Chris Bosh Shines As Heat Toy With Raptors.

The Miami Heat got in at 4:30am were are told. Which for any other team would be a story. For Miami that is the regular team curfew in South Beach. There are lots of empty seats this year for Bosh's return to Toronto. A little different story last year. Raptors are a lot different too. That being said the Heat are pretty much the same unstoppable force they always are.

The game starts with a Bosh bucket in the lane to a smattering of boos. It would start a 10-0 run for the Heat to start this game and it was not a surprise. The lack of people in the building was considering the opposition beyond the Bosh return you have Wade and James two of the best players in the NBA. Raptors would get a basket after a time out but the beat down just kept rolling along with score 16-2. The Raptors would show small signs of life on offense but their defense was to make a joke and a point MIA. The Heat led 22-10 and really were getting whatever they liked on the offensive end. DeRozan had a few nice scores and on a drive to the hoop he cut the lead to 26-15 for the Heat. Raptors would get together a little run and make this a six point basketball game. Chalmers with timely 3 ball makes the lead back to 9. Still the Raptors kept charging and had got this back to a respectable close game down just 31-27 after one.

Bargnani was getting it done and he remains glued to the bench to start the 2nd. The Raptors were now a scrap bunch with Amir Johnson and others like Gary Forbes in the fray. They cut lead to just 2 for the Heat the closest they had been since practically the opening tip. Bargnani would return and maybe message received as he hit a baseline jumper to tie the game at 35. Raptors would get the lead on a Derozan lay up from a feed from Anderson on 10 day contract. Raptors lead 41-39. Chris Bosh had seen enough of this he makes a jumper and ties this game up. Then Wade with a great move of a pick set for him and to cap it off Lebron James with a dunk as the Big 3 go back to back to back scoring to give Heat a 47-43 lead. The Heat would expand that to a 59-51 lead closing out the half on a 12-4 run sparked by the Super Friends.

Bosh has 14, James has 14 and Wade has 13 points. Also with 14 points Demar DeRozan but he does not have the support to battle with the Big 3. Alley oop to James to start the half but the Raptors respond with Jose to Amir hook up. Amir getting the start in 2nd half replacing Aaron Gray in starting group. Bosh than gets a slam to groans from the ACC crowd. The Raptors were keeping it close as Demar nailed a jumper after another Amir score. The Heat were letting the Raptors hang around for now with the score 65-61. Back to back hoops from D-Wade would get the Heat lead back to 8. But the Raptors pushed back again and Bargnani three ball cut the lead to just three at 69-66. Bargnani after being benched for awhile got the message and has played much better since. Made a couple free throws to get the Raptors to just one point behind. Demar DeRozan meantime loves playing the Heat having an excellent night attacking constantly and he does again to tie the game up at 76. Heat again respond as Lebron James makes a jumper like it is easy as pie. Andrea Bragnani does one better with a big three ball to make it a one point lead for the Heat. James Johnson would score and the Raptors would lead this thing in the third 81-80. Raptors got their lead to three but then a wide open rookie Norris Cole nails a three and this game was tied at 83 after 3.

Heat again start the 4th and get out to a 4 point lead. Andrea Bargnani has been a totally different guy since getting benched early in this one. He fought for a rebound and drew a foul and then nailed a three on the extra possession he created. Bosh made a couple at the line but then James Johnson fires up a three ball and ties it at 89. Jose Calderon gets smacked in the face and called for a foul and doesn't like it and gets a tech. All that leads to three points for the Heat. Miami would get another star call as James Johnson got called for a charge. Heat go on a 8-0 run and lead 97-89. Out of time out Jose scores on a jumper of a nice screen. Wade answers that as he is fired up and was talking trash earlier. Chances of the Raptors winning had faded fast. Heat were playing defense much more to the level they normally do. That was the biggest difference in this worth quarter. A steal to drive home that point and D-Wade slam part of a 16-4 run that sees the Heat leading 105-93 with roughly 3 to play. Heat would go on cruise control the rest of the way. Bosh misses a dunk down the stretch fans got a chuckle but Bosh go a redo and smashed it down to give him 30 on the night to tie for the game high with D-Wade. Heat take this one 113-101.

Chris Bosh wins and all you get is a lousy slice of Pizza. Demar DeRozan had 28 and in this environment vs the Heat always seems to shine. Bargnani was terrible at the start, fantastic in the middle and was quiet late. It was a fun ride but the expected result.

