Sorry LeBron but no, we won't hang MJ's #23 from our rafters..
by halo_on on Nov 13, 2009 8:09 AM PST
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http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4650907
Michael Jordan, as good as he was, burned the Blazers many times over the course of his stellar career. I respect him as a player. But as a fan and someone who loves my team, it would be insulting to walk into our Rose Garden arena, look up and see MJ's jersey hanging.
I realize there are a lot of players who credit MJ as the reason they started playing basketball. Maybe LeBron is right and we wouldn't have him, Kobe, etc. All without MJ's success and impact. But honestly let the players decide. If all of the players want to boycott that number out of respect for MJ that's fine. But you don't mandate something like this.
What's next?
What if LeBron ends up with an amazing career and several rings. Are we supposed to consider retiring his number too since he started the movement? What about the rest of the great players in our league's history. Are we supposed to form a committee and figure out what other numbers we should retire too? What about Wilt Chamberlain (#13), Magic Johnson (#32) or Larry Bird (#33)? It's just a silly idea. It looks like LeBron's attempt to subtly stir the pot. Will he end up in New York next season? Oh wait, he gave up #23. Maybe he'll end up in Chicago! See what I mean? I like LeBron James as a player but he's pretty full of himself without a single ring to show for it.
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LeBron just hates Dr. J, so he wants to start wearing his number instead of asking everyone to retire #6
But slowly things happen that they cannot help and the Blazers Fellowship of the Ring begins to break apart
by Norsktroll on Nov 13, 2009 8:47 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
Rec Rec Rec
Seriously, the only numbers that should be retired league-wide are guys whose achievements transcend the game. Jackie Robinson, in baseball, for example.
Putting Jordan on that plane just for being (one of the) greatest ever is wrong.
by atomiccafe on Nov 13, 2009 9:37 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Might as well retire Bill Russel's number for changing the NBA defenses
He wore #6, right? Lebron sucks.
"I always believe there's a reason why you go through everything." -John Elway
by LACK on Nov 14, 2009 5:35 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
As much as I hated watching MJ torture us....
he did transcend the game. He commercialized it and took it international. It will forever be argued whether or not he is the GOAT, but there is no denying his impact on the game. He took the NBA on his back and to new heights. Be honest, when you see #23 do you not already think Jordan? Unfortunately most everyone does. Gretzky can be argued against for greatest hockey player of all time, yet he is retired league wide.
There were many great players in the history of the NBA. Magic and Bird revived it in the 80’s but Jordan brought it to prominence. Hate him as we do, he is the reason the game is where it is today both locally and internationally.
he did transcend the game. He commercialized it and took it international.
You’re mistaking Jordan for Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and David Stern.
LBJ just wants his childhood hero (he grew up rooting for whomever was winning) to have his jersey retired everywhere.
by Timmay! on Nov 13, 2009 10:39 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Unfortunately I am not mistaking it..
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/1998/06/22/244166/index.htm
Written in 2008 just before his 6th NBA championship. His post-career effect is still relevant as well.
I’m not by any means saying that it is the correct thing to do, but he has done more for the game than any other player to suit up. If there ever was a # to retire league wide I would suggest his. Besides, look at the players who wear that number now. I am willing to bet just about all of them idolized Jordan to some degree in their youth. I am also willing to bet that even they are reminded of Jordan just by the number. LeBron has said all along that he wore 23 in honor of Jordan.
Whether it is done or not, 23 will always be linked and associated with MJ. It is just the reality of the debate.
The idea of naming the MVP award after him seems to be the most reasonable of suggestions, I would be more in favor of that .
The idea of naming the MVP award after him seems to be the most reasonable of suggestions
And that’s a step too far for me. – Elgin
Travis Outlaw, the Funnel Cake of the Blazers
by 22baylor on Nov 13, 2009 2:12 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
We could name outhouses after Stern
because they are full of …. also
I'd be all for that
if i didn’t like the name “honey bucket” so much.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Sure
When I see 23 I think Jordan.
When I see 44 I think West.
22 equals Baylor and Drexler.
We’re not seriously thinking about hanging a big 23 for freaking Jordan in the Rose Garden, are we? ??? – Elgin
Travis Outlaw, the Funnel Cake of the Blazers
i'm not.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
It is just an excuse to change jersey numbers, which leads to an increase in jersey sales.
