I'm not trying to re-ignite the "should they retire Jordan's number" debate again, but I'm curious if anyone else drew the same conclusion as Peter Vecsey, that LeBron is changing his number in preparation for accepting an offer from the Bulls next season.
From yesterday's New York Post:
So, LeBron James has decided on a new... number.
Seems the narrow-minded student of hoop history has decided to drop No. 23 in deference to Michael Jordan... even going so far to suggest the number should be retired league-wide.
LeBrainiac, it seems, deduced Jordan's No. 23 has the same social significance as Jackie Robinson's No. 42.
Quick, someone signal for a full time out. And, though James is trying to recover his senses, let's call Wizards owner Abe Pollin, who ordered all evidence of Jordan's presence removed from the premises the instant he fired him, and find out what he thinks of the idea.
But, wait, there's more: LeBrainiac is leaning toward No. 6, his Olympic number, for next season. No other reason, er, other than possibly setting the table for joining the Bulls next season, already having settled the jersey conflict.
That digit, as you might recall, belonged to one William Felton Russell, whose business card reads "Greatest Winner of All-Time." Eleven titles - eight in succession - five more than Jordan.
Insulting Russell is ignorant enough, but it makes me wonder if LeBrainiac ever heard of other league pioneers like Mikan, Cousy, Wilt, Oscar, West and Baylor... or some o fits saviors - Erving (ahem, No. 6), Kareem, Bird and Magic?
Every so often, today's generation needs to be reminded that NBA history didn't begin with the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement.