Don't praise King James just yet By Charley Rosen Special to Page 2 Editor's Note: Page 2 asked Charley Rosen, a longtime coach and scout in professional basketball, to watch LeBron James on Thursday night and give us a scouting report on the 17-year-old phenom. He filed the following report. I don't know which aggravates me more: our crass, soulless, sporting-life culture, or the airhead kids who are at the same time its beneficiaries and its victims? Like LeBron James, the 17-year-old schoolboy phenom whom so many NBA pundits have already crowned as the Air Apparent. OK, so James is going to be the NBA top draft pick come June, but he already refers to himself in the royal-third-person ("LeBron stays humble by just being LeBron"). And he also refers to himself as a "superhero" and as "Basketball Man." And even worse, after he dunks over an opponent, he's liable to shout "King James!" or "You sorry!" Here comes another narcissistic young man who has been conditioned to believe that celebrity equals money equals power. Admire his talent, but pity his lost youth and forfeited innocence. Yeah, LeBron can dunk, but where's the jumper? OK, his St. Vincent-St. Mary team "upset" the No. 1-ranked high school team in the country, Oak Hill Academy. And James's numbers were impressive -- 31 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. While he certainly showed an abundance of sheer talent, he also demonstrated that he still has much to learn. At 6-foot-8, 235 pounds, he can have his way among his peers along the baseline and in the pivot, but in the NBA, James will need to be an effective shooter. The problem here is that his release is a tad too low. Also that he fades slightly when he shoots his jumper. The result is that he holds onto the ball too long and will have some trouble shooting in tight quarters. And what about his poor shooting percentage (40 percent)? He didn't make a jumper until later in the third quarter and then celebrated by ####ing his fist into his chest. He repeated this foolish routine when he connected on his only other jumper early in the fourth quarter. (The chest beating is supposed to demonstrate how much heart he has.) However, I didn't see any celebration when he arrogantly waved his teammates out of his way and launched an airball. Let's review some of his buckets that roused the fans (and the TV announcers) into a frenzy: Midway into the first quarter, James doesn't bother to get back on defense, and when a teammate makes a nifty steal and a pass downcourt, our hero finds himself ahead of the field and executes an dramatic dunk. How about another slam that resulted from an offensive rebound falling into his hands without a defender within reach? Or the layup off a perfect lob pass when he was fronted down low by a much smaller defender? Is all the media attention going to James' head? Stay tuned. Big deal! Yes, James has good hands, quick feet, extraordinary hops, and a lively body. Yes, he's also an outstanding passer. But his defense is atrocious. His basic defensive stance is much too upright. When defending a perimeter player, his hands are in his pockets. When his team tried a full-court press, one of Oak Hill's guards absolutely left him in the dust. He always looks for the easy way out, making perfunctory swipes at the ball, and gambling on every entry pass. His transition from offense to defense is shameful. Instead of hustling downcourt, he lingers near the ball, hoping for a steal. He always looks for the easy way out, making perfunctory swipes at the ball, and gambling on every entry pass. His transition from offense to defense is shameful. Instead of hustling downcourt, he lingers near the ball, hoping for a steal. His post-up defense offers less resistance than a soft summer's breeze. His post-up defense offers less resistance than a soft summer's breeze. In short, LeBron James can't guard his own shadow. What other shortcomings did the young hoopling reveal? A barely adequate left hand. A shaky behind-the-back dribble going left to right. What's the one talent he possesses that will survive his entry into the NBA? His court vision and his ability to pass the ball. In high school, LeBron James might be a man among boys -- but in the NBA, he'll be a boy among men. Skilled, experienced, powerful, and above all, ruthless men. After the media hysteria dies down, after his arrogance is reduced to real humility, he might very well develop into a franchise player. But let's not reserve a wing in the Hall of Fame for LeBron James just yet. Charley Rosen, a former coach in the Continental Basketball Association, has been intimately involved with basketball for the better part of five decades -- as a writer, a player, a coach and a passionate fan. Rosen's books include "More Than a Game," "The Cockroach Basketball League," "The Wizard of Odds: How Jack Molinas Almost Destroyed the Game of Basketball," "Scandals of '51: How the Gamblers Almost Killed College Basketball" and "The House of Moses All-Stars: A Novel."

http://espn.go.com/page2/s/rosen/021213.htmla>

This man was on his way to being one of the most dominant slow white point guards in history before succumbing to the dreaded alcoholismssss.

