NBA SEASON KICKS OFF TONIGHT

Yeah, I stole their picture. Thats on ESPN right now. Above, you are looking at the ideal NBA Eastern Conference Finals. You have the former Big 3 vs Team John Dillinger. Shaq and Rondo vs Pat Riley's hair. South Beach vs Noreasters. There is only one problem with this scenario, it has to play 82 games and make it through the season.

I believe this matchup takes place in May unless the following things happen:

1. Carmelo and Chris Paul/Tony Parker are traded to the Knicks. This does not put them in the driver's seat either, but a Run and Gun Knick team lead by LaLa's man and Amare would pose some severe health issues to everyone on the Celtics sans Rondo. Shout out to LaLa. I see you ma.

2. Stan Van Gundy - Can Stan be the man that Riley thought he would be? Can he edit Dwight Howard's post scoring and offensive awareness ratings on NBA Elite to boost him to top 5 in the game? Does Vince Carter pull a Vince Carter? Better yet, can he get out of the way and let JJ and French Connection UK step into the lineup for good?

3. What about Utah Midwest - Is DRose an upgrade or downgrade of Deron Williams for this same supporting cast? Is Tom Thibodeaux exposed as a new coach or prove that he was the architect of the most recent Boston glory days? Do you get rid of Joakim Noah for Melo and is that a good move to begin with? I say no. 

4. Realignment - Seeing that you could probably win 33 games and make the playoffs in the East, how do you stay focused night in and night out to get better when you playing the Nets, Pacers, or Pistons?

5. Injuries. Not ones caused by helmet to helmet contact, but just natural injuries. Carlos Boozer fell walking up the stairs last month. Mike Miller messed up his hand throwing money at King of Diamonds last Wednesday night after a night on the town with Rick Ross. Injuries happen. I think Miami would be able to withstand some injuries due to Wade and LeBron used to playing by themselves anyway. Boston on the other hand, they are a Rondo ankle roll away from being swept in first round. 

I'll tell you one thing, loved the new LeBron commercial. Especially when he eats the cupcake and gives a shout out.

Stop the Madness: I Would Have Left Cleveland Too

Let this be a disclaimer: I have never been to Ohio, let alone Cleveland. I am not a professional athlete nor do I play one on a Tyler Perry show (no homo). That doesn't mean that the Summer of 2010 doesn't effect me. I'm a fan just like you, in a city that doesn't even have a pro team.

Let's start with the facts:

1. LeBron James is arguably one of the best 5 players in the league. Hands down. No matter where you rank him, he can't fall lower than 5. 
2. DWade is in the same category. 
3. Bosh - not so much, but still an All-Star for what its worth and very talented. We can all agree Bosh is at least one of the top 10-15 PF/C in the league. 
4. Every team in the league was trying to coax these guys into signing with their perspective teams, and rightfully so. Teams (Miami, NY, NJ, Chicago, Clippers, etc) virtually cut their entire rosters to shreds preparing for this summer two years ago.

Hey Cleveland....Stay classy.

Blame Cleveland. Cleveland did nothing to get better.  No coach. Mike Brown couldn't coach a HS team. No good players. Shaq - Hurts LeBron's ability to run. Jamison - he is who we thought he is. No young talent. No swinging for the fences free agency moves. Just simply the comfort that Delonte West would be there to leave the light on and the toilet seat up.  They played the home is where the heart is card. Bullshit. You ever been to Miami? Ever been to Florida? Stacks up pretty good to Cleveland Ohio doesn't it? Case adjourned.

LeBron - Greatness or Ultimate Teammate?

Remember when people questioned Kobe's willingness to pass the ball or trust his teammates? No...doesn't ring a bell? Or the time he wanted out of LA? Yeah - winning silences the ghosts of Christmas past doesnt it? Kobe didn't exactly campaign to get LeBron type help, but remember LA almost landed KG, and instead got Gasol. Good consolation prize huh? Once marveled at how great a teammate he was, now LeBron is the poster child for "Can't Get it Done By Himself."  My thoughts and hopefully LeBrons thoughts on that - who gives a SHIT? When did doing it by myself become the measure by which it gets done? Last time I checked, this wasn't tennis or golf, it is a team sport. I hope LeBron averages a triple double this year, which is very possible since he will have at least 2 people that can hit a shot. 

Get my Steven A. Smith on...

The fact of the matter is James, Bosh, and DWade are going to be exciting no matter how you slice it and no matter who signs for the league mininum to be on South Beach.  I still don't believe they are the best team in the league, maybe not in their own state. They have to fill out the roster, I'm not worried about playing together, they did that for a few years with the Olympics.  That being said, the East still runs through Boston, Orlando, and maybe Chicago. Teams are not just going to lay down since the Voltrons united. James did a crazy unprecedented feat by broadcasting where he signs and he did it on his terms. He signed for less money. No one commending him for that? Big friggin deal he did it on live TV. I'll let Spike sum that up. How is that different from ESPN broadcasting and having a "Sunday Conversation" on why he didnt stay in Cleveland like the olden days? The difference is nobody can wait that long anymore. People have to have the information like yesterday. Cameras have been following these guys almost as close as Brett Favre. Yeah Brett Favre - the guy we get updates that he cut his grass and had a slight limp or hurt his shoulder turning the pickle jar. Was it a good/bad decision? Nobody can answer that for the next 10 years or so, and even then their is no definitive answer. Was there a guarantee that he would win with Bulls/Knicks/Cavs? Hell no. That is what this is about right....winning? Or is this about loyalty? Loyalty to what...city of Cleveland? He was a free agent. Free agent - meaning the ability to freely sign with any other team. To Cavs organization and their out of the closet crazy owner?  Cavs new slogan "All for one and one for all"....what is this the YMCA 12 year old league? Dude is off his rocker and smokin wit cigawetts if he thinks Cavs are going to win before LeBron, especially after you try to throw the biggest star in the game under the bus. Cry me a river and go to hell and build a snowman because that ain't happening. But what does he owe Cleveland? Sure the fans are pissed - rightfully so - but come on son, ask yourself if you would have stayed? 

One thing is for sure....if they win the Championship together...that will be a hard decision on the MVP trophy.