obama and Stern have approved the expansion of NBA and USA. Akron Kings

Larry Fitzgerald – Maybe Lebron should do like his commercial from last year & just announce that he’s gonna play WR for the Browns this season lol

Jordan Crawford – This is not about where bron gonna go… This is just a step for him to see if he can take over the world smh.. First step COMPLETE

Nate Robinson – Where is this dude LeBron going? He needs to hurry up B

Chris Bosh – I’m suited up and ready! Bout to watch ESPN. This is sports history we’re watching tonight!

TJ Ford – Who watch’n the decision.. Didn’t think I would be tune but I am.. This season will be off tha chain.

Anthony Morrow – “The Decision” LOLOLOL this sh*t is ridiculous!!!

Jordan Crawford – Bra it’s 9:03 we need the answer… What’s good

James Harden – HURRY UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jalen Rose – I’m glad Darko didn’t make us wait this long to get drafted or to sign this summer…HA!

DeJuan Blair – Lebron James is going to Chicago and Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are coming out of retirement. Steve Kerr will be coach!!!

Charlie Bell – The world is at a stand still. Lol

JaVale McGee – R we seriously waiting for Lebron to say 4 words… I’m going to Miami/Chicago/New York/Cleveland

DeMar DeRozan – I wonder what’s the ratings on this? Lol

Jonny Flynn – Every follower I have is talking about LeBron. The world is In a stand still! Lol

DeJuan Blair – I’m nervous like I’m makin the decision lol!!!!! Well everybody I’m goin 2 da spurs thanks everybody 4 watching lol!!! Hahahahhaha!!

Andy Roddick – lebron is working an awesome abe lincoln beard in this interview!!! tight!!!

DRUMROLL….

Jason Thompson – WOW

DeMar DeRozan – Knew it….

JaVale McGee – R u still a nail biter…r u serious?…and Miami wow

Sean May – Wow!!! Didn’t think he’d pull the trigger

DeJuan Blair – WOWWWwwwwwwwwww!!!!!! No REsPECT!!! SMGDH!!!!

Marcus Williams – Sucker move.

DeMar DeRozan – What’s next Melo and Dwight to the Lakers?

Andy Roddick – cue will smith “welcome to miami”

Jared Dudley – WOW Miami! I can’t believe it!! Who would of thought D-Wade Lebron and Bosh on the same time..I really believed it was goin to be the knicks

Chris Bosh – Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jared Dudley – Lebron at the end of the day makes his own decisions.. He could of had a change of heart.. I feel bad for Cleveland and the Knicks

Chad Ochocinco – I just purchased courtside tickets for the #HEAT games once football season ends, my judgement was wrong, but this finna be #awesome

Sean May – I don’t know how they goin do next year! But I know they goin be nice on NBA 2k11 ! Lol

Jalen Rose – I don’t want to see fans of the Knicks/Bulls/Nets/Cavs/Clips/Heat(esp celebs) RUNNING to the camera on the Heat bandwagon.

Kyle Lowry – Dont everybody jump on!!

Reggie Bush – I know one thing, Miami gonna be crazy now!!!! Lol!!!

Sean Singletary – He said Miami n every girl n south beach jus got thirsty…

Chris Douglas Roberts – Ok….so it’s obvious that the Bucks will win the Central Division. What else do you guys see going on in the East?

Kyle Lowry – The heat will have 82 national tv games!!!

Jalen Rose – Pat Riley is the GODFATHER of the league.. All he needs now is talk w/a cottonball in his mouth.

Terrence Williams – Kobe would have never done nothing like that, an he’s the best, now if they don’t get a ring how sick would they B. I def will be playing with the heat on 2k11 tho

TJ Ford – That’s crazy.. Shouldn’t burn his jersey but that’s why we luv our family & talk about our familys so much” ain’t no luv in tha city ” jay z

Dwight Howard – Cmon cavs fans don’t do that. That man went hard for y’all for 7 yrs. He doin what’s best for him burning his jersey is messed up. That’s bs. Burning his jersey. That man tried. Wow

Matt Barnes – They bought there self a DREAM TEAM over in MIA. This will be interesting!!

