is so space given to the second best player on the losing team?
Why not more on the Mavs and their great playoff run.
SoCal
Being outwardly humble isn't a necessity. Jordan wasn't humble, nor is Bryant. O'Neal wasn't humble either (though O'Neal had way more personality than those guys). But a difference I see between those guys and James (and now Wade as well) is that those guys didn't lash out at the media and/or fans when things went badly for them. Jordan was mostly media-aloof, similar to Bryant. Those guys just gave "blah" answers about playing better and remaining focused. O'Neal just cracked jokes at the expense of his teammates or opponents when things went bad. Those guys may not have liked being in the despised role, but they didn't let it show in public.
I agree with you that both James and Wade seem uncomfortable with how to handle being the anti-hero. They are overly defensive and whiny. Unfortunately for them, I think they'll have to go through a lot more failure to get out of the despised role. If they win, they'll still be despised, but at least they'll have the monkey off their backs. But as long as they act petulant in adverse moments, they'll remain despised.
is so space given to the second best player on the losing team?
Why not more on the Mavs and their great playoff run.
SoCal
Ohio Governor Kasich piles on and proclaims the Mavericks honorary Ohioans for the day with this jab at LBJ
Whereas, NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Dirk Nowitzki chose to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks in the summer of 2010, forgoing free agency and keeping his talents in Dallas, remaining loyal to the team, city and fans for whom he played his entire career...
http://governor.ohio.gov/LinkClick.a...7Q%3D&tabid=74
Though not an NBA fan, I am aware of the Mavs' fine performance. There's an interesting reference to Duke in the following article, a few paragraphs in. The contrast between, on the one hand, Duke/Yankees/Cowboys/Raiders, and on the other the Heat is to me sort of intriguing. But I think others might have more insightful thoughts on this.
Link: http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/06...75&feedID=3628
Because the Heat are a lot more interesting, even in defeat. And LeBron is the most compelling of all, with his gradual public metamorphosis from teenage phenom to action hero to unparalleled villain. Think about it -- Dark Knight was a pretty incredible movie. Did people come away talking more about Batman? Or was it Heath Ledger's interpretation of the Joker? I loved Silence of the Lambs, and not because of the heroic Jodie Foster character, but because of Hannibal Lecter. People like the heel. There's a touch of danger, more intrigue.
I don't think anyone here is discounting the Mavs' victory, but LeBron is -- for better or for worse -- the face of the league, and will be for a long time. In addition, he's the poster child and the test case for sports celebrity in this information age. I respect the Mavs' championship and even have a Dirk jersey (Team Germany, of all things). But LeBron is far more unique, and most certainly more vital.
I of course meant heel in the professional wrestling sense, and certainly would never compare a Tar Heel to Dr. Lecter. They're not nearly cultured enough. (I kid)
I said it earlier in the thread, and others have said it very eloquently, but I'll say it again:
Spoelstra deserves more blame than LeBron James.
Trade coaches and the Heat win the series. There's no question in my mind.
"We are not provided with wisdom, we must discover it for ourselves, after a journey through the wilderness which no one else can take for us, an effort which no one can spare us, for our wisdom is the point of view from which we come at last to regard the world." --M. Proust
I will admit I have not poured over this entire thread to see if anyone has posted about the many Lebron jokes going around today, but... just in case no one has...
-Jason "I do not claim authorship of the above" EvansQ: Why didn't Le Bron James go to college?
A: He didn't want to show up for the finals.
Q: Why are Lebron's clothes always dirty?
A: His laundry machine requires 4 quarters.
Tomorrow is Le Bron James Day in Dallas. Everyone gets to leave work
12 minutes early.
In the offseason, LeBron's going to train with the Miami Police
Department; they're not afraid to shoot.
Have you heard about the new Lebron iPhone?
You have to set it on vibrate because it doesn't have any rings.
Why are you wasting time here when you could be wasting it by listening to the latest episode of the DBR Podcast?
-I asked LeBron for a dollar and he gave me 75 cents. He just didn't have the 4th quarter.
-LeBron, according to sources, is scheduling a press conference tomorrow where he will announce that he will join the Florida Panthers of the NHL should there be a NBA lockout. He reportedly is confident he'll dominate in the NHL since they have only 3 periods.
Instead of assigning blame to Spo or LBJ why not give credit to Rick Carlisle? He out coached everyone else this season. Had Spo made changes RC would have countered. I mean some of the stuff he came up with (zone, JJB starting) was so well timed!
Now, if you'll excuse me I'm going to have to back to my life and my problems...if only I was a rich baller I'd be much better than myself!
I think that the truth is that people hate the heel, but the existence of a heel makes the hero more enjoyable.
People like sky-diving/car-racing/bungie/etc because they are thrilling activities---there is a hint of death. However, pretty much no normal person wants to die. What they want is to experience death from a safe distance in order to feel alive.
Gambling is another example. The fact that there is money at stake makes a game more fun, but no one wants to lose. People want to experience the danger of the possibility of losing but they don't actually want to experience losing.
From Poltico:
"Apparently, a loss for LBJ is a win for Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Following the Dallas Mavericks' triumph over the Miami Heat...the governor issued a resolution, honoring the Texas team...He 'declared members of the team and their fans to be 'Honorary Ohioans.' Gov. Kasich praised the Mavericks for the loyalty, integrity and teamwork they demonstrated throughout the season."
Utterly ridiculous and to be filed under that 'jump the shark' category that DBR had a couple of days back.
Hey, Ohio! Take that chill pill already!!!
No way this photo is real, is it?
-Jason "Mark Cuban is the best owner in sports!" Evans
Why are you wasting time here when you could be wasting it by listening to the latest episode of the DBR Podcast?