I get the paper, so I don't care!
by Name's Ash on Nov 13, 2009 10:22 AM PST reply actions 8 recs
brilliant. Rec for you.
"B-Roy is the best shooting guard I have played against"
-Ron Artest
by premthegrem on Nov 13, 2009 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
of course it is. isnt it also his Olympic jersey number? i’m sure he envies MJ’s “corporate-ness” as much as anything he did on the floor.
if he was smart, he’d say he’s wearing it for Bill Russell who actually was a pioneer and was a Jackie Robinson-ish figure in the NBA.
Life is about growth. People are not perfect when they're 21 years old. - Bill Walton
According to the story on ESPN
it is also the number he has worn in practice for the last two years. And to your “corporate-ness” comment, that is very true. He calls himself a business man first.
Hey Kobe did it
LBJ wants to be like Kobe, without the criminal issues.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
for sure
LeBron’s stated goal is to 1) make tons of money and 2) win lots of championships. You can’t begrudge him either of those things, but all his actions have to be interpreted through the lens of those goals. If he was really trying to honor Jordan, why would he go public like this immediately? The only possible reason is to make a media splash and make himself look good. He easily could have called up the guys who wear 23 and talked to the NBA without calling everybody out. This is definitely a lame attempt to connect himself even more to Jordan’s legacy.
Whatever LeBong wants to do is fine.
Change your number for whatever reason. – Elgin
Travis Outlaw, the Funnel Cake of the Blazers
I was watching the end of the game when he was saying that
It came across to me that he was just trying to schmooze over Jordan. Remember, Wade was just recently picked to be the player to unveil the new Jordan shoe. You dont think LBJ wants in on that?
"OK, it's going to rain tomorrow. And there is going to be a Greenpeace meeting and hippies are going to be protesting" ~ The Buffet of Goodness on Portland
You can’t be the king if you ain’t got that ring.
My team went to the playoffs in my first year.
by pxilpooshr on Nov 13, 2009 11:30 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
doo wah doo wah doo wah doo wah doo wah doo wah!
- Duke Ellington
Travis Outlaw, the Funnel Cake of the Blazers
if lebron james can't wear 23 in new york, nobody else in the league can wear 23.
still, not as selfish as roy.
"There are a few teams you have to watch out for in the fourth quarter."
"Yeah, but Portland definitely is not one of them."
-New Orleans Hornets broadcasters at the end of the third quarter with the Hornets leading 74-59. Portland later ends up winning 97-89.
"They don't mind him shooting that shot at all. Rudy Fernandez is not that great of a 3pt shooter."
-New Orleans Hornets broadcasters right after a Rudy Fernandez missed 3pter. Rudy Fernandez finished the game with three 3pters on six attempts.
by Tofu Anonymous on Nov 13, 2009 11:45 AM PST reply actions
MLB won't even do this with someone like Babe Ruth
Or Jackie Robinson (both of whom are FAR more significant than Jordan in American history) so no we’re not doing it in the NBA.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
MLB did do it for Jackie Robinson
Mariano Rivera gets to wear 42 until he retires, because he had the number before the policy went into effect, and was “grandfathered” in.
Right, I forgot
Still, Jackie Robinson is not only an amazing player but an important historical figure. MJ is the former but certainly NOT the later.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
and, Ken Griffey Jr petitioned the league office a few years ago
and now every ML player wears #42 on Jackie Robinson day
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Blazers fans complaining about a retired number is silly
The Schonz has a banner, at least Jordan is known around the world as the best player ever.
Maybe we could retire Martell's jersey in the process
Ducks
But slowly things happen that they cannot help and the Blazers Fellowship of the Ring begins to break apart
by Norsktroll on Nov 13, 2009 1:52 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I would much rather retire the #23 with Martell's name on it even though he does not yet deserve it...
than to have a jersey with MJ’s name on it hanging from the rafters of the Rose Garden.
The very thought of it makes me so mad I could chew nails and spit tacks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
by LaMarvelous on Nov 14, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions
Not everyone agrees that he is the best player ever
Those who never saw the greats of the past are more easily swayed.
