Tag Archive for Lebron James

REACTION 2010 – A Twitter Timeline

July 9, 2010 Nat NBA Observations

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

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Heels at the Game – Cleveland Cavaliers @ Toronto Raptors

October 28, 2009 Nat Heels at the Game

CAVS-RAPS Home Opener… Are You Ready?
I am sure Lebron James and Co are. The Cav’s may have played last night but on the heels of a loss they will come out eager to try and silence Raptor fans early. With 9 new faces on this Raptor team it not hard to believe they may get blown out today. They still need time to gel. No thanks to some unfortunate injuries during training camp, that process has been slowed down. There are are couple of side stories going on in this one as well. The return of Anthony Parker and Jamrio Moon. RuPaul Gate between Bosh and Shaq. I don’t want to waste time talking about what the Raptors need to do there are plenty of sites doing that. What I do have is a in game live blog coming up from my seats at the ACC.

Photos/comments/observations, Live from the ACC. This module will auto update, so keep checking back throughout the evening. Another feature is my readers can post comments to the live blog right from the website and all comments that enhance the conversation will be approved. Any feedback on this would be great post game as well as I want to keep things fresh making sure to bring you stuff not seen anywhere else when it comes to Raptor coverage.

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Match Ups – Toronto Raptors v/s Cleveland Cavaliers

October 6, 2009 Nat Raptors Report

Sorry for the short hiatus but I am back and ready to break down the Cleveland Cavaliers. The beast’s in the East made a few roster changes and breaking the team down is my guest blogger, Anthony from Paneech.

Anthony (@paneech1472) covers all Ohio sports over at his blog Paneech.com. For the season he has set a motto: “If Cavs stay healthy engrave the trophy”.

Expect the Cavs to be hungry all season long. The abrupt exit from last years playoffs has left a sour taste in the mouths of all Cav’s players. Bringing in Shaquille O’Neal is a great move as Cleveland will surely benefit from having a true center who can score. Ben Wallace was a force as a rebounder in his day, but nobody had to guard him when the Cavs had the ball. This was greatly exposed in the Orlando series. Mo Williams and Delonte West will be back with a salty chip on their shoulders as well, they have some proving to do from that series.

Most of the focus will again be on LeBron James and how he handles the sea of questions he will have to field all season about free agency and whether or not he will leave Cleveland at the end of the season. Expect James to put up numbers similar to last year with a few more assists and a few less points and rebounds. Having Shaq in the paint will surely take the stress of creating offense single-handedly out of James’ mind.

The only thing that can stop the Cavs this season is the Cavs. Shaq needs to stay healthy and play 75% of the games. James, West, and Williams will also have to play in a majority of the games. Zyldrunas Ilgauskas needs to realize he isn’t there to shoot threes and get his butt in the low post game more. If Cleveland can keep this starting five intact and hungry throughout the regular season, the playoffs should be a given.

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cavs-raptors

Last Season Record: 0 – 3
Blowout central was the theme of this series. In all 3 games the Raptors were held to under 100 points as a team and lost by an average of 18. Just to put things in perspective, Wally Szczerbiak averaged 14 points! Allowing the Cavaliers to get 4 guys in double digits each time showed the lack of defense that was exploited by opponents all year long. Bosh missed the final game but it would have hardly mattered as the Cavs just had too much fire power. Their best position (SF) was the Raptors weakest and Bosh continued to struggle against in your face defenders like Varejao.

Stacking Up

The Bigs: After a short stint out west, Shaq is back in the east and his mission is simple – “Get the king a ring”. Last season Bosh was pushed around like a rag doll, making Shaq look like he was 25 again which in turn fueled RuPaul-gate. This year, Shaq may not play as much but against the Raptors (who he tends to eat for dinner), it would be surprising to see him sit one out. Big Z has definitely lost a step or two but he can still make that jump shot. The way the Raptors play, it allows Z to stay on the outside and leave the rebounding to Varejao, Shaq or whoever is playing in the front court with him. The Raptors need to make Z play on both ends. Varejao can’t be overlooked either, his hustle makes up for the lack of any offensive game. Defensively he has the youngest legs for the Cavs and will keep making it hard for Bosh to score. Bargnani will be relied on for his man D and ability to bring out atleast one defender. No matter how you slice this one, the Raptors are facing a tall task.
Edge: Cavaliers

