Monthly Archive for January, 2010

Odds and Ends

Published
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NoYork
on January 29, 2010
in Odds and Ends
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I hit her, I actually hit that lady with the water, Sasha did you see that?

I hit her, I actually hit that lady with the water, Sasha did you see that?

Winning Without Mo - It’s been nice to see the Cavs winning games despite losing Mo Williams to injury. LeBron has had to put the team on his back at times, but that’s what superstars do right? February is going to be a real test for the Cavs, but here’s hoping their luck with Mo on the bench continues!

LeBron’s water bottle kick - LeBron was fined $25,000 for kicking a water bottle after receiving a technical on Wednesday night. There hasn’t been much talk about this, and if the water hadn’t sprayed into the stands and hit some fans there wouldn’t be any talk at all. LeBron was upset and that’s fine by me. I like athletes to show emotion and LeBron can kick a water bottle now and then. If he would have just finished the play with a monstrous dunk on Sasha none of this would have had to happen.

LeBron and McDonalds - LeBron signed a multi-year deal with McDonalds, adding them to his impressive catalogue of Nike, Coca-Cola, and State Farm. LeBron’s first commercial is slated for Super Bowl Sunday where he and Dwight Howard will play a game of HORSE a la Michael Jordan and Larry Bird back in the day. Off the building, off the scoreboard, off the backboard, nothing but net….

LeBron to resign before the end of the season?

Published
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NoYork
on January 27, 2010
in 2010 News and 2010 Where Will He Go?
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Do we look nervous? Were fine, seriously.

Do we look nervous? We're fine, seriously.

I’ve heard rumors that LeBron would resign with the Cavs if they were able to trade for a superstar power forward. That’s right, if the Cavs can land a game changing power forward LeBron would resign, and his signature would be inked before the end of the season! Let me be the first to say this will not happen!

Unless the Cavs can find a way to land Chris Bosh, LeBron won’t be signing a contract with the Cavs before the season ends. It doesn’t make sense that LeBron would wait this long to sign, then decide half way through the season that now was the time. There would have to be a blockbuster trade that improved the Cavs dramatically for LeBron to resign early.

The rumors claim that LeBron told Cavs management that if they could sign a top tier free agent he would sign a new contract before the Cavaliers season ended. There is no credible source and there is no evidence that this conversation ever happened. LeBron wouldn’t even have to make this statement for the Cavs brass to feel pressure to improve.

The Cavaliers organization, and many Cavs fans, are already feeling the heat from LeBron’s upcoming free agency. If LeBron said this to management it wouldn’t get more done than what the Cavs are already attempting. They’re talking to anyone willing to listen and trying to get everyone from Antawn Jamison to Amare Stoudemire in Cleveland. Unfortunately for all of us LeBron fans, these reported whispers of an early resigning are nothing more than words in the wind.

Before he was King

Published
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NoYork
on January 26, 2010
in Videos
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As LeBron gets closer and closer to his second MVP trophy and everyone continues to watch his growth in awe, it seems fitting to look back. LeBron mania was just starting to hit when I filmed this video. It was LeBron’s junior season, but he was already a special player and he knew it.

Notice how he was already signing autographs surrounded by hot chicks. Notice how he spent time on the court during JV warm ups shooting hook shots and dunking the ball. Notice how he knew all eyes were on him as he sat on the bench and cheered his JV team to victory. Notice how he attempted dunk contest worthy slams before the game started. Notice the swagger during his introduction.

This game was against an under matched East Liverpool team, but LeBron made it interesting. It wasn’t his best performance, but he still had some great plays and kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. I would be lying if I told you that I knew this LeBron would be as good as the current NBA MVP, but it was apparent that he was a special player. Akron knew it, I knew it, the people in front of me knew it, and LeBron definitely knew it.

Knicks fans used to being let down…

Published
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NoYork
on January 24, 2010
in 2010 News
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I liked New York more when my hair was this length, baby fros are made for Cleveland. Next question...

I liked New York more when my hair was this length, baby fros are made for Cleveland. Next question...

Slam recently posted a great article about why LeBron probably won’t be going to New York. After reading it, I can’t agree more with what is being said. Needless to say we thought it was right up our alley!

