Say Goodnight To The Bad Guy...

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade (not pictured) had each other's back on Thursday night.

It was beautiful to watch.

LeBron has something in common with the Cavs fans--- they both watched the 4th quarter.
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Cleveland brought their creativity.

LeBron brought his game.

Before the game, I facebooked that Michael Jordan would've scored 60 on a night like this.

LeBron had 38--- 24 in the 3rd quarter-- and didn't even play in the 4th.

I'm comfortable calling that a Jordan-esque performance.
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Best moment of the night happened in the pre-game.

LeBron approached the scorer's table.

Would he or wouldn't he?

Did he have the audacity to throw his chalk up into the air and make Cavs fans choke on his ego?

He did.

It was LeBron's way of saying--- whatever you want to do tonight--- I'm going to do my thing.
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But LBJ didn't go at it alone.

First play of the game--- Dwyane Wade gets a steal-- goes coast-to-coast for a slam.

Message sent by Wade.

We're a team.

We're here for you LeBron.

Doesn't matter what they say in the stands--- we got this.
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Admittedly, the Cavs are an awful basketball team.

The Heat SHOULD route them by double-figures.

But this was no ordinary circumstance.

Cleveland fans were pegging EVERY failure that their city ever had to endure--- on this one guy.

Honestly, it's time to move on.

A free agent opted out.

Happens quite frequently in sports.

Have a problem with it? Take it up with David Stern (I'm not going to humor anyone by addressing their stupid tampering charges--- Dan Gilbert is a crazy person).
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What's exciting about tonight is that it bodes well for the playoffs.

If you can survive a building filled with murderous rage--- you can handle just about any environment that's thrown at you.
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One of my favorite scenes in "Scarface" was when Tony Montana was dragged out of the restaurant---drunk, high, angry.

Others were gawking at him and he told them--- say goodnight to the bad guy.

He's the guy that others NEED to look at, point at, talk about.

Without the bad guy, people would have to confront their own quotidian lives.

LBJ was the bad guy in Cleveland.

He moves on with a virtuoso performance.

Cavs fans are now stuck in Cleveland.

Advantage James.

Are You Gel-in?

It may take a little while for the Heat to gel (not pictured).

Tonight in Boston, quite simply, was a mess.

On offense, the Heat had absolutely no game-plan, no way to attack to attack the Celtics.

Dwyane Wade played what could be his worst game of the year.

Chris Bosh wasn't even in double-figures scoring (which may never happen again).

And yet, Miami was only down by 3 points with just over a minute left.

Be afraid rest of the NBA, be very afraid.
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I was infinitely more concerned with the Heat's defensive approach than I was with offense.

These guys are world-class talents.

They'll figure out how to complement each other offensively.

That's not the issue.

My question heading into the game was simple: Will this team have the WILL to play consistent team defense, every night???

The answer: appears to be yes.
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While Wade, LeBron, and Bosh are all proven offensively, they all LOVE playing defense.

You can see the JOY this team takes in cutting off passing lanes, taking charges, and trying to run out the other way.

That's going to be this team's biggest strength: transition.

When it's going well, no one is going to be able to run with the Heat (not even the Suns).
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Look at the opponent.

The Boston Celtics are the most cohesive unit in the NBA.

They have a dominant point guard, who is distributing to four sure-fire Hall of Famers in KG, Shaq, Pierce, and Allen.

This team has played together for years (with the exception of Shaq who is a place-holder until Kendrick Perkins returns).

They were within a game of winning the NBA Finals last year.

It was in their house, one of the most historic and intimidating venues possible.

The Heat played like garbage for 3 quarters, and were within 3 points with a minute left on the road.
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Sure, the Heat are 0-1 in the record books.

Losing is never fun.

But Dwyane Wade played an AWFUL game, and Miami JUST lost.

How many times could you say that in the last five years?

It was Wade at peak performance, or no chance.

Not anymore.

This team won't match the 72' Dolphins for perfection, but I wouldn't want to play them in January.

Hamstrung...

It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt.

Right as I was settling into my seat to enjoy the Heat's new dynamic trio, Dwyane Wade hurts his hamstring (pictured, well not his specifically).

Talk about sucking the life out of a building.
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First of all, that I was going to a PRESEASON NBA game in early October was unique.

I've been credentialed to cover the Heat since 2003, and I'm not sure if I've ever gone to one.

So, I'm walking towards the arena at about 5 (public transportation in Miami sucks) and I see scalpers.

