Jordan Brand Says Farewell To Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter has been a key member of the Jordan Brand for nearly two decades. Here's 

their farewell to Jeter who is retiring at the end of the 2014 season.

LeBron's Return: Compilation of Newspaper Front Pages

A LeBron James Billboard is Already Up in Cleveland

LeBron James announced his return to Cleveland Friday afternoon. This billboard of "The Chosen One" went up just hours later in downtown Cleveland:

Could Carlos Boozer Land in Miami?

The Chicago Bulls are considering using the amnesty provision on veteran forward Carlos Boozer according to reports.

This could be the break the Miami Heat need. If Boozer is amnestied, he would become a perfect fit in South Beach. He wanted to sign there in 2010 before the Heat opted to sign Chris Bosh. Now, Boozer might be willing to take less money, since the Bulls will still pay him his full $16.8 million salary if they amnesty him.

The Bulls may be hard pressed to find a partner for a potential sign-and-trade according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times.

A source said Wednesday that Boozer’s departure is a “done deal,” adding that Boozer’s camp already has been informed. There haven’t been any takers on a sign-and-trade for Boozer, and the Bulls also want the money to go in a different direction, whether Carmelo Anthony is in the mix or not.

Boozer does own a home in Miami. Could he be the guy that convinces LeBron James to stay in South Beach? There's no reason to expect that, although it would be a step in the right direction.

Boozer averaged 13.7 points per game and 8.3 rebounds per game last season.

James joins the Monday Morning Quarterback Show to Talk Bengals

James Appears on Cincinnati's ESPN 1530

NBA Finals: LeBron needs to raise his game for Heat to three-peat

When the “Big 3” came together in July 2010, the Miami Heat instantly became the favorites to win multiple NBA titles. This season they find themselves trying to win three-straight NBA championships. They’re making a fourth-straight NBA Finals appearance. If the Heat are going to join elite company, they need the best player in the world to play even better.

LeBron James is already one of the greatest players to ever play. Now, he is looking to join Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal with a three-peat of his own. James has the opportunity to show his greatness can cover up a flawed Heat roster against a well-oiled juggernaut like the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs have the better head coach, the better point guard, the better frontcourt and have a deeper bench. Can James be good enough in this series to help his Heat overcome it? The Spurs are going to force him to shoot jump shots. James, who is shooting 42 percent on midrange shots in these playoffs, is going to have to make them at a higher percentage. Why would Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich try to limits James’ drives? James is shooting 81 percent at the rim, and scoring on 69 percent of his drives in the playoffs.

Bryant was able to hit outside shots in the playoffs. Jordan’s jumper continued to improve and he embraced the challenge of having to make jump shots under pressure. Now it’s James’ turn. It’s his turn to show that he can take the next step. He is already dominant. He is the best player in the world. But, he does have limitations. If he can make jump shots early in the series it may force the Spurs to play him tight and open up more driving lanes.

James may need to average 30+ points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in this series for the Heat to be victorious. He is going to have to have one of, if not the greatest single NBA Finals performance ever if the Heat are going to get past the Spurs.

James is going to have his hands full with Kawhi Leonard. Leonard, 6’7” has slowed him down before. He held James to his worst shooting performance of the season (6-18).

Can LeBron James play at an historically great level
against the scrappy Kawhi Leonard?

In last year’s NBA Finals James shot 53 percent when Leonard was on the bench. Compare that to the 47 percent he shot with Leonard on the court and it becomes obvious that Leonard could be James’ kryptonite. His long arms and big hands make him a tough matchup for James. Leonard was named to the All-NBA Defensive Second-Team.

The Spurs are the better team. They are more determined than ever to win a championship. Tim Duncan wants to avenge last year’s defeat in the Finals. There’s only one player that can stop the Spurs from winning a fifth NBA championship. If James can pull it off it will be his greatest achievement yet. A series win would give him a three-peat and a legacy that will be solidified among the greatest ever. No one will be able to question who the King of the NBA is. He’ll have defeated the greatest organization in the NBA over the past 15 years in back-to-back Finals. If he loses, he will be 2-3 in Finals appearances. He will be apart of an aging roster with an option to become a free agent. James’ legacy will be affected greatly regardless of the outcome of this series.

People ask a lot of you King James, but it’s time for your game to reach even greater heights.