LeBron: Killer Instinct?

Photo Credit: AP/ USA Today

Fans love to speculate on who the best NBA player in history is. While some fans point at Kobe Bryant or Kareem Abdul Jabar, a vast number of fans have settled on either Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Of course, each side highlights their own milestones and varying factors in favor of their argument. A few weeks back, NBA Hall of Famer, Scottie Pippen, went on First Take and had a conversation with Stephen A. Smith about the matter. During the course of the discussion, Pippen pointed at notable distinction that separates Jordan from James: killer instinct.

What exactly is Pippen talking about?

Pippen, who played alongside Jordan, is touching on a mental drive that fans have grown to love. It’s a desire not just to win, but to completely dominate the game. In fact, as Pippen and Smith put it, it’s the want to demoralize your opponent. It doesn’t relent. It doesn’t give up. It’s the compulsive need to demolish whoever you are playing against that night. According to Pippen, its either you’re born with it or you’re not. To him, at least, James was not.

LeBron is one of the Greatest.

Now, in all fairness, this is merely Pippen’s opinion. There are relevant milestones that LeBron James has reached that put him head and shoulders above whole generations of players who came before him. He is still a top five of All-time player. He has four MVPs, three championships, a mountain of accolades, and at least three years before he retires. He is currently the best active player in the game, in spite of the fact that he is 34 years old. He is able to impact the stretch of a game in the way very few have.

The problem is that LeBron’s Lakers are on the precipice of missing the playoffs. His late game defense is under constant attack. Angry fans, and even certain media figures, are saying that the Lakers should even consider trading the “King.” Fans are concerned that when put between a rock and a hard place, James does not have the mentality to lead his team to greatness. He is lacking something, and that something is a killer instinct.

Can he be the Greatest without a killer instinct?

No one is arguing that Brian Scalabrine is giving James a run for his money in terms of greatness. King James is being compared to  Michael Jordan, his Airness, and it’s not enough to be great.  LeBron James is great, but so was Jordan. In fact, Jordan is considered to be the Greatest to ever do it. That is the threshold that LeBron has to overcome, and its hard see to be him doing that without that killer instinct. This is particularly true in light of the Lakers’ lack of success.

Jordan never lost in the finals. Bryant only lost twice. Abdul-Jabar lost four times. LeBron James has lost six times. However, you frame it, that’s a significant number of losses that arguably would not have happened if James possessed the instinct that Pippen is alluding to. There is a very prevalent argument here that James gives his opponents too much leeway in ways that Jordan and Bryant never would.

Now, this isn’t a debate about ability. Fans have seen LeBron dominate the game time and time again. He is in the top 10 for All-time assists, All-time scoring, and All-time Triple Doubles. He has the ability to do whatever he wants on the basketball court. This is a question of mindset, and according the Scottie Pippen, Lebron James just doesn’t have it.

In Conclusion

History is still being written and there is plenty of time for LeBron James to emerge as the best player ever. He is barely showing any signs of slowing down. Right now, with accepting to play limited minutes, James focus will probably be on next season.  However, as this season and subsequent seasons unfold, he will have the chance to prove Pippen wrong. Time will only tell if he is successful.

Lakers Trade Talks Come with Huge Downside

It is no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers have been in hot pursuit of Pelican’s superstar Anthony Davis. The 6 time All-star has finally asked New Orleans for a trade after months of speculation. The Lakers have been very clear about their desire to add another star to play alongside LeBron James and they rightfully made an aggressive effort to acquire Anthony Davis. However, effort to land Davis has come at a hefty price.

All week long, trade rumors dominated the NBA airwaves as the Lakers’ trade offers leaked. Los Angeles has offered the Pelicans their core players in an effort to nab Davis. Trade offers included Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, Ivica Zubac, Josh Hart, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and more. The Pelicans have not budged in their refusal of giving up their star players to LA.

This has clearly taken a toll on the Lakers chemistry. In a game against the Indiana Pacers, the Lakers suffered a 42-point loss… and that’s the Pacers without Victor Oladipo! The final score was 136-94 The team looked completely out of it, chemistry clearly taking a huge hit. It seems as though players feel like the organization has given up on them, and it shows.

The worst part for the Lakers is they have no Anthony Davis to show for it. The Lakers have pulled out of trade talks after the Pelicans refused to give a counter offer. To go even further, the team has already dealt Zubac to the Los Angeles Clippers, showing that the team will be moving forward. Most of the players formerly on the trading block will be suiting up by next game for Los Angeles. With half the season left, the Lakers need to rally their players and regain trust if the team has any desire to move from 10^th place into playoff contention.