That's right SCALPERS.

For a preseason game!

More than two hours before tip-time!

My favorite scalper was wearing a pair of handcuffs, while an undercover cop in a Wade jersey phoned it in.
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First thing I see when I get courtside to help with our liveshot is the following: Wade, LeBron, and Bosh all warming up together.

How amazing is that?

It's over 2 hours before a preseason game, and 2 of the greatest 5 players on planet earth are feet from me warming up.

After the game, Wade said that was the strange moment for him too (not seeing me--- being out there with his teammates early).

Flash looked at them and thought--- wow, these are my teammates.
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Finally, it was close to tip-time.

The building wasn't TOTALLY packed, but it was a LARGE crowd.

The scene that unfolded was surreal.

LeBron walked over to the far scorer's table, grabbed his chalk, and threw it straight up in the air.

Not to be outdone, Wade walked over to both sides of the court and raised his hands, getting the crowd pumped.

This team will lead the league in pregame rituals.
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The first few possessions, the intensity was tremendous.

You could see the Big 3 PUSHING for that highlight play.

Wade and LeBron had one fast-break, but they were so hyped, it didn't result in any points.

I was waiting for that moment.

All of a sudden, there was Wade grabbing the back of his leg.

He limped off the court and asked for a sub.

Not the way Mike Miller wanted to make his AmericanAirlines Arena debut--- I'm sure.

And just like that, it was over.
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I'm not a doctor, but I'm sure Wade will be fine.

The hammy probably needs a little rest.

Heat say they'll evaluate it in a week, Wade says it'll be about two weeks.

That's fine.

Miami still looked incredibly impressive with just LeBron and Bosh.

The number of skills in LeBron's arsenal is phenomenal.

He's a 2-time MVP, I'm not breaking any news.

I'm CONVINCED he'll average a triple-double.
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Still, the night just wasn't the same once Wade left.

Oh well.

I'd rather be disappointed in October than June.

The Power Of Q....

This blog is brought to you by the letter "Q" (not pictured).

It's a rating used to determine the favorability of an athlete, celebrity, or politician.

This week, we learned that LeBron James' so-called "Q" rating had him as the 6th least popular athlete in America.

I will attempt break down what that means to LeBron by looking at a few other events in the news and how "Q" colors perception.
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Today, Udonis Haslem was cleared of a pot charge.

He was pulled over, there was weed in the car, U-D said it wasn't his.

The state attorney agreed.

Throughout his legal process, however, people weren't THAT mad at him.

On one level, it was weed.

While illegal, having a little green in your possession doesn't exactly incite the moral police.

Secondly, Udonis had just lost his mother and I think people felt badly for him.

But most of all, I just think Udonis is beloved in South Florida.

He's a team captain and Mr. 305.

He's been the heart and soul of the Heat franchise for a while, and people simply liked him.

Imagine if Michael Beasley had been pulled over for the same violation?

The power of Q.
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Let's stay with the Gators getting arrested theme.

This week, Urban Meyer had his... what is it... 30th player arrested.

Chris Rainey allegedly sent a text that read "Time To Die" to an ex-girlfriend and has been charged with stalking.

Urban Meyer has two national titles.

So while the thought is naughty-naughty, no actions are being taken.

He wins, therefore he has Q.

If Randy Shannon had 2 players arrested, there would be calls for his firing IMMEDIATELY.

Thug U would be back, and Randy would be unemployed.

Different standard because of Q (just to clarify, Gators fans like Meyer the coach, not the person. By all accounts he's a surly dude).
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Derek Jeter did something shady the other day.

He was up against the Rays in a critical game.

A ball clearly hit his bat.

He acted like it hit his wrist, the Umps awarded him first base.

To me, it was sad because he's so bad these days, that's his only way to get on.

While there have been a few columns calling him "Jeter Cheater"... the outrage has been tempered by his likability.

He has enough stored up Q that while people roll their eyes, they don't REALLY care.

Substitute in Jeter for AROD?

Woody Paige's head would explode right on the "Around The Horn" set.
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I think you get the point I'm making.

While it's fine and even fun to be the bad guy sometimes, it puts you in a dangerous position.

LeBron James' margin for error in the public sphere is nonexistent.

The stakes are higher than he's ever had to deal with.

The sad part about reputations are they take a LONG time to make, and just seconds to lose.