"NBAz in 7 Dayz"

Basketball is my solice, my outlet and the means by which I keep myself youthful. When I was a kid, I used to go to the outdoor courts near my parent's place to clear my head and shoot baskets. It was my time to work out the kinks of my game and personal life. On many of these occasions, my Dad would come along, show me his sky hook and we would often play a little one-on-one. I know I am a better hockey player than basketball player - that much I will admit. But those days on the court with my Dad are ones I will remember because we would feed off each other and have fun. He obviously had the height on me and let's face it, I had speed on my side (sorry, Dad). We would butt heads -still do- but there was something about our roles on the court that would just mesh and those debates about Leafs' line-ups or curfew would just go to the wayside. I think this is what's missing from the Big Three in Miami. It's too personal. Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh are great basketball players - that is a fact. But the climate which made them individually great before coming together in Miami is way different than what they are being afforded now. Let's really dive into this and touch on Laker's Head Coach Phil Jackson's latest comments.

Too Many cooks in the Kitchen

It would be overstating the obvious if I were to proclaim the Miami Heat are having some issues. With Thursday's game in Cleveland, LeBron's return to play his former teammates will not be like Bosh's in how he greeted the Raptors' bench and made plans to go out after. I highly doubt LeBron James will be sticking around Cleveland after that game and heading straight for the team bus. The level of hate and revenge against the Heat and LeBron James is so high in Cleveland that according to ESPN, dozens of extra police will be assigned to the game both in uniform and undercover. The Cavaliers management and the NBA will not only be considering the safety of LeBron James and the Miami Heat, but of of LeBron's family, too. Shirts or posters or any kind of homemade device which show any form of disrespect to LeBron James or his family will be banned. This is serious business. One member of the Cavs management team had this to say about Thursday's game: "Honestly, I'm a little bit afraid. Some people don't care. Their mentality is 'I've got to get this off my chest'. There's so much negative energy around this game. People aren't excited about the game itself. They're just like, 'I can't wait to do something'". This is really sad. The Cleveland Cavaliers have never prepared for an event like this with the amount of security detail Thursday's game will have. According to Cavaliers' Senior Vice President of Communications Tad Carper, the team, the NBA and the Cleveland police have been preparing for this game since the schedule was released in August.

It seems as if there are two choices when it comes to the Miami Heat now: dislike and hate. Two very strong areas to be in. I know booing happens at any sporting event and signs like 'Beat the Heat' are normal. To be honest, though, I never thought I would see the day when LeBron James would only draw applause from the crowd on the road when he makes a mistake. But the real issue I have now is the hits he is taking from those within in the league. Even NBA Team owners and players are weighing in on why the Heat are not so hot right now. "I want them to loose all their games" says Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Tracy McGrady is personal, but more constructive in his criticism: "Both of those guys need the ball, and they don't shoot the ball like Ray Allen. That's why they are having trouble scoring in the half court, because they can't get a rhythm, because one of them is dominating the ball". So Cavs Head Coach Byron Scott can get fined for arguing with a referee and impeding his ability to do his job but people like Mark Cuban can just shoot off his mouth. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and should be free to express it but I think owners are held to a higher standard. Would you want to work for someone who stood up for you when things were hard or someone who publicly criticizes those who came before you? I have to give Miami Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra credit. He has to be thinking his job is on the line because with a roster and a boss like his, there is added pressure. He is doing his best to put a positive spin on things saying that adversity builds a team and disagreements are good. However, tensions are high in the Heat locker room and even if they are not saying it publicly yet, I am sure players are looking for change. Chris Bosh has the best attitude through all this: "We all wanted this coming in, so we're going to have to deal with it and just overcome it". I think a little bumping of shoulders between player and coach are the least of their worries.

Lakers are quietly happy

The one team in the NBA happy about the bulls eye on each Heat jersey is the Los Angeles Lakers. Here's a team who is expected to three peat an NBA Championship and in comes the Miami Heat drama train deflecting some of the pressure. Lakers Head Coach Phil Jackson and his team are not out of the woods yet. He is as zen as he always is and but with this being his final year as an NBA Coach, there is an expectation he goes out on top. He's been publicly expressing his frustration lately about the timeline for Laker Andrew Bynum's return. Bynum has been out of the Lakers' line-up recovering from surgery he had on his right knee in the summer. Although Phil Jackson wishes this recovery was going a little quicker, I don't think his coaching style allows for public humiliation of his players. He still believes Bynum is working hard in his rehabilitation and is "a very willing worker. Absolutely no doubt". Bynum has said he expects to make his season debut sometime in December but I doubt after all this time he'll be up to a starting position. He's in practice now and slowly building up the intensity but I don't think his conditioning will be deserving of a starting position. Knee surgery is serious business in any sport and can be career-ending for even the best players. He should be happy he has a leg to stand on and go from there.