Kevin Durant – …bron dwade n bosh are gonna b tuff…we gon see them on campus at Thunder U. this season…shuld be a fun game!!! #thunderup

Chris Paul – Glad bron finally got that off his chest…NO ONE can possibly imagine how tough that decision was for him…wish him all the best!!!

DeSean Jackson – This shit crazy Lebron signed wit miami with d wade and c bosh.. They tryn do somethangs huh?? Tryn buy a championship.. LAKERS.. Kobe24

Donte Stallworth – The focus should be on how SELFLESS these 3 guys are in taking LESS $ to try to win a championship… The media is funny!

Dwyane Wade – MIAMI. Welcome my brothers @KingJames and @chrisbosh to YOUR city.

Martellus Bennett – I know who I’m picking on NBA 2K11 lol. Heaaaattttt.

Jonny Flynn – Does ppl really think he wanted to disappoint CLE? He made HIS decision. What made HIM happy. Ppl have to respect it

Nick Collison – DECISION 11′ has officially begun!!! 365 days until Nick Collison announces his free agent decision in a one hour special live on PBS!!!

JR Smith – And the games begin!! Don’t get me wrong they are going to be a good team but I think we going to be ready! #trust

Jalen Rose – LBJ might as well put his house in Ohio on the market…it will be the biggest celeb mansion on the market since 50 Cent in CT.

Charlie Villanueva – Miami just more brought more attention and hyped entertainment to the @NBA league. I think it doesn’t hurt the game, it helps majorly.

Manu Ginobli – Rumor: @LScola4 to Miami? They say they need at least one explosive athlete in the team…

Rod Benson – CODDAMN DAN GILBERT. Man that’s true anger right there. Today has been absolutely nuts.

Kyle Lowry – Cavs owner snap!!! That’s crazy how you see people real side when things dnt go their way!!!! Wow!!!!!!

Chris Bosh – It’s madness out here! I’m on cloud 9 right now! This is like a dream come true to play with @dwadeofficial and @kingjames!

CJ Watson – Dan Gilbert went in on bron bron lol he’s hot

Mario Chalmers – All I can say is this is gonna b a fun and exciting year. Can’t wait till oct 1st. Somebody tell Lebron to hills at me bout #6 lol

Jared Dudley – Wow!! U see what the owner of the Cavs said about Lebron.. Crazy!! I know he’s from there but DAMN!!! I never heard a owner talk like that

BEGIN: Mo Williams Meldown

- Well fuck, I gotta be honest. I’m sick ass a dog. I feel like my heart has been pulled out. But I’m happy for my friend. Shittttttttt
- I can’t believe this is really real. This is surreal. So many emotions on one man decision. I wonder what is our next move.
- The only thing, and I mean the only thing I disagree with is…. If he knew somewhere else was the destination. He should have spared cle on National TV
- But this was history so we might not understand the magnitude today. But when we look back on this, we might not see this again.
- I still can’t believe he gone y’all. 4real no bs. I think we all took it for granted and thought it was a no brainer and he was resigning
- The person that I feel most sorry for is mike brown. He is a really good coach.

END: Meltdown – The King has spoken… SIGH

LeBron James – What’s up yall. Just landed in my new home. Thanks to all the fans and Miami organization who greeted me. The Road to History starts now!

Other must read articles on Lebronapalooza

Henry Abbot @TrueHoop (ESPN): Name the crimes of LeBron James
Bruce Arthur @bruce_arthur (The National Post): James makes ruthless play for Miami
John Krolik @johnkrolik (Cavs: The Blog): We Are All Witnesses
Will Leitch @williamfleitch (NY Magazine): LeBron React: Never Has Being A Sports Fan Felt So Stupid
Joe Posnanski (Curiously Long Posts): The LeBron Decision

09.07.2010 NBA Observations 10 Comments

Destination: Miami — Scattered thoughts on Chris Bosh

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

The signs were all there but the biggest may have been when Bosh cropped his locks to prepare for the Miami HEAT! (yes, that was my attempt at a play on words) At some point Bosh realized he can’t do this on his own, he had earned his right to choose his destination and South Beach seemed to be the perfect fit. Earlier today he confirmed his decision on ESPN — already getting the national exposure he so desired. He was giddy as a school girl as he reveled his choice and so was his girlfriend who moments later tweeted that she is looking forward to the year round tanning *Le Sigh*.

