RED BULL KING OF THE ROCK FEATURE: THE ROCK IS COOKING IN TORONTO

Got Toronto?

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Oh Canada you're going to love this! The Rock is cooking. The incredibly underrated and beautiful city of Toronto is about to hold a qualifier for one of the most up and coming and stunning basketball tournaments. The Red Bull 'King of the Rock' tournament gives the opportunity for amateur basketball talents to spread their wings and soar above the prison walls of one of California and the worlds most iconic landmarks.

Get down to Sherbourne Common on Saturday, July 7th at 2 p.m to see the Canadian qualifier for a tournament that has 27 countries taking part in their own try-outs. Whoever makes it out of the T-Dot will be awarded a trip to Alcatraz, where the 'King of the Rock' tournament will be held in 'the yard'. 50 years after the inmates left this haunting prison island in the beautiful city of San Francisco the first sports tournament was held here in 2010 and it was basketball that locked it down.

Just ask Clint Eastwood or anybody Alcatraz used to be the place everyone wanted to escape from. Now it's more than tourists or Sean Connery that want to get to 'The Rock'. A whole host of talented ball players with their own rock want to cement their status too. They will all be broken down to one on September 22nd 2012 when the King of the Rock will be crowned. Streetball has never been this tough or tense.

So you think you've got what it takes? Can you see the CN Tower out your window or make the trip? This is your chance. There are 64 spots up for grabs and the Toronto's going to have try-outs. Play hard or go home because this single bracket elimination tournament takes no prisoners...pun intended. You've got 5 minutes...literally as that's how long the one-on-one games take before the winner hops onto the next course and the loser hops the bus. You ready to give your all to the half-court? Men and women aged 16 and over come on down and sign yourself up in the T-Dot because this registration is a first come first served basis. Arrive early to avoid disappointment and show up to hand out your own disappointments to people.

This is one Basketball tournament you don't want to miss. Time to run like DMC. Rajon Rondo is behind it...are you. The Finals and the draft are over now. By way of Toronto all eyes are on the Rock. Even Anthony Davis' and LeBron James'. Are you number one? Can you be king?

LEBRON JAMES-THE KING TAKES HIS THRONE

By Royal Appointment.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Do you hear that? Shh, shush! Listen...

...nothing right?

Exactly!

They've got nothing left to say. The critics and the haters who threw rocks at the throne and billboards in Cleveland. Nothing, nada. Zero, zilch. The King is back and where he belongs, finally atop his throne and with the crown that the young prince was always destined for but at first hesitant to take.

All hail King James.

LeBron James is finally an NBA champion. After making the biggest decision of his life last year his South Beach talents have taken him to the promised land. The Cleveland Cavaliers may be lying in hate but LeBron's moment is no longer lying in wake. Those who said he had no clutch now see him hugging and holding on to Larry O'Brien like a lost love. 'Bron, 'Bron needn't fear. The trophy belongs to him now. It's all written and engraved in the history books. He'll never lose that accreditation. He's certified.

Legends of this game like Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing and many more remained ringless. LeBron after what seems like a career in this league has finally reversed the notion that he would end up the same and at the young age of 26 he's still got plenty of primetime left to decorate the rest of those fingers. He's in his element. Legends of this game like Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley may have criticised but it's not there game anymore. It's James' game now. Sure he made a business move, but after shaking off the critics and last years tough, embarrassing loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals 'Bron showed he had the heart and soul to get what he truly needed and wanted.

You can't doubt LeBron James loves this game.

Now you can't ignore his legend too, as his legacy has added the defining chapter of his story so many critics writing him off where ready to close. Sure he didn't do it on his own. That's what happens when Basketball Avengers assemble like Voltron. The superfriends really got it together as the power of Chris Bosh and the true original heat champion Dwyane Wade helped the league and finals MVP add the trophy that really separates the basketball men from the boys. 'The Heatles' will reunite next year to try and do it all again and with a great supporting cast and road crew these guys are going to sound good for some time come. Still from Mike Miller's three's to Shane Battier's D these guys all listen to and follow their leader.