Although I wish the article said LeBron is going to stay in Cleveland, it actually points out the reasons that The King could easily end up in Miami or New Jersey/Brooklyn. They even discuss the idea of a possible sign and trade with Portland or Houston, which I don’t believe would ever happen, but who knows?

There are two lines in this article that I love. First, “People make imperfect career choices all the time, just because they want to be somewhere. Manhattan has been that somewhere for a lot of people.” Yes, exactly, and LeBron can’t be one of those people! The second quote I loved was this one, “Don’t feel too sorry for Knicks fans if their summer is a let down. They’re used to it.”

Great article, check it out at Slam now.

NoYork shirt in the crowd during LA game

Published
by
NoYork
on January 22, 2010
in NoYork Shirts
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During the LA game there was a NoYork supporter spotted behind the basket. While you were watching Andy ice the game with his key free throws, I had my eyes in the stands. He’s on screen for a split second, but hey it’s YouTube worthy right?

Thanks to everyone who has supported the NoYork movement thus far!

Kobe Bryant comes to town

Published
by
NoYork
on January 21, 2010
in Videos
. 1 Comment

I pride myself on being an objective fan. When the Cavaliers commit a foul with only seconds remaining in a close ball game, instead of roasting the referee, I will roast the player who commited the foul. When LeBron drove to the hole against Chicago a couple months ago, he was not fouled. You simply don’t get those calls at the end of games. There is no reason for you to perform a strange ritual in hopes of putting a voodoo hex on the referees that swallowed their whistle in those final seconds. There simply was no foul and LeBron didn’t deserve a bailout call. I know I’ve probably alienated three or more die hard fans with this last paragraph. I apologize to anyone I’ve offended, but it may get worse. You’ve been warned…

When Kobe Bryant walks onto the court at the Q tonight, I will acknowledge that he’s one of the top two players in the world. His skill is undeniable and his will to win is unparalleled. However, twice a year I will hope for Kobe to self destruct. For three hours tonight I will hope the worst for Kobe. My wish of watching Kobe go down in flames at the hand of my Cavs has already been granted once this year, (a great Christmas present for all Cleveland fans) but I doubt lightning will strike twice.

No matter what happens tonight, Kobe is one of the greatest players to ever play the game. That doesn’t mean that I can’t cheer against him for a couple hours when he plays the Cavs. Kobe is a great player, but tonight I’m hoping for a repeat performance from Christmas day. If my dreams are dashed by the NBA’s favorite black mamba, I will admit that he’s a great player and hope that he isn’t so lucky in the NBA Finals against Cleveland. For now I will celebrate Kobe’s Christmas day whining one more time…

Jim and Bill weigh in on The Summer of LeBron

Published
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NoYork
on January 20, 2010
in Uncategorized
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Listen to me LeBron, I beat up aliens for Gods sake

Listen to me LeBron, I beat up aliens for God's sake

Jim Brown was on hand for the Cavs game against the Raptors yesterday and he took the opportunity to speak on LeBron’s future. “Looking at the fact that it is a business, I put that first, but having said that, I would love to see him be here,” Brown said. He continued to express his hope that LeBron would stay as he went on to say, “I think it’s a terrific marriage. He does so much for this city and I think he has an owner that tries to do everything he can. When you have a owner who is trying to do the best he can do and a player, it’s a terrific set of circumstances”

It’s great to hear Jim Brown, a man who spent his entire NFL career in Cleveland, hoping that LeBron will stay with the Cavs. I believe LeBron’s sense of history will at least make him appreciate Jim Brown’s opinion, if not take it to heart.

The next person to share their opinion about LeBron was none other than Bill Simmons, The Sports Guy himself. After LeBron’s trip to LA, Bill who is a huge Clippers fan, shared his thoughts on LeBron. “There is no better teammate. And after watching this point get hammered home for three hours, it suddenly seemed far-fetched that LeBron James would willingly walk away from his guys — and his fans, and his city, and his legacy in Cleveland — just to play for someone else.”

Keep in mind that Simmons has been building a strong case for LeBron to leave Cleveland for the Clippers for quite some time now. After watching LeBron in person, he sees what all of Cleveland has seen for years…he belongs with us!

