SportsNation Blog Archives
NBA
LeBron James has been compared to Michael Jordan many times in his career, but he still has a long way to go before he overtakes Jordan in the championships department -- or, if you believe Jordan, in a game of one-on-one. In an interview promoting the NBA 2K14 game, Jordan said that if he were in his prime, he wouldn't lose to LeBron in a solo matchup. LeBron (6-foot-8, 250 pounds) would have a significant size advantage over Jordan (6-6, 216), but MJ would have the edge in pure shooting. Honestly, given his legendary competitiveness, we're not sure we'd bet against Jordan, even if it were later on in his career.
Here's a sampling of what readers had to say in our Facebook conversation on the story:
- Peter Kica: "why is MJ stating an obvious? we know he would beat lebron 1on1. but when it comes to overall skill level there is no doubt that lebron is right up there with him if not higher. Lebron is a better passer, rebounder, he is way stronger and he has been developing a midrange to 3pt game. He has improved his post game and he has come up clutch in the FINALS! "
- Ernest McCaleb: "Lebron James is a playmaker. He's more magic thane MJ. Who cares that MJ thinks he can beat Lebron in 1 on 1. Lebron is MUCH more than a 1 on 1 player - he's a facilitator. "
- Aaron Weiner: "It would have been close, but Jordan had the more creative offensive game, which lends itself to 1-1. LeBron would have been able to shoot over him, though, and since he's an improved shooter I think it would have been close."
- Matt McLeod: "If Lebron wanted to post him every time it would be a hell of a hard time for Jordan to beat him. Even with Jordan in his prime, Lebron has 40+ lbs on Michael and 2 inches while being faster and more explosive than Michael. Give Jordan the ball first and maybe cause he could shoot, but if Lebron got the ball first and decided he simply wanted to WIN and post Michael up evey time theres absolutely NOTHING Michael could do about that. Not CLOSE to the strength and size of Lebron. Not close."
- Joe Schnipke: "MJ would beat LeBron but it would be closer than people think. People who say MJ would kill LeBron are just hating."
What do you think? Leave your comments below.
Joe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel/Getty ImagesLeBron James to keep quiet on 2014
Take a good listen, LeBron James prospectors. This might be the last you hear from the King about his impending (possible) free agency. At Miami Heat media day Monday, the four-time MVP and two-time defending NBA champion said he no longer will talk about next summer, when he can opt out of his six-year deal. In other words, prepare for a near-repeat of the summer of 2010, when James' dithering led to his infamous -- and famous, in South Florida -- Decision. Should Heat fans be nervous?
-
Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade exchanged words on Twitter recently after Durant questioned Wade's presence on a Sports Illustrated list of the top 10 players in the NBA. Durant believes Wade is taking up a spot that Durant's former teammate James Harden, now with the Rockets, deserves. Do you agree? While you're at it, rank your entire top 10 here.