Don’t Ask Kevin Durant About the Free Agency

On Wednesday night, Kevin Durant was a little more silent than usual, and the media hated it. After dropping the hammer on the San Antonio Spurs and picking up a commanding victory of 141 to 102, Durant met with reporters at the post game interview. When pressed about why he wasn’t talking as much, Durant went on a tirade about how he doesn’t trust the media and how his words are often twisted. Before leaving the interview in a heat of frustration, Durant urged the media to grow up. While fans may be quick to call him dramatic, Durant may have a point.

Not so fast, KD.

Now, Kevin Durant has a lot to be on the hook for. As many strongly hold on to, Kevin Durant ruined the NBA. By joining a team that won 73 games without him, Durant created a power shift that has allowed the Golden State Warriors to monopolize winning in ways previously unseen. Moreover, the rich simply kept getting richer, as the Warriors added Demarcus Cousins this season to make a real-life version of the MonStars from Space Jam. Of course, Durant is allowed to make his own decisions. The fans perception of those decisions is another thing entirely. However, Durant may have a point about the media’s role in all this.

“Don’t Ask me that Again.”

When it comes to things like free agency and trade discussions, its easy for us who aren’t going through it to constantly make it a conversation point. However, for the players, it’s understandable that they don’t want to constantly be bombarded with inquiries about their next destination. A lot of players, particularly Kevin Durant, are focused on the here and now, with a special emphasis on winning. He has made it abundantly clear that his free agency decision is off limits for now, a sentiment shared with his fellow player and friend, Kyrie Irving. Perhaps Durant said it best, these guys just want to play ball.

There is another side to this argument that player’s like Durant invite these inquiries. Durant is no stranger to cryptic tweets and in person subs. He has made more than one controversial statement over the years. In fact, he has been viewed as a figure who might actually like being at the center of these kind of discussions.

We all have a job to do.

The reality may be that players want to control their own narrative. It makes sense. Players like Durant, or Irving, or even LeBron have certainly reached a position where they want to tell their own story. They’re champions, players at the top of the game, and quite frankly, it is their lives. If Durant wants to call himself as the villain, then that’s what he is. If he doesn’t want to talk free agency than maybe that’s his right not to.

At no point is Durant under an obligation to answer questions that he doesn’t want to answer. So, if he makes it clear that he doesn’t want to talk about something, then perhaps reporters should leave the topic alone. Now, of course, we all have a job to do. That includes KD, and the reporters that interview him. However, Durant’s frustration is about the job itself, but about the way the job of these reporters is being done.

In Conclusion

Durant just wants to play basketball. Maybe its unrealistic for him to believe that in his role he’ll be able to do that without garnishing certain kind of questions. Fans may not be so inclined to believe the hype surrounding his drama. Fans may be even slower to show sympathy to a man that fans liken to a snake. Whether Durant has a point or not is purely up to us. Until Durant ultimately makes a decision or decides to talk about it himself, reporters and fans should prepare for more of these kind of reactions by Durant.

All Eyes on the Pelicans

The NBA trade deadline is only a few short days away. The League has been engulfed with news that Anthony Davis has requested a trade from his current team, the New Orleans Pelicans. While the Los Angeles Lakers have been the front runner for landing the perennial big man, other teams have thrown their hats in the ring to land him. Of course, the team is under no obligation to trade Davis. However, there is a good chance that he may bolt by 2020. Thus, if the Pelicans decide to facilitate a trade, here are three teams that the Pelicans may want to consider making a deal with.

The Los Angeles Lakers

While the Pelicans may be tempted to be petty and not go through with this deal, it doesn’t lack merit. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Lakers offered New Orleans Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, Michael Beasley, and a first round draft pick. Pelicans are speculated to make a counter offer, but it’s pretty clear that the Lakers are determined to land Davis. Getting Ball, Kuzma, and one or two draft picks may put the Pelicans in a position to really  build towards the future. With the likelihood that Davis’ tenure will be coming to an end, the Pelicans may want to take advantage of the Lakers’ desperation.

The New York Knicks

This may be more beneficial to the Knicks then the Pelicans, but this deal could also have its bright spots. The Knicks have recently went through a roster overhaul, trading away Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, and Trey Burke. In exchange they received Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, and two first round draft picks. The team is clearly in the process of hitting the reset button, and that can include landing a superstar like Davis. New York could potentially offer Matthews, the two draft picks, Frank Ntilikina, and even Enes Kanter. Once again, such a deal would put the Pelicans in a position to build towards the future, which they clearly need right now. If New Orleans chooses to make a deal, this may not be a bad one.

