Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Branding and Deification of Lebron James
Peter McCabe
It is the purpose of this essay to examine the fidelity between popular
culture and religion through a close examination of a television
commercial for Nike advertising basketball player Lebron James. The
advertisement being analyzed is a one-minute long commercial,
which consists of individuals giving testament to Lebron’s greatness.
Stylistically the commercial is filmed in black and white and cut
together using short shots of the community of Lebron’s followers
describing his greatness and testifying to his importance as an
athlete. Arguably, the testimonies in this commercial are used as a
tool to deify Lebron and use his status as a basketball player to serve
religious functions in society. For example, the second speaker in the
commercial states “It looked like somebody built him. The creator
said, use these legs, put on these arms….” Immediately Lebron James
is established as a Christ figure whose talent as a basketball player
calls for consumers to “witness” his greatness. The insinuation is that
Lebron is a modern day Christ built by God to play basketball and
inspire the masses. This deification of Lebron makes the brand
experience of purchasing Nike apparel or “bearing witness” an action
that is supposedly spiritually fulfilling. Often marketed as The Chosen
One, Nike has developed Lebron James into someone that people of all
socio-economic statuses can find hope in and gather around. I intend
to analyze how it is that society has reached a point wherein an
athlete can become an individual whom a community rallies around
and finds salvation in, in the same manner that has traditionally
belonged to Christ in Western religious tradition.
Who is Lebron James? Well to begin, he is a twenty-five year-old
native of Akron, Ohio who stands six feet eight inches tall and weighs
roughly two hundred and fifty pounds. He is currently in his sixth
season in the National Basketball Association and is generally
considered the best basketball player in the world. He is known for his
dominating style of play and his ability to electrify audiences with his
physicality. In 2003 as an 18 year old, James signed a deal with athletic
apparel megalith Nike worth a reported 90 million dollars US. Lebron
James’ gifts as a player make him noticeable on the court yet the
marketing of Nike has attempted to have him transcend the sport of
basketball.
To begin, I will demonstrate the characteristics of Lebron James’s
marketing campaign that show he is specifically being marketed as a
Christ figure. Mark D. Stucky outlines a number of key characteristics
of a Christ figure.1 Four in particular apply to the way in which Lebron
James is marketed. To Stucky, a Christ figure is an individual with the
ability to gather and lead a group of disciples (Journal of Religion and
Popular culture). The commercial being analyzed demonstrates that
displaying this characteristic is a key goal of this marketing
campaign. The advertisement ends with a vast group of individuals of
differing genders, ages and ethnicities testifying that “are witnesses.”
Lebron’s greatness as a basketball player is utilized by Nike to
transcend the sports itself and associate a religious message with an
athlete. This commercial also highlights Lebron James’s distinctive
image, yet another characteristic of a Christ figure according to
Stucky. Numerous references are made to James’ remarkable height,
impressive stature and even his “rock solid body”.
In Shopping for Jesus, Faith Marketing in the USA, author Jennifer Lee
discusses the importance of connecting with the religious (specifically
Christian) demographic in America. She states, “Within America, the
religious-right movement, which presents one conservative view of
Christianity, has grown immense and influential… The religious right
has, inadvertently, helped popularize the use of religion as a sales
tactic for both politicians and products.2 It is obvious that with the
explosion of 24-hour news cycles and social media in popular culture
that image plays an increasingly important role in marketability. One
need look no further than the implosion of golfer Tiger Woods in the
last year for empirical evidence of this. That being said, who better to
correlate a brand with than Christ particularly in the United States?
Stucky continues to highlight the characteristics of a Christ figure by
stating that a Christ figure is someone who demonstrates
extraordinary powers. The extraordinary ability to play basketball is
not necessarily Christ like however it is branded as such by Nike. In
the Bible’s book of Luke 2:39-52, the extraordinary abilities of Jesus in
his youth are discussed. Jesus was able to insightfully discuss
scripture with men far before he had reached adulthood. In a similar
way, this advertisement provides the testimony from an individual
who witnessed Lebron’s proficiency at shooting half court shots as an
eight year old again trying to demonstrate his extraordinary abilities.
Lastly, according to Stucky, a Christ figure is an individual who is
capable of generating awe and wonder. Awe is a prevalent theme in
this commercial with nearly every ‘witness’ paying homage to James’
incredible skill. There can be little doubt that Lebron James is
marketed by Nike as a Christ figure but what does this tell us about
the fidelity between religion and popular culture in western society?
