Miami’s Norris Cole has been one of my favorite rookies to watch all season, all because the Cleveland State point guard plays with an absence of fear. His confidence walks a fine line between making him look unbeatable to making him look untrustworthy.
As a Cole fan, though, you enter into an unspoken agreement with the rookie that you know he’s going to barrel into a play with just as much confidence as before, mistake or not. It’s part of the fun/trepidation.
I think that’s why when LeBron James introduced Jay-Z to Cole after Monday’s game, I couldn’t stop watching. LeBron — after scoring 17-straight points (of his 35) and getting Miami to a win after trailing for 47 minutes to the Nets — saved his most memorable assist for last. Instead of a no-fear rook, Cole looked like a sheepish kid having his biggest wish come true. After James made a big show at halfcourt of calling the rook down to the minority owner’s courtside seat, the two exchanged some quick words (Did he pitch a business plan? Suggest a title for a Watch The Throne follow-up? Ask Jigga Man to follow him on Twitter?) I’m not saying I’d be any different meeting Hov, but you know Cole was obviously jacked.
Upon seeing this, I can only assume players preparing for the NBA Draft made a quick wish that they be drafted by Miami.
What did Cole tell Jay-Z?
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