How many major rule changes came in because of MJ? Several did for Wilt. How about averaging 50 points per game for a whole season? Wilt did. Or how about being the all-time scoring champion and the all-time rebounding record holder as well (over 20 rebounds a game).
There are plenty of old-timers who would say Oscar Robinson was the best all-around player ever. Bob Cousy brought millions of boys into the streets to learn to dribble as he did (and not to mention championships for Bill Russell – 11).
Of course you wanted this exact reaction with your sarcasm but it was too much fun typing this to delete it now!
The notion that one player transcends all that went before him is Nike hype calculated to make millions of dollars from kids who are taught to worship at his alter.
"Either way we have two phenomenal units. I'm excited to play with either one." - Martell Webster
but all that stuffq
is before they had tv’s, so it doesn’t count.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
LOL
well yeah… that’s my point! We have too many already! They won’t fit!
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
You guys sound really bitter right now.
Players should want to be their own brand instead of wearing 23 because it’s associated with the greatest player of all time.
by HallelujahHoeDown on Nov 13, 2009 12:30 PM PST reply actions
agreed but,
i don’t want to see his jersey hanging from my rafters. MJ was an amazing player, and did great things for the game of basketball, but I don’t feel like my team should honor his contribution beyond the verbal acknowledgment that he was one of the best players ever.
I'll never forget watching Jordan saying to adoring Bulls fans during their championship rally
“Thank God you drafted me, instead of Portland!”
Not. Welcome.
If MJ is ever back in PDX he needs to go straight to Nike headquarters and not cross Drexler Drive.
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I am really bitter and there is nothing wrong with being bitter - it is appropriate!
So what if SOME people want to associate the number 23 with that world class JERK!
In my mind 23 belongs to Martell !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
by LaMarvelous on Nov 14, 2009 12:27 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I think it's wonderful
that he wants to honor Michael Jordan. I fully support his choice of how to do so.
But for him to suddenly make the decision for every other player (and team) in the league that Jordan should be honored? And more than that, for him to essentially declare that he should be able to determine exactly how every other player (and team) should honor Michael? That’s ridiculous.
Players, teams and in fact the entire NBA have been honoring Jordan for several years now – and in different ways – and I think they’ve been doing a fine job. The choice of whether to honor him either by wearing his number or having it retired? Who’s to say which is better? As Norsktroll pointed out, should we take it that LeBron doesn’t honor Dr. J because he now is choosing to wear #6 instead of leading a campaign to have it retired by all teams?
"It's Our Time":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O99POVJfglY
The heighth of arrogance
thinking he can make this declaration to the entire NBA. But as several have posted, he is full of himself.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
needs more pop
and caramel
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Maybe every player SHOULD wear #23
All players wear #23 in order to honor the GOAT. LeBron wears it, Kobe wears it, Shaq wears it, DWade, Tim Duncan, Martell, Brandon, Greg Oden, LaMarcus, Steve Blake, Rudy Fernandez. The whole NBA wearing #23.
We could even retroactively change Byron Russel’s number to 23.
What a great idea.
by StuckeyDuck on Nov 13, 2009 1:33 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Love the sarcasm!!!!! rec!
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
by LaMarvelous on Nov 14, 2009 12:28 PM PST up reply actions
I think the MJ worship has gotten way out of hand
He was great and all, but I don’t think he even wins the “GOAT” outright. He became who he is as much from marketing as his play on the court. And off the court, he’s nothing special at all, in fact, kind of a dick.
There’s no way in hell he deserves any kind of banner hanging in the Blazer’s house. If it weren’t for him, there might be a couple more championship banners up there.
LeBron is gradually becoming the same kind of arrogant, self-important personality. What has he even done yet?
lol
there is no way in hell he deserves any kind of banner hanging in the Blazer’s house. If it weren’t for him, there might be a couple more championship banners up there.
Isn’t that why he’s the GOAT? Since he prevented so many other teams from hanging banners because he was BETTER than them?
"B-Roy is the best shooting guard I have played against"
-Ron Artest
+ an Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, and Bill Lambeer Banner.
My favorite teams are the Blazers and any team that is playing the Lakers.
by OCBlazerFan1 on Nov 13, 2009 2:45 PM PST up reply actions
No - he is the Goat because he eats jerseys!!!!