Thanks for joining me today. I will see you here on the DNB this Thursday for more "Behind Enemy Lines".

"Jiggly Bits"

Wow. What a Tuesday morning. Where should I begin? We could talk about Magic Johnson selling his stake in the Los Angeles Lakers and pretending they will always be best friends. We could talk about the NBA's Players Association taking legal action against the league for the change in the technical foul rule. But there's also Dwayne Wade and the issues surrounding his return to the Miami Heat line-up. Hmmm. Let's go with Gilbert Arenas, shall we? So, we all know our favourite locker room distraction faked an injury 7 days ago to get a teammate of his Nick Young, more playing time. Young subsequently scores 24 points against the Hawks and Gilbert's plan works. Really? Is this the real story? Gilbert Arenas showing such selflessness and risking being disciplined so his teammate could get more playing time? Or do we just want some attention? Trying to prove a point to Wizards' management? Not sure. But ironically enough, he didn't start last Thursday against Milwaukee but suffered a REAL injury to his groin just three minutes coming into the first quarter. I wonder what Gilbert Arenas' definition of a mentor is? By faking the injury and the drama that went a long with it, he took time away from John Wall - the Wizards number 1 draft pick. Where is this guy's head at? I hope he figures it out soon because his dramatic flair is not so endearing.

Complaining about complaining

So the players' association calls it "passion for the game" and the referees call it a distraction. This really shouldn't be up for debate but it is. There is nothing wrong with reacting to a call but there is something wrong with getting up in the referee's face to tell him about it. In the early days of the NBA, the league considered putting in makeshift penalty boxes and fining the players $25 for fighting or mouthing off. Now, the cost of a player outburst is at $2,000 for their first five. This is relative considering how much these players make today. But remember, the very first players in professional basketball came straight from the streets and from the battles of war so they were used to fighting to solve disputes. I know today is different but although I agree something needs to be done about the complaining, I am concerned about giving the referees more power. Right now the NBA has told players they will be given a technical foul what they call 'overt gestures', even if they are not directed at a referee, running up to a ref to contest a call, or other actions that don't show proper respect for the game. I think this is dangerous. Sure, be fined for getting a ref's face, another player's face or overreacting to a call. But this new rule gives the refs power to fine a player for frowning or shaking his head - a natural reaction - one that doesn't have to be directed at the referee. Depending on which referee you get, this could be interpreted many different ways and he can choose to let things go or call it. Whether it was a good or ball call, we have to live with it, true. But the referees control the tempo of the game and if they start calling every little thing, their goal of gaining more respect from players may be thrown out the window.

Magic Leaving the Lakers?

Magic Johnson used to own 4.5% of the Los Angeles Lakers. But he sold this on Monday to a Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a 25 year Lakers season ticket holder and a guy with a whole lot of money. When I think of the Los Angeles Lakers, Magic Johnson tops the list of images. He says his dedication and support for the Los Angeles Lakers will not be affected by this decision and he will "be a Laker for Life". If this is true, that he bleeds purple and gold, why sever your concrete attachment to it? Clearly, he has aspirations to own another team. He has been known to express interest in being a part of the team buying the Detroit Pistons but the group hasn't made any public connection with Magic Johnson. Let's pretend he does buy the Detroit Pistons. He can't be a die-hard Lakers fan anymore because his job would then be to cheer for the Pistons to make sure he gets a return on his investment. Right now, nothing is set in stone. As a businessman, he has every right to invest in whatever he wants. I just don't understand why it is not the purple and gold anymore.

Wading through the Drama

This is not the distraction the Miami Heat needs but I am glad the team is supporting him. Dwayne Wade, as you know, pulled a hamstring muscle to start the pre-season and has been off since but working out separate from the team. He is involved in a custody battle over his two sons, which continues this week, and no one knows for sure if he will be in the Heat line-up to open the regular season. LeBron James was quick to throw his support around Wade describing the Miami Heat as a family that will welcome back Wade "with open arms" when he is ready. LeBron is right. When it comes to matters involving family, especially children, it becomes bigger than basketball. I am glad the team is supportive in letting him have some time off to get things settled. But remember, this is still only the pre-season and I am not so sure Heat Management will be all smiles if he misses anymore time in the regular season. I can't imagine what Dwayne Wade is going through and I hope for the children's sake, this is all over soon.