And LeBron sure did lead. Shaking off every negative thing that was said in his face or behind his back to stand firm and stronghold his success. From criticising his game to getting too personal about his appearance and personal family life people went too far...but LeBron took it further, took it higher, won the 'chip, brushed the dirt off his shoulder and took the haters down. Now the only one who can make fun of him is Chris Bosh during press time. You have to love that. Check the box-score the stats where huge. Check the play of the week the dunks where dominating. Still all of that pales in comparison to the way LeBron left it all out on the floor and cemented himself as a hardwood classic like Mitchell and Ness.

One day his time here will be a throwback and one of the new millenniums defining performances in the NBA. He beat Kobe...the 'Bron puppet can have a parade now. He beat Kevin Durant and his Oklahoma team that looked like a sure thing. After all the doubts about his fourth quarter desire, LeBron showed love back and played like a real player and professional. He made one of the youngest and most exciting teams look like amateurs. A team that beat last years Maverick champions...and as for Dallas, forget about it. After a lockout almost spoiled the league LeBron locked it down.

The man who brought so much worldwide attention to this Association and it's biggest hype since the Magic/Bird era showed he was worth the attention. Now watch the throne. This man has found the holy grail and holy trinity of NBA success. Now the MVP, Finals MVP and champion is looking to London and the Olympics. A gold medal comes next. Best believe this true athlete deserves another podium. The most exciting, and greatest player since Jordan and Kobe is more than a Heat legend that can now stand next to Alonzo Mouring, Shaquille O'Neal and of course Dwyane Wade. He's one of the greatest players this league has ever seen. If this was ever a question or a doubt then the ring has made the change. LeBron James is now an NBA champion and the crowning achievement of basketball.

The king has taken his throne.

WARRIOR-An Interview With Rodney Rogers

Where Inspiration Happens.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

In early December 2008 Rodney Rogers was thrown from an ATV he was riding in North Carolina. This terrible accident has resulted in Rodney being paralyzed from the shoulders down. This is a tragic, devastating thing to happen to anybody let alone a former athlete. Just like Parkinson's sufferer Brian Grant, Rogers now has to come to terms with the fact that the same physical gifts and athletic talent that spearheaded a very successful NBA career will no longer be the same. Still, however also just like Brian Grant, Rodney Rogers isn't going to be giving up despite this terrible adversity.

How can we tell this? How about because this man, who clocked out of the NBA after 12 seasons and without the need to earn another penny, did not just sit back and get lazy. He took a job with the Durham's Public Works Department in North Carolina. So after completing his basketball dream Rodney dedicated his time to public service when he didn't have to. Just like Brian Grant this man doesn't give up, he's a warrior too. Michael Balzarano said it best about Rodney's contribution to his new trade, "I didn't even know he had lots of money. He is very friendly, very concerned, very conscientious. We chose him because of his ethics and his attitude. He was highly motivated." Listen to the words Michael uses, 'concerned', 'ethics', 'motivated', this speaks volumes of Rodney's character; these are the characteristics of a true warrior.

Rodney Rogers was no pushover on the NBA court either. Although again like Brian Grant, Rogers was a bit of a journeyman, his career is not defined by the number of teams he played for but by the impact he made and the contributions he gave to the teams he played for. The Nuggets, the Clippers, the Suns, the Celtics, the Nets, the Hornets and the Sixers all benefited greatly from Rodney's presence, even though the Clippers was the only team that Rogers spent more than three years with. This guy was a sparkplug off the bench, a scorer in bunches and a guy that made big plays when his number was called. He was ready to go, shoot and score even straight off the bench just like other invaluable bench mob players of his time including Robert Horry and Walter McCarthy. These priceless contributions did not go unnoticed as during his time in Phoenix Rodney Rogers was named the NBA 'Sixth Man of the Year' in the year 2000.

To put it simply Rodney Rogers made big plays and big things happen to any team he played for. Rogers was part of that 1994, eight seeded Denver Nuggets team who shocked the top seeded Seattle Supersonics by knocking them out of the playoffs, the first time that happened in NBA playoff history. Rodney also that year hit three, three pointers in 9 seconds against the Utah Jazz. These are the plays that epitomize the player he is. He was able to light it up and fill up the scoreboard in seconds. Nine points in as many a second, most bench players burn through nine minutes and barely make a point. Rodney made exclamations.

