Lebron James Fires A "Brick" On Retiring No. 23

Dwight Palmer by Contributor Written on November 13, 2009
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 11:  LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers stands on the court during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 11, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

It has just come to my attention that Lebron James is lobbying for a league wide retiring of Michael Jordan’s No. 23. This was pretty funny to me until I realized that this guy James was serious.

I cannot think of one good reason to carry that honor past the Chicago Bulls team alone.

What a slap in the face to Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Oscar Robertson. These guys were true pioneers that actually played when racial segregation was still legal.

Let us contemplate this naïve idea. Jordan was not:

(1) The most prolific scorer, that goes to Kareem. (2) He did not win the most titles, that title goes to Bill Russell with 11. (3) He was not the first player to “fly”, that goes to Dr. “J”. (4) Did Jordan do anything that Dr “J” didn’t do first? (5) I cannot think of one good reason to give this honor to Jordan or anyone else.

The NBA would be well advised to avoid creating a new paradigm that most certainly will cause divisiveness within its own ranks and with fans, some of whom have never bought into the Jordan myth.

Lebron, in my opinion, needs to focus on improving as a player because his nemesis, Kobe Bryant, is still eating Lebron’s lunch in the skills department. Maybe while Kobe is still learning new playing moves, Lebron is boning up for the political arena.

My conclusion and advice on this subject to Lebron: “Get a Life, please!"

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Was firing Byron Scott the right thing to do?

  • yes
  • No
  • No Opinion
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Was firing Byron Scott the right thing to do?

  • yes

    5.9%
  • No

    88.2%
  • No Opinion

    5.9%
  • Total votes: 17
(1)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

3 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

199
reads

3
comments

written on November 13, 2009 Opinion

The best newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address


CBS Sports Official Partner
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.