Don't drink and drive the lane.

Well it's official, the Cleveland Cavaliers season is over. After being picked by no one, to do not much of anything. Charley Rosen went ahead and put the final nail in the coffin with this fine write.

With LeBron held in check, Cavs fall flat

Charley Rosen
FOXSports.com, Wednesday's poor outing, Charley Rosen says it could be a long year in Cleveland."-->Updated 1 hour ago

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7395974a>

Pistons will be too much for Cavs Charley Rosen
Special to FOXSports.com, Charley Rosen thinks the end is near."-->Updated 164 days ago

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6829724a>

Nah, they're just a bunch of lucky bumbs who got an easy path to the finals. Stephen A. Smith says so. Of course a healthy Wizard team got steam rolled the year before but what should that count for? The Cavaliers gave the Pistons all they could handle for 7 games in 2006. But what should that count for? True the Wiz were BLEEP ed up in 2007, and New Jersey lost Kristic, but not many people gave the Cavs a chance against the Nets, let alone the Pistons.

The Cavaliers were two buckets away from sweeping the Pistons 6 games to none in the 2007 ECF. Should that count for anything? No. Because they were swept in the finals by a team some labeled a "Dynasty". Where's the shame in that? 

Well Pavlavic just signed so that should really help, now if we can get some BLEEP er to take Varajao off our hands.

I just heard a deal for Ron Artest fell through, Ron-Ron is looking for a new place to call home. How About Cleveland?

Artest plays solid D, can rebound (these are the team strengths and the reasons why the Cavaliers made the finals) and Ron can score as well.

Bron - Bron the Global Icon,and Ron - Ron the stark raving lunatic. It's got a certain ring to it.

Well in closing for the 3 Cavalier fans who might read this, lets sweep this one under the rug and refocus. It's a very long season. Teams who rebound and play defense can win ball games.

Time will tell.

What do the Cavaliers have to do to get some respect?

Bettery yet, just keep the expectations low. It's better that way.

We'll see if the Cavaliers are still a "no excuse team" this May.

I'm not going to call you clowns out by name. You all know who you are.

kobe bryant does not know how to put his teammates in a position to succed.

kobe knows only two thing when it comes to teammates.

1. defer - (give it up to someone on the wing, then kobe just stand near the three point line. have you ever seen kobe bryant set a pick?)

2. or ignore (kobe has the ball. holds it for several seconds disrupting the "flow" of the triangle, then getting his own shot)

that's it.

if dude is hot he goes for 40.

if he's not he defers , stands around then it's everyone else's fault.

skill wise. kobe is an elite NBA player. as far as the mental aspect of the game. he's an infant.

holla.

**************

Plaschke feels the same way.

"Bynum is a loss, but, c'mon," said Suns' Coach Mike D'Antoni, shaking his head. "They've still got Kobe over there!"

That's where the frustration will focus. Bryant will have to carry the Lakers, and you know what happens when that happens.

Everybody else will stand around and watch him. Then Bryant will get mad and stand around and watch them.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/
l
akers/la-sp-plaschke18jan18,1,2160717.column?page=

2&coll=la-headlines-sports-nba-lakers

check out the lakers schedule for the next month.

Monday, Jan 21 10:30 p.m. Nuggets Wednesday, Jan 23 9:00 p.m. @Spurs Friday, Jan 25 8:30 p.m. @Mavericks Sunday, Jan 27 3:30 p.m. Cavaliers Tuesday, Jan 29 10:30 p.m. Knicks Thursday, Jan 31 7:30 p.m. @Pistons Friday, Feb 1 7:00 p.m. @Raptors Sunday, Feb 3 12:00 p.m. @Wizards Tuesday, Feb 5 7:30 p.m. @Nets Wednesday, Feb 6 7:00 p.m. @Hawks Friday, Feb 8 7:00 p.m. @Magic Sunday, Feb 10 3:30 p.m. @Heat Monday, Feb 11 7:00 p.m. @Bobcats Wednesday, Feb 13 8:00 p.m. @Timberwolves Tuesday, Feb 19 10:30 p.m. Hawks Wednesday, Feb 20 9:00 p.m. @Suns Saturday, Feb 23 10:30 p.m. @Clippers Sunday, Feb 24 9:00 p.m. @SuperSonics

Just thought I'd ask.

Technical difficulties I suppose.

