There’s arguably more talent in the NBA right now than there has ever been in any professional sports league. Still, as a socially conscious basketball fan, I’m cynical about the game’s future.

While many star athletes are notorious for arrogance, self indulgence, and bad judgment, irreverence and disloyalty are currently the fastest spreading problems in the NBA.

Sure, the free-agency era has contributed to frequent roster changes and financial competitions rivaling those on the hardwood, but never before have we seen superstars carry out such public displays of ignorance, selfishness, and betrayal.

Whether the primary motive is competitive or fiscal, there’s usually NOTHING inherently immoral about a free agent choosing to leave his team for a better opportunity. Chris Bosh and Amar’e Stoudemire demonstrated this by fulfilling their contractual obligations to their respective teams, and venturing to new organizations with class this summer.

Unfortunately, the league’s biggest star couldn’t follow their lead.

We all know about the Lebron James “Decision,” and how the Ohio native essentially led a public execution of Cleveland in front of a national television audience on July 8th. Not even NFL prima donna Terrell Owens would be egotistical or foolish enough to host such an event (if he could still get a job).

...to you being a jerk.

The only thing more surprising than the King’s blatant disrespect for the Cavaliers organization, their fans, and the rest of the NBA, was his ability to out-scum reporter Jim Gray during this PR disaster (a feat most sports aficionados once deemed impossible). Justifying this “event” as a philanthropy endeavor had the opposite effect Lebron’s “inner circle” hoped it would achieve, as live television feeds revealed tearful Clevelanders turning their Lebron replica jerseys into “HEAT” uniforms by torching the hero-to-zero’s Cavs merchandise in the streets.

The Heat is On

Now, just several weeks after James embarrassed economically-depleted Cleveland, it appears another  NBA star could soon be abandoning a different struggling location.

Chris Paul, the league’s top point guard, is reportedly demanding a trade out of New Orleans, a city which has recently endured far worse than a few mediocre NBA campaigns. While it’s hard to believe any sports stories these days (many “Lebron-Watchers” errantly vouched for “sources” all summer), Paul’s departure would undoubtedly sting the city and franchise (Hornets pun-intended). Unlike Lebron, Paul  (a three-time All-Star who led the Hornets to the second round of the 2008 Playoffs) has not played out his deal. With two years left on his contract, leaving the Gulf Coast now would make CP3 look almost as negligent as BP (not quite, but you get my point).

Of course it’s unreasonable to expect long-term commitments from all athletes in cities facing hard times. It isn’t too much to ask, however, for such glorified public figures to honor their agreements in the short run. Paul can go wherever he wants soon enough (just as long as he doesn’t ”take his talents” to ESPN when announcing his intentions), so for now he should focus on rehabbing his injured knee (CP3 only played 45 games last season) and helping his current squad in 2010-11.

There's no ME in CP3

(SIDE NOTE: While Paul has supposedly indicated he’d like to be a New York Knick, seeing CP3 in Orange & Blue would, to me, be bittersweet. Having spent some time rebuilding homes in Katrina-devastated New Orleans, I know this city and the entire region needs a beloved figure like Paul a lot more than NYC does.)

For years, the NBA has done an incredible job supporting outreach programs for communities in need of role models and support. It’s amazing to see the kind of influence young athletes (including both Lebron & Chris Paul) can have on people throughout the country and world. Players like Sacramento’s Samuel Dalembert (the UNICEF National Ambassador for his home of Haiti) have been advocates for important issues, and as inspirational off the court as they have been on it. Still, recent trends are alarming. Basketball is starting to look more and more like professional baseball, where small market teams struggle to retain stars seeking bigger paydays and spotlights.

As part of a league that prides itself on caring about its history and fans, NBA stars need to monitor their sport’s direction. If not, the league’s ambassadors may one day be even more phony than a certain announcement that recently took place in Greenwich, Connecticut.

It’s the beginning of AndrewBank.com’s second year, and here I am writing about a second straight NBA title for Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s no surprise to me that “Mamba” now has a handful of rings, or that he has enhanced his legacy by defeating the “out-of-nowhere” Celtics (while many praised Boston for being overachievers this June, they were simply regular season underachievers who hit stride after months of coasting). What may be shocking to some, however, is just how significant the outcome of last night’s Game Seven truly is.

