Air Jordan.
Black Mamba.
Magic.
The Mailman.
Dr. J.
The Logo.
All these are nicknames for some of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) greatest players.
In the world’s grandest basketball stage, having a nickname is the moment that signals the arrival of an NBA player. Being blessed with a nickname means that you’ve reached a certain level of respect among both peers and fans.
Recently during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ media day session, LeBron James finally broke the silence regarding Kyrie Irving’s departure. The King provided commentary regarding the situation using colorful language that raised some eyebrows in the media.
FOX Sports commentator Colin Cowherd raised an interesting point regarding LeBron’s word choice to refer to the four-time All-Star.
“At some point, when he was ready to take over the keys, I was ready to give ’em to him. … I wish the kid great health. And the kid wanted to what’s best, I guess, for his career. I tried to do whatever I could just to help the kid be as great as he could be or as great as he wanted to be.”
Cowherd noted that LeBron is currently 32 years old while Kyrie is 25. The seven-year age gap isn’t really that much of a difference to warrant the language LeBron used. He also goes on to rattle off Kyrie’s achievements that seemingly demands a certain degree of respect.
“Talented, accomplished people don’t want to be called “kid””, Cowherd further added to his point.
LeBron, entering his 15th season in the League, seemingly considers himself as one of the elder statesmen that doles out wisdom to the younger players.
He’s been in the NBA for almost half of his life and consequently has grown up in front of the public eye. His life as an NBA player has certainly taught him a lot about basketball and life which perhaps why he feels as if he’s the “big brother”.
Kyrie, in just six seasons under his belt, has accomplished more than other players have in their entire careers. Matter of fact, he’s also been blessed with the “Uncle Drew” moniker that he got as an alter-ego from his Pepsi commercials.
In spite of being one of the league’s best players, Kyrie seemingly doesn’t get the respect he feels he deserves from LeBron.
Cowherd says that LeBron called Kyrie “the kid” in the press conference and he could only imagine what the King called him behind closed doors.
In Cleveland, Kyrie was always second-fiddle to LeBron. He was Robin to LeBron’s Batman. LeBron, although being 6’8 and 250 pounds, played point guard and ran the offense while Kyrie stood on the corner and waited for LeBron’s call.
In Boston, Kyrie has the chance to be “the man” in spite of playing alongside Gordon Hayward and Al Horford. The 6’2 playmaker is now the biggest star on the Celtics and will undoubtedly be the face of the franchise. The ball will be in his hands more often than not, dictating where the offense goes and what shots he’ll be taking.
NBA players, with their multi-million contracts and signature kicks, are people that have huge egos. Let’s face it. These individuals are among the world’s best athletes and the most recognizable faces on Earth. The attention, fame, and wealth have most likely inflated their egos to epic proportions. Something as minute as being called “kid” could possibly irk someone of Irving’s stature.
Nobody will truly know whether or not LeBron’s choice of words drove Kyrie away from Cleveland. But it isn’t difficult to imagine that a superstar like Kyrie didn’t appreciate being called a “kid” by a guy who’s just seven years older than him.
The Cavaliers and Celtics square off on Opening Night.
The basketball gods have blessed us with a preview of one of the League’s most promising rivalries to come.
It’s the King vs the Kid.
It’s a game you surely wouldn’t want to miss.
Featured photo sourced from: http://blog.assignmentagency.com/post/142305037001/photographer-misha-taylor-was-recently-asked-to
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