Author Gordon Lynch discusses the relationship between religion
and popular culture and provides approaches to the exploration and
critique of popular culture from a religious perspective. Gordon
Lynch’s second approach to popular culture provides and impetus for
the analyis of Lebron in terms of the relationship between religion
and popular culture. Lynch’s second approach outlines the
importance of, “The study of the ways in which popular culture may
serve religious functions in contemporary society.”3 Lebron James
serves the religious functions of being socially cohesive and providing
psychological repose to his ‘followers’ much as being a member of a
church congregation would do the same. Garry Crawford discusses
the psychological benefits of being a sports fan. He states,
The key psychological benefit of being a sport fan is that this
can serve as a buffer against depression and alienation, whilst
also increasing both self-esteem and group esteem. This is
achieved via certain psychological techniques such as basking
in the reflected glory of a successful team, club or performer.4
Indeed, there is a clear link between the characteristics of sports
fandom and religiosity. The idea of group esteem is central to the
creation of strong church communities in the Christian faith tradition
as well. Understandably then, Lebron James is marketed in a way so as
to harness these same positive feelings. By developing his image as a
Christ figure, Nike is replacing the societal benefits of religion with
their brand. This commoditization of faith is explicit in advertisement
analyzed here. The concept of ‘bearing witness’ has distinct religious
undertones and is entrenched in this marketing campaign. In the
bible verse presented at the outset of this document, Jesus’ calls those
who are ‘of the truth’ to bear witness to him as king. Similarily,
consumers are called by Nike to Witness the greatness of ‘King James’
(one of Lebron’s most popular epithets some others include: The
Chosen One). The religious undertones of the Lebron James’ Nike
campaign are hardly veiled. One needs look no further than the
monstrous banner placed in downtown Cleveland for evidence of this.
Based on Lynch’s second approach, the goal of Nike in this
campaign is obviously to have Lebron serve a religious function in
society. In this campaign, Nike refers to him as ‘King James’ creating a
distinct correlation between him and Jesus know to Christians as a
king. As well, consumers are called to bear witness by buying his
products. Even the image emblazoned on the banner above is
distinctly religious given its similarities to Jesus on the cross.
What conditions lead to a society where an athlete can so
obviously usurp the role of Christ mainly through advertising? It is
clear that through clever marketing, Nike is attempting to fulfill the
spiritual needs of its consumers by calling them to bear witness
however sneakers do not provide salvation. Author James G. Hutton
explores the re-branding of God to fit today’s consumer society. He
surmises that faith and marketing have a symbiotic relationship
meaning that people want their faith experience to match their
consumer lifestyles. Under this principle, it would seem that Nike is
trying to captivate the religious audience as well as provide spiritual
fulfillment through their products. I would argue that this predicates
the destruction of faith altogether. Under this model, the goal of faith
is not spiritual fulfillment or enlightenment but rather a desire by
consumers to be opiated and detached from reality. This theme is
addressed in Chuck Palahniuk’s book Survivor which is analyzed much
to the same conclusion by Jennifer Lee. Lee discusses the concept of
‘learned helplessness,’ which I believe accurately displays the
conditions that have lead to the deification of a basketball player. She
gives an example of a prayer from Survivor that accurately displays
this concept. Lee states,
The prayer to stop smoking is exemplary of what Palahniuk
terms ‘the learned helplessness’ that is pervasive in much of
American culture: ‘Our most Holy Father, Take from me the
choice You have given. Assume control of my will and habits.
Wrest from me power over my behavior. May it be Your
decision how I act. May it be by Your hands, my every failing.
Then if I still smoke, may I accept that my smoking is Your
will.’ Those who recite this prayer have abandoned any
personal accountability for their lives.5
Nike realizes and exploits the American love-affair with personal
saviors and thus are able to have a basketball player fulfill religious
roles in society.
In essence, Lebron James has been cleverly marketed to fulfill a
spiritual role in western society. This campaign has been effective
based on the ability of his advertisements to demonstrate his Christlike
characteristics and appeal to a growingly influential American
Christian consumer base. The Lebron James witness campaign
demonstrates the ability of popular culture to serve pseudo-religious
roles in society. Pair this with the American desire to be opiated by a
savior and you have a society willing to trade the sandals of Christ for
$200 sneakers.