Years later came the 13.8 points per game, jump-shooting, spark-plug, 'Sixth Man of the Year' time at Phoenix where Rodney would become an NBA household name. Again his contributions where key to his teams successes. This is what has come natural to Rodney throughout his 12 year career. Now though a man who is naturally active, now faces a life where it's going to be almost impossible for him to continue doing the things he's loved and more importantly, even the more routine things in life. Then again if there's one thing we've learnt about Rodney during his basketball and professional career after the NBA it's that he too does not give up.

Let's talk about why...

Q: Rodney, thank you or your time how are you? How is everything with your foundation?

A: I am well and the foundation is moving at a very slow pace, it has been difficult to get others engaged and interested.

Q: Your hard-work and determination is inspiring, especially to fellow sufferers. How important do you feel it is to influence people in this positive way despite the negative circumstances?

A: Very Important! No doubt it is a tough situation to be in, but you have to stay positive and keep moving forward and that is what I want my message to be.

Q: Could you please share with us more about your foundation and what it's involved over the years please?

A: The foundation is still in its baby steps, we still have a few puzzle pieces to put in place and once complete, we will hit the ground running. I want everything to be perfect.

Q: What reassuring words of advice would you give to those also suffering from paralysis?

A: It can be tough at times but you just have to hang in there and make the most of each day because you never know when it will be your last.

Q: Your positive inspiration influences all sorts of people even those suffering from other afflictions. Where do you draw your great strength from?

A: My wife Faye is a blessing that I will forever and always be grateful for.

Q: You recently went back to your college Wake Forest to do a talk. How great was that?

A: Always great to go back to Wake Forest. And I love getting my message out and sharing my story.

Q: Can you share with us some of your favourite memories from your star college career please?

A: Beating Duke and Carolina in the same ACC season.

Q: Shall we talk some NBA? What a career. From Denver to Philadelphia can you share your favourite memories from your pro career please?

A: Winning Sixth Man of the Year and going to the NBA Finals with New Jersey.

Q: It must have been incredible to be a part of that eighth seeded Denver team?

A: It was because we surprised Seattle the number one seed.

Q: I guess Dikembe and his huge smile lying in the court with the ball raised will be etched in your memory forever hey?

A: Yes, because he kept saying over and over that he had a dream that we were going to win. Said it over and over and it came true.

Q: Can you share with us and young ball players what it takes and is like to score 9 points in 9 seconds?

A: 8 Seconds Tim!! (BIG SMILE) Keep working on their jumpers and always be prepared because you never know when you will be called on.

Q: How did it feel to win the prestigious 'Sixth Man of the Year' award? Can you stress how important this position is?

A: Great honor - that position is critical. I feel the sixth man is like a starter and may even play more minutes than the starters. The sixth man is called on to provide a spark or lift or good defensive play when the team needs it.

Q: What do you think of the NBA these days? Who are your favourite players or the ones that remind you of yourself?

A: Love Kevin Durant but I don't see too many of them who remind me of myself. They're too soft (smiles).

Q: What was it like working for the Durham's Public Works Department especially when you didn't have to? How important do you see public service to ones community?

A: Good job that I enjoyed doing. I think it is smart to be prepared for a life after basketball and giving back to your community in any positive way is always a win-win.

Q: Rodney we thank you so much for your time it is greatly appreciated, you are truly an inspiration. Is there anything you would like to share in closing?

A: Thank you for the interview and interest in the foundation, I enjoyed the questions.

Like he said after the accident he didn't go to a nursing home, he insisted "I'm going to my own home". Telling an audience at his former alma-mater Wake Forest Rodney's displayed courage and inspiration throughout all his life's troubles, beginning with his hard childhood and through his latest tragedy. remaining as strong as ever however, Rodney reaffirms, "You just have to keep fighting." Rogers makes what he has counts, he is motivated and he works to better himself and those around him. His situation is truly tragic but to better his life this man WILL find a way. We wish you all the best Rodney.

One thing we know about Rodney is that he wasn't just your average NBA journeyman, role player. He was an exciting, tough, team motivating, big time contributors and warrior for all the ballclub's he played for. True warriors are exactly the same off the basketball court too. True warriors fight, inspire and never give up. True warriors prevail. You are witnessing this.

THE NEXT KOBE?

Like Mike...not quite.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

The next Michael Jordan? Forget that notion. I think we've already found the closest that will ever get to the greatest of all time. So the question remains.

Who's the next Kobe Bryant?

OK. There's nobody quite like Kobe and Bean Bryant is far from giving up. Even if he's approaching his mid-thirties father time is not setting in. Even if he hasn't met Larry O'Brien for two years now he is far from meeting his career maker. He's still an All-Star with a broken nose, an MVP candidate wearing a face mask. The phantom of the NBA, a spirited player with a drive and competitive instinct that outlasts any limits...even critics. Still just like another Magic Laker before him one day he'll have to pass the torch properly to a player that will have the next Jordanesque impact on the league.

The question remains who will step up and take it? LeBron James? Kevin Durant? As both top players have taken their top squads to the title deciding NBA Finals the question of who the next, top great player of this league could be decided here. With one game away from clinching his first ring to change and to finally recede the critics comments-pushing them back further than his hairline-the decision maker himself looks to be the man.

Who else but LeBron James? The back to back MVP and straight out of high-school phenomenon. Who became one of the NBA's biggest rookies and free-agents of all time. Taking more than his talents to South Beach LeBron has left Cleveland, Carmelo Anthony and all the competition behind him. He really is in a league of his own and after all the seasoned doubt and hate the playoffs and it almost seems the Finals belong to him.

Adding a championship will finally write his name in the right history. Once the ring belongs to his fellowship not even Quentin Tarantino will be able to rewrite an engraving. Maybe Robert Rodriquez should make his next commercial about 'Bron. Sure even thought the Kobe/James debate rages on, there seems to be venom running through more than the Mamba's veins. LeBron's rabid at the mouth for a victory and a clutch critic silencer. Just wait until he grabs and gets his fangs into this tournaments trophy. At 0.0 LeBron James will be the man.

That is unless Kevin Durant has something to say...and score about it. The top basket maker of the league is making more than just a point. He is right there with Kobe and LeBron in the Holy Trinity of basketball. Oh come let us adore him as we should praise the talents of a man who is that close to LeBron in being the closest thing the NBA has as the next Kobe Bryant. Slender in frame but strong in game Durant has taken the Oklahoma City Thunder from Seattle to the promised land at Supersonic speed. Even two games down Durant's potential is still a threat. Miami may be heating the Thunder up but beware the eye of the storm.

When it rains it pours and a downpour of Durant points could whet LeBron and his South Beach boys. Sure even when it rains hard in Miami it dries and warms up pretty quickly, the city is still prone for bad weather now and again. Whether they can weather Kevin Durant's Thunder storm is another matter. With hammer or Thor dunks, Iron Man durability, Hawkeye marksmanship and Banner to Hulk like strength this NBA avenger could still be the Captain America of the league and something for the NBA to marvel at. He's not ready for the dark knight yet.

Still who will rise? It's almost like commissioner David Stern is playing Nick Fury with this assembling. With the amazing Kobe Bryant watching from afar like Spiderman are senses tell us this head-to-head battle won't even be over after this season draws to a close. Think of it more like a triple-threat battle for supremacy with Kobe Bryant still alive in it too. Still as for the case of the next Kobe and the next star in the league these two individuals in their own right will have to face the greatest directly. Both Kevin Durant and LeBron James can be accused of doing that already but until they meet again let's see who will win this round. Then we may have found the best man. What will result will be a matrimony of victory. Still, then again it'll just be another engagement. Soon the honeymoon will be over and once again we'll be popping the big question.

Who's the greatest?

FINALS FEATURES: LEBRON JAMES-THE OTHER DECISION

(Originally Published in 2011)

The more important choice for LeBron.

BY TIM DAVID HARVEY

Have we run out of rocks yet? Are our arms getting more tired than Derek Jeter’s after last innings? It’s time to stop the LeBron bashing now. It’s been old. It's been over a year. Besides it had all been done like the Barenaked Ladies, one week after that infamous ‘decision’ was made, cut, printed and televised. Sure it was a hell of a way to end a partnership and start a new relationship and yeah all those NBA players whether in the locker rooms or in the hall maybe had a point. As did all the journalists, panellists and water cooler experts. Still however just like pining after an ex a year after getting dumped, it’s time to move on. Let's stop the hate, LeBron and his 'superfriends' where only a few games from being something to congratulate. They defied all their critics. Point proven?