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
by LaMarvelous on Nov 14, 2009 12:29 PM PST up reply actions
+23! Entirely agree.
Except I don’t hold it against him because he cost the Blazers a championship.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
he made commercials about shoes
so he must be cool.
"Fernandez, to my eyes, is the Blazer who walks that walk most comfortably. A lot of Portland's fans (egged on, dare I say, by their local broadcasters) lament things like how Ron Artest or Yao Ming get to hit Brandon Roy's arms.
But I suspect Fernandez sees all that and thinks: We get to hit arms! Cool!"
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-39-135/On-Playoff-Experience.html
"I told Pau the Lakers never win here in Portland; I think it's great." -- Rudy Fernandez
Honor Jordan, but not like this
Change the logo up (Jerry West said he would be okay with that), give him a special section in the HOF, but I agree with what other people have said, retiring his number league wide is kind of silly. Jackie Robinson deserves this honor – what he did impacted society in such a way that’s it’s possible for MJ/LeBron/etc. to be icons of their sports, but spare me the melodrama. This just reeks of a poorlybadly thought out “passing the torch” marketing campaign…
I hate Comcast
Card carrying member of Team Bayless
I need to stop being so hard on Steve Blake. Even though I'd rather see him as a top 5 backup PG than an undersized starting SG, he's a Bazer, he works hard, he has earned respect.
The problem with that is
Jordan already has a logo that is known worldwide. It might make sense if the “N” in “NBA” was for Nike, but it would be very difficult to gain any sort of equity in some new Jordan silhouette.
Good point
Especially with Adidas having the jersey deal, putting the Jumpman on the logo is not feasible. Either way, there’s bound to be something less over the top than leaguwide retirement of 23. I think that disctincition belongs to Jackie Robinson, and for reasons having more to do with impact on thwe nation than the game. Jordan was great, but Wilt had a similar impact on court – this is what the HOF is for.
I hate Comcast
Card carrying member of Team Bayless
I need to stop being so hard on Steve Blake. Even though I'd rather see him as a top 5 backup PG than an undersized starting SG, he's a Bazer, he works hard, he has earned respect.
by blazeraddict on Nov 13, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions
I think the Wilt comparison is pretty valid
Really, what did Jordan do that was that much more special than Wilt, other than being shorter?
Might Russell have become a bit overrated? I mean, he dominated a league with 8 teams. Comparatively making it much easier to win titles.
But slowly things happen that they cannot help and the Blazers Fellowship of the Ring begins to break apart
That's actually a really fun discussion
I enjoy that one a lot. Here’s the thing. Was MJ better because he had more teams and players to play against, or was Russell underrated because each team had a higher concentration of good players to play against?
Was MJ better because more people try to be basketball players now, due to the money and fame available, or was Russell more impressive, because he played against people who loved and were passionate about the sport, regardless of money, and actually sacrificed more while play at a high level?
Was MJ better because he was in so much better shape, quicker, and arguably stronger than Russell? Or was Bill better because you compare people within their time period, and it’s arguable that Bill would still be dominant with today’s strength training and improved scouting?
FWIW, there’s a similar argument going on in the PGA, about Tiger Woods vs. Arnold, Jack, Sam and Ben right now.
Personally, I’ve accepted you can’t compare one time period to another. MJ has more points, Russell had a shorter career (not surprising considering the time period), and Russell has many more titles (including as a head coach!), so call it a wash.
Yep, he might well be.
But Wilt wasn’t at all. Look at his simply astounding numbers. Today I feel he is underrated if he isn’t considered the best ever. And the Big O in my mind is second. He “averaged” a triple double for an entire season!!
MJ was a terrific basketball player, but his status was hugely elevated through a storm of media and advertising hype and he was handed a big assist from Stern who did everything possible to make him a mega star. Jordan carried the ball all the time and you couldn’t touch him without being called for a foul. Jordan’s Rules.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
The whole idea of this pisses me off to no end
There is no reason for placing that much emphasis from one player that was the best in their era. Let’s also look at some of the other things that Jordan did.
- He bet on sports — possibly basketball — but due to his status and importance to the league these issues were overlooked, unlike gamblers in other sports.
- He came back after a second retirement as a mockery of his former self in order to try and prop up ticket sales for a team he had partially owned.