Error on page.

Most of what I read around here has numerous errors on page.

I'm not going to call you clowns out by name. You all know who you are.

kobe bryant does not know how to put his teammates in a position to succed.

kobe knows only two thing when it comes to teammates.

1. defer - (give it up to someone on the wing, then kobe just stand near the three point line. have you ever seen kobe bryant set a pick?)

2. or ignore (kobe has the ball. holds it for several seconds disrupting the "flow" of the triangle, then getting his own shot)

that's it.

if dude is hot he goes for 40.

if he's not he defers , stands around then it's everyone else's fault.

skill wise. kobe is an elite NBA player. as far as the mental aspect of the game. he's an infant.

holla.

**************

Plaschke feels the same way.

"Bynum is a loss, but, c'mon," said Suns' Coach Mike D'Antoni, shaking his head. "They've still got Kobe over there!"

That's where the frustration will focus. Bryant will have to carry the Lakers, and you know what happens when that happens.

Everybody else will stand around and watch him. Then Bryant will get mad and stand around and watch them.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/l
akers/la-sp-plaschke18jan18,1,2160717.column?page=
2&coll=la-headlines-sports-nba-lakers

check out the lakers schedule for the next month.

Monday, Jan 21 10:30 p.m. Nuggets Wednesday, Jan 23 9:00 p.m. @Spurs Friday, Jan 25 8:30 p.m. @Mavericks Sunday, Jan 27 3:30 p.m. Cavaliers Tuesday, Jan 29 10:30 p.m. Knicks Thursday, Jan 31 7:30 p.m. @Pistons Friday, Feb 1 7:00 p.m. @Raptors Sunday, Feb 3 12:00 p.m. @Wizards Tuesday, Feb 5 7:30 p.m. @Nets Wednesday, Feb 6 7:00 p.m. @Hawks Friday, Feb 8 7:00 p.m. @Magic Sunday, Feb 10 3:30 p.m. @Heat Monday, Feb 11 7:00 p.m. @Bobcats Wednesday, Feb 13 8:00 p.m. @Timberwolves Tuesday, Feb 19 10:30 p.m. Hawks Wednesday, Feb 20 9:00 p.m. @Suns Saturday, Feb 23 10:30 p.m. @Clippers Sunday, Feb 24 9:00 p.m. @SuperSonics

the lakers will be lucky to be in playoff contention at the end of february.

You read it right, Team USA just wrapped up the gold medal in the 2007 Fiba Americas Cup. The squad even qualified for next years Olympics in China. We are seeing a new and improved Team USA with major additions to recent editions. Jason Kidd, and Kobe Bryant have both had a major impact on the team that doesn't necessarily show up in the box score. These two future hall of famers bring a level of intensity to the game that is matched by few. It has been contagious as many of the younger players have elevated their focus, and all around confidence to new heights. Carmelo Anthony Had an incredible tournament. Anthony lead Team USA in scoring pouring in 21.2 points per outing on 61.3% shooting and 57.8% on triples. Lebron James was second on the squad in scoring at 18.1 points per game on 76% shooting, and 62.2% from deep. Lebron James also led Team USA in the ten game tournament with 47 assists, one more than point guards Jason Kidd, and Deron Williams. Dwight howard led the team in FG%, and rebounds. Kobe Bryant led the team in steals, and turnovers.

Luis Scola of Argentina was named the tournaments MVP. Scola was also the captain of the Argentina squad that lost the gold medal game to Team USA by the score of 118-81.

Some people might say that the gold medal game was probably the most clutch, and most important game for Team USA to drive that final nail in and really send a message to the rest of the world that Team USA means business. Who should step up for such a big game? Would it be the player who lead Team USA in minutes played? Would it be the versatile playmaker who lead Team USA in assists over the ten game tournament?

Yes it would. LeBron James stepped up his game to lead Team USA in the gold medal game with 26 minutes, 31 points on 11 of 15 from the floor, a mind boggling 8 of 11 from 3 point range 4 rebounds and 3 assists, in a 37 point Team USA gold medal victory.

Did I mention that Luis Scola of Argentina was named the tournaments MVP. Scola was also the captain of the Argentina squad that lost the gold medal game to Team USA by the score of 118-81.

Why such resistance to the run LeBron has had from this  years playoffs to this astounding run in the Fiba Americas.