The Boston Celtics

This a more controversial consideration, especially given the fact that Anthony Davis’ father strongly disagrees with it. However, it could make sense for the Pelicans. Last year in the playoffs, the Celtics proved just how valuable their young players are. The whole League was put on notice that the Celtics’ rising stars are not to be toyed with. While the Celtics will likely want to keep building with the core that they have now, Danny Ainge is Danny Ainge. He has pulled the trigger on deals before despite the performance of a player, which is something that Davis Sr. has a problem with. Though, as far as the Pelicans are concerned, they may be out a star and could be enticed by the proven young talent. It may not be a stretch of the imagination to see the Celtics bundle a package comprised of Jaylen Brown, Jason Tatum, and even Gordon Hayward just for kicks. If the Pelicans received such a deal, it would be hard to see them say no.

Bonus Option: No One

Okay, so obviously no one isn’t a team, but this is still very realistic. New Orleans can simply disregard the request and keep Davis in a Pelicans uniform for another year. They really and sincerely don’t have to do anything. However, all that means is that Davis will idle through next season, or just not play at all. Having a toxic relationship grow in the locker room is something that the Pelican likely want to avoid. That being said, chances are that a deal for Davis may be completed in the next few days. However, don’t be surprised if the Pelicans simply just sit on their hands.

Concluding Thoughts

Anthony Davis is one of the best big men in the League. Wherever he goes will get a boost just because he’s on the floor. Obviously the Pelicans are going to do what’s best for them, which may include nothing. However, it cannot be forgotten that the ball is almost entirely in their court. Thus, fans and front offices alike will simply have to stay tuned.

6 MVPs

James Harden has been breaking ankles and grabbing headlines all season. Since acquiring Chris Paul last summer, Harden and the Houston Rockets have been on a major tear against almost every team in the league. Without a doubt, the Houston Rockets are the best team in the NBA right now and that has everything to do with James Harden. There is a good chance that Harden may finally take the MVP trophy home this year. However, there are a few other worthy candidates (in no particular order) that deserve some attention.

1. LeBron James

Photo Credit: Cavs Nation

There is a shelf somewhere in Cleveland that is holding four of these trophies. That shelf would be found in the home of LeBron James. James, in his 15th season, has continued his utter dominance of this league. He is averaging 27 points a game while shooting 54% from the field. He is also averaging 8.4 rebounds and 9 assists a game. All this while being 33 years old has his name right behind Harden’s for the MVP award this season. He certainly would be one of the oldest players to win the award. Regardless, his high level of play certainly should not go unnoticed and LeBron James is a worthy candidate.

2. Stephen Curry

Photo Credit: NBC Sports

Another former MVP, Curry has been leading the Golden State Warriors in scoring this season. However, he recently went down with yet another injury and will not be back until the playoffs. Averaging 26.3 points per game while shooting 42.4% from deep, Curry has been a problem for most of the teams around the league when he was healthy. Without him the Warriors are still second in the West. Once he returns, though, he will look to march his team back to the finals and demonstrate why he deserves to be a part of this conversation.

3. Russell Westbrook

Photo Credit: Slam Magazine

Westbrook is the reigning MVP thanks to his triple double berth last season. He was the first player to ever average a triple double and now it looks like he may be the first to do it consecutively. On the season, Westbrook is averaging 25.4 points along with 9.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game. He is literally 0.3 rebounds away from averaging a triple double once again. Not to mention, the Oklahoma City Thunder are fourth in the Western Conference after having a shaky start to the season. Westbrook has been the turnaround guy for the Thunder. If he continues this trajectory, even with a few games left, Westbrook could be the first player to average a triple double two seasons in a row. That historical prospect certainly earns him a spot in the MVP conversation.

4. Anthony Davis

Photo Credit: Complex

Already hailed as the best player under 25 years old, Anthony Davis has been on a tear all season long. In addition to dropping 28.2 points per game, he also averages 11.1 rebounds per game. Not to mention, he leads the league in blocks, with 2.4 blocks per game. His physical dominance demonstrated itself when he scored 50 points twice this season without relying on the three-point line. His phenomenal play has pushed the Pelicans into the playoff picture, in spite of the devastating injury to DeMarcus Cousins. Davis has been stepping up all season long and his stellar play earns him a place on this list.