Then maybe its time for another. Even though the lockout is halting the next season-meaning all the NBA talk where left with is surrounded by gossip-lets not get caught up with what doesn’t happen on the court. Let’s take it to the floor where another decision LeBron has considered and should make is (generally speaking) of equal importance.

LeBron James also decided that when aligning with Dywane Wade and Chris Bosh for the Miami Heat he was also going to lead this South Beach three. The versatile guard/forward should now look to spend more time next season playing point guard for Miami. Now ‘Bron would make a real good floor general for the Heat despite what people think, or despite even if people are thinking about that at all. To those people, remember its been a year. GET OVER IT!

You see rocks are still being thrown at the throne. ‘We are all witnesses’ to that, billboard or barbecue. Last season LeBron took more Heat than Miami and even the greatest distanced himself somewhat from the King. Speaking of Michael Jordan, with this move to the guard position the point is that LeBron distances himself from MJ too. Sure LeBron still is the closest thing next to a Michael Jordan these days-next to Kobe that is-but as a PG ‘Bron is more suitable for other legendary comparisons. Although Mike handled things well as an off guard.

Sure nobody will ever be ‘Like Mike’ and sure LeBron is very much his own player but what would real talk and enjoyable debate be about legends of this game without head to head comparisons? LeBron is looking to go against all critics and lead instead of follow, actually being unselfish. This is something of Magic, right? Well there have been Earvin comparisons during James’ entire career but we are talking about someone different to Magic Johnson. Besides, they may say LeBron could play all five positions and maybe in the East he could, but against a Western powerhouse like the Lakers in the NBA finals? Nah! You couldn’t see LeBron winning MVP as centre like Magic did spelling Kareem against Philly in the 1980 Finals. As strong as LeBron is, that idea is just for illusions.

LeBron’s latest career move links him more with the ‘other’ Hall of Famer he’s been compared to. This recently made outcast is now more like ‘The Mighty O’, Oscar Robertson. One of basketballs greatest pioneers, in more ways than one. Even from LeBron’s inception, with his rookie debut for Cleveland at the Arco Arena he painted like Leonardo. The canvas being a picture of Oscar greatness. Recording 25 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds and showing Sacramento that there was only one king in the arena that night as the cheers and cowbells rang out for him.

Oscar was a 12 time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First team 9 times whilst batting at an average tune of 25.7 points, 9.5 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game. LeBron is on his way to formulating these numbers already averaging 27.8 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds for a career that has already seen six all-star selections and four all first teams. LeBron has even been named league MVP one more time than Oscar but Robertson has one thing in his trophy cabinet that LeBron is yet to polish off, a championship. Now ‘Bron, ‘Bron has joined Bosh and Wade however, the weather forecast looks to change. It’s real sunny in South Beach right now with a chance of ring or even reign. Really the only thing that separates Oscar and LeBron right now is the uncertainty that two teams will be willing to retire two of James’ jerseys.

The 6 foot 5, 220 pound Robertson was big and mighty enough to play both guard positions, which enabled him to put up strong numbers across the board. LeBron is much taller and stronger than Oscar was, which helps him down low rebounding. Now we all know LeBron can score and pass too, but if he takes his NFL esque physique to quarterbacking (and I’m not talking about that State Farm, Cleveland Browns spoof ad either) expect those numbers to be even mightier.

In LeBron’s last season for the Cavs tasting wine and searching for gold he averaged a career high. This career high for the Cleveland Cavaliers was in assists. An average of 8.6 assists a game can not be over turned in the history books and even if his 29.7 points per game diminish due to sharing the ball with superstars it’ll all be for the better. This is because just like Oscar Robertson LeBron James will change the game one more time.

Sure with all this hoopla the LeBron and Kobe comparisons have stopped for the moment and so should the Jordan ones too. Not because James is for better or worse but because his game is more all round. Sure he can kill you but he uses his accomplices more too. LeBron has evolved in the NBA’s big picture with Oscar magic, en route to looking for the NBA academy's greatest reward. Sure ‘Bron’s no look away, behind the back, every time kind of Johnson and even the Kings not regal enough to be the heir to the Cincinnati Royal’s throne, but make no mistake LeBron James is still this good. He is his own man and more importantly to all the doubters out there he’s his own legend. Word to Will Smith.