- His Hall Of Fame acceptance speech showed him to actually be a petty, nasty individual.
If you want to retire numbers sportswide, it should be because they did something to transend the sport, and made the world a better place. Sorry, but I don’t think any of us feel that Jordan is a great humanitarian. Think Roberto Clemente — a player with legendary stats, but is also to be admired for what he did off the field. From Wikipedia:
“Clemente spent much of his time during the off-season involved in charity work. When Managua, the capital city of Nicaragua, was affected by a massive earthquake on December 23, 1972, Clemente immediately set to work arranging emergency relief flights. He soon learned, however, that the aid packages on the first three flights had been diverted by corrupt officials of the Somoza government, never reaching victims of the quake. Clemente decided to accompany the fourth relief flight, hoping that his presence would ensure that the aid would be delivered to the survivors. It crashed into the ocean off the coast of Isla Verde, Puerto Rico immediately after takeoff on December 31, 1972”
by Anim8rguy on Nov 13, 2009 2:06 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
Rec'd for Clemente
I hate Comcast
Card carrying member of Team Bayless
I need to stop being so hard on Steve Blake. Even though I'd rather see him as a top 5 backup PG than an undersized starting SG, he's a Bazer, he works hard, he has earned respect.
by blazeraddict on Nov 13, 2009 2:56 PM PST up reply actions
They announced his death over the Loudspeaker when I was in grade school
It’s interesting that they did that — I was in second grad in New Jersey and the day Clemente got killed, they interupted class to announce it to the school.
I really don’t know why they did that. I can;t see them doing that if LeBron James got killed in a car accident or something.
I'll give you
That he’s petty and nasty. Even as a huge fan of MJ I can’t deny that. I don’t think I’d enjoy being friends with him, even though he was my hero. Then again, I wouldn’t want to be friends with Pablo Picasso, either, and he’s the GPOAT.
But lots of players have played well past their usefulness. I don’t think, eg Joe Montana is lessened by his years as a Chief. He accomplished what he accomplished, and it’s worthy of respect.
And as far as saying he bet on basketball – come on. Even if it happens to be true, you have no evidence.
But your central theme – that MJ is not worthy of the pedestal he enjoys – is flawed. I’m trying really hard not to be ad hoc, but MJ dominated the game for a decade. He deserved every MVP award from 87 till 98, save 94 & 95. He won 24 playoff series in a row, excluding his shortened 95 campaign. He was personally responsible for the game enjoying it’s greatest ever level of popularity, both domestically and worldwide. By the end of his Bulls career, he was drawing crowds to see him walk from the bus to the hotel in every city the Bulls toured. In fact, the Bulls sold out every road game they played for something like three years in a row.
And LeBron’s central theme – that he is basically the favorite player of nearly everyone in the league – is spot on. Kobe has unabashedly been trying to do an MJ impression since he joined the league. LBJ’s feelings are obviously well known, and D-Wade is a Chicagoin and was a kid when MJ was ruling that city and the entire game. (that covers the three biggest names in the game, save Shaq.)
It’s almost as though you’re willfully ignoring these truths because you’re not a fan. That’s fine. I understand. It’s sports & we all have our favorites and villains. But seriously, you don’t understand why MJ enjoys his place or the adulation? The only excuse for not understanding is that you weren’t paying attention for 12 years or so.
I'm saying that honoring a player, and honoring a man are two different things
You retire a number in your home court to honor the player.
You retire a number in your sport to honor the man.
Jordan was a player deserving of the honor the Bulls and the HOF have given him.
He is not the man that deserves the honor of a league-wide ban on his number.
You’re right, about me not having direct evidence about Jordan betting on Basketball, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I always thought it was interesting how just when all the rumours about Jordan’s gambling serfaced, he promptly quit basketball for a while to play baseball.
Yes, I’m a tin-foil hat wearing conspiracist — but if the league is OK with letting refs make calls to favor certain players (which you know they do) why is him leaving basketball to kill the heat any different?
Picasso isn’t even close to greatest painter of all time. Most prolific maybe. But master painters before him had the decency to destroy their crappy paintings instead of making a hundred fifty copies of them. He practically sold his signature on canvas for more than half his career. Warhol’s work was the logical conclusion of Picasso’s vapid excess. Just as the hundred or so fade away jump shooting hotheads that scatter the league are the heirs to Jordan’s legacy.
