Apparently there was a good detailed discussion last night on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” program about the problems with the current makeup of the Cleveland Cavaliers. While I did not catch the discussion on the Cavs that the TNT guys (who are very entertaining by the way) had last night, I have my own opinions on the topic. Personally, the more I watch the Cavs play the more I think that part of Cleveland’s problem is that Lebron overdoes trying to get his teammates involved (not bashing him, just my observation). I mean, he is the superstar so needs to want to take shots on every play.

If a player driving to the hoop is fouled and as he glides in on a continuation play for a layup gets fouled again, thereby preventing the bucket, he gets only two shots. This rule gives defenders a free license (in fact they have an incentive) to foul during the continuation period. This doesn’t seem logical to me. If a player is fouled after an initial shooting foul, he should receive the number of foul shots equal to the total possible points in an “and one” scenario (i.e. three foul shots for a two point shot, and four foul shots for a three point shot). Not only do I think that’s more fair, but it would also protect players who might otherwise be defenseless after the initial foul.

Bulls vs. Celts 2009 has involved 4 overtime games, one double overtime and one triple overtime. Five of the six games have been decided in the last possession. The series has featured a see-saw battle between two young and quickly upcoming point guards, Derrick Rose the rookie and Rajon Rondo the previously overshadowed. There have been ugly fouls, controversial endings and the usual inconsistent NBA refereeing. Bulls vs. Celtics 2009 has seen two major American sports cities engage in sports civil war. The best part, the series isn’t even over yet as there is still one more crucial game to go.

In a society that often immortalizes sports stars, it is quite common to hear die-hard fans praising some specific skill or skill set associated with their team’s star athlete.  Whether its praise of the 4.3 forty time displayed by their team’s #1 draft pick at some meaningless combine, or the legend of Michael Jordan’s large hands, fans spend countless hours …