On a basketball level when LeBron James plays point guard his physical gifts will present his teammates with the opportunity to receive everything they want this year. With LeBron waiting on Bosh and Wade he will serve opponents with a table full of offensive dishes. On a basic level Youtube fans needn’t fear. Now with the D closing on D. Wade and the inside doubling on Bosh, James can still drive to the hoop and find his range. That is if he doesn’t look for Miller, James Jones, Chalmers or any other of the Heat’s many outside threats, because remember LeBron’s versatility isn’t false. He’s a true point guard with a Basketball IQ as smart as Steven Hawking leaving opponents Forrest Gump dumb.

LeBron led his band of Miami brothers last season so it makes sense to put him in the driving seat. After a great inaugral season his superstar team look to drive for another championship, so it's only right LeBron shifts gears. Sure there are clutch, crucial times in a game where a franchise player must take over but that's why James has two more of those guys on his side. Plus if Miami need to switch the kings position they can rotate the squad and what would be more confusing and difficult for other teams to keep up with Wade and James switching and swapping their positions of power? These two kings and their major chess moves would end up making their opponents look like pawns as they try to guard two of the best basketball players on the planet. Now how earth can anybody do that?

So while Miami, run and run who better to lead this new team than the man who spearheaded the development of this refuelled squad in the first place? Now Miami was and is Wade’s team but he is more than willing to step aside in some way. He’s done it before when Miami rubbed the Kazaam lamp for a championship wish from Shaq. Plus Dwyane will be happy to firmly step his sneakers into the shooting guard role, which the point sized guard is more naturally meant for. All LeBron really needs to work on is his grasp of the ball and the offence. A big ask sure but LeBron’s already handled a lot so he can probably manage to not give this task up as well.

Overall whether it’s just for minutes of a quarter or games in a season LeBron is more than capable of steadying the temperature of the Heat offense. Doing this may not produce magic for this ‘other’ Florida team (we see you Orlando) but it sure will give us Oscar moments as LeBron becomes more like the player he was always meant to be and the MVP the league needs to see again. His own man, for his own team. Get the point?

FINALS FEATURES: DWYANE WADE-WADE'S WORLD 2

(Originally Published In 2011)

Looking after number one...or in this case number 3.

By Tim David Harvey

LeBron James made league, sports business and hater history by taking his talents to South Beach last Summer, while feeling the love in Florida but catching hell in Cleveland all at the same time. Using the same pen as Chris Bosh, James inked Miami's championship promise and the Heat's future threat. Still there was another big contact signed that very week. Sure it didn't come with a new jersey like the Carmelo Anthony rumors, (he had to wait a little longer to escape to New York) but it came with loyalty and respect. It was all about the big picture of family and the catalyst of adding even more relatives to this portrait. When the name Dwyane Wade was signed on the dotted line, this super-future was certified.

Sure 'The Heatles' would be nothing without their Paul McCartney, but they really wouldn't be s*** without their John Lennon, their founder, Dwyane Wade (and just for the record Chris Bosh is no Ringo Starr). It all begun and could have ended with him. Imagine! Dwyane Wade's wheelchair to stair lift rise back from league purgatory to playoff victory really made Miami more than just a desirable location for holiday makers during Spring break. D was and still is the centrepiece to the birth and rise of this big three. With Wade and the Heat's resurgence the Heat re-tooled to re-try to relive 2006 Championship renaissance. Two players and two regular season months later it all came together as critics arguments fell apart. Now things look even brighter in South Beach as last season saw them being the closest thing to victory outside of Dallas. Now who knows what's next? 'Here Comes The Sun'.

LeBron's decision points where (for some) as unwelcome as George Bush's autobiography. Still as the hate boiled, LeBron's love for the game didn't simmer...neither did his talents. As he led this Miami side, he racked up the triple doubles, 'Player Of The Week' honors and 'Where Amazing Happens' moments. Still as James now relishes this villain role, let's not forget about Miami's original hero in a flash. Their real undisputed leader, a real Larry O'Brien heavyweight already holding a championship belt, already taking shots at Dallas like J.R. A real red-hot superhero to marvel at. "FLASH! AH, AH!"

