I have to thank the beauty of social media for bringing to light the latest and greatest mash up of two commercials. If not for a friend posting this gem on my facebook feed, I would not have been alerted to this. Thanks Agatha! The work of Tom Hinueber basically mashes a famous Michael Jordan “Maybe” commercial with the “Rise” commercial for the newest LeBron James shoe.

Maybe you should shut up LeBron.

The “Rise” commercial was meant to diffuse the tension caused by the idiotic way he divorced Cleveland.

Unfortunately for LeBron, many creative types such as Hinueber have decided to not give LeBron any wiggle room. Playing on his computer for 45 minutes, Hinueber created and released the following video “Michael Jordan Repsonds To LeBron (Orginal Video Mash-Up) Maybe You Should Rise”:

This video takes LeBron and basically puts him in his place, and smacks him upside the head with Jordan verbatim which will leave any viewer with a clear picture as to why Jordan is the greatest who has ever played, and why LeBron moving to Miami is a sign that he wants everything without the hard work.

Massive props go to Hinueber for taking 45 minutes or so out of his life to create something summarizing LeBron James in 1 minute and 13 seconds: You took the easy road, and will never be as legendary as someone like Jordan, ever.

Let me start this article by stating this little disclaimer: I have always been a fan of NBA video games, and have always believed the NBA Jams franchise was the best video game ever created. That being said I also believed the only drawback any and all of these video games had, of course, was the severe lack of Micheal Jordan in them.

Then I received my copy of NBA2k11 in the mail this week. Not to sound cliche, but this game changed everything on how I view NBA video games. Did I say change? I meant shattered. This game goes far and beyond just building upon the momentum NBA2K10 built last year to claim the title as top NBA video game on the market.

All these accomplishments aside, the fact remains that Micheal Jordan is on the cover, and the game has improved features that simply rules all that is NBA video games.

Not only can you play with Jordan and his classic Chicago Bulls rosters, but you can also select from a variety of classic NBA teams. So people like ESPN’s Bill Simmons can pick his beloved 1985-86 Boston Celtics (if you have not read his Book of Basketball, you should) and can see how well he fares against the Chicago Bulls Dynasty teams.

If you are a die-hard sneakerhead, and looking to take your video game to the next level, you can learn how to unlock all sorts of classic NBA shoes, and play in those vintage sneakers we all have wished to see on the feet of the video game likenesses of our favorites.

Best shoes for the best video game? Naturally!

I was impressed not only by the usual commentators delivery of play by play, but the music selections included in the game features some of the hottest hip hop music on the planet. Included in the game are artists Drake, Kid Kudi, Outkast’s Big Boi, and an exclusive track written and performed by Snoop Dogg just for NBA2K11.

Following is a complete track list for NBA 2K11:

• 1. Snoop Dogg – NBA 2K Theme
• 2. Big Boi – Shutterbug
• 3. Drake – Over
• 4. Cassidy – Game Time
• 5. Ron Artest – Champion
• 6. Duck-Down All-Stars feat. Buckshot, Skyzoo, Promise, and Sean Price – Better Than You
• 7. The Alan Parsons Project – Sirius
• 8. Art vs. Science – Hollywood
• 9. Big Rock Candy Mountain – Rocketship
• 10. Brunettes – Red Rollerskates
• 11. Chicharones – Little By Little
• 12. Children Collide – Skeleton Dance
• 13. Constellations feat. Asher Roth- We’re Here To Save The Day
• 14. Dan Black feat. Kid Cudi – Symphonies (Remix)
• 15. Delorean – Deli
• 16. Ev – Home Of The Brave (Instrumental)
• 17. Failsafe – Hope & Only If We Learn
• 18. HOGNI – Bow Down
• 19. Kidz In Space – Downtime
• 20. Middleman – It’s Not Over Yet
• 21. Rakaa feat. Aloe Blaac – Crown Of Thorns
• 22. The Redland – So Far
• 23. The Russian Futurists – Paul Simon & Precious Metals
• 24. Sonny Bones – Rise
• 25. Two Door Cinema Club – I Can Talk
• 26. Yung Automatik & Bay Root Productions – Go Hard or Go Home
• 27. Dux Jones – Pourin’ It On

The game play action of NBA2K11 is simply outstanding. The moves, likenesses of the players, and everything else about this game provides players with the best NBA experience there is on the market today.