Aside from featuring the most physical NBA play in recent memory and an impressive fourth quarter comeback, this decisive contest may have also shattered what ESPN writer Bill Simmons refers to as “The Unintentional Comedy Scale.” Watching coach Doc Rivers ass-slap ginger Brian Scalabrine after he contributed a single, spirited defensive sequence was almost as priceless as a homeless-looking, suit-wearing Adam Morrison embracing Kobe after the final buzzer (the fact that this washed-up, 2006 NCAA Chevrolet Player of the Year now has two more rings than Patrick Ewing and Karl Malone combined is as hilarious as it is startling).

White Men Can Wave Towels

I nearly had a laughter-induced heart attack while watching Rasheed Wallace and Ron Artest (the league’s two most notorious players since Dennis Rodman) trade clutch threes in the final minutes. I can only imagine the look on commissioner David Stern’s face, as I’m sure he must’ve been very proud.

In a year when University of Texas QB Colt McCoy gave one of the most heartfelt (and awkward) postgame interviews of all time after the BCS Championship Game, Artest upped the ante with an awe-inspiring ode to his psychiatrist, and an infomercial for his newest “single.” Who needs Disneyland, anyway?

Last night’s victory cements  Kobe Bryant’s place as the NBA’s greatest active player (he’s now surpassed Tim Duncan in my mind), and one of the 5 to 8 best ever (he’s not quite MJ, Magic, Bird, or Russell, but he’s close). Even though Kobe struggled offensively throughout most of Game Seven, the league’s alpha dog demonstrated that even he can occassionally play Ringo and win with a little help from his friends (Artest, Pao Gasol, and Phil Jackson fulfilled the roles of John, Paul, & George, respectively).

Ringo & Paul?

Other players’ legacies were altered by Game Seven as well. Like Kobe, Derek Fisher also won his fifth ring, placing him closer to Robert “Big Shot Bob” Horry on the sport’s list of clutch role players. Artest, love ‘em or hate ‘em, will now always be a champion, and Gasol has added more credibility to his impressive Hall of Fame resume.

As for the Celtics, future H.O.F. players Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett missed out on the opportunity to become true Boston sports legends (while Pierce will likely go down as one of the greatest to ever wear the Green & White, he needs multiple rings to join the ranks of “Larry Legend,” Bill Russell, and Kevin McHale). With “The Big Three” growing older, it’s possible that he’ll never get this close again.

Jack Nicholson's Boys CAN handle "The Truth"

Strangely, the legacy that changed the most last night may belong to a player who wasn’t on either sideline. Kobe’s fifth championship and second Finals MVP adds to his historical image while detracting from that of his former teammate Shaquille O’Neal. For years, Kobe was criticized for never being able to win without “Kazaam,” but now it’s just the opposite (although Shaq did win a title with D-Wade in 2006, he hasn’t reached the finals since…even with Steve Nash in Phoenix and Lebron James with the Cavs).

While Kobe’s skills and legacy are improving, Shaq’s are both deteriorating. I get the sense that the former Magic, Laker, Heat, Sun, and likely soon-to-be ex-Cavalier will be remembered more for what he could’ve been, than for what he once was.

From Student to Master

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With the most highly anticipated offseason in NBA history beginning with next Thursday’s draft, there’s a lot of uncertainty about where the Lakers, and rest of the league’s teams are headed. With Phil Jackson undecided about whether he’ll return for a run at a dozen coaching championships (he only needs one more), and the most talented free agent pool of all time, many teams will undergo personnel shifts that will alter the landscape of the basketball world.

The biggest story of the offseason is obviously the fate of Lebron James. As the self-titled “ringleader” of the 2010 free agent class, an unparalleled domino effect will kick in sometime after July 8th (the day unsigned players can officially join new teams) when the King decides where he’ll place his castle.

King Without a Castle...