Until LeBron takes the Heat to places Wade can't it's Dwyane's team. With that being said however, it isn't about rivalry down in the superstar welcome Miami. The hate is left outside like the competition. LeBron and Dwyane (and Chris) will work together for their classics and their dominance like Lennon and McCartney wrote for theirs. It's time for this fantastic Heat three to get their flame on. Voltron doesn't form without all it's components. Kobe isn't scared of anyone, but he certainly isn't afraid of one man. Still years back, the one man who was able to run rings (literally and championship figuratively) around Kobe, season after season, Christmas Day after Christmas Day was Wade. It will be Dwyane's presence two that helps give Miami the gift it really wants. To beat the Lakers and everyone else this year, when last Christmas is permanently in the rear view and next December 25Th is still around six months away.

Sure everyone from blogging critics (except this one) to NBA legends have written James off. From soundbites to rap lyrics, people have bitten and put a wrap on the love for LeBron. Rocks have been thrown at the throne and billboards have come hurtling down like derelict buildings. Still, LeBron isn't the only guy to have been unfairly written off. Chris Bosh knows all too much about this injustice, but that's for another article (look it up. It's here). Dwyane Wade has also felt the lead of the ever changing perspective of a critics pencil. As a matter of fact, so have every player suiting up in the red, white and black. Still, just like his two 'superfriends' Wade's criticism comes with little ground. Look at everything this guy has made up and overcome over the years. From the cellar to a championship, and all the way back down the hill and potentially all the way up again.

'Bron, 'Bron may have the celebrity endorsements, but Jay-Z or no Jay-Hova, Wade has started this new dynasty. LeBron may be the star of stars, but Wade is the recruiter of stars and the saviour of franchises. James may be league MVP, but Dwyane was the best All-Star this year. Just ask a record number of fans in Dallas. LeBron may have the dunks and triple doubles, but so does Wade running the court like 'Ironside', no matter the affliction. From basket, to basket. Offense to defence. Spring sneaker blocks to air-born-again dunks. Circus shots to clutch shots. Wade has a world of talent. He has it all. Strength and speed, vision and savvy, will and unselfishness. A man with star power but a team player also. A true two-guard. Not a shooting guard in a point guards body but a real swingman like the expensive jerseys, classic like 'Mitchell & Ness'. Authentic and real, beyond a champion. See the point?

Sure LeBron may tweet about how "Karma's a b****", but it's the Kings dawg that really is getting what comes around...in a good way two. LeBron can us Twitter to chirp back all he likes, (he's earned it) but it's Dwyane's character, across his NBA history timeline that really has earned him the full capacity of his just deserves. Wade has been through it all. From being a lottery pick on a post-'Mourning' franchise, who really thought they had punched their last ticket, to championship banners. From the downsizing of the big fella, to Pat Riley's slick exit upstairs. From Antoine Walker shaking the law instead of his shimmy, to 'The Glove' finally coming off. Wade's won and lost, saved a lot and paid the cost. Now he's boss. Time to fire back at the hate and trump the young apprentices.

Still, now with new friends, possibilities and hopes, this young fellas time really is now. He was before his time in '06 but now the clock still ticks in his favour. From the power of Bosh to the king's royal decree, Dwyane's next appointment could well be with Larry O'Brien. Sure no trophies for next season (if there even is one) have been engraved yet, but sometimes even the distant future already appears written. From 1 right through to 15, Miami can get it done. Still it's Miami's number trois that is the number one, first and foremost leader of their big three. As this Heat team show no signs of cooling down, the pressure will be on Wade to lead by his previous legacy and example. With everything this guy has done and will do however, the forecast is set for even hotter times in this boiler room of young talent in South Beach. Miami's two biggest purchases of the Summer may be what drives this Heat family to the championship, but still it's Daddy's favourite, Miami son that will have his hands on the steering wheel. Besides, it's Dwyane's world after all.