**Meandovine, what does that BDG board look like right now my friend?**

can we get just a little peek?

please?

Take a look at that face. When LeBron doesn't get the love he feels he deserves he gets angry. Keep him on the pay no mind list yall.

Well it's official, the Cleveland Cavaliers season is over. After being picked by no one, to do not much of anything. Charley Rosen went ahead and put the final nail in the coffin with this fine write.

With LeBron held in check, Cavs fall flat

Charley Rosen
FOXSports.com, Wednesday's poor outing, Charley Rosen says it could be a long year in Cleveland."-->Updated 1 hour ago

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7395974

of course Rosen also authored the following fine work last may.

Pistons will be too much for Cavs Charley Rosen
Special to FOXSports.com, Charley Rosen thinks the end is near."-->Updated 164 days ago

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6829724

and we all know how that turned out.

But do the Cavaliers get any adulation for being one of the most overacheiving teams in recent history?

Nah, they're just a bunch of lucky bumbs who got an easy path to the finals. Stephen A. Smith says so. Of course a healthy Wizard team got steam rolled the year before but what should that count for? The Cavaliers gave the Pistons all they could handle for 7 games in 2006. But what should that count for? True the Wiz were ####ed up in 2007, and New Jersey lost Kristic, but not many people gave the Cavs a chance against the Nets, let alone the Pistons.

The Cavaliers were two buckets away from sweeping the Pistons 6 games to none in the 2007 ECF. Should that count for anything? No. Because they were swept in the finals by a team some labeled a "Dynasty". Where's the shame in that? 

Well Pavlavic just signed so that should really help, now if we can get some sucker to take Varajao off our hands.

I just heard a deal for Ron Artest fell through, Ron-Ron is looking for a new place to call home. How About Cleveland?

Artest plays solid D, can rebound (these are the team strengths and the reasons why the Cavaliers made the finals) and Ron can score as well.

Bron - Bron the Global Icon,and Ron - Ron the stark raving lunatic. It's got a certain ring to it.

Well in closing for the 3 Cavalier fans who might read this, lets sweep this one under the rug and refocus. It's a very long season. Teams who rebound and play defense can win ball games.

Time will tell.

What do the Cavaliers have to do to get some respect?

Bettery yet, just keep the expectations low. It's better that way.

We'll see if the Cavaliers are still a "no excuse team" this May.

You read it right, Team USA just wrapped up the gold medal in the 2007 Fiba Americas Cup. The squad even qualified for next years Olympics in China. We are seeing a new and improved Team USA with major additions to recent editions. Jason Kidd, and Kobe Bryant have both had a major impact on the team that doesn't necessarily show up in the box score. These two future hall of famers bring a level of intensity to the game that is matched by few. It has been contagious as many of the younger players have elevated their focus, and all around confidence to new heights. Carmelo Anthony Had an incredible tournament. Anthony lead Team USA in scoring pouring in 21.2 points per outing on 61.3% shooting and 57.8% on triples. Lebron James was second on the squad in scoring at 18.1 points per game on 76% shooting, and 62.2% from deep. Lebron James also led Team USA in the ten game tournament with 47 assists, one more than point guards Jason Kidd, and Deron Williams. Dwight howard led the team in FG%, and rebounds. Kobe Bryant led the team in steals, and turnovers.

Luis Scola of Argentina was named the tournaments MVP. Scola was also the captain of the Argentina squad that lost the gold medal game to Team USA by the score of 118-81.

Some people might say that the gold medal game was probably the most clutch, and most important game for Team USA to drive that final nail in and really send a message to the rest of the world that Team USA means business. Who should step up for such a big game? Would it be the player who lead Team USA in minutes played? Would it be the versatile playmaker who lead Team USA in assists over the ten game tournament?

Yes it would. LeBron James stepped up his game to lead Team USA in the gold medal game with 26 minutes, 31 points on 11 of 15 from the floor, a mind boggling 8 of 11 from 3 point range 4 rebounds and 3 assists, in a 37 point Team USA gold medal victory.

Did I mention that Luis Scola of Argentina was named the tournaments MVP. Scola was also the captain of the Argentina squad that lost the gold medal game to Team USA by the score of 118-81.

Why such resistance to the run LeBron has had from this  years playoffs to this astounding run in the Fiba Americas.

**Meandovine, what does that BDG board look like right now my friend?**

can we get just a little peek?

please?