While money, ego, fame, location, and likelihood of winning will all play a role in Lebron’s choice, nobody knows for sure which will take precedence. Whether he stays in Cleveland or sets up shop elsewhere, no free agency decision in sports history will be more scrutinized.

As a Knicks fan, I’ve waited over a decade for the opportunity to land a franchise-changing player of this caliber. Signing Lebron would instantly make my favorite team a title contender. More importantly, it would make the Knicks relevant. Still, if New York’s unable to land ‘Bron, I’ll do my best to appreciate the excitement of an offseason that will likely be more entertaining than any on-season I’ve suffered through during the past ten years. With other stars like Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, and Joe Johnson available, there will be multiple winning teams this offseason. I can only hope that at the very least, the Knicks are one of them.

In a summer filled with questions, one thing is certain. Regardless of where Lebron and the rest of the free agents move, the Lakers will still be the team to beat in 2011. Kobe wouldn’t have it any other way.

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*For the hell of it, here are my 2010 NBA free agency predictions…

LEBRON JAMES:

Lebron should swallow his pride and make the intelligent basketball decision of joining the Chicago Bulls. He’d have the sidekick he’s always needed (Derrick Rose), and other talented veterans (Noah, Hinrich) to help lighten his load. With defensive guru Tom Thibodeau coming in as coach, The Windy City would be the ideal fit.

Robin to Lebron's Batman?

Still, I don’t believe Lebron will join the Bulls. While it’s Kobe Bryant he should be chasing, it seems like James is most often compared to Michael Jordan. For this reason, I just can’t see Lebron embracing the franchise MJ built.

I’ve always believed Lebron would remain in Cleveland or sign with my beloved Knicks. Unless Cleveland’s able to lure a big name coach (Phil Jackson, Mike Krzyzewski, John Calipari,) before free agency begins, I believe my dream will become a reality.

DWYANE WADE:

If Miami’s able to bring in Amare Stoudemire, D-Wade should and will remain with the team that drafted him. Although it would be cool to see him in his hometown of Chicago, this doesn’t seem likely.

CHRIS BOSH:

Many experts believe Bosh and Lebron are a package deal. I think this is only possible in New York, where both would get to play side by side in a major market. I can’t see Bosh agreeing to play in Cleveland, and it’s unlikely the Bulls would be able to bring him in as well.

Like Tim Horton's, Bosh will surely be moving from Canada to the U.S.

AMARE STOUDEMIRE:

Amare will stay in Phoenix or head to Miami to join Dwyane Wade. While he thrived under Mike D’Antoni, I don’t think New York is in the cards for the five-time All Star.

JOE JOHNSON:

A great fit with the Nets. A backcourt of Johnson and Devin Harris would be dangerous with the size coach Avery Johnson’s team will have at the forward and center positions. If he doesn’t end up in New Jersey, I expect Joe to be a Knick.

DIRK NOWITZKI:

A Dallas lifer. Can’t see Marc Cuban letting his biggest asset slip away.

DAVID LEE:

I’m not giving up on Lee as long-term Knick. If New York is unable to snag Lebron, I see them finding a way to keep David at a price that will satisfy both parties. Many expect a sign-and-trade deal with Toronto, but would Lee really want to play for another struggling franchise after all of the losing he’s endured?  Lee deserves his payday, but has the opportunity to join a winner. He should take it. Portland and Oklahoma City would be great fits for the 2010 first-time all star.

A Working Class Hero is something to LEE

CARLOS BOOZER:

A great fit in Portland or Miami. I see Boozer being one of the later free agents to sign, as his market value will increase when the other free agent bigs sign elsewhere.

RUDY GAY:

Rudy would be an excellent complementary piece on a winner. Struggling teams may panic and offer him Ben Gordon-like money (the Pistons were last off-season’s biggest losers), but he’d be a great asset on a team like Phoenix where he can run the floor with an elite point guard. Gay is a great sign-and-trade candidate, because of the unique skills he could bring to winning organizations lacking cap-space.

TRADES:

While free agent signings and increased player experience will help many teams improve next season, established veteran-filled teams like San Antonio and Dallas will need to adapt in order to stay competitive. Neither team has the cap room to compete for elite FA’s, but both will need to be creative if they want to contend with the personnel of up-and-coming teams like Oklahoma City and Portland. The Tony Parker to New York rumors are out there, and I can see a three-way trade being made to help make this happen.