FINALS FEATURES: CHRIS BOSH-POWERED BY BOSH

(Originally Published in 2011)

From CB4 to Number 1.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Three's company, but sometimes a crowd. This is because at times when looking at a group thrice nice we may only think twice and miss one out. Take the Rat Pack for example. Sinatra was king and Dean Martin was every ladies favourite, but what of Sammy Davis Jr? Well even if he was in the shadows, he was still just as good as the rest. Ol' blue eyes was the man but Ol' Sam was effortlessly cool and without him there would be no 'Eee-O Eleven'. That's kind of what it's like with Miami Heat's own Rat Pack. LeBron has to be Sinatra, while South Beach favourite Dwyane Wade is just as good like Dean Martin. This leaves Chris Bosh as Sammy, but just like Junior Bosh is no third wheel and that's as real as the apple juice in Dino's glass.

See now this Miami team are feeling like family this Christmas, it's clear Wade is the leader and 'Bron the decision maker, but Chris is their presence in the post. The extra element and dimension Miami need to take them from contenders to champions and consideration to everyone else's commiseration. Whether he's considered hot or cold, Bosh is still raising the temperature of his game, just like he did when he made Toronto Raptor fans forget about Vince Carter. Sure those cool cornrows, come dreads may have turned into a Wade cut but Bosh's game still looks just as good.

Over the past few years Bosh has belonged to another trio along with Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire. A tandem of frontcourt power players that just look scary in the paint with the way they fly like guards, but dunk like Shaq's. Sure with the rake thin Bosh you may look at Dwight's physique and two handers and then at STAT's and think, NAH! Don't get it twisted however like Bruce Lee, Bosh is all muscle and for strength in plays just check out the dunk he unwrapped on the Lakers last Christmas day above L.A.'s trees. This tough forward thinking player can take the Heat past Amare's Knicks and Dwight's Magic.

Everybody loved Chris in the T-Dot. He carried the team, his city and the country with only one basketball franchise on those spindly shoulders. Sure he had a lot of help and talent in Canada (especially in '06) but not like this. Now in South Beach this former Northern light has to share the ball and the limelight with a Heat legend and one of the best ever. So sure he's going to be a little disregarded like the cold receptions he'll expect back up at the Air Canada Centre but Bosh is still a bright light in all this stardom. Miami's new sheen is not about two and a half men.

The original big three of recent memory was in Milwaukee. Sam Cassell, Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson were huge in the late 90's/early noughties and just like the Buck stopping with Robinson, the Heat are a little colder without their big dog. The 6, 11, 235 pound, worthwhile talent still averaged 18.6 points and 8.20 rebounds per last season. This is huge, especially when he shares the ball with a roster full of talent and two guys who could both hit 40 on any given Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. This guy is no 20 and 10 threat, he's that, and a regular double, double promise. Chris Bosh was also resolute that this new year he'll average 10 boards. Now he's doing everything and still vowing more. He's even got his Shaq on, dishing a 1.9 average at assists and with some Dikembe development on his 0.70 swat average, he could also soon have a block party on defence next season. With this, plus an 0.80 steal average, Chris is also looking to upgrade his D even more.

Wade may be the catalyst and LeBron the top prize, but still the free agent signing of Chris Bosh may be exactly what Miami need to really heat up the league and the history books. After Wade re-signed, it might just have been Bosh's ink that led to LeBron James' decision point. The East is more of a best these days, it's getting taller and better, but still the Miami are right up there next to the Magic in Florida, the new New York Knicks and the old favourite, Boston Irish of the Celtics and their own big three. Miami don't need any tricks or Irish luck however, the reality is even with a shaky, haters love it start, they are as good as the paper they read well on.

Don't look too much into the inconsistency this season as the Heat's talent is one constant that can't be denied. Wade leads this circus with his wild clutch shots, but organised play. While LeBron, is LeBron or some M.J./Magic hybrid, chasing Kobe. Now the final formation of this Voltron, Bosh is a frontcourt force. Bynum, Gasol and Odom better watch out and D up. Following a valiant finals effort against champions Dallas, another potential finals or Lakers/Heat series could look like good tidings next season. With Chris Bosh being that superstar x-factor that could take his new Miami friends to the promised/critically wrote off land, things are looking as open as the plays on Coach Spo's dry erase board. LeBron and Wade are a holy trinity with frontcourt cleric Chris Bosh. This class of '03 look to teach the league and the critics a lesson. Time for school. Wake up!