If you have some time check out Bill’s column about LeBron’s trip to LA, it’s a great read.

No Dunk Shots for LeBron

Published
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NoYork
on January 19, 2010
in Rants
. 0 Comments
I can shoot lay ups and no one cares. Its all about dunk shots!

I can shoot lay ups and no one cares. It's all about dunk shots!

LeBron James has decided not to participate in the 2010 NBA Dunk Contest. Don’t forget what he said during last years contest, “LeBron James is saying that in 2010, in Dallas stadium, primarily I’m putting my name in the dunk contest.” That was a statement, with the exception of primarily, that made many a fan jump up and celebrate. LeBron is going to face off against Dwight Howard right?

Unfortunately that won’t happen this year as LeBron and Howard have taken their names out of the contest. But, don’t fret the NBA is doing something to make up for the absence of this marquee match up. That’s right, on Friday night during halftime of the rookie vs sophomore game Eric Gordon will be facing off with DeMar DeRozan for a dunk off!

Can’t you just feel the excitement in the air? Eric Gordon who rarely has a good dunk is facing off against a guy who is one of the favorites to win the contest, wonder what’s going to happen? I predict that it will be DeRozan who will face off against Nate (I’m going to miss more than half my dunk attempts) Robinson, Shannon (My hand is bigger than your entire arm) Brown, and Gerald (I’m more of a game dunker than a dunk contest guy) Wallace for one of the worst dunk contests in recent history.

Even if this contest turns out to be something special, I will only be able to think about what could have been if LeBron kept his word. And when the camera shows reaction shots of the crowd LeBron will be there smiling, and HE BETTER KEEP HIS MOUTH CLOSED this time.

Last year he got everyone’s hopes up, only to shatter them and leave us with Nate Robinson. It’s like thinking you’re going to prom with the head cheerleader and finding yourself in your rented limo with the artsy girl who refuses to wear shorts to gym class. LeBron’s choice to declare his “primary” entry into the dunk contest was so exciting it caused Reggie Miller to belt out this gem, “We got Obama as president, we finally got LeBron James in the dunk contest.”

I’d like to close this post with a story from last season. During a blowout game in Oklahoma City LeBron got a steal and had a wide open breakaway. He trotted down court and took off from somewhere between the foul line and the rim. He turned the ball over to finger roll it, then at the last second (in mid-air), he thought better of his decision and dunked the ball home with one hand. When asked what happened on the play he said he didn’t want to disappoint the fans that came to see him play by laying the ball up.

At the last second you did the right thing against Oklahoma City. I’m asking for the same courtesy next year. Don’t tell anyone you’re entering LeBron, just tell the NBA. Surprise everyone and compete in the 2011 Dunk Contest. You have a chance to fix this years horrendous finger roll with an amazing dunk shot. 2011 will be The Year of the King…

Odds and Ends

Published
by
NoYork
on January 18, 2010
in Odds and Ends
. 0 Comments
Im Gloria Allred and I hate dunk shots

"I'm Gloria Allred and I hate dunk shots"

Here’s a couple things I’ve had on my mind lately.

- JA Adande’s LeBron to LA article. Adande points out that LeBron would be surrounded by all stars in LA, whether it’s past, present, or future they’re still all stars in his book! He’d be in LA battling for the big city lights with Kobe and the media would eat that up. At least for now, LeBron isn’t doing the same. LeBron’s thoughts on playing for the Clippers, “I have no thoughts on that.”

- LeBron2010.info - This is a new LeBron 2010 website that is extremely well done. There are recaps from every game along with several other very interesting features. There’s the jersey tracker which keeps track of the Cavs record in each different jersey they play in. There’s the team power rankings which gauge who has the best chance at getting LeBron in 2010. And there’s tons of great contract information on the Cavs team and others around the league. Make sure to check this website out!

Shaq being sued for harassment. There’s a woman in Orlando who is suing Shaq for harassing her. She claims that they’ve been seeing each other for over five years, but things got sour when she told Shaq she was possibly pregnant. This same woman has also accused JJ Redick of harassment, had problems with Kenyon Martin, and had the police called to Delonte West’s hotel room in 2006.