It is the purpose of this essay to examine the fidelity between popular
culture and religion through a close examination of a television
commercial for Nike advertising basketball player Lebron James. The
advertisement being analyzed is a one-minute long commercial,
which consists of individuals giving testament to Lebron’s greatness.
Stylistically the commercial is filmed in black and white and cut
together using short shots of the community of Lebron’s followers
describing his greatness and testifying to his importance as an
athlete. Arguably, the testimonies in this commercial are used as a
tool to deify Lebron and use his status as a basketball player to serve
religious functions in society. For example, the second speaker in the
commercial states “It looked like somebody built him. The creator
said, use these legs, put on these arms….” Immediately Lebron James
is established as a Christ figure whose talent as a basketball player
calls for consumers to “witness” his greatness. The insinuation is that
Lebron is a modern day Christ built by God to play basketball and
inspire the masses. This deification of Lebron makes the brand
experience of purchasing Nike apparel or “bearing witness” an action
that is supposedly spiritually fulfilling. Often marketed as The Chosen
One, Nike has developed Lebron James into someone that people of all
socio-economic statuses can find hope in and gather around. I intend
to analyze how it is that society has reached a point wherein an
athlete can become an individual whom a community rallies around
and finds salvation in, in the same manner that has traditionally
belonged to Christ in Western religious tradition.
Who is Lebron James? Well to begin, he is a twenty-five year-old
native of Akron, Ohio who stands six feet eight inches tall and weighs
roughly two hundred and fifty pounds. He is currently in his sixth
season in the National Basketball Association and is generally
considered the best basketball player in the world. He is known for his
dominating style of play and his ability to electrify audiences with his
physicality. In 2003 as an 18 year old, James signed a deal with athletic
apparel megalith Nike worth a reported 90 million dollars US. Lebron
James’ gifts as a player make him noticeable on the court yet the
marketing of Nike has attempted to have him transcend the sport of
basketball.
To begin, I will demonstrate the characteristics of Lebron James’s
marketing campaign that show he is specifically being marketed as a
Christ figure. Mark D. Stucky outlines a number of key characteristics
of a Christ figure.1 Four in particular apply to the way in which Lebron
James is marketed. To Stucky, a Christ figure is an individual with the
ability to gather and lead a group of disciples (Journal of Religion and
Popular culture). The commercial being analyzed demonstrates that
displaying this characteristic is a key goal of this marketing
campaign. The advertisement ends with a vast group of individuals of
differing genders, ages and ethnicities testifying that “are witnesses.”
Lebron’s greatness as a basketball player is utilized by Nike to
transcend the sports itself and associate a religious message with an
athlete. This commercial also highlights Lebron James’s distinctive
image, yet another characteristic of a Christ figure according to
Stucky. Numerous references are made to James’ remarkable height,
impressive stature and even his “rock solid body”.
In Shopping for Jesus, Faith Marketing in the USA, author Jennifer Lee
discusses the importance of connecting with the religious (specifically
Christian) demographic in America. She states, “Within America, the
religious-right movement, which presents one conservative view of
Christianity, has grown immense and influential… The religious right
has, inadvertently, helped popularize the use of religion as a sales
tactic for both politicians and products.2 It is obvious that with the
explosion of 24-hour news cycles and social media in popular culture
that image plays an increasingly important role in marketability. One
need look no further than the implosion of golfer Tiger Woods in the
last year for empirical evidence of this. That being said, who better to
correlate a brand with than Christ particularly in the United States?
Stucky continues to highlight the characteristics of a Christ figure by
stating that a Christ figure is someone who demonstrates
extraordinary powers. The extraordinary ability to play basketball is
not necessarily Christ like however it is branded as such by Nike. In
the Bible’s book of Luke 2:39-52, the extraordinary abilities of Jesus in
his youth are discussed. Jesus was able to insightfully discuss
scripture with men far before he had reached adulthood. In a similar
way, this advertisement provides the testimony from an individual
who witnessed Lebron’s proficiency at shooting half court shots as an
eight year old again trying to demonstrate his extraordinary abilities.
Lastly, according to Stucky, a Christ figure is an individual who is
capable of generating awe and wonder. Awe is a prevalent theme in
this commercial with nearly every ‘witness’ paying homage to James’
incredible skill. There can be little doubt that Lebron James is
marketed by Nike as a Christ figure but what does this tell us about
the fidelity between religion and popular culture in western society?