Stand Up And Make Some Noise For Your Miami Tweeeeeeeeeeet

Scanning the twitter-verse, I came across this video posted by LeBron James.

(Click on the Title of the blog and the video will be pictured. You can do it now or after you read the blog, it's your call, I'm not going anywhere)

It's LeBron going to an open house for his son's school.

Bronny is getting ready to start Kindergarten, and LeBron checks the place out.
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There are several elements that I find fascinating about this 2:57 video.

First of all, think about how much the boundary has been stripped between athlete and fan.

In the past, we never really KNEW our sports heroes.

We didn't want to.

Information was carefully selected by sports-writers, who used to be drinking buddies with the athletes.

But somewhere along the way, the sports journalist went from trying to glorify these stars, to trying to destroy them.

Perhaps it was jealousy as the zeroes grew after the athletes' checks.

Perhaps it was just the evolving nature of "gottcha" journalism.

The end result was superstars like Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter who talk, but never actually say anything.
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In a sense, twitter has cut out the middle man.

In the past, if you were going to get a story about LeBron James as father, you'd have to rely on a writer capturing that.

The problem is, that opens the writer up to interpret the athlete's life and inject their own views.

That's what happened with the GQ cover-story about LeBron.

The article featured brief interactions with LeBron's kids, but they were told from the writer's point of view.
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That's what made this posting so interesting to me.

It was a Blair-Witch style video, and there was no filter.

It was just LeBron-as-Dad.

Of course, you could say, perhaps he's mugging for the camera a bit, manipulating his image.

Maybe.

But to me, it sure just seemed like a proud dad checking out his son's school.
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The final aspect that I liked about the clip, is that it's literally shot from LeBron's point-of-view.

So not only does the viewer get to see the world through his eyes, we also get to see HOW people react to him.

You can see parents and kids turning around with that "WHOA that's LeBron James" look on their faces.

It's a look that's real and a bit raw.
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The good news for Heat fans is that the Big three: LeBron, Wade, and Bosh are all savvy with social media.

Throughout their time here, we'll be privy to parts of their lives that they wouldn't be able to share otherwise.

As much as I'll enjoy following the basketball team, I'll also enjoy following the Miami Tweet.

The Baitful Dead...

I recently attended a big event here in South Florida, the culmination of Lobster Mini-Season.

It's called Lobster Dinner (not pictured).

I know it wasn't the only big lobster party around town this weekend.

It's not often that I do blogs by request.

But, sitting at a long, lobster-decorated table, I was asked, 'Are you going to write a blog about this?'

I thought, sure, why the heck not? As Mad Dog used to tell me, I can sing for my supper.
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First of all, I wish I had thought of the title of this blog.

Combining the Grateful Dead and fishing would've been a masterstroke I gladly would've claimed.

Sadly, it's not original.

I read it off of a t-shirt at said dinner.
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So South Florida fisherman who have proper permits are allowed to go back into the water hunting for Lobster on August 6th.

So what's the big deal about Mini-Season?

Why the copious news coverage and interest?

From what I'm told, lobster-hunting is difficult.

But, during mini-season, the tasty victims are so plentiful that even an idiot can leave with their limit.

So, for skilled lobster-folk, it's not really a big deal.

But for newbies, this is their time to pounce.

For the skilled-folk, this is batting practice.
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I grew in a household that celebrated everything, big time.

I'm fairly certain this was driven more by my mother's love for Publix cupcakes than the actual holidays themselves.

Still, I was brought up to appreciate festive.

Lobster Dinner was that and then some.

From fake lobsters on the tables, a lobster dive flag on the front door, and my favorite touch, a lobster-themed necklace, this was wall-to-wall lobster.
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I think too often people celebrate the wrong parts of South Florida.

Even LeBron James during his announcement: "I want to take my talents to South Beach."

That perception of our town, that it's just about clubs, cheesy music, and cheesier people.

I think image that sort of misses the point of what it means to be in South Florida.

Lobster dinner didn't.

No. You. Didn't.

The 2010 Miami Heat are the most celebrated team in the history of sports, that has yet to win a single game.

The hype machine has been in overdrive the last week.

It culminated with the following, a song by the rapper Flo Rida (not pictured) entitled "We Already Won (The Miami Heat Song).

Take a listen.


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First thing's first.

This song is WAY better than the horrendous T-Pain Miami Dolphins song.

As a child, I had multiple surgeries on my ears.

I would gladly exchange any of those for the aural insult that is T-Pain's auto-tuned abomination.