Rank: Wade or Harden more Top 10 worthy?
Carmelo Anthony
Knicks Forward

Chris Bosh
Heat Forward

Kobe Bryant
Lakers Forward

Stephen Curry
Warriors Guard

Tim Duncan
Spurs Forward/Center

Kevin Durant
Thunder Forward

Marc Gasol
Grizzlies Center

Blake Griffin
Clippers Forward

James Harden
Rockets Guard

Al Horford
Hawks Center

Dwight Howard
Lakers Center

Kyrie Irving
Cavaliers Guard

LeBron James
Heat Forward

Joakim Noah
Bulls Center

Dirk Nowitzki
Mavericks Forward

Tony Parker
Clippers Guard

Chris Paul
Clippers Guard

Dwyane Wade
Heat Guard

Russell Westbrook
Thunder Guard

Deron Williams
Nets Guard
A hard head is an asset in football, but the Virginia Tech Hokies seem to be taking the whole thing literally. They'll be debuting ''Hokie Stone'' helmets for Thursday night's game against Georgia Tech, designed after a type of rock mined near the campus and used in many of its buildings. Alternate uniforms are all well and good, but are these helmets more brick than marble? We recognize that metaphor was a bit strained. It's obviously more shale than anything else.
Here's a sampling of what readers had to say in our Facebook conversation on the story:
- Evan Shikora: "Hideous, just hideous. Wear the camo jerseys with pride - rock head football players."
- Craig Miller: "Most universities have brick concepts, not this kind of stone. Very nice architecture on campus."
- Jim Marquez: "Not usually a fan of all the different helmet and uni designs (I'm looking at you Oregon), but this one is pretty cool."
- Sean Cahoon: "loveeeeeee it!!! May seem small to non-Hokie fans but "Hokie Stonw" means a lot to us. For those who have passed. For those to come. Reach for excellence!"
- Jonathan Pankey: "Non-Hokies will probably not understand the significance of the Hokie stones and that is fine and they will judge it just on looks alone but most true Hokies will understand it and think that even though it is not a flashy look, it represents the school very well. I am a Hokie to the core and I love the Hokie stones and I think the 3-D design is pretty cool but I really prefer the all maroon look."
What do you think? Leave your comments below.
On balance, the NBA probably has the best crop of nicknames in sports. It's able to find evocative monikers for even the least essential players and is refreshingly devoid of lazy portmanteaus like "A-Rod." The league seems to be embracing this unique status, as it's considering allowing the Heat and Nets to use nicknames on the back of their jerseys for one of their four matchups this season. We're just upset that Shaq isn't somehow involved -- he's got enough nicknames to require a jersey change on every change of possession.
Here's a sampling of what readers had to say in our Facebook conversation on the story:
- Zack Ficke: "I hope this isn't the strategy to allure fans to the game of NBA basketball. I'm sure the league views this as trivial in nature in the grand scheme of things, this epitomizes everything the nay-sayers already feel about the NBA game - it's a bunch of incredible gifted athletes playing as INDIVIDUALS lacking intensity until half the league makes the playoffs and they ratchet things up a bit."
- Michael Figueroa: "The only jersey of these I would want is one for Jesus Shuttlesworth. You know that one would be legit. Lol. Seeing King James or Flash or The Big Ticket would just be kinda lame. Too corny."
- Cody Van Ryn: "A needed reminder to those NBA players, you cant create your own nickname, real nicknames are given to you'"
- Barry Gilbert: "Jesus Shuttlesworth will definitely sell more jerseys than "king james"; on a side note: how is this different than what they do in Brazil? (Nene, Pele, Kaka)"
- TJ Seidler: "I think the idea is great and since the NBA is a business they have to find new ways to get jersey sales. I believe adding the nicknames is great especially if the NBA wants to sell more to kids who want their favorite players jersey with the nickname on it."
What do you think? Leave your comments below.
The Miami Heat boast the NBA's best recent past. And, according to our panel of experts, they hold the best future. Of course, the now-Dwight Howard-led Houston Rockets aren't far behind, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. Do you agree with this assessment? Click on the logos to set your rankings!

Rank: NBA Future Power Rankings
Hawks
Future Power Ranking: 13

Celtics
Future Power Ranking: 22

Nets
Future Power Ranking: 19

Bobcats
Future Power Ranking: 30

Bulls
Future Power Ranking: 6

Cavaliers
Future Power Ranking: 9

Mavericks
Future Power Ranking: 12

Nuggets
Future Power Ranking: 18

Pistons
Future Power Ranking: 17

Warriors
Future Power Ranking: 5

Rockets
Future Power Ranking: 2

Pacers
Future Power Ranking: 7

Clippers
Future Power Ranking: 8

Lakers
Future Power Ranking: 21

Grizzlies
Future Power Ranking: 10

Heat
Future Power Ranking: 1

Bucks
Future Power Ranking: 28

T'wolves
Future Power Ranking: 24

Pelicans
Future Power Ranking: 16

Knicks
Future Power Ranking: 26

Thunder
Future Power Ranking: 3

Magic
Future Power Ranking: 20

76ers
Future Power Ranking: 25

Suns
Future Power Ranking: 27

Blazers
Future Power Ranking: 11

Kings
Future Power Ranking: 29

Spurs
Future Power Ranking: 4

Raptors
Future Power Ranking: 23

Jazz
Future Power Ranking: 14

Wizards
Future Power Ranking: 15
Your Rankings
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

29.

30.

Pacers, George near extension
The Pacers reportedly are close to signing Paul George to a five-year extension worth more than $90 million, locking up one of their best players through what promise to be his prime years. George helped lead the Pacers to the Eastern Conference finals and was the NBA's Most Improved Player last season, so extending his contract was a priority for the Pacers. The price might be steep, but any player capable of taking the Heat to seven games is probably the real deal.
The Houston Rockets won the Dwight Howard rally this offseason. Now, according to Bradford Doolittle's WARP-based calculations, the James Harden-led team also wins the title of best backcourt in the NBA. These rankings aren't without controversy, though; the Stephen Curry/Klay Thompson Golden State Warriors didn't crack the top 10. Do you agree with the analytics? Click on the images below to set your rankings!