5. Damian Lillard

Photo Credit: Oregon Sports News

Lillard was named an All-star for the first time this season and has certainly been playing like it. Lillard averages 26.6 points a game while shooting 44.1 % from the field. Additionally, he also averages 4.4 rebounds as well as 6.5 assists. More than anything, though, he has propelled the Portland Trailblazers to third in the West. The only teams doing better in the West than the Blazers are the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors. Lillard is right at the center of Portland’s game plan and he should not be isolated from the MVP conversation.

6. DeMar DeRozan

Photo Credit: Sportsnet

DeRozan is the best player on the best team in the East. While playing less minutes due to Toronto’s rotation strategy, DeRozan is averaging 23.6 points per game along with four rebounds and 5.1 assists. He has consistently been scoring at 45.8% from the field thanks to his athleticism and deadly mid-ranger jumper. Taking his lead, the Toronto Raptors clinched a playoff spot and hope DeRozan will be able to lead them to the promised land. That prospect and his great play make him an MVP candidate.

As the 2017-2018 season one of the above will be considered for the MVP. As the season comes to a close each of them will be fighting for the honor of taking that trophy home, either for the first time or the fifth.

Andre Oge

Can Russell Westbrook lead the Thunder back to the Finals?

Russ Westbrook got better this summer. I’ll tell you that!!!!!!!! 🤷🏾‍♂️

— Brandon Jennings (@brandonjennings) September 7, 2017

Brandon Jennings recently tweeted that last season’s MVP, Russell Westbrook, got better this summer. If anyone has seen Westbrook’s highlights from his recent summer league videos, they would know that Jennings is on to something. Averaging 31.6 points per game along with 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists during the regular season last year, it’s hard to imagine Russell Westbrook getting any better. He’s already a top five player in this league and is dominant on both sides of the ball. His killer athleticism and improved shooting only makes him all the more dangerous. If Jennings is right then it may not be too long before fans see Russell Westbrook showing off his own championship ring.

After Kevin Durant left the Thunder many thought the team would fall apart. Westbrook simply would not let that happen. Thanks to his truly spectacular play, he led the team to the sixth seed in the West. Unfortunately, the Thunder suffered an early exit in the playoffs to the Houston Rockets. That, of course, doesn’t take away from how hard Westbrook worked last year. He ended up winning the MVP over both James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, cementing his dominance over the league. Brandon Jennings’ tweet reveals that Westbrook is looking to build off of that, not slacking off even a bit this summer. He wants to dethrone the Golden State Warriors as the West’s dynasty.

Of course, a basketball team is more than just an army of one. Russell’s outstanding and exemplary play doesn’t mean that he doesn’t need to have a solid team. Last season, it was abundantly clear that come playoff time Oklahoma, as a whole, was lacking. Without Westbrook on the floor the team barely held their own. Going into the 2017-2018 season the Thunder sought to amend that by trading for perennial all-star Paul George. The 6’8 forward has been a presence in the East for years. His athleticism along with his great shooting ability will compliment Westbrook in a multitude of ways. Factoring in Steven Adams and Enes Kanter with the newly acquired Patrick Patterson behind Paul George, Russell may have a pretty solid squad standing behind him. There’s no doubt that he’s going to show up and play as hard if not harder than he did last season. With a strong team behind him combined with his top quality play, Westbrook may have what it takes to lead the Thunder back to the NBA finals.

– Andre Oge

Clipping the Clippers

For the last time, the Los Angeles Clippers led by their trio of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan failed to move past the first round of the playoffs in the Western Conference. Of course the injuries sustained by Paul and Griffin played an impact in their early exit, but the repeated failure of the Clippers prompts a reconsideration of the team if they truly wish to make a deeper run in the playoffs. The Clippers and their stars are obviously not void of options, though.

All or Nothing

Perhaps it really has been bad luck plaguing the team all of these years. On paper and during the regular season the Clippers were a pretty solid team with perhaps the smartest player in the league running the floor for them. The dynamism of their all star big men surely made them a threat as well as the presence of their sharp shooters. With some substantial players circling the free agency, this coming summer would be the time to build on the foundation of Doc Rivers, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. Then again, short of signing Paul George, perhaps adding another layer to the trio will only prolong the team’s suffering and prove once again insufficient to do any real damage in the playoffs.