So at least this is catchy.
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Now to the title of this blog.

I was there at the AmericanAirlines Arena the night the Heat introduced LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.

They were handing out placards with a photo of the Big Three that read "Yes. We. Did."

Of course, they were mirroring the language of President Obama's campaign slogan "Yes. We. Can."

Never, a good idea to mix politics and sports.

But you can just call this the audacity of hoop.
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That night felt a little dirty.

How can you throw such a big party, for a team that hasn't done anything yet?

Yes. We. Did.

What exactly did you do?

You signed three players.

Three awesome players.

Two sure-fire Hall of Famers.

But you haven't won anything yet.

Underneath all the noise and laughter, I kept thinking, God help this team if they don't win a title.

This is "Dewey Beats Truman" embarrassing.
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I don't blame the fans or the media for drowning in the pool of Heat adulation.

This SHOULD be an incredibly good basketball team.

The role players they've filled in, make for a roster this is built to win and win big.

But they haven't done it yet.
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The Heat marketing machine should push this team.

It sells season-tickets, gets you the cover of 'Sports Illustrated,' and creates a frenzy for your fans.

But head coach Erik Spoelstra has the opposite job.

He needs to bring these guys back down to earth.

Here are the facts.

The Heat were embarrassed in the first round of the playoffs the last two years.

LeBron James has never won an NBA title.

Dwyane Wade has an injury history.

Chris Bosh has never played in a meaningful NBA game.

Does it mean these guys can't have a parade down Biscayne Boulevard eventually?

Absolutely not.

But I can't get down with this premature party.

Although, Flo Rida did put together a catchy little soundtrack for the insanity.

Great Night... Greater Expectations...

We may be on the cusp of a dynasty (not pictured).

My head is still spinning after the CRAZY night I just experienced.

I would argue it was the most important night in Miami Heat history, and not a bad one for my career.

Miami is now loved and loathed.

The greatest basketball player in the world now calls Miami home.

The Heat now has the greatest trifecta in the NBA.

Boston found three players to commit who were all about winning. They won a title and were within two minutes of another.

The Heat did the same thing, except the players are 10 years younger and JUST heading into their prime.

MIami will put the NASTY, in dynasty.
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Allow me to put you in my sneakers for a second.

I woke up this morning at 7 am.

I was laying bed and simply couldn't fall asleep.

My girlfriend was on her way to work and asked: Why are you up?

I said one word: LeBron.

I had become truly obsessed.

So, I go to work thinking, okay, I'm a sports producer today.

LeBron's making his decision today, it's going to be a MADHOUSE.

That's fine.
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After the 6 pm news, our two main anchors come up to me, why don't you go on the air to talk during our LeBron special?

Hmm, I thought. That would be fun.

I mean, I'm standing here in a pair of blue jeans.

I didn't do the most thorough job shaving today.

But okay, let's rock n' roll.

The idea was shot down.
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So I go back to my producing.

Now, my news director calls me into his office. If you've ever worked in television, that's a scary thing.

He says, why don't you go on the air and talk about twitter, blogs and facebook?

Sure, I said.

I have been beyond obsessed with social media since I joined facebook (though I was admittedly a slow adapater to twitter).

Then he correctly pointed out that my shirt wasn't exactly TV ready.

No problem.

The main anchor let me borrow a shirt and jacket (Thank you again Calvin, Laurie and Will!).
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So there I am.

It's 9 o'clock.

I'm looking over my boss' shoulder at LeBron's press conference.

I have an IFB in my good ear (i do actually have a good ear).

My stomach is churning.

I'm infinitely more nervous about LeBron than being on TV.

TV is talking.

Either I'll say something intelligent and interesting, or I'll say something stupid.

There were really only two ways it could go.
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They throw to me.

I start talking.

It went well.

Everyone seem pleased.

But that's not even the headline on the night.
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When LeBron says the word "SOUTH BEACH" I thought: Does no one respect downtown Miami?

The Heat play in downtown.

You have to take the 195 or 395 to get to the beach.

It's like when TV stations bump in with beach shots from Sun Life Stadium.

It's in Miami Gardens.

When I got done with my idiotic mental rant, I said, Wait a second.

We got him!

We got him!

I started dancing like a contestant on the "Price Is Right" picked for the showcase showdown.

It's a shame I'm such a goofy dancer, "So You Think You Can Dance" really has given me a desire to express myself, but I digress.
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The center of the basketball universe is now South Florida.