Fans in Toronto can be angry about how he handled free agency but there are two parties involved here. Colangelo an Raptors management as a whole tried to play hardball and that may eventually cost them. From the looks of it, Bosh has decided to take less money to play where he wants. If that’s the case — good on him. He has stressed for a long time that he wants to win (3 playoff games won in 7 years is hardly a resume to boast about) and going to Miami where Pat Riley has shown he knows how to put together a winning team confirms that. The fact that Miami has just 4 players under contract is a whole nother story and should be interesting to see the pieces placed around the two stars.

Along with the winning, Bosh had said in the past that he wants to be the man somewhere. I guess no one told him that Miami is Wade County. Nonetheless, he has a better chance of being in the spotlight with Wade than with King James. Bosh never got the National exposure playing north of the border, but the losing didn’t help his case. Maybe if they won a series or two things would have been different. That’s as much on the Raptors organization as on him, the captain of the Toronto Raptors.

Right now that is my concern — The Raptors organization. They had plenty of chances to surround Bosh with good players but always picked the wrong guy. Colangelo tried to bring in friends of Bosh (see: TJ Ford and J Jack) to keep him happy but he would have been better off getting real talent around the 5 time all-star. Bosh walking and leaving the $30million is a big time blow to the Raptors. Bosh can make up some of that lost money on piggy back endorsements with Wade maybe and the face that Florida has no state taxes. The Raptors meanwhile can be blamed for Miami having the room to sign him in the first place. Colangelo did the Marion trade which allowed for Miami to clear space with the expiring Jermaine O’neal contract. Major OUCH.

There is still time for the Raptors to work something out and for the teams sake I hope they do. As stated many times on this blog — I am a season seat holder and my dedication is to this team (not an individual player) but when things like this happen I feel like I am being robbed in plain daylight. I have no ill feelings towards Bosh. Rather, a lot of great memories in 7 years with the Toronto Raptors. I will be one of the fans rooting for him as he continues his NBA journey and apologize in advance for all the fans at the ACC who will boo him.

Picture Above is via @sportscenter

07.07.2010 NBA Observations, Number Crunchin, Raptor Ramblings 6 Comments

Same Faces, New Places (Or not…) – 2010 Edition

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

July 1st is like Christmas for NBA fans. They countdown to midnight to see what presents their team is going to get them (only to have to wait to enjoy them — NBA moratorium period). This wasn’t just any July 1st though, some of the best players in the game became free agents and the floodgates have opened. With Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh holding meetings with their suitors, other teams made moves to secure tier 2 free agents. The usual fan groans were heard across the blogosphere but at the end of the day… the money has to go somewhere.

INKED

Joe Johnson – Atlanta Hawks*
6 years @ $119 Million (not fully confirmed)
One of the marquee free agents of the summer, the Hawks wasted no time handing out a max contract to a payer who hugely underperformed during this years playoffs. Johnson has helped the team become relevant but after two years of disappointing endings, it’s come as a bit of a surprise that the Hawks didn’t think twice about the massive contract. There is a moratorium period to go through but all signs point to Joe returning as a Hawk — this time under a new coach.

Rudy Gay – Memphis Grizzlies
5 years @ $81.6 Million
That’s a lot of cash for a guy who has yet to live up to the billing. A restricted free agent, Rudy Gay was scheduled to meet with other teams but the Grizzlies didn’t want to wait and see how things played out. On day 1 of free agency they jumped the gun and offered him a max deal and that grin on his face got just a little bigger. Every year we see teams overpaying to keep their own guys but its strange the Grizz didn’t wait to let the market determine his worth.