Best NBA backcourts
Clippers
Chris Paul, J.J. Redick, Jamal Crawford

Heat
Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers, Ray Allen

Lakers
Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Jodie Meeks

Mavericks
Jose Calderon, Monta Ellis, Devin Harris

Nets
Deron Williams, Jason Terry, Joe Johnson

Nuggets
Ty Lawson, Nate Robinson, Evan Fournier

Pacers
Paul George, George Hill, C.J. Watson

Rockets
James Harden, Patrick Beverly, Jeremy Lin

Spurs
Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Danny Green

Thunder
Russell Westbrook, Thabo Sefolosha, Reggie Jackson

Timberwolves
Ricky Rubio, Kevin Martin, Jose Juan Barea

Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard, Wesley Matthews, Mo Williams

Warriors
Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Toney Douglas

Wizards
John Wall, Bradley Beal, Glen Rice Jr.

Five years after the Miami Heat brought in Michael Beasley, the Miami Heat are bringing in Michael Beasley -- this time as a reclamation project, instead of as a prospect worthy of the No. 2 overall pick. The thing is, that second spot in the NBA draft has not been so kind to teams in the past decade -- save for a certain perennial MVP candidate. Can you name the previous 10? You already know one ...
Check out more quizzes in our Quiz Archive!
Joe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel/Getty ImagesLeBron James to keep quiet on 2014
Take a good listen, LeBron James prospectors. This might be the last you hear from the King about his impending (possible) free agency. At Miami Heat media day Monday, the four-time MVP and two-time defending NBA champion said he no longer will talk about next summer, when he can opt out of his six-year deal. In other words, prepare for a near-repeat of the summer of 2010, when James' dithering led to his infamous -- and famous, in South Florida -- Decision. Should Heat fans be nervous?
-

- SportsNation SportsNation
.@FloydMayweather & @ChuckLiddell had a man-to-man talk about some words said in the press - http://t.co/3vQLDKia7o
about 2 hours ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
.@ChuckLiddell on @GeorgesStPierre: "Excellent fighter. From a fan standpoint I don't want to see him play it safe in his fights"
about 3 hours ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
We're talking football and more with @ChuckLiddell. SN now! ESPN2. http://t.co/uHEgN7Mpvb
about 3 hours ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
.@FloydMayweather made a year's salary off Brees and Sproles last night. He will use the money to make origamis. http://t.co/YwlFNOhtdO
about 6 hours ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- kevinwildes Kevin Wildes
RT @sethmeyers: Important to note that I am equally excited for Soxtober. Though most excited about adding prefixes to "tober."
about 6 hours ago
- kevinwildes Kevin Wildes

- SportsNation SportsNation
Drew Brees looks like Neo from the Matrix right now.
about 20 hours ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
Jimmy Graham laughs when DBs try to cover him...
about 21 hours ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
Darren Sproles has infinite turbo.
about 22 hours ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- marcelluswiley Marcellus Wiley
Had fun doing my first request off Thuzio. Check your boy out! http://t.co/j3KIjAyG8r
1 day ago
- marcelluswiley Marcellus Wiley

- SportsNation SportsNation
We're recapping the football weekend and talking about Lane Kiffin getting fired in an airport parking lot. ESPN2 now.
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
.@Drake and the Raptors have announced a partnership. Here is the new team logo (via Blue the Great). http://t.co/saJyfPMHS9
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
Despite roster issues, the Patriots are 4-0. No big deal...just Tom being Tom. http://t.co/Lmo1OcLoxb
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
Aqib Talib just Dikembed that comeback.
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
Floyd Mayweather probably taught Bob Kraft how to make it rain.
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
Tony Gonzalez has the fountain of youth cheat code in life.
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
Kenbrell Thompkins must have been a beast at 3 flies up growing up.
1 day ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
Chip Kelly...wanna get away?
2 days ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
In case you thought you knew anything about the NFL - Matt Cassel, Mike Glennon, and Brian Hoyer are currently winning football games.
2 days ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
2013 Reggie Bush just had a 2004 Reggie Bush type TD run.
2 days ago
- SportsNation SportsNation

- SportsNation SportsNation
London just caught a glimpse of the awesomeness that is Adrian Peterson. 60 yard TD run!
2 days ago
- SportsNation SportsNation







































































FOLLOW SPORTSNATION ON TWITTER