Michael Jordan: Where Relevance Happens

What do LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Peirce, Carmelo Anthony, Joe Johnson, Deron Williams, Andrew Bogut, Steve Nash, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, Tim Duncan, Derrick Rose, Brandon Roy, Marc Gasol, David Lee, Danny Granger, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Andre Iguodala, Rodney Stuckey, Yao Ming, Gilbert Arenas, Tyreke Evans, Al Jefferson, Monta Ellis, and Brook Lopez all have in common? They are the face of their franchise. They represent their respective team and are what sports call "franchise players". Some teams have better franchise players than others and a few have two or even three but nevertheless each team has one. Except for the Charlotte Bobcats. We can make the argument that Stephen Jackson is the franchise player for Charlotte but outside of him there really isn't anyone else. And besides Jackson is not a franchise caliber player. Yes he does bring scoring. Yes he does bring defense. Yes he does bring play making. Yes he does bring experience. And most of, yes he does bring leadership. But Captain Jack can not potentially carry a team. It's just out of the question. For the first few years in Charlotte, the obvious franchise player was Emeka Okafor, but he hasn't developed much since and failed to reach his expectations. Gerald Wallace is the team's only all star in the club's history but he would be a better third option for a contender. The team has gone through it's history without any history and because of this reason we will now know of them as the "Charlotte (Enter Team Name Here)". This drought, however, looks like it will come to a near closing once the team finally clinches a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history.
When Michael Jordan, the president of basketball operations, named Larry Brown to the head coach position for this team it was predicted that a roster rehaul was in order. Sooner rather than later the (Enter Team Name Here) began making it's makeover. Along with drafting DJ Augustine, Alex Ajincia, and Gerald Henderson; Jordan managed to move Matt Caroll, Adam Morrison, Jason Richardson, Shannon Brown, Ryan Hollins, Flip Murray and Emeka Okafor for Tyrus Thomas, Boris Diaw, Tyson Chandler, DeSagana Diop, and Stephen Jackson.
Then immediately the culture of the Charlotte (Enter Team Name Here) changed when Michael Jordan became the majority owner of this franchise. Obviously the roster features a supporting cast of players directed by a hall of fame head coach in Larry Brown. The path of the team is unknown. And Jordan's status in the front office is unclear. It's likely he'll hire a new personnel, including a new GM and possibly head coach if Brown decides to leave, as MJ should be a very busy owner trying to turn this ball club around.
Before the (Enter Team Name Here) were established as an expansion franchise, there were already issues with the team. The previous majority owner, Bob Johnson, dealt with lots of criticism surrounding the team and the city. He was accused of naming the franchise after himself but has since declined any truth behind that. He also was criticized for not investing in his own club and acquiring the proper talent that would obviously cost a high price but would likely lead into great reward; being a winning team. After Jordan's ownership was approved by Commissioner David Stern and the league office, Johnson felt the need to express the frustration with the city, the fans, and it's business owners. Not to mention how George Shinn was forced to move the former Charlotte Hornets to the city of New Orleans because of reasons including poor attendance and problems with it's home arena.Throughout their short stint, the (Enter Team Name Here) have constantly faced the problem of lack of attendance. What I suggest is the team cuts Stephen Graham and Jordan signs himself while rocking the number 23 jersey. Not only will the team sales in uniforms rise but their attendance will rocket into the sky as most Carolina residents will fill the stands for a chance to see the one and only Michael Jordan playing as the very first team owner/player. Or Jordan can possibly sit back and relax as an owner and recruit big name free agents, such as the likes of LeBron James or Dwyane Wade, to play for him while his godliness presence presents an unbelievable opportunity players their ages can only dream of.
In recent years I have always had somewhat of a fascination by the (Enter Team Name Here) and have always kept them on my playoff predictions in the preseason with the exception of this season. Finally the year I slept on them, this underdog unit looks like they'll enjoy their ride into the postseason and for once they can begin to build some history.
Heading into the playoffs the only consistency the (Enter Team Name Here) have managed to accomplish is their ability to be inconsistent. They have proved that they can defeat the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Boston Celtics, and the Los Angeles Lakers but meanwhile continue to lose against teams below .500, including two losses to the low sorts of the New Jersey Nets. Although their record on the road doesn't do their team's talent justice, if they can toughen up and manage to get things together they could pull off a first round upset.
If Jordan can give the "Jordanians" the desire and drive he once had then he can once again begin a new era in the NBA as an owner and erase any mistakes he had in the past questioning his decision making as a man in the front office. He can take this team further than he may even know. But don't worry. I think he knows how pressure tastes.