My team went to the playoffs in my first year.
"The whole idea of this pisses me off to no end" - Me Too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have just spent most of the last hour expressing how much I HATE this idea and I still not done being mad about it!
I know maybe I need to get a grip – but I don’t want to get a grip! Am am Pissed!!!!
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
by LaMarvelous on Nov 14, 2009 12:33 PM PST up reply actions
I don't rate Jordan
above Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, George Mikan, Julius Erving, or above all, Elgin Baylor (duh).
This sort of thing is why we have Halls of Fame. Retire his number? In his arena(s), otherwise not. – Elgin
Travis Outlaw, the Funnel Cake of the Blazers
ironically
Jerry West, Magic, Russell, Kareem, Bird, & The Doctor would probably all put MJ in front of themselves.
Wilt might not, but he’d be wrong. And now that I think of it, Larry Bird might be to inbred to figure it out.
Or lose one
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
You forgot Oscar Robertson.
You know, I was a huge Baylor fan too.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
Obviously, when you have jerseys from guys like Twardzik and Steele hanging from your rafters, it’s a pretty elite bunch. I don’t know who this Jordan guy is but did he ever happen to start on a team that won one championship? I don’t think so.
Peep the sig.
The Blazers should never have retired all those numbers - only 32 and 22
that said, at least those guys put on a Blazers jersey at some point. Jordan never did, and therefore has no place in the rafters of the RG
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
Larry Steele
wasn’t even a starter for most of the games he played in a Blazer uniform, especially not in ’77
(he was a good—not great—ballplayer, but few would argue he was retired # worthy)
at least Lloyd Neal overcame adversity
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I agree with Lebron.
Jordan was the greatest and most popular of all time. He’s the only basketball player ever who can say that at one time he was the most famous man on the planet (don’t believe me, check out an SI article circa 96-97. It’s no exaggeration to say he garnered Beatles level attention on the road). He brought the NBA into the 21st Century. That being said, I agree, we shouldn’t hang his number in our rafters. But how about the teams just agree not to give that number out anymore? I think that makes more sense and won’t force Knicks/Cavs fans to stare at a Jordan 23 banner in their own building.
Are there really quotes from LeBron
refering to himself in the third person?
If he wants to drop 23, fine, but he shouldn’t demand that others do it as well.
some links
http://espn.go.com/magazine/vol5no26next.html:
“LeBron stays humble by just being LeBron,”
http://dimemag.com/2009/08/lebron-breaks-silence-on-the-dunk-shaq-and-2010-free-agency/
“Nike has a no-videotape policy at pickup games. Now that LeBron is involved, it’s blown up.”
“I would have [talked with] the media. Looking back on it, without you guys, there’s no LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Tiger Woods or no Peyton Manning without the media.”
he said before continuing in the third-person, “LeBron James is saying in 2010, in Dallas Stadium, [preliminarily] he will compete.”
These are just the first 3 things I found doing a google search. I’m sure there are more
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
"LeBron stays humble by just being LeBron," - What a crock of........!!!!!!
LeBrick apparently has no clue as to the meaning of humble!!!
Which is precisely why I am one of the few that would never want him to be a Blazer.
Please don’t think this post is directed at you in any negative way douglast.
I just wanted to vent at LeBrick.
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
by LaMarvelous on Nov 14, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions
Hello No
If he wasn’t a part of the orgainization, why would you hang his number? Just plain dumb.
Chain Bayless to the bench
Truth
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
by LaMarvelous on Nov 14, 2009 12:55 PM PST up reply actions
Did he really ask everyone to hang the jersey?
I saw that he supported retiring the number league wide and/or encouraging players to not wear it voluntarily, but I can’t believe the league would actually expect everyone to hang a jersey. That won’t happen.
Personally, I think LeBron is correct. (I can’t believe I just wrote those words.) I’d also like to see every player wearing 23 voluntarily change numbers to honor MJ.
IMHO you don't retire a number and not hang a jersey they go together.
Which is why I am so against the idea.
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
by LaMarvelous on Nov 14, 2009 12:56 PM PST up reply actions
Less to do about MJ and more to do with LBJ
He’s been wearing 23 for a long time, right? He’s only switching now because he’s considering a whole jersey makeover next season. The reason he’ll switch jersey numbers is to increase hype and jersey sales when he switches team jerseys next year.