Kobe Bryant just finished another stellar playoff performance landing him his 5th NBA Championship. He has possibly positioned himself atop the centerpiece of the mantle of Laker greats alongside Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Bob MacAdoo, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor ,and Wilt Chamberlain.

I know most of the “Lakeshow” nation might disagree, but I feel it is safe to say that no matter how many rings Kobe wins by the end of his career, there is no way the “Lakeshow” nation should be allowed to compare Kobe Bryant to Michael Jordan. Period.

The main distinguishable fact when debating this is taking into consideration the starting center of any of Jordan’s championship teams, and compare them to Kobe’s.

Jordan won rings with centers: (1st Three Peat) Bill Cartwright, Will Purdue,  Scott Williams, Stacey King, (2nd Three-Peat) Luc Longley, John Salley, Robert Parish (43 years old at the time), Brian Williams (aka Bison Dele), Bill Wennington,  and Joe Kleine.

Kobe had Shaquille O’Neal to lean on during his first Three-Peat, and let’s just say Shaq is, at worst, extraordinarily better than any of those centers on their best day.

Kobe currently has a slew of 7-foot talent in Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Andrew Bynum on his current roster. This compilation of 7-footers includes All Star and two big men who are far above average by NBA standards. Only once you start mentioning D.J. Mbenga are you close to entering the “Jordan Zone” of Championship centers.

So, Kobe might be the best Los Angeles Laker ever. I am sure you will get a plethora of arguments the spaning the different generations of Laker Nation arguing Magic vs. West vs. Kobe vs. whichever Laker that person grew up watching win NBA Championships.

No matter which Laker you select it becomes abundantly clear after reading the list of centers Michael Jordan played with during his championship reign that there never be any real argument that supports Kobe being better than Jordan, ever.

While watching the Orlando Magic play Boston Celtics on ABC Sunday, I heard Jeff Van Gundy discuss the idea of bringing back some of the all time great 3-point shooters to compete in the 3-Point Contest during the All Star Weekend festivities.

This got me thinking.

Why stop there? I asked myself.

Why not bring back the Old Timers Game? Maybe rename it? Call it the NBA Legends Challenge? Don’t blame me, it seems like the NBA loves anything with the term “Challenge” in the namesake of these events.

If someone could convince Michael Jordan to do it, the league would have to do it. Not only that, but if Jordan did agree, the remaining candidates would likely follow suit. Who would turn down an opportunity to take the court with Jordan one more time?

Some might ask, “What’s the point, can they even still play?” Michael Jordan can.

From an NBA marketing standpoint, there is one pertinent reason to consider this: Michael Jordan.

We all want to see him, no matter what. The NBA and the world should try to squeeze every drop of Michael Jordan’s game out of him before he is fossilized by old age. He could roll in on a wheel chair, and we still would watch.

End of Story.

Jordan recently called Jay Leno a dumbass after Leno asked him if he could still dunk. If that is the case, Jordan can most certainly still play. He often works out with the Bobcats, so you know he is relatively close to game shape.

Why have a game such as the Rookie Challenge before the All Star game? Or possibly a better question: Why have an NBA Skills Challenge?

Why have a game that risks injuries to players with their entire careers ahead of them, versus guys that don’t?

What about the Karl Malones and John Stocktons? Why not put together a squad of retired players, slap as many 1992 Olympic Dream Team players as possible, and reignite the Old Timers Game?

I am convinced the NBA Skills Challenge is the worst idea in NBA All Star Weekend event history. Why not lose it for something meaningful for the history of the game?

Charles Barkley was on Jay Leno and told his national television audience that he was going to lose weight. This kind of game could help him find the motivation to actually do it. Barkley is a fierce competitor in need of goals to remain motivated. Maybe this is just what he needs. Maybe this game could help ex-NBA players remain active and healthy.