Houston We Have Lift Off

Notice the allusion right off the back? I wonder how many times we heard this in a movie and/or book possibly where a protagonist somehow reaches the climax of the plot. For the Houston Rockets this is the exact same scenario. In previous seasons it has been do or die for the Rockets. It was do when Tracy McGrady was brought into town for the uncoachable Steve Francis and his sidekick, Cuttino Mobley. When Jeff Van Gundy couldn't succeed in taking Houston past the the depthless Utah Jazz he was fired and replaced by Rick Adelman. Of course team owner, Leslie Alexander thought it was do for Adelman, but he too was unable to incorporate an offense revolving around McGrady and Yao Ming. Other players on the roster became stagnant and were unable to take advantage of their small roles. However, Rockets' GM Daryl Morey had a plan. A plan with little fault. A plan so fool proof not even a fool could mess it up. It had been well calculated and formulated into a blueprint of perfection. It was almost as guaranteed to work as a Joel Osteen self-bettering book. Through cunning trades and sly draft picks, Morey kept the Rockets relevant. While powerhouses in the NBA's Western Conference slept peacefully at night, Houston was at their children's bedside; petting their hair and properly tucking them into bed softly promising "Everything is gonna be ok. Don't worry about daddy. He's gonna have to learn not to sleep on us anymore. Its not your fault, nor his. What do you expect him to do? He's absent minded." And before they kissed them on the forehead goodnight, they left a note to the parent, warning them that they in fact know where their children sleep at night. But they guessingly figured Houston was playing a game of poker. What would you do when an enemy who seems all but a threat to your goals is potentially bluffing? 22 wins in a row and a 7 game second-round series with the eventual NBA champions later nothing has changed except the renovation of the culture in Houston's locker.
Ron Artest is gone. Rafer Alston is gone. Tracy McGrady is gone. Dikembe Mutumbo is gone. Carl Landry is gone. Von Wafer is gone. And Yao Ming is sidelined with a serious foot injury. With Luis Scola clearly the best and most experienced player on the roster since acquiring Kevin Martin from the Sacramento Kings, the Rockets look like they're in position to make a run next year at the NBA Championship when Yao returns to full health.
The back-court provides much youth and a loaded offensive explosiveness. Even though Martin, Aaron Brooks and Trevor Ariza are each "shoot first ask questions later" type players; they have much versatility and can compliment each other well on the court. Another special quality they share is their work ethic early on in their careers. Neither of the 3 were lottery picks coming out of college and not much were expected of them in the NBA. But they eventually found their place and have now come together to challenge any defense in the league. Brooks is arguably the best shooter on the team but has tendencies of taking low percentage shots. Martin is not the world's best defender but is undoubtedly the best scorer on the Rockets. He plays with a knack for drawings fouls and getting to the free throw line, where he shoots a high percentage, but doesn't usually create much offense for his teammates. Ariza, on the other hand, is the most exciting player Houston has seen since McGrady was healthy an uncertain time ago. He too has bad shot selection but is showing signs of his play-making potential with solid statistical numbers. He is a superb defender who bothers opponents with weapons such as athleticism, length, and a harassing style of play. His intangibles are highly appreciated. In regard to all these facts the engine that gets the Rockets going is Kyle Lowry. He is a special individual, with a tough game, he also defends well and collects a considerable amount of rebounds for his size. He can create instant offense, whether coming off penetration or drawing defensive fouls. He and Brooks have caused havoc in the past as one of the fastest duos the league has to offer.
Scola, who deserves his own paragraph, has taken on an entirely new role as the Rockets go-to guy after the departure of Landry. This has built his confidence tremendously and he hasn't let anybody down. Ever since his rookie season in the NBA, Scola has put every amount of effort he could into every single play. As a defender he tends to annoy the opposed and create turnovers against the other team. He can also guard the pick and roll to disrupt any flowing offense and force teams into bad shots. As an offensive player he has been credited for being one of the better scorers from out to 15 feet, where he has a reliable mid-range jump shot and a trickery array of moves in the high and low post. He has also proven to compliment Yao very well, whereas without the ball he can cut and help his guards by setting good screens.
As of right now it looks like this team will be able to make the playoffs if only a miracle can occur suddenly. This season hasn't been a full waste. Morey has built better, much more youthful compliments for the Great Wall to play around. Houston fans have plenty to look forward to next season as this summer may be even busier than most fans and analysts predict or hope it will be due to the progress of this team that has been a era in the making. So if the Red Nation can please step this way, I'm very afraid the flight has been stalled.