Van Gundy Vs. Wilbon My Opionion

The views expressed in this piece are strictly my own and aren’t meant to influence anyone. I read an article today about a war of words between Stan Van Gundy and Michael Wilbon. Mr. Van Gundy took exception to Mr. Wilbon stating that he heard rumblings that Van Gundy could be fired at the end of the season by the Orlando Magic. Mr. Wilbon had every right to state what he heard and Van Gundy who is in the public spotlight and subject to criticism should’ve taken it in stride but instead he decides to say that Wilbon has no integrity. Van Gundy went on to state that he doesn’t go on the show Pardon the Interruption because they only have guests that they don’t criticize on air. This is what draw my ire I watch the show religiously and they have had guests on that both hosts have criticized and some that are criticized on a daily basis.


Van Gundy should be fired because  he can’t coach he blew the finals last year by putting Jameer Nelson in who was coming off a serious shoulder injury and his replacement was hot feeding the ball down low and hitting the open shot when needed. The Magic wouldn’t have beaten the Lakers but they would’ve been more competitive and he has also publicly dogged his players out in the media showing no respect for his own players. Wilbon’s job as a Sportswriter/TV host is to tell the good with the bad and also to give his views on what’s going on in sports. I love how Van Gundy questions Wilbon’s integrity while the local media in Florida has called for his job also. I forgot Van Gundy is a media hound who is looking to be in the spotlight anytime he is given a chance and  doesn’t realize that it’s not about him but his team who has now made the series interesting against the Celtics.

Wilbon has taken the high road by explaining his comments  on a sports radio station in Florida which he didn’t have to do. He has been in the business for a long time and has pissed of his share of players and coaches but everyone says what a great writer he is and show nothing but the utmost respect for him. Van Gundy on the other hand will keep whining and playing the victim role while relishing the spotlight he craves so bad. My question is Stan if you want to be in the spotlight so bad why not take the job as Ron Jeremy’s stand in while he tries to transition into mainstream acting because your coaching skills are average at best similar to Jeremy’s acting ability.

Are You Truly A King Without A Ring?

Every artist paints their masterpiece. At some point tonight I thought Lebron would paint his. I was sadly disappointed. Yes, his stat line is impressive - 27 Pts, 19 Rebounds, 10 Assists, and 3 Steals. Unfortunately, the stats do not reflect how Mr. LeBron James really played the game. With 9 turnovers, he basically played for the other team - the winning Celtics. He wasn't aggressive. He was not in control. If your shot isn’t falling then go to the basket, draw fouls, and get your teammates easy baskets.




Okay, I know, it’s not solely his fault. There were missed shots and bad decisions by teammates. Brown's coaching decisions were horrendous. But as the leader and back to back MVP winner, like Coltrane playing his saxophone, this was LeBron's chance to paint a beautiful painting on the canvas of the Garden floor.



Though you've tried to play it down, dance around the clock, LeBron you will still be asked critical questions to explain this Cav's debacle. Why did you lack so much effort in your last two games? Was your elbow hurting? Did you lose confidence in your coach and teammates? Do you feel you cheated Cav fans? Do you feel you cheated you? To the latter two I say yes. You are most certainly a criminal. You cheated the game which is a crime. You claimed the King role and strutted around with the King’s swagger when you are nothing but a pauper. Identity theft is a crime, too.



I could go on but I won’t. You've been exposed. Now let the loyal subjects in Cleveland revolt. Let the fans, wherever you land, hold your feet to the fire. But in closing let me give you sage advice from one who's been through the fires and had to represent - to be one of the great ones, you will have to lead those who will follow you to championship land. Nothing less, just more more more. It's not about money, it's all about character. So I ask you will you take the money and run or will you take the challenge and lead?

Witness

I am a self diagnosed basketball junkie, For me the NBA playoffs are a sacred event as it represents the second season. Tough defense, hard fouls, real post play and the best athletes in the world dig deep, not only into their talents, but their will to win. That is why the last couple of nights have been a HUGE disappointment. Joe Johnson and LeBron James are huge disappointments.




Joe Johnson of the Hawks has a nice all around game, sweet jumper, and can score from the low post. Unfortunately against the Orlando Magic he gave minimum effort when, as a free agent, he expects to receive a maximum contract this summer. Worse, in the process of explaining his dismal performance, he pointed a finger at the Atlanta fans. I understand Orlando frustrated his team. The Magic were long and got some outstanding play from their wing and back court players, but that just means you get FIRED UP. Rally the troops. Tell them don’t stop fighting and make a series out of it. To whoever signs Mr. Johnson this summer, be prepared. For your MVP money, Johnson will only play second or even third option, and oh in the playoffs if you go down 2-0 you might as well have him ride the pine. He isn’t going to give you the effort.



As bad as Johnson performed, LeBron performed worse ... because he didn't perform at all. I grew up watching three of the greatest players ever to grace the game of basketball - Jordan, Bird, and Magic. I am spoiled because even on their worst nights, these three Hall of Fame players still gave 110% and rallied everyone around them to play better. LeBron, what happened? Why did you quit on your court and your loyal subjects? Were you thinking of the upcoming treasure - this summer’s free agency? Where was your heart of a champion, that man we can comeback attitude. When the Celtics went on that 16 point run in the 3rd quarter you took the punch and folded. No response. No fire. You made me mad. While Mo Williams and Shaq were balling and trying to fire everyone up, you were nonchalant and not interested. What a pitiful sight to witness.



The physical talent you possess is beyond belief and the charisma you display are par none, but last night in Game 5 you forgot to play the game with love and that is unforgivable, especially after your fellow two time MVP'er Steve Nash played one and half quarters with one eye and won on the road. As my freshmen basketball Coach Rainey would say “Son you need to go see the Wizard.” So LeBron take a trip down the yellow brick playoff road and get some love, passion, and heart for Game 6 against Boston in Boston. As a historian of the game I tell you to watch some of the following - Russell vs. Chamberlin, Celtics vs. Lakers, Knicks vs. Bulls, Knicks vs. Heat, Bulls vs. Pistons. Specifically watch the role players like Pippen, Harper, and Starks, whose greatest moments were playing with the superstars on their teams.



I don’t know what will happen in Game 6. I just want to WITNESS a great game where LeBron shows he is worth all the hype, not just a commercial, shoe deal, or movie. Prove that you love and have passion for the game not just during the regular season, but in the playoffs when it counts. Do this LeBron and you will take the next step to become a champion. Do this and prove to this wonderful game and your teammates that you are better, cause right now it, they, and your fans deserve better.