Watching the legends play during an NBA Legends Challenge provides multiple generations the opportunity to bond and share a piece of NBA history. Families can experience, share tales from their past, and reinforce the NBA’s history and lineage.

From a business perspective, this has far greater reach towards instilling a devoted following for future generations. I relish in the thought of seeing myself telling a kid about how great Jordan was while watching an Old Timers Game. Wouldn’t you?

Surely there are tons of players people would want to see, but to kick things off, and help fire up the interest level, the most important legends would be a requirement in order to make this successful.

Here is a list of candidates definitely worthy of consideration for a 2010-11 NBA Old Timers Game:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Rik Smits, Reggie Miller, Mark Jackson, Penny Hardaway, Allan Houston, Dennis Rodman

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Magic Johnson, Chris Mullin, Charles Barkley, John Stockton, David Robinson, Karl Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, James Worthy, Chris Webber, Kevin Johnson, Vlade Divac, Steve Nash*, Grant Hill*

* Denotes players technically old enough to be considered old timers, yet are still active in the NBA. Obviously this is a joke.

Sure there are risks for older players to incur injuries, but these guys are gamers. You don’t become an NBA legend unless you played through all sorts of painful injuries.

To help avoid injuries, this game would follow suit with the All Star game. No one wants to get killed on the court, and some preventative measures would need implementation to achieve a balance between keeping the game competitive and interesting while keeping people being slaughtered.

For instance, Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn would not be invited to the game. Bruiser types and cheap shot artists would have to excluded for the sake of self preservation.

Many of these guys would love to strap on some shoes, rehash their old moves, and show us what legendary tricks they still have up their sleeves.

Speaking of shoes, I smell a another vintage Nike retro issue marketing campaign/sponsorship deal making this more lucrative for all.

There would be the ugly moments such as turnovers and a degradation in those first steps, but who can really argue that this has more importance and entertainment value for the fans and players than a skills competition?

Jay Leno featured NBA Hall of Fame Legend Michael Jordan on The Jay Leno Show last night to participate in his “10 at 10″ segment. Jordan’s job was simple: answer 10 questions via a satellite feed from a resort in the Bahamas. Jordan looked healthy, and in great spirits.

Asked if he can still dunk, Jordan asked Leno "Are you stupid?"

During the show open Leno incorporated current stormy weather in the Los Angeles area into a nifty joke gearing towards Gilbert Arenas:

Later in the same opening segment, Leno discussed the recent report of former Cleveland Cavaliers coach John Lucas  admitting the Cavs intentionally lost games in order for a chance at the #1 overall draft pick in the 2003 NBA draft. He then compared that tactic to the method used by the Los Angeles Clippers and the 2009 #1 pick:

Eventually Michael Jordan comes on for the “10 at 10″ segment. Jordan is as entertaining on the segment as his game was during his career. He shows us that his fiery competitive demeanor is still alive and well, asking Leno “Are you stupid?” in response to Leno’s inquiry as to whether or not Jordan can still slam dunk.

Jordan admits he has never asked for anyone for autograph his entire life, Charles Barkley is such a terrible golfer that he no longer bothers to invite Barkely to his golf tournaments, and much much more. Check it out:

LeBron announced today he is no longer going to wear number 23. He is doing this to pay homage and respect to Michael Jordan. He also said he will try to have the league petition to make it a rule that no player can wear 23 ever again.

He is doing so because the NBA will not change its logo, depicting a silhouette of Hall of Fame NBA legend Jerry West.

“He can’t get the logo and if he can’t, something has to be done. I feel like no NBA player should wear 23. I’m starting a petition, and I’ve got to get everyone in the NBA to sign it. Now, if I’m not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it.”

LeBron, I officially dub thee: (Drama) Queen James.

"Come on D Wade, you got my back on this, right?" (Credit: picapp.com)

LeBron is acting like an idiot. Do you honestly think Michael Jordan would want the league to retire his number? Jordan cared solely about one thing, and one thing only, and that was winning. Ultimately, nothing else mattered to him. Number, etc, mattered not to Jordan.

