Well, we've finally reached the formerly highly entertaining event that is known as the NBA Finals. I'd have to say I'm a little disappointed, but hey, you can't win'em all- or any, in the case of me with the NBA. Even with my disappointment in the worst playoffs I've ever witness (or failed to by the second round, when I stopped watching), I will say that it is has given birth to a new point in NBA, maybe even sports history. You all recall "one of the greatest playoff performances ever" last week, when LeBron James lit up the Pistons and single-handedly carried the Cavaliers on his back. Well, that could finally be the passing of the guard we were looking for since Michael Jordan retired the second time.
Think of everyone that has been dubbed the "Next MJ" since His Airness retired following his sixth title, a monumental victory against the Utah Jazz in six games with Jordan himself putting the exclamation on the sixth game, series, and at that time, his career. After that, many wondered who the "Next MJ" would be. They thought it was Vince Carter, but though he's self-absorbed enough to be like Jordan, he lacks the raw skill and intensity to be considered anywhere close to Jordan in the history of the Association. Some thought Allen Iverson, but he just wasn't the game-changing force that Jordan was. People grabbed onto Kobe Bryant as well, but he's not really liked by anyone at this point, so I think we can all just count that one out. Other names have been tossed about as well, but then a couple years ago, we saw real hope. LeBron James, donning Jordan's #23 entered the league, for the downtrodden Cleveland Cavaliers. We all thought this could've been it. An 18 year old was going to save the NBA, bridge the gap between MJ and the travesty we have watched since his second retirement. Four years later, King James has assumed his throne.
LeBron James, though heralded, is NOT the next Jordan, because that person does not and will not exist. However, he WILL make his name remembered and his story told by those of us who witnessed it, to our children and grandchildren. LeBron is not as good of a defender as Jordan, and he may be slightly behind in the intensity department, but for all the criticisms we all laid upon him, especially after the first two games of the Eastern Finals, I will say this: LeBron is the scariest player I have ever seen.
LeBron's physical presence is that of a linebacker, on the basketball court. He can be a pounding brute under the hoop or a finesse shooter. He can carry a team on his back like not even MJ could. The man can play ball. And he may have just saved the National Basketball Association with his performance last week.
After all of this LeBron hype, I so badly want to pick the Cavaliers to win the NBA Finals, especially since they are facing the San Antonio Spurs, who you should know that I despise by now. However, after plodding through the crowd of cameras surrounding The King, I can see that it just isn't meant to be.. this year. Remember, the guy is only 22. The fact that he single-handedly beat the best Eastern Conference team of the past 5 seasons already proves to me that even if he can't pull it off this year, he'll be back and better than ever next season. He's got that drive now, and it's what will carry him into the record books and our memories.
After all of that, my Finals prediction: San Antonio 4- Cleveland 3.
LeBron makes this series an interesting one and the Cavs miraculously force a Game 7, only to lose to Tim Duncan, who I hate. Let's just hope that I'm not as accurate with this prediction as I was with my Stanley Cup one.
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