At this point she had no credibility, then her lawyer released this statement, “Lopez, who stands two feet shorter than Mr. O’Neal and weighs less than 100 pounds, is determined to take Mr. O’Neal on and hold him accountable for his behavior in a courtroom where size, money and power will not matter and where the final score will be determined by the scales of justice and not by how many dunk shots he makes or how many baskets he scores.” Now she has less than no credibility!

Let’s break down that statement…1) Shaq is taller than this lady. He’s taller than 99% of the population, that’s why he’s in the NBA, who cares? 2) Hold Shaq accountable for his behavior. There is absolutely no evidence that Shaq did anything wrong to this woman besides meeting her in the first place. 3) A courtroom where size, money, and power will not matter. This court room is in Narnia with The Tooth Fairy and Big Foot. 4) The final score will be determined by the scales of justice and not by how many dunk shots he makes or how many baskets he scores. This is a horrible line that a fourth grader would come up with. And what the hell is a dunk shot? Are we talking about George Mikan or Shaquille O’neal here?

- Great trade idea There’s rumors that Cleveland is in the market for Antawn Jamison. I have a great idea for this trade, if it goes through. Let’s workout a deal to bring DeShawn Stevenson to Cleveland, then permanently banish him to our D-League affiliate!!! Wouldn’t it be great to not see DeShawn waving his hand in front of his face after a made three for the Erie BayHawks.

New 2010 Agendas

Published
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NoYork
on January 17, 2010
in 2010 Where Will He Go?
. 0 Comments
Hey Chris if YOU get traded YOU could mess up our plans!

"Hey Chris if YOU get traded YOU could mess up our plans!"

As many of you know the NBA trade deadline is a month from tomorrow (February 18th). The newest rumor is that Chris Bosh will be dealt before that deadline, which could dramatically change the landscape for this summer. If Bosh were to get dealt here’s the way things may shake out.

ESPN’s Chad Ford reported that both Knicks and Nets officials have told him that “the only scenario in which they think the would have a real shot at prying LeBron out of Cleveland,” is by signing James and another superstar next season. The superstar that they’re referring to most often is Chris Bosh. If Bosh is traded this scenario probably won’t play out.

According to Ford, New Jersey is already rethinking a LeBron or nothing summer plan. Apparently New Jersey is afraid that gambling on the LeBron lottery could force their hand if they come up short. A team source had this to say about the situation, “Because of our record we are going to be forced to overspend on guys like David Lee and Rudy Gay and perhaps Boozer if you can’t land LBJ. I don’t want to be like Detroit and spend to just spend.” Instead the Nets are looking to trade their expiring contracts and anyone besides Brook Lopez to improve the team right now.

The Knicks are in a similar situation, but they haven’t given up the hopes of signing a big free agent in 2010. Mike D’Antoni doesn’t want to wait until 2011, but may be forced to do so if the Knicks don’t land LeBron. In 2011 both Jared Jeffries and Eddy Curry have expiring deals, so they could make some serious noise in the free agent market.

With New York and New Jersey out of the hunt things open up for Chicago, Miami, and believe it or not Oklahoma City. Miami feels that they have the best shot of landing LeBron and Bosh this summer. They would have to let go of a lot of quality players in the process, but I’d say it’s worth it for that three headed monster! Chicago has been after Bosh and Wade for as long as we can remember, but without New Jersey or New York running interference they may have a realistic shot. Oklahoma City isn’t a huge market, but they’re anchored by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

This could be a very interesting turn of events, but I don’t see LeBron in Oklahoma City. I’m convinced that LeBron won’t leave Cleveland unless it’s for a big market or the shot at playing with Wade and/or Bosh. Chicago does have a lot of good players to surround a superstar free agent or two, but would LeBron really want to play in Jordan’s shadows for years to come?

Truthfully the only team that I see LeBron gravitating toward if New York and New Jersey bow out of the race is Miami. It would be hard to pass up the chance to play on a team with Wade and Bosh. For now LeBron seems very content in Cleveland though. Last night when asked if he knew how to spell I Love LA, LeBron responded with, “I know how to spell I love Akron and O-H-I-O.” That’s enough for me, for now.