The timing is too perfect, huh? Number Six for the New York Knicks even rhymes…
There's a 6 legged Krab called "King Krab"
that’s probably why he picked this jersey number
Good Point
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
by LaMarvelous on Nov 14, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions
Just sick of Lebron
Just sick of Jordan
Just gimme Magic and Bird
I want to give MJ and LeBrick the magic bird!!!
‹^› ‹(•¿•)› ‹^›
In fact here is a magic bird for each of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
I was disappointed to discover
that after Jordan retired you could see his true colors coming through. Although he is the greatest, he’s also an absolute ego driven prick. I’m sure he must have always been this way and the NBA, Nike, and the media for the most part did a fine damn job of keeping it out of public view.
I’ve always owned at least one pair of Jordan’s shoes. As far as Nike basketball shoes go there’s no question that his shoe line was the best in design and cool factor. But after my current Jordan shoes wear out I won’t be buying anymore. Besides, I’m more into comfort now after I discovered their $160 running shoes make my feet feel fan-tastic. That’s all I care about nowadays.
When I heard of Lebron James wanting the NBA to retire Michael Jordan’s number 23, my first thought was of Martel Webster who just prior to the season changed his # to honor MJ. It may be short-lived for him. I don’t want to see a Jordan #23 hanging from our rafters. The only place where you should see such a thing is in Chicago.
Isn't this the sort of thing the Miami Heat does?
I mean, they already have Michael Jordan’s number retired. They have Dan Marino’s number retired.
That screams ridiculousness.
"Ain't nothin' in this world for free."
I think that they are just desperate to have more jerseys hanging in there arena.
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
The Celts, e.g. already retired #23...
Frank Ramsey (55-64)
Maybe we should retire Frank Ramsey's #23???????
I love being a smart alec…
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
25:24 Mins, 5-11 FGs, 9-9 FTs, +12, 5 Off, 10 Rebs, 3 Ast, 19 Points!!!! LMA vs Puppies 11-8-09
37:37 Mins, 7-12 FGs, 2-2 FTs, +18 12 Rebs, 3 3 Ast, 1 Stl 2 Blk 16 Points!!!! LMA vs Grizz 11-10-09
The league should honor MJ's number after he is dead.
Since that is, statistically, another 35 years, or so, we should just back-burner this until about 2045.
Oh, and Lebron is a ringless stupid-head.
I am an oasis of Blazer fandom in a bleak desert of Laker fans.
Bad move Bron
This makes you look really lame.
I admit I haven't read all the posts but...
…there is NO WAY I would support putting Jordan’s number in OUR rafters.
Yes the guy was a great and game changing player but not for the Blazers. It’s not a stretch to say he cost us a championship banner or two in those same rafters. He said some unsavory things about Portland and his Hall of Fame speech was an embarrassment.
If LeBron wants to change numbers more power to him but to me this idea is patently ridiculous!
MJ
Here’s MJ’s response to the idea:
—
If the NBA were to retire Michael Jordan’s No. 23 leaguewide, the newly inducted Hall of Famer says there are several more players just as worthy of the distinction.
LeBron James, who wears No. 23 for the Cleveland Cavaliers, said last week he would change jersey numbers next season in honor of Jordan, and said no other players should wear it, either.
Jordan, speaking via phone to “All Access with Ahmad” on NBA TV, said he was grateful to James for the consideration but that he would have to be among a group of players to receive such an honor.
“It was very nice, I totally understand that,” Jordan said on NBA TV. “But I’m a guy that says there is no one great player in the NBA. The NBA lasts a lot longer than one particular person so I understand what his point is.”
A leaguewide retirement is unlikely, since the NBA leaves the decisions on retiring numbers to the teams.
“Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Bill Russell all those guys should have their jerseys retired, too,” Jordan said. “I understand his gesture, but I am in the same group as those guys so I wouldn’t want to see my jersey retired unless you retire those guys. It is a compliment. I totally understand that. I appreciate LeBron for doing that and it is very thoughtful.”
Sometimes a player's greatest challenge is coming to grips with his role on the team.
-- Scottie Pippen
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