Drew Gooden – Milwauke Bucks
5 years @ $32 Million
This is the longest contract of his career — I kid you not! Gooden has been a journeyman but never really played like one. He seems to fit with whichever team he is playing for but they never seem to want him back when they get the chance. This will be his 8th team and he should be able to provide some scoring for the Bucks on the front line who were extremely light at that spot beyond Bogut who should be healed after a horrible injury.

John Salmons – Miwaukee Bucks
5 years @ $39 Million
Salmons opted out of the final year of his contract only to ink a longer one with the same team. Brought over in a trade late in the season, he produced for the Bucks offensively and provided a veteran presence for the young team during the playoffs. The Bucks have been feeling generous over the last month by adding Corey Maggette and Chris Douglas Roberts to the mix. It is yet to be seen if there is enough ball to go around.

Amir Johnson – Toronto Raptors
5 years @ $34 Million
A member of the youth movement — dubbed the Young Guns, Amir flourished in Toronto last season. He is getting paid starter money but its going to be a challenge to get him to stay on the floor for starter minutes. The foul prone forward showed a lot of promise and will have some big shoes to fill with the eminent departure of Chris Bosh. He played well with Jose Calderon at point and fits well with what the team is trying to do. (More in a separate post)

Channing Frye – Phoenix Suns
5 years @ $30 Million
He scoffed at the original 5 yrs, $25 million contract offered by the Suns but it didn’t take them long to up the ante and get him locked up long term. Frye fit well in the Suns uptempo, drive and kick system. He became one of the more efficient 3 point shooters in the league playing beside one of the best to dish it. His role will expand with the departure of Amare but this is a good signing for a young guy who has room to grow.

Hakim Warrick – Phoenix Suns
4 years @ $18 Million
Damn those Suns are quicker off the court than they are on. Just hours after talks broke down with Amare Stodemire, the Suns reached out to forward Hakim Warrick and inked him to a 4 year deal. This essentially confirms the end of the Amare era in Phoenix and a fresh start with some younger faces. Warrick, a winner at the college level, has yet to find the right team to build his game with but if history is any indicator — Nash can make anyone look great.

Paul Pierce – Boston Celtics
4 years @ $61Million
Richard Jefferson opted out of the final year of his contract — kinda crazy. Paul Pierce not so much. Pierce was due to earn $21million in the final year of his contract and this new deal allows the team to take a lesser hit next year. His loyalty to the Celtics was evident when he signed his previous deal. He has won the coveted ring and went to the finals again this year. The window is slowly closing on the aging Celtics but their Captain looks to want to finish his career here.

Darko Milicic – Minnesota Timberwolves
4 years @ $20 Million
One word — KAHHHHN. Seriously how is this man still earning an NBA paycheck. One of the biggest busts was just given some job security by one of the most bizzare GM’s in the biz (advised by none other than Rob Babcock). This signing further implies that the Wolves are looking to move Al Jefferson who has dealt with some injuries. Darko has yet to do anything in his NBA career and I would advise against holding your breath for such occurrence to take place.

Nikola Pekovic- Minnesota Timbewolves
3 years @ $13 Million
Nikola was the first player to be signed as free agency opened and another bizzare move by Davd Kahn. The Wolves signed the 6`11 center, who was the teams’ second round pick in 2008 to a 3 year, $13 million contract. Projected to go higher in 2008, his value dropped due to contract issues. Issues no more though as he was given the most lucrative deal ever signed by a 2nd round pick. Again — KAHHHHN!!

MOVED

Corey Maggette to Milwaukee <-> Charlie Bell & Dan Gadzuric to Golden State

Chris Douglas Roberts to Mulwaukee <-> 2012, 2nd round pick to New Jersey

Yi Jianlian to Washington <-> Quentin Ross to New Jersey

02.07.2010 NBA Observations, Trades 8 Comments

Heyyy Woorrrld: Dwight Howard does his best Chuck

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Fans of the NBA have grown to love the personality that Dwight Howard exudes. He takes the time to connect with his fans on multiple platforms and doesn’t make it look like a job. He is having fun with it and last night was an example of him doing just that. He was on air with the TNT crew and busted out his best Charles Barkley impression.