Behind Enemy Lines

Remember to join me here on the DNB this Thursday when we will be looking at the Toronto Raptors' opponents for the coming week, talking strategy and anything else that comes across my radar. See you then.

"Basketball Beyond the Floor"

"My proudest times as a coach are those when I recognize that a group of players has become a team, a whole that is truly greater than the sum of its parts" (Mike Krzyzewski in The Gold Standard written with Jamie K. Spatola). If you were paying attention to the 2010 World Basketball Championships this year and wondered, how did Team USA do it? The Gold Standard: Building a World-Class Team is the answer to this question. While it doesn't talk about this year's team, it explains how Duke University Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski took over the Team USA program and brought it to life with some key tools. It certainly helps he was blessed with some serious talent on the squad, too. This is one of the first 'how to' coaching books one can take seriously. Each chapter lays out the layers to building a great team and shares the 'moments' from his coaching career which exemplifies this. Think about it. For the past 30 years, he has been the Head Coach of the Duke University Blue Devils, won 3 NCAA Championships and 12 National Coach of the Year awards. Why wouldn't you listen to what he has to say about coaching? There is so much meat to the book that we can't possibly touch on everything, so let's dig into the highlights.

Take the time

This was the underlying thread which ran through the book. Take the time to choose your people, understand context, gain perspective, form relationships, develop a support system, establish standards, cultivate leadership, learn the language, adapt internally, practice, for self assessment, get motivated and last but not least, game time. This is how he lays out each chapter - a sort of 'good coaching techniques' checklist. One of the first Krzyzewski techniques that stood out for me was the notion of 'selfless service'. Coach Krzyzewski wanted to see if his 2006 Olympians had a capacity to feel at a deeper level than looking out for number one. So he brought in a former player of his, who was a General in the United States Army, Bob Brown and 3 wounded soldiers, to give the players a pep talk: "What makes teams great is the selfless service - It's putting the needs of someone else before yourself. On the basketball court that might be diving for the loose ball or taking a charge. On the battlefield it may be running into a wall of bullets or putting your life on the line for someone". Clearly fighting for your country and fighting for Olympic Basketball gold are two very different things. But the point was made. I agree. It is OK to have an ego and be driven, but the ego cannot be bigger than that of the team.

The 'moment' which exemplified this point was my absolute favourite. Captain Scott Smiley was one of the wounded soldiers and was permanently blinded by a piece of shrapnel in his eye. USA Basketball staff got him a set of earphones which were connected to the lav mics on Dwayne Wade and Gilbert Arenas. With Wade and Arenas doing the play-by-play, Captain Smiley could experience practice. Well, doesn't Dwayne Wade pause to express his pride for wearing the Team USA jersey to Captain Smiley but acknowledges people like the Captain were the real heroes? There are a few players I can think of which need this lesson - to think beyond the end of their nose.

Knowing when to "me" and when to "we"

"The best leadership your team can have is a combination of your strengths and theirs" - Mike Krzyzewski. You may or may not know, as Head Coach of the Duke Men's Basketball program, Krzyzewski recruited Kobe Bryant to come play for him. Had he not decided to got straight to the NBA, Krzyzewski says in the book Kobe would have played his college days with him. This is what I find interesting. Krzyzewski saved an email from Kobe and in it Kobe describes his vision for the Olympic team: "...I think our team should be filled with players who are willing to play for you. Guys who want to be coached so that you can do what you do best with no worries of communication between pro players and college coach". This was my concern back in April of 1989 when FIBA voted to allow pro basketball players to play in international competition or for a national team outside the NBA. Olympic players and coaches are not paid so what is the draw for these players? Some come from teams where they are catered to, so how does a college coach get these guys to listen to him? By getting players with Kobe's mindset to model that type of behaviour. Krzyzewski also touches on this when he talks about adapting within the team: "When leaders make clear their willingness to change, it establishes an environment in which everyone can be comfortable adapting". Again, it is OK to have an ego and be confident in yourself but you can't see yourself as above the team. Let's face it, we all have egos and if someone tells you they or someone else doesn't have one, they are clearly delusional. The idea here is, keep the ego in check.