Take a look at that face. When LeBron doesn't get the love he feels he deserves he gets angry. Keep him on the pay no mind list yall.

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DID YOU SMOKE ALL THOSE SAUSAGES YOUR SELF HOFFY?

IS YOUR JAW SORE?

FRIED

i would like to dedicate this post to my lil' friend with the big mouth.  no disrispect hoffy.

http://grouper.com/c/Sports/Rooster_from_15'/1
934070/#ml=fi%3D%26fu%3D2224954

watch the video, enjoy!!!!!

how's about gilbert arenas and caron butler.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/washington.htma>

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/la_lakers.htm>

if  you check out the links the salaries matchup pretty well. the lakers would wind up with the contracts of both arenas and odom expiring in '09 in case the lakers decide to go in another direction. in the mean time the lakers get two quility basketball players butler, and odom have played well together in the past, and in arenas you get your brash, cocky, arrogant, "entertainer" that apparently is mandatory in lala land in order to put #### in seats. you can only look at the same face on the cover of your us weekly for so long. welcome home gilbert we know that you know that we know drama.

the wizards get the greatest basketball player ever to slip into a pair of tights. kobe gets his wish to play in the weak eastern conference, where marginal talent like lebron james can lead a rag tag offensive team to the finals, and mediocre talents like dwyane wade can lead some dinosaurs to the chip. go kobe you can do it!

your 2008 LA Lakers                                           
                 2008 Wizards

PG: Arenas                                           
                             PG: Who cares we got Kobe!Daniels.

SG: Butler                                           
                                SG: Bryant

SF:Odom                                      
                                     SF: Jamison 

PF: Brown                                            
                              PF: Thomas

C: Bynum                                            
                                C: Haywood

______________

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzdARHcSqWk>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpzJgLzzX38&mod
e=related&search=

The term "nervous breakdown" is used by the public to characterize a wide range of mental illnesses. Nervous breakdown is not a medical term and doesn't indicate a specific mental illness. Generally, the term describes a person who is severely and persistently emotionally distraught and unable to function at his or her normal level.

Often, when people refer to having a nervous breakdown, they're describing severe depression. Signs and symptoms of severe depression include:

• Agitation or restlessness
• Difficulty or inability to stop crying
• Sleeping difficulties
• Dramatic appetite changes
• Indecision

The causes of mental illness usually aren't clear. But these factors may play a role:

• Stress
• Drug and alcohol use
• Coexisting medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and certain vitamin deficiencies
• Genetics

Bryant declared: "i have trust issues"

Sunday: Bryant tells Los Angeles Times he didn't tell ESPN in recent interview that he wanted West back and in full control or he would ask to be traded. "I would love for him to be a part of this," Bryant says. "But it's not something where I demand he comes here. ... I love being a Laker. I want to retire a Laker. I want to fix this thing or at least help any way I can."

Tuesday: Bryant becomes infuriated after Times quotes Lakers "insider" as saying it was Bryant's insistence on getting away from O'Neal that prompted O'Neal's trade to Miami.

Wednesday: Bryant tells ESPN Radio, "I would like to be traded. ... Tough as it is to come to that conclusion, there's no other alternative."

-- Bryant talks about meeting with owner Jerry Buss: "I went up to his penthouse suite. (Buss) looks me dead in the face and says, 'Kobe, I am not going to re-sign Shaq. I am not about to pay him $30 million a year or $80 million over three years. No way in hell. ... This is my decision. It's independent of you. My mind is made up. It doesn't matter to me what you do in free agency because I do not want to pay (Shaq).' "

-- O'Neal responds to Bryant. "I believe Kobe 100%. Absolutely. There's no doubt in my mind Kobe is telling the truth. I believe him a thousand percent."

-- Later Wednesday, after Bryant talks with Jackson, "I always dreamed about retiring as a Laker. I just hope and hope that something can be resolved. Something can be figured out. Just something so I can stay here."

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nervous-break
down/AN00476

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/
lakers/2007-05-30-kobe-focus_N.htm

Dear Losers,

You people promised me a championship caliber team. Well it's been 3 years now. What the #### is going on? I am sick and tired of you all letting me down. Please trade me while I am still the best player on the planet. Send me to a team with players and managment willing to be held accountable for their failures. Not like the bunch of losers who are so far beneath  me that I'm insulted to be a member of their organization. Trade me.

xoxo

Mamba

UNDER THE BUS