H/T: Ball Don’t Lie

This is not the first time he has gone on camera with one of his impersonations…

We have seen him do his best Stan Van Gundy

His best Shaq

All this got me thinking… Who else would I want to see Dwight impersonate? Here are my suggestions, feel free to leave yours in the comments

22.01.2010 Humor, NBA Observations 2 Comments

The NBA – Where 365 Days Of Entertainment Happens

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

As the 2009 NBA playoffs wrapped up, fans began pondering about life without basketball – if only for a few months. Luckily with emergence of social media and the overwhelming NBA presence on these platforms there has been no “off-season”. Fans went straight from playoffs to mock drafts, to free agent frenzy to what I call “Marketing Season”. I’m not sure its been all positive, but you can’t deny that it’s kept the game relevant even though the shot clock is off.

Here are some of the highlights along with some link love…

D Wade is the “Worst Rapper”?
dwanye

Looks like Baron Davis has recruited Wade to start up a contest on I Beat You (a business venture of Baron’s) Previously we have seen the likes of Steve Nash and Chris Bosh take part in contests but this one has the potential of being great if they can get Shaq and Ron Ron to enter.

Check out the Flash show of his skills on the mic – Rap 1 Rap 2

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Shaq steps into the ring

Sir Charles in Charge: Shaquille O’Neal On Raw (…)
Talk Hoops: Shaq Fu Part 2
Waiting For Next Year: While We’re Waiting… Shaquille O’Neal on Raw

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Shaq gets “blocked”
shaq-wh

D.C. Sports Bog: Shaq Denied Entrance to White House
True Hoop: Shaquille O’Neal vs. the Secret Service
Binary Basketball: Shaq’s White House Marketing 101

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Shaq steps into reality
shaq-reality

BDL: Shaq to face Phelps, Pujols and De La Hoya in new reality show
Awful Announcing: Shaq To Take On Various Athletes In New Reality Show
King James Gospel: The Big Diesel vs. Big Ben?

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Dwight Howard – Hey Wooorrrrld!
dwight2

Right now Dwight Howard has pretty much set himself up to take over the most loveable big man title. He is everywhere – Twitter, Facebook, uSTREAM. His blog is updated on the regular giving his fans access like never before.

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Stephon Marbury has escaped from the BOX

For your enjoyment – Here you can find an MP3 of one of the famous quotes from #marburython and RedsArmy has a t-shirt ready to go

J.A Adande (ESPN): Streaming Steph is a sad, sad show
NBA Musings: When eccentric stops being fun
Empty the Bench: What’s Your Favorite Quote from Steph’s Live Stream?
Hoops Manifesto: He Blew His Mind Out

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The Race to 50K – CB4 v/s CV31

I wrote on the subject earlier in the month on HoH

Bleacher Report: An interview with Charlie Villanueva
Raptors Republic: The #50k Fail
Red’s Army: Villanueva, Bosh race to 50K on Twitter

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Ron Artest pays tribute to Michael Jackson

World Star Hip Hop: click here for the full version (H/T RoShine)
NBA Fanhouse: Ron Artest’s Tribute to Michael Jackson
Lake Show Life:Ron Artest’s Michael Jackson Rap Crap

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Ron Artest – Live in Concert
ronron

Sharapova’s Thigh: Ron Artest Rapping in China
The Faster Times: Ron Artest Brings the Hood to China
That NBA Lottery Pick: Ron Artest Rap Tour hits China

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UPDATE: Ron Artest Reflects – THE BRAWL

Had to throw this in. Ron Artest who has been touring China hopped onto twitter and posted the video along with the tweet: @96TruwarierQB Shin Shin wanted to know so I told her

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If I’m missing any stories… put in ‘em in the comments

29.07.2009 NBA Observations, Where's your head at? 4 Comments

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