Whereas AI is generally seen as an outlaw, LBJ is deemed to be a happy warrior and solid citizen, and therefore gets the benefit of too many doubts. Even though their career assist-totals are equitable, James is a much better passer. Even though neither is an accomplished shooter, Iverson tends to force more shots. The NBA's publicity machine has highlighted LBJ much more than AI.The fact remains that Mike Brown has made a huge mistake when he put James into the very same role that Iverson has historically played: Dillying and dallying with the ball until he can create a shot for himself or for his teammates. However, on the basis of their opening game versus Boston, the Cavs' game plan has apparently been tweaked to allow James to play more without the ball, and be on the receiving end of assist-passes. This alteration will make him a more well-rounded player and also maximize the effectiveness of his teammates.
Travels with Charley
I was in my late 20s, living, teaching and coaching a junior high school team in Middletown, NY, when I got an offer I couldn't refuse. It seems there was a highly competitive city league in nearby Newburgh, NY, and the sponsor of one of the teams called to ask if I was interested in joining his squad. He'd pay me $35 a game, and to satisfy the league's resident-requirements he'd register me in a broom closet in the Newburgh Hotel, which he owned.
Sure.
Turned out that I averaged about 30 ppg and led the team into the championship game. We were comfortably ahead when I chanced to go up for a rebound and landed on somebody's foot, thereby suffering an excruciatingly painful ankle sprain. But when I limped to the bench, the sponsor was waiting for me.
"I can't go," I said. "I can't put any weight on it. Is there any ice available?"
Whereupon he started screaming at me. I was a wimp! A coward! If I didn't finish the game, he'd tell the local police that I'd blackmailed him! The cops and the judges were all buddies of his, and at the very least I'd be spending the night in the hoosegow. Then he leaned over and whispered that he'd give me another $50 if we won the game.
So I tightened my sneaker laces and gimped my way through the rest of the game. I was scoreless for the duration and we wound up losing. Afterwards, the owner stiffed me for the $35 he owed me, but I was grateful for two things: That I wasn't in jail. And that since it was my left ankle that was sprained I'd be able to drive home.
Turned out that I couldn't play for another six months and my ankle was sore for at least two years. When I did heal, I discovered that my vertical was only half of what it used to be, i.e., six instead of 12 inches.
During the first half of the season, Charley Rosen will analyze at least one game involving each NBA team and offer a scouting report.