The Wings: The Raptors SF spot got an upgrade this offseason but it’s not going to change the fact that Lebron will continue to dominate. The Cavaliers may not have much depth beyond him at the wings but they don’t really need it. Hedo is going to have to make Lebron work hard on D while on the other side of the floor he needs to communicate with the help defender (you think they Raps won’t be doubling Lebron almost every time down the floor?) to try and force Lebron into taking jump shots. They gotta bank on the odds that for every 1 he makes he misses 2. No matter how well the wings play him, Lebron is still going to get to the basket. Senseless fouls from the softer Raptor front court will negate all the bad jump shots James takes throughout the game. Playing the Cavaliers doesn’t allow for the team to pick its poison rather just use all the live bodies available to not kill you before the game is over.
Edge: Cavaliers

The Guards: Mo Williams is a quality guard but I am not sold on the idea that he is an all-star. Most of the Cleveland offense will still run through Lebron and players like Williams, Gibson and West become shooters. The Cavs also added another perimeter threat this off-season in Raptor fan favorite Anthony Parker. All 4 guys are can shoot the 3 ball and defending it may still be the Achilles heel of the wings/guards on this Raptor roster. Jose’s clap defense sure isn’t going to get it done but I am hopeful that the addition of players like Jack and DeRozan will help out in that area. On offense, the guards will have to make their jump shots because once they get to the lane they are going to be looking at a wall of Shaq and Varejao not to mention Lebron who is known for a swat or 2 per game. I am going out on a limb to say that, if the perimeter is protected, the Raptors will be just fine at this spot.
Edge: Even

Predicted Record: Raptors 1 – Cavaliers 2 (Just be glad we only play them 3 times!)

BONUS COVERAGE: I tend to hit up Yahoo’s Ball Don’t Lie blog a few times each day and came across this beauty. Seriously?? Teams send out tickets to the NBA Finals at the start of the season? The jinx is on and as @jeskeets asked in his post… please tell me what other teams do this?

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NBA Withdrawal – 10 NBA Personalities I want to see on Twitter

August 31, 2009 Nat Listmania

Yesterday, @JonesOnTheNBA put out a series of tweets pondering how many followers Michael Jordan would have on twitter.

The domination of the NBA on Twitter has been well documented. Everyone from Shaquille O’Neal to the NBA Store has an account and each have used twitter to further their brand while at the same time have managed to build a rapport with the fans. Players who may be end of the bench guys have taken this platform to put themselves out there. Let the fans see the person not the players and build a following that will possibly turn into previously nonexistent marketing opportunities.

Hooped Up has put together a great list for The All-Twitter First Team, and as a fan I can hardly complain. The other major sports are way behind in the Twitter game, but it sure would be cool to see some of these NBA people on twitter…

Michael Jordan
I don’t even care what he says. Just to get a glimpse into what goes on in the mind of someone who has achieved that level of greatness would be a treat.

Charles Barkley
For all his foot in mouth moments – when he speaks everyone wants to listen. It wouldn’t be much different on Twitter where I am sure he would instantly have more followers than most active players.

Gilbert Arenas
He may have left the blog world but twitter seems to be the perfect platform for him. His brand of keepin’ it real would give @dwighthoward, @the_real_shaq a run for their money.

Stan Van Gundy
If you have ever heard his post game press conferences or in game mike’d up segments you will agree with my sentiment. SVG – Dwight Howard twitter conversations need to happen ASAP

Latrell Sprewell
Haven’t heard much about him since he turned down that contract, but it would be nice to check in as to how he is keeping his family fed these days.

Lebron James
Touted as the next coming, he hasn’t embraced technology like the other athletes of his caliber. His current image isn’t very appealing to the fans and use of a service like Twitter could help.

Sam Mitchell
As a Raptor fan I miss getting my daily SMitch fix. His quick wit and dry sense of humor would instantly make him my favorite person to follow on Twitter.

Phil Jackson
His other half @Jeaniebuss is already on twitter but having the Zen Master spit knowledge on twitter would be the NBA equivalent of @RevRunWisdom

Dikembe Mutumbo
I want him on twitter not so much for what he has to say but that idea of then reading his tweets aloud in the Dikembe voice. Say it with me – “Who want’s to tweet with Mutumbo”

Stephen Jackson
Just so @stackmack could have her namesake on twitter and we become graced with the wisdom Mr. “I make love to pressure” Jackson has to offer.