It makes no sense to change the trademark logo of a global powerhouse business entity because the league’s (arguable) best player wants it to.

For a minute, I thought LeBron might have hired Stephen Jackson as his spokesperson. That is how moronic I take LeBron’s words to be.

LeBron wants to make a statement by wearing number  and that’s his choice. However, attempting to petition and make this a league-wide movement is simply childish. Jordan wore uniforms with Jerry West’s silhouette on the logo as many have and many will.

Many star players have their jersey retired by the team they played for, and consider this to be the ultimate honor. Having your number hanging in the rafters is a stoic honor: no one ever wear your number in your house, ever.

Michael Jordan changed the world of sports, not just basketball. Does that mean his jersey be retired in all sports?  Of course not.

I understand the importance of Jackie Robinson’s number being retired universally in Major League Baseball. Robinson broke race barriers, risking his life, and the life of his family by showing up to play amidst countless death threats and racial epithets.

Jordan was the best to ever play in the NBA. He is in the Hall of Fame. Actually, he has his own personal Mecca there.

LeBron, should we retire the number 9, since that is what Jordan wore during the Olympics?

Grow up, shut your mouth, and lead by leading, not by talking, or trying to swoon influence over the league. Actions speak louder than words, just ask Michael Jordan.

The 2009 NBA Draft is in the books begging the question: What teams added the piece that will help them out of the lottery and into the playoffs next year? The Bulls, Heat, and Blazers—lottery teams from 2008—made the playoffs, replaced this year by Phoenix, Toronto, and Washington (who traded their pick to Minnesota). Below is Protect the Paint’s grades for what this year’s lottery teams did with their lottery pick and a prediction of their lottery-status for next season.

Blake Griffin should start immediately (Credit: ESPN)

#1     Los Angeles Clippers        Blake Griffin            Grade: A

No surprise here. Look for the Clippers to make some roster moves to insure Griffin a starting spot and get rid of some locker room headaches. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be better, but the Western Conference is stacked, so back to the lottery.

Can Thabeet develop an offensive game? (Credit: ESPN)

#2     Memphis Grizzlies        Hasheem Thabeet        Grade: B

The next Dikembe Mutombo? Thabeet should be an immediate impact player on the defensive end. Luckily for him, Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo will be taking most of the shots. Lookout if he develops an offensive game. He should be in the league for his D alone for years to come. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

James Harden might be the best player of the draft class (Credit: ESPN)

#3    Oklahoma City Thunder    James Harden            Grade: B

The Thunder eliminated their biggest weakness and gave Russell Westbrook a running mate in the backcourt. The combination of Westbrook, Harden, Jeff Green, and Kevin Durant is downright frightening for what the future has in store for the Thunder. Look for this team to dramatically improve their win total (23) from last year. NEXT YEAR: much improved, but back to the lottery.

The Kings surprised everyone by selecting Evans over Rubio (Credit: ESPN)

#4    Sacramento Kings        Tyreke Evans            Grade: D

This was a shocker. It seemed every mock draft, rumor, or news report had Ricky Rubio coming to Sac-town. Evans has flaws in his overall game. He is raw, but there is an abundance of raw, young talent in Sacramento. In three years, one must question where Evans will be in comparison to Rubio. Low grade is for not selecting Rubio. The kid displayed abilities and poise years beyond his age in the Olympics against the redeem team. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Ricky Rubio will likely be dealt or play next season in Europe (Credit: ESPN)

#5    Minnesota Timberwolves    Ricky Rubio            Grade: B
The T-Wolves got their man with Rubio. Flynn (see 6th pick) is an athletic, charismatic type player whom will lift his teammates on and off the court. However, he is one of 5 guards selected by Minnesota. We here at Protect the Paint envision Rubio emerging as a superstar in this league. Look for multiple moves in the near future from Minnesota. A good question is if Rubio even plays in the NBA this year. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Jonny Flynn has the talent to star in Minnesota for years to come (Credit: ESPN)