And I work here, I live here, I was born here.

We showed people with pots and pans celebrating in Southwest Miami-Dade like the day we won the title.

It felt like that.

Only better.

I wanted pots and pans (speaking of Pot, I'm really glad the Heat traded Michael Beasley. He was more high than highlights, enjoy Minny Beas).
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I got to my phone after the show.

I had TONS of texts, missed calls, and facebook notifications (as anyone who knows me, I LOVE me some facebook notifications).

They were from around the country: LA, Denver, New York, Boston, and Chicago.

That's what I loved about 2006.

Everyone came together to celebrate the Heat.

It's going to happen again.

My guess is 2 or 3 times.
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I can go into the nuts and bolts of basketball.

How will they round out the roster, can they really win, and all of that.

But that's another blog for another day.

I'm just going to enjoy that my town matters, that I was in the right place at the right time, and my favorite moment of the day, a text from my brother that read "I was wrong."

Yes you were.

Never bet against Pat Riley.

Feeling Greedy...

I (not pictured) am feeling greedy tonight.

I have been worried about Dwyane Wade opting out of his Miami Heat contract for MONTHS.

I looked at the Heat roster and I thought, could you blame him if he left?

This week, I've been a nervous wreck about Wade's possible departure and flirtation with Chicago.

Today, my wish came true, and then some.

Not only did Wade sign, but he's bringing 5-time All-Star Chris Bosh with him.

And yet I'm not satisfied.
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I've made the case multiple times on this blog as to WHY Miami is the most logical destination for a Wade and LeBron pairing.

Cap space.

The Bird Rule.

All of that.

But, I'm less than 24 hours from it actually happening.

It's been obsessing me.

I'm up all night twittering.

I've been glued to ESPN (how they've embarrassed journalism with this story is a blog for another person to write. Needless to say, I've been underwhelmed with their ethics and coverage).

I daydream about what Pat Riley said to LeBron during their 3-hour meeting.
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I've also been really angry at these guys.

As my last post indicated, I'm not happy with how they've conducted themselves.

Look at Kevin Durrant.

The guy signed a 5-year extension and no one knew he did it.

LOVE that guy.

Sure, LeBron, Wade, and Bosh are brash and borderline obnoxious.

Sure it's a bad economy and they're debating 100 million dollar deals.

But, I've always been blessed (or cursed) with the ability to differentiate between OFF-THE-COURT and ON-THE-COURT.

These guys may be arrogant.

They may be immature.

But they can ball. (just so no one calls me out on what I said about Bosh in the previous blog. I think he's a good player. I don't think he's "elite." He's certainly not in the Wade-LeBron class. Still, glad he's on Miami's roster. As a third piece, he'd be unreal).
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Thursday's announcement is about what LeBron values.

I personally believe Wade, Bosh, and Riley filling out the jigsaw puzzle gives him the best chance to win.

Cleveland is home.

New York is the biggest market in the World.

New Jersey has his friend Jay-Z and the chance to rule Brooklyn.

Chicago added Boozer. They have a nice roster which could be sick. (Although Rose isn't Wade, not yet).

LeBron's success has earned him the right to make this decision.
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Tonight, is the last night I'll fall asleep dreaming about free agency.

Tomorrow, I'll be returned to reality.

The reason I want LeBron in Miami is because he would make my hometown MATTER so much more.

We'd max out national tv games, every game (home and away) would be an event, we'd be nationally loved and loathed.

It would just be fascinating.

And I'd have a front-row seat.

Either way, I appreciate the opportunity to see Dwyane play for the next 5 or 6 years.
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What's crazy is everything that's been said, everything that's been written, everything that's been tweeted, everything that's been reported...

It all becomes irrelevant tomorrow.

LeBron will make his choice and so will go the NBA for the next few years.

The fates of fans, towns, economies, and an entire sport are in LeBron's hands.

That's an awesome responsibility.

I just can't believe I'm letting the King hold my emotions ransom.

I want to be free.

But I also want to cover a dynasty.

To be continued...

Little Three...

I've been obsessed with NBA free agents (not pictured).

I literally spend HOURS and HOURS scanning twitter looking to find out the latest hint of what the big three: Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade are going to do.

Frankly, before the chips fall, I wanted to say something about all three.

They've been total ***holes the last week.
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Let me start with Dwyane Wade.

I'm closest to his situation and may I say he's handled it so badly I don't know where to begin.