Throw away the rulebook - sort of.

Instead of a list of rules, Mike Krzyzewski believes in establishing a set of standards. He believes once a group agrees on a set of standards, they unite and become focused to a single purpose. In the book, he lists a set of 20 standards his Duke team needs to live by. Here are the ones which stand out for me:

(3) Confront Immediately - Let nothing linger.
(12) Flexibility - We don't complain.
(17) Unselfishness - We make the extra pass. Our value is not measured in playing time.
(18) We are This Duke team - The time is now - not the past.

#12 and #17 kind of go hand in hand since the one thing you hear players complain about is playing time. However, I am not sure it is OK to be satisfied with, say, 5 minutes of playing time. Sure, you don't complain and realize your contribution might have been helping your team gain possession in the transition let's just say, but I think the 5-minute-a-game player needs to continue to work hard and improve his game to show why he deserves more playing time. More playing time means more time on the floor to become better. Something which can't be accomplished in 5 minutes. But I think this is what Krzyzewski is trying to say: work for more playing time, don't try and complain to get it.

Flick Pick of the Week

See if you can find the made for TV movie "Final Shot: The Hank Gathers Story". It's a true story about a college player named Hank Gathers, who collapsed and died during an NCAA Tournament game. Keeps with the theme of keeping things in perspective.

To follow this week's discussion, I thought we would read Rebound Rules - The Art of Success 2.0 by another NCAA coach, Rick Pitino. You will also know, Rick Pitino was Coach and President of the Boston Celtics. I want to see how this compares to The Gold Standard. I will see you on Tuesday for another serving of Jiggly Bits. So until then, happy reading.

M.W.O

I drew the comparison to this event in the blog. Seems someone on YouTube took it to the next level. This gave me a laugh and I am sure it will do the same for you. The MWO is here:

"Jiggly Bits"

"When things hit the fan, you see guys' true colours" - Lebron James. This is so true. We have all been there, maybe not as highly publicized as 'the decision', but we've been there. Emotions run high with any decision - getting married, moving, having children, changing jobs - these are all emotionally charged situations we can all relate to in one way or another. When I saw Chris Bosh and Lebron James jerseys being lit up like the fourth of July, I couldn't help but think this was a little extreme. I know I have made some decisions in my life that to this day people have not gotten over but I assure you - like any reasonable person would - those decisions were not made to intentionally hurt anyone. I did what was best for me and my family. This is what Lebron James and Chris Bosh did when they left the City of Cleveland and Toronto respectively. It is reasonable to receive backlash or dissent for any decision made, especially as high profile as this one, but it is not reasonable to be burned at the stake for it. Chris Bosh, Lebron James and Dwayne Wade teaming up for the Miami Heat did not sour the NBA, cause irreparable damage to the City of Cleveland or taint their collective legacies. There are other individuals or factors responsible for the bitter taste this drama has caused. Let's talk about it.

#1 - Decisions made by politicians are responsible for sustaining an economy, not professional basketball players.

If you visit the City of Cleveland's website, it boasts Coca Cola, Dansani Water, M&Ms, Mars bars, Coppertone, Dr. Scholl, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Duracell batteries have been manufactured or produced in Cleveland. They also go on to brag about the many other items which contribute to making the City of Cleveland what it is. So when a professional basketball player leaves, why is it his fault if the city's economy tanks? There are two people responsible for the City of Cleveland and the greater State of Ohio respectively: Mayor Tom Rowland and State Governor Ted Strickland. If anyone wishes express their disdain for the economic argument to Lebron James leaving the City of Cleveland, should really direct their comments to Mayor Rowland and Governor Strickland. These two gentleman got and will loose their jobs based on how the City of Cleveland or the State of Ohio does economically - not Lebron James. His job is to win basketball games and possibly NBA Championships. Lebron James was an employee of the Cavaliers and honoured his end of the contract. The Cleveland Cavaliers as an organization, through their own decision making (not surrounding Lebron with adequate help, benching him before this year's playoffs to name a few), was most likely a contributing factor to Lebron leaving for Miami. Sure, in Cleveland, Lebron was 40 miles from his hometown of Akron and worked for an organization built on his talents and which catered to his every whim, but that was their decision to run the Cavs franchise that way.

#2 - Dan Gilbert - the pot calling the kettle black.