Go Griffin-less

Once upon time Blake Griffin was one of the most revered and unstoppable big men in the NBA. At his position, he was quick enough to go around you or simply go over you if you got in his way. Yet, injuries have plagued him since his first season and over the years they have really began to take a toll on his game. Combine that with the fact that NBA has turned into a three point shooting contest almost every night and Blake Griffin begins to look obsolete. While I personally believe he can still get the job done, perhaps he can no longer do that on the Clippers. With DeAndre Jordan taking over as the prime big man on the team, especially with being named as an all star this year, maybe it’s time for the Clippers to part ways with their former high flier. Perhaps he’s not the only one.

CP3

Chris Paul, like Griffin, was revered at his position for years. Granted his passion and intelligence, he is still one of the best players in the league, but as of yesterday his tenure with the Clippers came to a halting stop as he was traded to the Houston Rockets . Rumors started circulating after the first round that he was looking for other options. The front runner for the floor general was rumored to be the Spurs, but Chris Paul’s desire to play with James Harden seemed to shift the momentum in the Rockets favor. His unhappiness with organization clashed with his love for them, prompting CP3 to vent on Twitter that he was overwhelmed with emotions. As arguably the best player the Clippers had, there is an apparent power vacuum in LA. With the free agency so close and players like Kyle Lowry available, now may be the best time to fill the gap. In fact, now it may be the best time for the team to start from scratch.

Reboot

DeAndre Jordan may be the only member of the Clippers big 3 to remain after this summer. With the wealth of players in the free agency, now may be the best time for the Clippers to restructure their team around a new set of stars in hopes of winning a championship. Of course no one wants to see the end of a great era, but with so many unsuccessful attempts at getting to the finals an overhaul of the current team may be the only option for the frustrated Clippers. Of course there is no guarantee that a change up will ensure them a championship, but it may their best shot at one. It’s clear that something isn’t working in LA and perhaps signing some new blood will be the best option for the Clippers to finally get that shiny circular thing that every player in the NBA wants.

The Clippers have been pretty good for a good time now, but clearly it isn’t good enough. Whether it be they sign some new players or part with their old ones or even a combination of both, something has the change if the organization hopes to win a championship. It will be sad to watch a possible split up happen, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Andre Oge

In Defense of Russell

LeBron James is the King and there is a reason Kawhi is known as the Claw. Isaiah Thomas is the 4th Quarter and James Harden stay cookin.’ All of these spectacular athletes are deserving of the MVP, but as we start the Finals, one member of the NBA upper echelon saw an early playoff exit: Russell Westbrook. Though he was unable his team to rally his team deeper into the playoffs, I still strongly believe that Russell should not be counted out of the MVP race.

The Hard Road

Since Kevin Durant left the Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell and his teammates have been fighting an uphill battle. Some even believed that they would miss the playoffs for the second time since 2009. Perhaps that would have been the case if Russell Westbrook didn’t have as much heart as he does. This guy truly believes in doing it all for his teammates and has been dominate all year long even against teams far more stacked than his own. Sure signing Victor Oladipo and trading for Taj Gibson might have helped especially with the continuous improvements of Steven Adams and Enes Kanter, but it truly was the heart and drive of Russell Westbrook that propelled the Thunder to the sixth spot in the West. With that said, how can we ignore the historical significance of Russell Westbrook’s play this season.

The Power

Many will deny his MVP status citing that he only averaged a triple double. Yet, do they not realize what they just uttered. Westbrook AVERAGED a triple double. That means on most nights he literally poured his soul into the powering his team along grabbing points, rebounds, and assists along the way. His strive for history made his teammates want to be better for him, so his amazing play was beneficial to all of his teammates as well. His athletic ability can only be compared this season to that of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. Reaching the 42 mark, Russell Westbrook now has the most triple doubles in a given season. He is like a machine but better because he has a heart and a soul that won’t allow him to give up. That being said, I think his case for MVP comes down to what he represents.

The Legacy

Losing a teammate to a good team sucks. Losing a teammate to a team that won the most games in any given season is unbearable. Most players would have allowed their teams to drop off or leave as well so that they could begin the rebuilding process, but not Westbrook. He took an impossible situation and used it to make history. He played with an unmatched fire and ferocity that can only be marveled at. Yes, it’s true that the Thunder saw an early playoff exit, but that will only encourage Westbrook to come back stronger and better than before. His play this season represents the compassion, drive, and desire that every NBA player should exude. His fire breathing, rim rattling, triple double getting essence catapulted him to a historic season. 