This town has LITERALLY been named after Dwyane.

I currently reside in Miami-Wade County.

And yet, up until this morning, Wade didn't have the decency to show up here.

If they named a hogie after me in Norway, I'd be on the next flight.

The town is throwing themselves at him, and he can't be bothered.
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Then, Monday morning (on a holiday), the Heat tweets that Wade will be arriving in town.

They give the area to wait.

50 fans take time out of their day to show Wade love.

Turns out, it's the wrong terminal.

Flash just drives away.

In the worst economy since the depression, people get up at 7 am on a holiday to BEG a guy to take 125 MILLION dollars; and he can't be troubled to stop.

His PR people spun it however they wanted.

Bottom line is this: If he cared, he would've stopped.
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And then, there's the latest.

Wade was supposed to appear at a press conference to promote Zo's Summer Groove, a big charity event in town.

He cancelled.

Way to go Wade, sell out fans, and now charity... want to kick some puppies next?
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Chris Bosh is having fun with free agency.

He's tweeting.

He's talking.

He's washing himself in the adoration.

Everyone needs to keep something in mind.

He averages 20 points, and 10 rebounds, yes.

But he's also a big man in the east.

Not exactly stiff competition.

Also, he's the only player on the Raptors.

And most disconcertingly, he's a jump-shooter.

He's basically a younger Jermaine O'Neal.

He's a good player, just not as good as he thinks he is.

Whatever team has him, will be regretting his contract years 4 or 5 (or god forbid 6).
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And there's LeBron.

I won't leave Akron.

Come to me.

2 teams a day.

2 hours.

I'll show up in my pajamas.

LeBron has an awfully big ego for a guy who hasn't won a title.

I would like to be a witness to his maturation process.

Instead, I'm seeing all three of these guys bathe in ego and holding the NBA hostage in the process.
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There's so much that annoys me about the conduct of these free agents.

They all act like they're making SUCH a tough decision.

Really?

I promise you I wouldn't lose a night's sleep over who wanted to pay me 100M.

Don't make it look so agonizing guys.

It's really distasteful.

Where these guys end up will be impactful on wins and losses next year.

But to be honest, all of these free agents have lost some respect.

Pat's Pitch...

Friday is one of the most important days in the long, storied, Hall-of-Fame career of Pat Riley (not pictured).

He will be in Ohio pitching to LeBron James.

For all the praise that's been heaped Riley's way as master-motivator and great public speaker, this will be the most important sell-job of his life.

While he'll be joined by Micky Arison, Zo, and a host of Heat brass.

Make no mistake.

This is Pat and LeBron, one-on-one.
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The cards are stacked in Riley's favor for many reasons.

The biggest is money.

The Heat have more cap-room than ANY TEAM around.

Now, because of the Larry Bird Rule (which basically encourages players to stay with their own teams), Cleveland can pay LeBron more.

BUT...

Miami can afford Wade, LeBron, and either Bosh, Booozer, A'Mare.

Whichever of the three bigs Miami comes up with, that team is winning the Eastern Conference.

Oh heck, I won't limit my expectations... That team is winning multiple titles.

That team is challenging the Bulls' wins record and might even go after the '72 Dolphins (no pressure)

Riley can sell winning on a level that Cleveland, New York, New Jersey, and the Clippers cannot.
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There's a loyalty factor.

LeBron is from Ohio.

He's hosting his meetings in Akron.

He's trying to show he's all business.

He and Warren Buffet even claim to be tight (I don't foresee the two partying together much, but what do I know?).

So Riley needs to break through that.
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The easiest way to do it is the following:

Keep it in basketball terms.

Show LeBron that his BEST chance of winning big is here in Miami.

Because honestly, I think it is.

LeBron, Wade, and one of those bigs is a better nucleus than Rose, LeBron, and Joakim Noah.

It's certainly better than anything New York or New Jersey can bring to the table.
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What makes this week so fascinating is it's a chance for LeBron James to define himself as a human being.

I'm not overstating that.

What does he value?

Money?

Loyalty?

The spotlight?

Winning?

Everyone is talking about this Batman and Robin analogy.

And that's fine.

Is LeBron defined by his ego?

The true greats, like to be surrounded by greatness.

They aren't threatened by it.
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Truth is, I don't know what's in LeBron James' heart.

I just know that Riley better put in the extra hair product on Friday and be his showtime self.

The future of the Heat franchise depends on it.

