As the season approaches, and it’s ever so close now, some teams –- or more accurately their marketing department –- might be putting together the theme song that’ll encompass the mission of their season. Odds are political correctness or merchandizing rights will play a factor, so your humble columnist (Humble? Good one) has thrown in his own suggestions. Here’s a Jay-Z anthem, for six key teams.
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MIAMI HEAT – “Holy Grail”
A throwback to the power of the Blueprint dynasty with allusions to the early ’90s powerhouse Nirvana, the Miami anthem of the year is all about their own dynastic ambitions. Mixed in is the subtext that too much is never enough from the star, and the fame surrounding it, a thought both LeBron and Wade have had to have these past few years. Also there, shrewdly, is an undercutting of anxiety about the future, which those who fear LeBron leaving Miami undoubtedly share. This is also a collaboration of two superstars, as is their team and as are all dynasty-caliber teams.
NEW YORK KNICKS – “The Heart of The City”
The Carmelo Anthony Knickerbockers are the best team their fans have enjoyed in over a decade. Yet, this is a basketball crazed and championship starved city that looks over at a Brooklyn team that may get a ring first and has appeared in the NBA Finals more in the past 10 years than they have in almost 40 years. ‘Melo is still chasing paper as much as wins, and the coming offseason could be the ultimate choice between both. The slightest hint of Anthony leaving drives Knicks fans straight to either therapy or the bar, depending on their socioeconomic status. A city running on nerves isn’t feeling the love nor is it giving it to the best player they’ve had since the Ewing-Sprewell-Houston days.
CHICAGO BULLS – “Public Service Announcement”
Allow Derrick Rose to reintroduce himself. “The Humble MVP” is back and did not come here to impress you, he’s come here to reclaim his place as one of the best players in the game and to challenge Miami for an NBA championship. After being questioned for wisely sitting out late last season, Rose has looked back on track thus far this year, as the brilliant Spencer Lund showed here. Remember, Tim Duncan made the same shrewd move and it worked out well for him and for his team. Rose is back, and he’s going to remind you of how much you missed him.
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER – “No Church In The Wild”
Two powerhouses, Kevin Durant (Jay-Z) and Russell Westbrook (Kanye West) have collaborated to take this team to new heights, as their musical counterparts did with Watch The Throne. But as the lead track to the album teaches us, there is no law or fairness and injuries spare no one. In order to collaborate together and put together a season as good as this album, Westbrook has to come back healthy and almost as cocky as Kanye. If that happens, this team could ascend to the throne.
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS – “Run This Town”
Doc Rivers can cover the other team’s banners all he likes, the reality is that this is a Lakers town with a team not worthy of its fanbase… which means that the Clippers are the new flavor of the week in a town where that is often all that matters. Until the Lakers adjust this offseason, the Clippers run L.A. and have a shot to make a deep playoff run, particularly with the talent they have and Rivers at the helm.
BROOKLYN NETS – “Brooklyn Go Hard”
Where Brooklyn At?!? They’re right here, with a chance to win an NBA championship. But that offer lasts this year, and perhaps this year only. The ascendant NYC borough is looking at this team to help them grab the brass ring. Everyone in the organization must understand this. The Nets’ very own Branch Rickey (that tall Russian guy) has built this team for NOW. THIS MINUTE. THIS SECOND.
What do you think?
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