Skip to main content

Give Us Competition, The Real Show

 
I am about to write something that I haven't written in quite a long time here at the DP. A statement, that seems so foregin to this little blog that and I'm sure to all of the DP devotees. So without any further adieu, here goes: everyone needs to lay off LeBron James.
 
What?!
 
Yes. That is right. And no, I'm not punching the keys under some type of influence or against my will. I willingly clicked that "post" button fully aware and in agreement of this statement.
 
As the clock came to three zeroes to conclude the NBA All-Star Game last night, the overreactions and the haters were in overdrive criticizing James' pass in the final seconds of the game.
 
[Sideblog: Apparently we decided to neglect the Deron Williams' potential-winning three ball that barely touched rim.]  
 
The argument being used is once again James is shying away from the big moment, and is once again deferring during clutch time. Or as this Knicks fan refers to it through gritted teeth, "Miller Time". Because Reggie Miller was just that good in those moments.
 
Then again, I'm sure if he hits that three over Kobe Bryant to win it, today's water cooler talk would be about LeBron winning games that don't matter.
 
Go figure.
 
Nonetheless, in a rare occurrence, I will defend the self-proclaimed "King". This time, whether you are a fan, a hater, still in disgust, reside in Ohio (which is an whole other level and temperament of hatred) or just don't care, the criticism is ill-advised and downright wrong.
 
In fact, James' should be commended.
 
Whoa, whoa, whoa! What?! Are you feeling okay?
 
See, what had happened was...
 
During a weekend where the NBA decided to turn their once anticipated event and the reputation of sport's best All-Star event into a farce with overrated celebrities, poorly executed skits, watered down play, glow-in-the-dark uniforms, cameras in participant's headbands, and an overall flash over substance product, James was a superstar amongst stars that broke the mold. Why? He put on a true show.  A show no one else made the effort to put on. James engaged in a missing ingredient that somehow has fallen through the cracks in recent NBA All-Star Games and has long abandoned the NFL Pro Bowl - competition.
 
The MLB All-Star Game, despite the quirky and silly gimmick of the winning league earning home field advantage in the World Series still has the best on-field product All-Star Game in sports.
 
James, taking a page out of the MLB's playbook, poured in point after point, while playing defense on the other end of the floor to help spur the Eastern Conference's comeback. Ironically, he was helped by Heat teammate, Dwyane Wade, who also competed, finishing with a triple-double.
 
In a game where players coast, throw lobs to one another, stand in amazement on defense, and claim to be "putting on a show" for the fans, James gave the fans what they really wanted - competitive basketball.
 
It is why we tune in all year. It is why we are hooked, and to be honest, it is why we hate his team, the Miami Heat.
 
Competition.
 
The REAL show.
 
Yet, somehow, James is thrown under a bus for making an effort to win a game no one else cared about. 
 
James is ridiculed for giving effort during a weekend that is supposed to be dedicated to us - the fans. 
 
And he's the bad guy for competing?
 
LeBron James is hated for a lot of reasons, and I can write another column solely on those reasons, but never, ever, will I knock an athlete for competing. 
 
For the first time, in a long time, it seems we're the ones making the wrong decision. 

Recently Read

Dear Son, Big Fan of the Kid Turning Seven

---7 Years Old --- Dear Son,  It’s been a while since I’ve dropped a few thoughts. Forgive me, I’ve just been watching. Just observing. Taking it all in. Trying to be a good dad. I’m punching the keys today from one of your martial arts practices. It’s your second with “the big kids” and also the second time I’ve found myself watching from the sidelines with anxiety, with pride, and with likely my biggest fandom for you yet in this space. My feelings are much more than you playing baseball or coaching you in basketball. Your disposition is different. Your excellence is different in this space. With martial arts, you stay diligent with the process. Respectful. Working hard. Getting better. In competition with and respecting the older kids you are training with. That’s what I’ve enjoyed. It encapsulates everything you’ve grown into thus far. Still empathetic as ever, but adding an element of self-ambition and drive - something I’ve prided myself on - and to see you mature into this m...

Working in Higher Ed, Lately

"Working in higher education must be interesting these days, huh?" That question was posed to me by several people who recently learned that I worked in higher education. The recent discourse around the industry and field has certainly shifted in narrative and the overall feel within it. I recently wrapped up my fourteenth (!!) academic year. It's remarkable to think that I've been serving students and following a passion for this long. This is especially the case considering the rising turnover, the documented yearly burnout, and the increasing exodus from the field.  And, yup, there is that whole enrollment cliff combined with the politics that are more present than ever on college campuses.  So yeah, higher education is weird right now. Very weird.  Some quick thoughts : IS IT TIME?  Yes, I have thought about leaving the field several times. Especially, over the last few years. COVID didn't really bother me, but it's safe to say that the world of higher edu...

Quick Ponder: Future Self

We always think,  what would we say  to our  younger self? However,  what would  our younger self say  if they met us, today?