One final tip, don't tell LeBron you'll surround with great talent such as Delonte West, it's still too soon.

Waiting Game...

Thank you Boston Celtics.

With their win over Cleveland I'm finally riveted by the NBA.

I'm sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens to the four men you see pictured: LeBron, Wade, Bosh, and Amare.

Dirk may also be changing teams this summer.

Joe Johnson is in play.
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The NBA is now pure and total chaos.

I think LA will wrap up the title among the four teams that are left.

But Kobe had better celebrate while he can.

The landscape of the league, for the next DECADE, is now on the line.

The games between now and the handing out of the trophy are merely a footnote to the off-the-court activities.
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As for my hometown, Miami, I think we're in the hunt.

I've previously laid out why I think it's POSSIBLE for the Heat to sign both LeBron and Dwyane Wade.

I don't know how realistic that could be.

But leave me be.

Allow me to dream between now and July 8th (players can agree to deals July 1, but can't officially sign the contracts until July 8th).

This could be the makings of a dynasty.

OR, the Heat could suck for a long, long time.

Players like Dwyane Wade don't happen often.

If he left, it'd be like Sherman walking out of Atlanta. That's General Sherman, not former Heat and Syracuse guard Sherman Douglas (who happened to be nicknamed the General).

So, if I'm going to have a decade of awful basketball, at least, give me this month or so to dream big.
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Civic pride is on the line BIG TIME this summer.

How big is your town?

How can you woo the best in the league to come to you?

New York has made their move, they've offered LeBron free lap dances for life at Scores.

Excuse me big apple.

But if you're going to appeal to LeBron's prurient interests, you're barking up the wrong tree.

We have a little more to offer here in Miami.

Now, if you were going to offer him unlimited museum tours.

Or if LeBron happened to have a hipster fetish, you'd be in luck (in your face Swifty).
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Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas...

This is the summer where EVERYONE is playing for keeps.

This free agency period promises to be more captivating than any NBA regular season, since Michael Jordan retired.

Frankly, once all these guys sign, the rest of the season is going to be anticlimactic.

The NBA: Where waiting for free agency happens.

Chalk Outline...

Excuse Pat Riley if he's starting to get excited.

That's because LeBron James (kind of pictured) is now ONE loss from being a free agent.

A very unhappy free agent.
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The NBA has the Larry Bird rule in place to do the following: keep star players put.

The basis of the rule is that the CURRENT team can offer more money than any other bidding team to a free agent.

That's the reason I foresee Dwyane Wade staying in South Florida for a long time (well that and the restraining order he's going to take out on his bat***T crazy ex-wife, Glenn Close anyone?)

So yes, Cleveland can give LeBron more money than anyone else can.
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But, there's something that Miami has that Cleveland does not.

Cap space.

Right now, Cleveland is tapped out.

GM Danny Ferry has constructed his best shot at a title.

He brought in Moe Williams (even though Riley wanted him at the time) and he brought in Shaq (who the Heat were done with--- remember 'win a ring for the king').

And what's it gotten them?

If Boston knocks out Cleveland in the 2nd round of the playoffs, LeBron is going to have to do some serious thinking.

Cleveland has done EVERYTHING possible to build a winner, and can't get out of the conference finals. In the EAST.

Sure, you're a God here. Everyone is a witness, to your mediocrity.

You can throw up ALL the chalk you want, but you're left with no rings.
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And then there's Miami calling.

Go down and play with your buddy Dwade.

You both get max contracts.

The Heat will have some flexibity to throw in a few extra parts.

LeBron has two MVPs and is clearly the best overall player in basketball, but he has zero rings.

Riley has plenty.

He can shine them in LeBron's face and say: Magic, Kareem, Wade, Shaq... I got them all their precious. Do you want to be a part of that?
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Yes, New York can come calling.

They'll sell him on the big apple and Madison Square Garden.

But be honest, with Wade, Miami's closer.

I always say this, the Knicks are NOT the Yankees.

They have SOME tradition, but not the type that would lure LeBron.

Sure, there are marketing possiblities in New York.

But LeBron is already a one-man global brand.

No state income tax is a nice little cherry on top.
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One of my favorite Pat Riley expressions is: Hard work won't guarantee you anything, but without it, you don't stand a chance.

Well, if the Celtics get one more win over Cleveland, Miami has a chance at LeBron.

You could roll out Wade, LeBron, and put Justin Bieber at the point, and you'd reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

Can Leaveland say the same thing?