Got any NBA personalities you want to see on Twitter? Throw them in the comments.
If you care to hear more from me, you can follow me on twitter @Nat77

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NBA Withdrawal: 10 “DAYUM!” Moments From Last Season

August 17, 2009 Nat Humor, Listmania, Where's your head at?

The NBA puts some of the best athletes in the world on the court but sometimes its not always about the game. I put together 10 random moments on and off the court from last season that got me to raise and eyebrow, do a double take or just left me speechless….

dayum1 Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow…
Allen Iverson: All star weekend is usually about everything but the game and this year was no different. All-Star regular, Iverson showed up in the team locker room rocking a new do. Gone were the braids that had become his trademark, and were replaced by a fresh buzz with a #2 blade. It was a long overdue change but one that had everyone doing a double take.

dayum2 Random Acts of Shaqness
Shaquille O’Neal: Shaq has a larger than life personality and it took on a whole new form this season with the help of twitter and a group of masked men. During the all-star game, the Big Shaqtus stole the show as he joined dance group Jabbawokeez in a choreographed routine to introduce the players. (Video) It didn’t stop there as Shaq ventured into the Twitterverse and starting connecting with fans, having them go on Shaq hunts around different cities. One of my favorite stories of an Act of Shaqness came from two guys who met him at a diner.

dayum3 Lights, Camera, Action!
Lebron James & Shaquille O’Neal: They may be teammates now but last season they had a rather unique duel going on. Who can put together the best pre-game intro’s. Pre-Game rituals have been a part of the game for a while – the dancing in a circle & the chest bumps but Lebron and Shaq took it to another level. Family Photos, Bowling pins, I can only imagine the creativity next season as they will star in the same intro.

dayum4 Revenge on the Rookie
Jason Thompson: Rookie hazing is pretty common in the NBA, and most rookies get subjected to some level of humiliation during the season. Enter Jason Thompson of the Sacramento Kings, who one day forgot to come through on his rookie duties and well he paid for it. (Video) My favorite part – “Well now you have something to snack on while you driving”

dayum5 Baby Mama Drama
Chris Bosh: This is one guy who worked hard to create an image. He was the geek, who made a video to gain some votes for a popularity contest. He embraced technology and when he went on twitter and sent out some subliminal messages no one blinked. Late last season that image was marred with the news that he was a “deadbeat” dad. While stories of this nature come out all the time in pro sports, it was a shocker to see who was linked to it this time.

dayum6 Animal Instincts
Kevin Garnett: Kevin Garnett is a beast. When he steps on the floor, its with a take no prisoners attitude. His competitive edge is great attribute to have but at times last season we saw him go out of control. I for one was pretty disgusted…
Kevin Garnett Barks at Bayless (Video)- Kevin Garnett Gorilla Defense on Calderon (Video)

dayum7 Tattoo-gate
Marcin Gortat: When speaking fo the Orlando Magic, Gortat is a role player who just happens to have given himself one of the coolest nicknames in the NBA. During the playoffs last season, the “Polish Hammer” got a call from the people at Reebok (who happen to provide him with his shoes) asking him to cover up the Jordan tattoo at the back of his leg. Gortat’s response was a classic – “I don’t think they are paying me enough to take it off.” He never did listen and so along with his new contract came a new shoe deal- this time from Nike.

dayum8 I Salute You
Nate Robinson: With all the talk about young players throwing up signs during games, Nate Robinson threw up one of his own early in January. It was a salute to his online gamer friends to prove that it was really him playing them. (Photo)

dayum9 Faux-Hawk Phenomenon
A bunch of players: I can’t recall who the pioneer was, but the Mohawk trend began spreading like wildfire through the NBA last season. Who rocked it best? Greg Oden. He had it right while others look like they just ran off the barber’s chair before he could finish up the job (see: Amare Stoudamire) Really though… it’s not a good look. Come next season I hope the trend has gone to die following the path of grown men wearing pantyhose under their shorts.

dayum10 Hibachi Gone Cold
Gilbert Arenas: While Arenas wasn’t producing much on the court he was still entertaining his fans over at his blog. It became a place where fans went to embrace his persona and bash it at times, but it kept him relevant through his time away from the court. Just as the season kicked off, he told the press he was shutting down- there was talk about blogging being like a double edged sword and so on but it seems he had bigger plans in store. A book! Score Like Agent Zero – by Gilbert Arenas will be hitting bookstores in Feb 2010 (Via Gilbertology)

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