Although NBA Commissioner David Stern thought 'decision 2010' was " ill-conceived, badly produced and poorly executed", he also agreed Lebron James was entitled to make the decision he did and his honesty and integrity did shine through in the process. So this is where I actually start to feel a little sorry for Cavs owner, Dan Gilbert. In an open letter to Cavs fans, Gilbert described Lebron as "narcissistic" and as displaying "cowardly behaviour" for leaving his franchise. Gilbert also guaranteed the Cavs would win one "before the self-titled former 'king' wins one". Sure, be upset he made a decision you didn't like but to throw a hissy fit in letter form? THAT is cowardly. I hope Cleveland fans see through this and realize he may just be trying to cover his own behind for not doing enough to keep Lebron in Cleveland. I agree with Reverend Jesse Jackson's comments when referring to Gilbert's letter: "He speaks as an owner of Lebron and not the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers". Good thing NBA Commissioner David Stern took his comments seriously. For the follow-up comments Gilbert made with the Associated Press, the Cavs franchise is being fined $100,000. Stern also agrees the comments were a bit extreme.

#3 - LEGACY [leggessi] - ...something that is handed down or remains from a previous generation or time.

So if we look at the literal definition of the word legacy, Lebron's or even Chris Bosh's legacy is still in tact after moving to Miami. The fact that Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade are playing on the same team now does not change the face of the NBA for the worse. Remember Kevin Garnett. He played 12 seasons in Minnesota and was 31 before he gave his approval for a trade to Boston. So the fact that Lebron is 25 shouldn't matter. I disagree with Charles Barkley. I think the argument that Lebron's legacy is tainted now because he didn't win a championship "on his own in Cleveland" is a stretch. I think if we use this argument: champions are made solely by the accolades they receive and not by the content of their character, we are going down a very slippery slope. Lebron James had nothing but praise for the Cavs and its fans when asked by the media to comment on Cavs owner Dan Gilbert's comments. He could have lashed back but didn't. If he stayed in Cleveland, he would've have been accused of being in it for the money since he would have been paid more than in Miami. But instead, he went to Miami for less money and a real shot at winning a championship. Remember - Lebron, Bosh and Wade came into this league together and went their separate ways. They played together at the Worlds and in the Olympics and now they found another opportunity to do so full time. The great William Shakespeare once said "No legacy is so rich as honesty". So let's be honest. The Cavs and Raptors are going to miss Lebron and Bosh respectively, but their departure will present new opportunity. As for the NBA franchises who are struggling, the fact that Lebron or Bosh did not move to those cities, is not their fault but the franchise's. If you are desperate and struggling before, you will continue to be unless you start making some sound business decisions. Bosh, Lebron and Wade are just playing by the rules. And if you don't like their recent decision, you know how the saying goes - "If you can stand the 'Heat', stay out of Miami".

Basketball Beyond the Floor

Remember, this Thursday we will be discussing: The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons. I will also be giving you my flick pick of the week. Happy reading and see you on Thursday here on the DNB.

Miami Wins....NBA Loses.

Many said it was not possible but the final nail was driven through the heart of Cleveland. LBJ, D-Wade and Bosh will all play for the Miami Heat. It would appear the Raptors may have got nothing for Bosh and Cleveland definitely got nothing for James. While South Beach parties the rest of the NBA is not or shouldn't be. Forget about if this team can or will win a title. There is all summer to talk about that. What this free agent period of 2010 will do is create the Lockout 2011. This all coming together was in the face of what the CBA is designed to do. Make no mistake beyond Cleveland and Toronto who are the clear big losers in this, other struggling NBA franchises will not be happy about this as well. If it can happen to Toronto and Cleveland it can happen to them.

This is a dark day for the NBA even thought it may not seem like it now. Part of me is sickened by what we have watched happen here. On the other hand I can't help but be impressed by what these 3 guys have been able to pull off aided by Pat Riley. Least Riley's massive ego did not, at least for now, bring him back behind the bench. Lebron James 23's were being lit a flame in Cleveland but this wildfire may burn down the entire game, as already tense CBA talks have just become even more intense based on this. These guys have a tremendous chance to win a ring and then they may shut the game down quite literally.

This is a happy night for Heat Fans and Miami...but realize it now or not, this is a terrible night for the NBA. Wonder if ESPN will be as excited for the lockout, as the 2 years of hype they have invested in this 2010 Free Agency. It was only right that this side show ended where it started. ESPN in 2 years got the destinations of Bosh, James and Wade wrong how many times? I don't have time to count that high.