Author Gordon Lynch discusses the relationship between religion
and popular culture and provides approaches to the exploration and
critique of popular culture from a religious perspective. Gordon
Lynch’s second approach to popular culture provides and impetus for
the analyis of Lebron in terms of the relationship between religion
and popular culture. Lynch’s second approach outlines the
importance of, “The study of the ways in which popular culture may
serve religious functions in contemporary society.”3 Lebron James
serves the religious functions of being socially cohesive and providing
psychological repose to his ‘followers’ much as being a member of a
church congregation would do the same. Garry Crawford discusses
the psychological benefits of being a sports fan. He states,
The key psychological benefit of being a sport fan is that this
can serve as a buffer against depression and alienation, whilst
also increasing both self-esteem and group esteem. This is
achieved via certain psychological techniques such as basking
in the reflected glory of a successful team, club or performer.4
Indeed, there is a clear link between the characteristics of sports
fandom and religiosity. The idea of group esteem is central to the
creation of strong church communities in the Christian faith tradition
as well. Understandably then, Lebron James is marketed in a way so as
to harness these same positive feelings. By developing his image as a
Christ figure, Nike is replacing the societal benefits of religion with
their brand. This commoditization of faith is explicit in advertisement
analyzed here. The concept of ‘bearing witness’ has distinct religious
undertones and is entrenched in this marketing campaign. In the
bible verse presented at the outset of this document, Jesus’ calls those
who are ‘of the truth’ to bear witness to him as king. Similarily,
consumers are called by Nike to Witness the greatness of ‘King James’
(one of Lebron’s most popular epithets some others include: The
Chosen One). The religious undertones of the Lebron James’ Nike
campaign are hardly veiled. One needs look no further than the
monstrous banner placed in downtown Cleveland for evidence of this.
Based on Lynch’s second approach, the goal of Nike in this
campaign is obviously to have Lebron serve a religious function in
society. In this campaign, Nike refers to him as ‘King James’ creating a
distinct correlation between him and Jesus know to Christians as a
king. As well, consumers are called to bear witness by buying his
products. Even the image emblazoned on the banner above is
distinctly religious given its similarities to Jesus on the cross.
What conditions lead to a society where an athlete can so
obviously usurp the role of Christ mainly through advertising? It is
clear that through clever marketing, Nike is attempting to fulfill the
spiritual needs of its consumers by calling them to bear witness
however sneakers do not provide salvation. Author James G. Hutton
explores the re-branding of God to fit today’s consumer society. He
surmises that faith and marketing have a symbiotic relationship
meaning that people want their faith experience to match their
consumer lifestyles. Under this principle, it would seem that Nike is
trying to captivate the religious audience as well as provide spiritual
fulfillment through their products. I would argue that this predicates
the destruction of faith altogether. Under this model, the goal of faith
is not spiritual fulfillment or enlightenment but rather a desire by
consumers to be opiated and detached from reality. This theme is
addressed in Chuck Palahniuk’s book Survivor which is analyzed much
to the same conclusion by Jennifer Lee. Lee discusses the concept of
‘learned helplessness,’ which I believe accurately displays the
conditions that have lead to the deification of a basketball player. She
gives an example of a prayer from Survivor that accurately displays
this concept. Lee states,
The prayer to stop smoking is exemplary of what Palahniuk
terms ‘the learned helplessness’ that is pervasive in much of
American culture: ‘Our most Holy Father, Take from me the
choice You have given. Assume control of my will and habits.
Wrest from me power over my behavior. May it be Your
decision how I act. May it be by Your hands, my every failing.
Then if I still smoke, may I accept that my smoking is Your
will.’ Those who recite this prayer have abandoned any
personal accountability for their lives.5
Nike realizes and exploits the American love-affair with personal
saviors and thus are able to have a basketball player fulfill religious
roles in society.
In essence, Lebron James has been cleverly marketed to fulfill a
spiritual role in western society. This campaign has been effective
based on the ability of his advertisements to demonstrate his Christlike
characteristics and appeal to a growingly influential American
Christian consumer base. The Lebron James witness campaign
demonstrates the ability of popular culture to serve pseudo-religious
roles in society. Pair this with the American desire to be opiated by a
savior and you have a society willing to trade the sandals of Christ for
$200 sneakers.