With little time left before the announcement of the 2016-2017 MVP, Russell Westbrook’s name should not be overlooked. Of course James Harden, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, and Isaiah Thomas are all deserving candidates for the honor, yet Russell Westbrook is as equally deserving if not the most deserving. His season was off the charts and I firmly believe that his hard work should garnish him the MVP award for the 2016-2017 season.

–Andre Oge

Ask Your Child If They Like Baseball: The Decline of Baseball Among Kids

Most of the sports fans I know are basketball and football fans. I know very little avid baseball fans. I am 20 years old. This is not just me happening to know a lot of football and baseball fans. This is not a regional thing either. It’s because I’m 20. Most young people do not cherish the game the way young people used to 50 – 100 years ago. I don’t know anyone that collects trading cards. I don’t know anyone that honestly has a favorite baseball player (although I know some Yankee and Mets fans), but I know a lot of Russell Westbrook and Tom Brady fans. Baseball isn’t a sport that is a goner. You still have a lot of people in this country that enjoy the sport. However, most of them are old. You still have people that watch the games, but mostly at the ballpark not as much on TV. The fact is that baseball is declining. Why though?

Let me be clear. Major League Baseball is thriving. They’re doing what a business supposed to do, make money. However, BASEBALL is declining. The sport itself is suffering. How is this possible? It’s possible because the kids don’t like it like they used to. The children are our future. Sports are something that is passed down from generation to generation. I am a Knicks fan because my parents are Knicks fans.I am a Mets fan because my dad is a Mets fan. I am a Jets fan partly because my dad is a Giants fan. However, there is brick wall between the younger generation and the older generation when it comes to the sport of baseball. The MLB can make all the money they want now, but when it’s time for the younger generation to spend money, they’re not going to be thinking about baseball. They don’t play it. They don’t watch it. They are not about it.

Many people blame the fact that the sport is too long (which it is). Many people blame the fact that you need so much equipment and a suitable area to play in comparison to other sports (which is true). I heard a new argument today from somebody that works in sports broadcasting that because there’s so many games and they’re all on TV that the American people almost take it for granted. It isn’t a must see event like football being the once a week event that it is. This same person said that the best players are almost always in the championship games in other sports and they are always there whereas one really good player will only hit around 4 times in a game and his impact on his team won’t be as much as it would be in other sports. All of these things are true. However, most of these factors existed years ago when baseball was the premier sport in the country.

The one thing that would be necessary for all those factors to be true is a change in attention span. Kids today can get almost whatever they want whenever they want. Why would they wait for a baseball game to end? Why would they watch a baseball game tonight when they could watch the same team play against the same opponent tomorrow? I understand it. 

Why can’t a man flip his bat after a home run? It’s ridiculous. That video was cool. It’s one of the few things that the casual fan would enjoy about the game: a celebration after a home run. It’s ridiculous. Discouraging that discourages kids from playing the game. Kids don’t play, kids won’t watch. It’s all about the kids. Baseball needs to stop thinking like a pastime and think about the future.

 

Listen to the Kids, Bro!: The Rising Popularity of Soccer in the U.S.

Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in America as far as popularity is concerned. Kids are playing the sport at a higher rate than ever before in the U.S. and the World Cup is one of the most anticipated events in the country every four years. However, how big can it get?

To understand how big it can get, you have to understand how big it is right now. Last year, the Women’s World Cup drew more American viewers than the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup. The amount of soccer moms in America is at an all time high because youth soccer is at an all time high getting closer in popularity to basketball among high schoolers. The MLS is rapidly expanding by creating teams all over the country and European leagues are becoming increasingly popular among the younger demographic. I have a lot of friends that not only follow the leagues, but have favorite teams that they support as if they lived in Europe. Basically, soccer is big.

However, imagine this. A society in which the NFL was king in international sport and soccer was a weekly event that dominated America. There’s just some things that can’t be fathomed. This is one of them.

Baseball is declining and the NBA is growing. But, the NFL is king. This is a once a week event that happens for a few months. There are many reasons why the NFL is so popular in the US, but the fact of the matter is is that the NFL has such a head start in popularity over soccer that it just can’t catch up unless something crazy happens in the NFL (and even that hasn’t stopped them). The NBA has a head start as well and they are growing thanks to stars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James. It will be the primary sport all over the world. In the US, the most it can hope for is passing baseball, which might be possible if you look at the declining popularity of baseball in the youth and the rising popularity of soccer in the youth. The children are our future.