Good Night and Good Luck fans of basketball we will all need it.

"Jiggly Bits"

What makes a MAX player? Is it the potential to win or championships won? Is it the millions they are worth or the millions they will make you? These are the questions running through my mind as Thursday approaches. Technically, players and teams have to wait until this Thursday to 'officially' make any deals to give time for the free agency moratorium to pass and for the salary cap for next season to be set. How is it fair that players who are clearly not worth the money they are paid get to even think they are allowed to ask for max money like Lebron James or Chris Bosh. I think it's funny how this free agency free-for-all seems to have media coverage focus on a few key players: Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar'e Stoudemire and of course, Lebron James. Kobe Bryant could be streaking down the streets of Los Angeles and no one would even hear about it because of all the frenzy. Aside from the image I just put in your head, Kobe Bryant is the one true max player that looks the best in the midst of all this mess. He has what Stoudemire, Bosh, Wade and Lebron want - championships won and MVP accolades. Unfortunately for them and the teams who sign them, they will only be defined by the number of championships lost not won. But it is fun to watch the chase so let's talk about the big four as of late and what certain teams need to do to land them.

#1 - Hire help.

The New York Knicks have tentatively passed this one with flying colours. On Monday, the Knicks said they intend to sign Amar'e Stoudemire to a max deal worth nearly $100 million over five years on Thursday. His agent Happy Walters is saying the deal will be official on Thursday but Knicks fans are already getting excited. According to Stoudemire himself, he is looking forward to recruiting Dwayne Wade or Lebron James and rebuilding the Knicks as the team they once were. He's not bitter the Phoenix Suns couldn't give him the max money he craved but is happy to take it from the Knicks. But David Lee might not be so happy. With the Knicks freeing up cap space to land 2 possible big names, how does that keep Lee in New York? Look for further trades this summer.

#2 - Make them feel at home.

Stay with me on this one. Dwayne Wade has a youth basketball camp starting up and a news conference was postponed since those surrounding Wade felt the focus would be on free agency instead of the youth camp. Dwayne Wade is a free agent for the first time and I bet is really torn between Miami and somewhere else. He's been in discussions with the Knicks, the Nets and most often, the Chicago Bulls. This is where I think it gets interesting. Both Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh are represented by agent Henry Thomas and photos have been posted of Wade and Bosh dining together. Chicago-based Henry Thomas says deciding on where to go from here has been a tough decision and tougher than originally thought. So it seems like the best option for Wade and Bosh at the moment is Chicago. They would both feel at home. I would be happy for Bosh in this scenario since I think he's been getting the but end of many a cold shoulder. So no matter what you think of his tweets or his decision making methods, he's got a lot of heart and talent. And if his heart is somewhere other than Toronto, let his home be where his heart is.

#3 - They can't live without you as much as you can't live without them.

The best example of this point is the City of Cleveland pre-Lebron James. Before Lebron's arrival it was like pulling teeth to get fans in the stands at a Cavs game, much less spend their time and money downtown. With Lebron in town, bars and restaurants are booming and everyone is happy. So since they have made this pitch before and were successful, let's not count them out just yet. Lebron is no spring chicken. He sees Kobe Bryant and his championship rings with the only NBA organization he's ever played with. He remembers how Kobe once had his doubts about the purple and gold and remained true to the team which drafted him. Lebron wants this, too. He's a good kid and good for the City of Cleveland but for him to realistically stay there they have to give him more than Byron Scott. Don't get me wrong, Byron Scott is experienced at winning championships, something Lebron is aspiring to, but the Cavs still need help.

#4 - You have deep pockets and #5 - You are serious about winning a championship.

These two go hand in hand. Let's face it. If the Los Angeles Clippers all of a sudden won the lottery, they still wouldn't have a snowball's chance in hell of landing a Bosh, Wade or Lebron. So you can have all the money in the world but if you are not serious about catching the NBA's top prize, talk to the hand. Think about it from a personal perspective. Are you going to leave a job where you are comfortable and happy just to go somewhere else where you are comfortable and maybe-kinda-sorta be happy? That next opportunity needs to breath new life and opportunity and money certainly helps with that.

Basketball Beyond the Floor

Tune into the DNB on Thrusday when we will be discussing Character Driven on the life and purpose of Derrick Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers. A really different read than anything discussed so far. Happy reading and see you Thursday.