Friday, November 27, 2009
And the story of the month in the NBA is...
Brandon Jennings
So how good is Brandon Jennings? This seems to be the question of the month right now with national media fawning over the young point guard who everyone questioned going into the draft. Both nba.com and espn.com have him listed as the top candidate at this early stage for rookie of the year and both also have him listed in their top 10 candidates for the MVP of the entire league. Early favourite for ROY I will agree with, but MVP candidate, I’m not sold on that. Don’t get me wrong, Brandon Jennings has proven, even in so few games, that he has the potential to be an elite player in the NBA. But let’s play devils advocate for a second and list three reasons why his stats might be a bit inflated and a little of patience may be in order.
- Strength of Schedule
I understand the concept that every team in the NBA is made up of high caliber athletes and its tough to win any game. However, much like people, not all teams are created equal. In other words Brandon Jennings is putting up impressive numbers – against some bad teams. The strength of schedule (SOS) of the Milwaukee Bucks through 12 games was an abominable .372. In other words the collective record of the teams they have played is atrociously bad. Lets give this some context – the next lowest SOS in the league going into Tuesday night’s action was .430. They have one quality win on their schedule which was Denver and it was at home with Nuggets on the second night of a back to back. Jennings is putting up big numbers but its been against bad competition. Now his team is winning which is the most important thing. But let’s see how high everyone is on Jennings when the Bucks start playing some tougher competition. (For a closer look at the SOS of all teams check out John Hollinger's power rankings. http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings)
- Michael Redd
The second reason Brandon Jennings has exploded so far this season is the health of all-star caliber teammate Michael Redd. With Redd being injured the majority of the year there is no one in Milwaukee’s line-up who can score. Other than Andrew Bogut putting up reasonable numbers averaging 16 a game nobody else is a serious threat. With Redd out somebody had to pick up the scoring load for this team to be successful and Jennings has done. It is a testament to his skill that he has been able to step up but at the same time I would be surprised if he keeps putting up these numbers once Redd returns.
- Being a Rookie
The final reason I think Jennings is being a blown out of proportion is the simple fact that he’s a rookie. There are a couple of factors reasons that we should not let this seemingly obvious fact escape our attention. One a rookie putting up these gaudy numbers so early makes him intriguing to the media and thus a huge story. But also teams don’t know this kid yet. I understand that the NBA is a league of athletes but there is a certain level of scheming involved. In his last couple of games Jennings has been shut down. As the league starts to learn his tendencies I would look for Jennings to slow down a little bit.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
NBA Power Rankings (Season Preview Style)
Well we have returned. After over 125 plus days off, the draft, the summer league, a Ron Artest tribute album, a plethora of trades and signings, a lock-out (no not the players, the refs), the NBA is just a couple days away from its return. So here it is, a completely biased view of what teams to watch this year, power rankings style.
30. Sacramento Kings
Before I started writing this I was searching for one discernible reason to even write about the Kings this season much less watch them. The only one I came up with… if you manage to grab Kevin Martin in your fantasy draft.
29. Memphis Grizzlies
As has been pointed out multiple times by multiple writers this team could lead the NBA in least assists ever by a professional basketball team. A line-up where your center is arguably your most generous passer, no not Zach Randolph but Marc Gasol, your team is definitely in serious trouble.
28. New Jersey Net
I thought it would be wrong to make a Nyets joke as they have been so prevalent recently so instead I will just say that this team is not very good. They have a couple of very nice pieces in Devin Harris and Brook Lopez but when you trade your leading scorer (Vince Carter) for a developing player (Courtney Lee) you might as well wave the rebuilding/getting rid of payroll flag. You’d be hard pressed to reasonably bet on this team to make the play-offs or even win 30 games for that matter.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves
The real story of this off-season was what in god’s name was David Kahn thinking when he drafted two point-guards with his 5th and 6th picks. If Ricky had come over would he have tried to ship out Jonny Flynn? I don’t know the answer to that question. All I know is that other than Al Jefferson, who should’ve been an all-star last year, this team is thin.
26. LA Clippers
Hey at least there’s hope with Blake Griffin.
25. New York Knicks
David Lee would be a great sixth or seventh man on the LA Lakers. I think that pretty much sums it up.