#6    Minnesota Timberwolves    Johnny Flynn            Grade: B-
Guard #2 of 5 selected by Minnesota. It will be very interesting to see who is dealt and who is kept. With Minnesota’s luck, it is a safe bet the guy dealt experiences greater NBA prosperity. Right now, Rubio has far more trade value. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Stephen Curry: NBA Rookie of the Year? (Credit: ESPN)

#7    Golden State Warriors        Stephen Curry            Grade: A+
The Warriors high-octane offense just acquired a serious scoring threat. Scouting reports knocked his defense and decision-making. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Bay Area. The only disclaimer in Oakland: the brass told Monta Ellis they would not select a PG. If the two can get along, the Warriors could be quite dangerous when going small. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Hill is the Knicks consolation prize after Curry was taken at 7. (Credit: ESPN)

#8    New York Knicks        Jordan Hill            Grade: C+
The Knicks lost out big time by not being able to draft Stephen Curry but are satisfied with Hill. Hill provides immediate relief if David Lee leaves. Pundits believe he will thrive in Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun style of play. Will the Knicks ever be good again? NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Can DeRozen make Chris Bosh reconsider leaving Toronto? (Credit: ESPN)

#9    Toronto Raptors        DeMar DeRozan        Grade: A-
This is possibly the best pick the Raptors could have hoped for. DeRozen is freakishly athletic.  Will be a key piece in forcing Chris Bosh to consider staying, If Bosh leaves, Toronto has a solid component to build around for the future. NEXT YEAR: if they keep Chris Bosh, this should be a playoff team in 2010.

Brandon Jennings appears poised to excel for the Bucks (Credit: ESPN)

#10    Milwaukee Bucks        Brandon Jennings        Grade: B-
It will be interesting to listen, watch, and read about how coach Scott Skiles and his new point guard get along. It could be like dynamite and nitro glycerin. With Richard Jefferson gone, and rumors of Luke Ridnour being on the block, Jennings and Ramon Sessions will form the nucleus of a young Bucks backcourt. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Terrence Williams joins a crowded backcourt in New Jersey (Credit: ESPN)

#11    New Jersey Nets        Terrence Williams        Grade: B
Williams will fit into a young backcourt rotation of Devon Harris, Chris Douglas-Roberts, and Courtney Lee now that Vince Carter is headed to Orlando. If he learns to be consistent as a pro he will be fun to watch. It is a safe bet New Jersey might hold a higher pick in next years draft with their youth movement officially set in motion. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

Michael Jordan drafted archrival school Duke's Henderson (Credit: ESPN)

#12    Charlotte Bobcats        Gerald Henderson        Grade: C-
Wow, Michael Jordan drafted a Dukie. At least he didn’t draft fellow UNC alum Tyler Hansbrough (see next pick). Henderson is super-athletic a very good defensive player. Will need to develop more of an offensive game or he could become the next Bruce Bowen (minus the corner three). Weird pick with Earl Clark still on the board. NEXT YEAR: they’ll be a better team, but back to the lottery.

Indiana failed heinously selecting Tyler Hansbrough (Credit: ESPN)

#13    Indiana Pacers            Tyler Hansbrough        Grade: F*
Hansbrough might be a tough guy—a blue-collar worker whom Indiana fans will appreciate—but he appears to be a man without a position in the NBA. Lacks the foot speed and athleticism to succeed at this level. Indiana blew it. This organization already misses Donnie Walsh. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

*F grade due to who was selected at pick #14.

Brandon Jennings stepped in late on behalf the 14th pick Earl Clark (Credit: ESPN)

#14    Phoenix Suns            Earl Clarke            Grade:  A
The Suns are obviously in a rebuilding mode. Earl Clark is a shooting guard in a big man’s body and will give the team versatility. Good ball handler for his size (like a right-handed Lamar Odom). Needs to improve his range. If the rumors about his lack of work ethic prove unfounded, Phoenix could have the steal of the 2009 NBA Draft. NEXT YEAR: back to the lottery.

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