Desperate House-Husband in NYC?

Next year’s free agent class may impact this summer’s moves as well. With Carmelo Anthony expected to re-sign with Denver, the premiere 2011 free agent will be Chris Paul. It’s unlikely that CP3 will extend his contract with New Orleans, so there is a small chance he could relocate sooner, rather than later. Watch out for teams like Houston (who would part with Aaron Brooks and draft picks) or Dallas (Jason Kidd can’t run the show forever and Dirk will need a future running mate) who could make strong efforts to acquire the second coming of Isiah Thomas.

It’s fascinating how professional sports’ two primary “alpha dogs” (Tiger Woods & Kobe Bryant) are so similar. In addition to being Nike Family siblings, both polarizing superstars share a certain personal coldness that’s only rivaled by their individual greatness.

Tiger and Kobe clearly know what it takes to win (14 PGA major wins and 4 NBA titles, respectively), and they also possess unparalleled drive to add to their distinguished resumes.

Their hunger for athletic conquest is so intense, that it often makes them seem inhuman. Watching Tiger and Kobe hunt for birdies and baskets is sometimes reminiscent of the T-1000 chasing John Connor in 1991′s Terminator 2: Judgment Day (I can’t help but think that Governator is going to one day come down from his Staples Center suite and block Kobe’s path to the lane while mounted on a Harley).

John Connor?

Despite their global fame and success, Tiger and Kobe never conveyed the authenticity or fun that their rivals and historical predecessors were able to master. While Tiger dominated Phil Mickelson for most of his career, he was never able to truly relate to his fans like the affable “Lefty” does. Similarly, Kobe lacks Lebron James’s  outgoing, larger-than-life media image, perhaps contributing to many “experts” thinking King James is the superior player (for anyone watching the 2010 Playoffs, this is clearly untrue). Regardless of  being the closest thing we’ve seen to Michael Jordan on the court, Kobe will never match #23′s level of global super-stardom (somehow I can’t see Kobe suiting up with the Tune Squad anytime soon). Still, I don’t think this bothers him much, as the only thing on Kobe’s mind right now is undoubtedly Championship Number Five.

A handful of rings after this year?

Perhaps Tiger and Kobe simply care too much about the record books to concern themselves with their public images. To a degree, they are probably right in being this way. Maybe we do place too much emphasis on our favorite athletes’ personal lives, instead of celebrating what it is that really makes them stand out. Re-examining our values and expectations may be necessary when it becomes nearly impossible to tell if we are watching  ESPN or TMZ.

While I’m enrolled in this school of thought, Tiger and Kobe must each understand that there is NO divide between their personal and professional lives. One’s athletic legacy is as directly shaped by actions off the court/course as it is by triumphs on them. If neither comprehended this reality early in their careers, both must surely get it now.

When Kobe Bryant faced sexual assault charges in 2003, he was forced to repair his image and relationships with fans, teammates, and sponsors.  Seven years later, Kobe seems to have accomplished this difficult feat.

Now, it’s Tiger who must do the same. While his “charges” are less serious (legally), surmounting his shitstorm will likely require even more commitment and focus. Without teammates to support him, Tiger must tame himself in order to restore his legacy and the prominence of his entire sport!  The NBA can survive without Kobe, but the same cannot be said about the PGA without it’s only active legend. It’s fitting that if Tiger Woods ever wants to surpass The Golden Bear’s (Jack Nicklaus) record 18 major tournament wins, he will have to essentially become a “Golden Boy” again.

Can Tiger tame himself?

Tiger and Kobe can learn a lot from one another. In fact, they may be the only individuals who can understand what makes both of them exactly who they are.

** Blogger Evan Klonsky inspired me to write this post with his most recent work, From Robert to Eldrick. Check this out for a closer look into the mind and world of Tiger Woods.**

The 1st of July---Lebron's "Independence Day"

Check out this New York Magazine article explaining why Lebron James should change this in 2011.