24. Milwaukee Bucks
Possibly the most non-descript team in the NBA, I mean seriously who can name 5 players on this team? They lost Charlie V, and RJ and I don’t think Carlos Delfino is quite ready to fill those shoes. Beyond Michael Redd the only chance this team has of making the play-offs is the scrappy style of Scott Skiles.
23. Indiana Pacers
I tried to justify placing the Pacers higher in these rankings but ultimately could not do it. I mean they have finished 9th in the east two years straight and seemed to play the elite teams well all of last year. However, this line-up did not get better, try and tell me Dahntay Jones is going to put them over the top. The Pacers seem to be destined to miss the play-offs… again.
22. Charlotte Bobcats
They are a well-coached team that has a lot of experienced athletic players. They may actually be scrappy enough to make the play-offs. Will they? Probably not but don’t be shocked if they give it a serious run. (This was written before Raja Bell went down with injury. Adjust accordingly)
21. Golden State Warriors
I mentioned that this was a completely biased rundown of the league right? No one in their right mind has the warriors near this spot but I like them. Sure ex-Captain Jack is crazy and everyone on their team is in love with the jump shot but how can you not be a fan of Nelly Ball? Steph Curry has rook of the year potential, Monta Ellis is healthy, both Anthony’s, Morrow and Randolph, are bound to go for fourty at least once and Jack is well… Jack. In other words they’ll miss the play-offs in the west but be a very exciting team to follow.
20. Oklahoma City Thunder
You know the Casino Rama commercials claiming that they deal excitement BIG TIME. That is this year’s OKC Thunder. They’ll just be so exciting to watch. I can’t wait.
19. Detroit Pistons
Let’s not waste everyone’s time and just say that the Pistons spent a lot but probably didn’t improve very much.
18. Houston Rockets
I am genuinely scared to count out the Houston Rockets but it just seems so unlikely that they are able to beat the other 8 teams out west. I am going against every piece of my moral fibre when I bet against Rick Adelman – then again I am supporting every piece when I bet against T-Mac.
17. Philadelphia 76ers
I currently have Philadelphia finishing out of the play-offs but they definitely could change my mind in short order. I love the hiring of Flip Saunders but I worry about how well they will fair with Lou Williams running the point rather than Andre Miller as I think they vastly underrated his worth. There opportunity to be good largely hinges on Elton Brand being healthy (potentially an oxymoron) and able to flow in the new system.
16. Chicago Bulls
So the Chicago Bulls lost future hall of famer Ben Gordon and you’re wondering why I still have them making the play-offs. The return of Luol Deng and a constantly developing Derrick Rose leaves me no choice but to put them in. The only thing I can see getting in their way, Vinny Del Negro’s nose. (Sidenote: Some people believe this team is going to get exponentially better than last year. I don’t see it. Play-off team yes but not that much better)
15. Miami Heat
One big trade from becoming really good and it is forever possible with J.O. and that monstrosity of a contract. If they make it happen and get D-Wade a sidekick who wasn’t in rehab for the summer they’ll be a top 4 team in the East.
14. Washington Wizards
Late April and the Wiz just dropped to 7th in the Eastern standing drawing the Cavs in the first round. This will be said by Deshawn Stevenson, “I know y’all think Lebron is great and what not but I think we’re better. I know we’re better. I can guard him. No problem. I guarantee we’re gonna win this series. I guarantee it.” I am already excited by the prospect of this quote and Lebron putting up 60, 10 and 10 the next game.
13. Toronto Raptors
See the summer recap. Maybe I’m a little bit of a homer. But I like this basketball team.
12. Phoenix Suns
Run and Gun is back in Phoenix. Thank the Lord. Only problem is they probably are still just barely a play-off team.
11. Dallas Mavericks
I know everyone thinks the Mavs will improve drastically and compete for top 4 in the west. But I just can’t. The Mavs are like the Spurs only older (I thought it was impossible but look it up) and not nearly as good at every position.
10. New Orleans Hornets
Chris Paul is really good. I think that explains why they are in the top 10.
9. Atlanta Hawks
Too many weapons to not be good but as many have said before me – you don’t get a prize for being the best of the rest in the East.
8. Utah Jazz
7. Denver Nuggets
6. Portland Trail Blazers
I wanted to say quite a few things about each team but I decided instead to rank them and just tell everyone to enjoy the race in the Northwest.
5. Boston Celtics
The top 5 are a toss up. Don’t read too much into where I place these teams. They are all very talented. The Celtics could possibly have the most talent of any team in the NBA with additions of Marquis Daniels and Sheed but ultimately if the C’s want a title this year it depends on KG’s knees.
4. San Antonio Spurs
These are pre-season rankings so the Spurs cannot be ranked higher. Having said that the San Antonio Spurs will win the NBA Championship this year. Tim Duncan wants it, Popovich wants it, Ginobili’s joints want it, Eva Longoria wants it. They’re gonna do it.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers
I know I’ll regret saying this but I just don’t see it. Lebron is still the only reason this team should win a championship. AP was a good pick-up, Shaq might work out, but I’m just not seeing a championship. 60 plus win team yes. Championship – they’ll have to sell me on it.
2. Orlando Magic
This team will be better without Hedo Turkoglu (as much as I like Turk) because Vince Carter (as much as I dislike him) is a better player. They’re gonna be scary good.
1. LA Lakers
One always has to respect the defending champs and put them first overall. It is just what one does. Are they good enough to repeat… yes. Will they… I don’t think so, for no other reason than that I love the San Antonio Spurs.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The real POB??!!??
This guy may be a twitter all-star but there is a better chance of the Leafs winning a stanley cup than POB making the cut this year.
Thursday's view from the couch.
The world of sport is a flutter (or should I say a-twitter) right now as this is obviously one the most exciting times of the year for sport. The MLB playoffs has obviously had some very intriguing story lines and A-Rod's performance has been nothing short of astounding. One could call Alex's performance Jordanesque (407 avg. 5hrs. 11 RBI) and by jordanesque I'm reffering to Jordan's play when it mattered most, at the end of Space Jam.
I think the Yankees are destined to win this year. They are the Rolls Royce of MLB franchises and will be incredibly difficult to beat (although if anyone can do it Philly can and I'm sure ill eat my words).
To the next matter at hand. I recently activated a twitter account ( Pete_mc if you care to follow). Twitter is an interesting medium through which to follow professional sports. It seems to me as though it has caught on best in the NBA where players of every calibre textually assault their followers upwards of 5 times an hour. For my money, the most interesting accounts to follow are those of NBA players slightly removed from the spot light an thus in no way censored by team/league PR personnel. For example, Raptors' reserve big man Patrick O'Bryant is constantly pushing to increase his following and has no reservation in sharing all of the minor details of his life with those who care to follow. Here is a list of things I have learned for following a handful of mediocre NBA players on Twitter.
1) All NBA players feel they are God's gift to X-box and have no reservation is posting their conquests over teammates in Madden 10.
2)They all like to nap. A lot.
3)They all like to "hit the mall"
4)They all like to attend a ridiculous number of movies. Paranormal Activity seems to be a recent favorite.
5)They all struggle with spelling and grammar.
Check back soon for more updates.
Ciao
btw. Here are my locks of the week: Sens over Preds tonight, Yankees over Angles tonight, Thunder over Kings tonight
and most importantly....
Pete over Pat in the fantasy basketball pool which drafts tonight.
I think the Yankees are destined to win this year. They are the Rolls Royce of MLB franchises and will be incredibly difficult to beat (although if anyone can do it Philly can and I'm sure ill eat my words).
To the next matter at hand. I recently activated a twitter account ( Pete_mc if you care to follow). Twitter is an interesting medium through which to follow professional sports. It seems to me as though it has caught on best in the NBA where players of every calibre textually assault their followers upwards of 5 times an hour. For my money, the most interesting accounts to follow are those of NBA players slightly removed from the spot light an thus in no way censored by team/league PR personnel. For example, Raptors' reserve big man Patrick O'Bryant is constantly pushing to increase his following and has no reservation in sharing all of the minor details of his life with those who care to follow. Here is a list of things I have learned for following a handful of mediocre NBA players on Twitter.
1) All NBA players feel they are God's gift to X-box and have no reservation is posting their conquests over teammates in Madden 10.
2)They all like to nap. A lot.
3)They all like to "hit the mall"
4)They all like to attend a ridiculous number of movies. Paranormal Activity seems to be a recent favorite.
5)They all struggle with spelling and grammar.
Check back soon for more updates.
Ciao
btw. Here are my locks of the week: Sens over Preds tonight, Yankees over Angles tonight, Thunder over Kings tonight
and most importantly....
Pete over Pat in the fantasy basketball pool which drafts tonight.
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