NBA - MIKE on sports!

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Cross-over Dribble – the AI and Tim Hardaway ankle breaker. 9. Pick 'n Roll – Stockton and ..... Alex Salsberg - Ill
MIKE Sports Comic Books FREE Series | Volume 3

NBA Comics

©2013 New Vision Entertainment www.theemike.com

Introduction This FREE book is filled with 25 NBA comics. In every chapter, I share a bit of history behind each comic and offer readers the opportunity to purchase a jersey, hat or sports memorabilia of their favorite team or player. Enjoy the comics. Memories of what they stand for will have you admiring, pondering, laughing, wincing and, in some cases, scratching. Here’s why . . . . You’ll want to scratch some body part when you read about one of the NBA’s most accomplished - but irritating - defenders known as The Rash. You’ll wince recalling the recklessness of a ridiculously wayward team, The Jailblazers, and the thuggery of an NBA Championship Team’s center called His Heinous. You’ll revel in memories of Los Angeles’ entertainment juggernaut the Showtime Lakers and laugh when remembering Chocolate Thunder’s female interest from Planet Lovetron. But there’s more. Admire the consistent basketball delivery of Karl The Mailman Malone and marvel how the immensely athletic Doctor J operated with a ball, rather than a scalpel, in his hand.

Get woozy thinking about Hakeem Olajuwon’s Dream Shake and wax nostalgic ruminating assorted Signature Shots like The Sky Hook, The Finger Roll, The Fade Away and The Step Back Jumper. Be perplexed trying to understand how a 5’3” guard named Muggsy could possibly play the same sport as the 7’1” Big Shamrock. Ponder what all basketball fans missed by never witnessing this Helicopter play in the NBA. Gush over the brilliance of Magic and the dominance of The King. You may go mad remembering how one of Vinsanity’s insane, last second shots beat your team. And, you’ll probably get agitated recalling how the NBA Playoff heroics of Bird, LeBron, Durant, Magic or Kobe eliminated your favorite squad. So, before The Black Mamba bites you or The Microwave heats up in a hurry, check out this book. It’s funny and - better yet - it’s FREE! Straight talk. No static. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Table of Contents Introduction Why read this NBA sports comic book? Favorite #25: Human Highlight Reel Favorite #24: Showtime Los Angeles Lakers Favorite #23: Shaq Favorite #22: Vinsanity Favorite #21: Jason Kidd Favorite #20: Ice Man George Gervin Favorite #19: Herman Helicopter Knowings Favorite #18: His Heinous Bill Laimbeer Favorite #17: Tyrone Muggsy Bogues Favorite #16: Larry Bird Favorite #15: The Rash Bruce Bowen Favorite #14: Signature Shots Favorite #13: Kobe Bryant Favorite #12: Kevin Durant Favorite #11: Portland Jailblazers Favorite #10: Round Mound of Rebound Favorite #9: Chocolate Thunder Favorite #8: Michael Air Jordan Favorite #7: Wilt Chamberlain Favorite #6: Dr J. Julius Erving Favorite #5: Karl The Mailman Malone Favorite #4: Dream Shake Favorite #3: LeBron James Favorite #2: Magic Johnson Favorite #1: The Microwave Vinnie Johnson FREE Bonus Books Meet the MIKE Makers

Why read this book? As the sports world’s ultimate talking head, I immediately connect with readers. Sports fans of all ages love my colorful stories, candid comments and creative content. My books are always entertaining and easy to read. Plus, the unique sports comics that accompany each chapter cleverly capture the essence of the featured NBA player, team, coach, shot or basketball expression. As an added bonus, I always offer something for FREE in each of my sports comic books. See the back of this book for details. Check out my author profile on Amazon.com, follow me on Twitter and fan me on Facebook. Straight talk. No static. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#25 Favorite NBA Comic

Former Atlanta Hawk Dominique Wilkins jumps onto my list for the non-stop, jaw-dropping highlights he provided on the hardwood. Most of those highlights were performed ten plus feet above the court! Wilkins regularly rose above NBA peers as that one special athlete whose extraordinary athletic achievements merited the moniker Human Highlight Reel. This NBA legend’s hardwood exploits brought instantaneous expectation whenever - and wherever - he played. Wilkins never limited his game to just one incredible play per night. Just as his name suggests, he produced a film reel full of incredible plays. Wilkins currently works with his original NBA team, the Atlanta Hawks, as an executive who regularly assembles teams that compete for NBA Championships. Today, Atlanta fans hope Dominique can transform his former on-court success into a future off-court Human Highlight Reel. Now that would be an ESPN highlight reel worth watching! MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#24 Favorite NBA Comic

This talented tinsel town team perfectly fit the Hollywood hype of its Showtime nickname. With an energetic style of fast break basketball, the Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s electrified NBA fans. Their play regularly entertained the many movie, music and television celebrities who attended their home games at the old Great Western Forum in LA. Much of the Showtime nickname is credited to Lakers star Earvin Magic Johnson. The 6'9" point guard and overall number one pick in the 1979 NBA Draft became famous for his no look passes and extra bright smile. He led the Lakers Showtime fast break like an expert director of a major motion picture. Nearly 30 years later and 16 titles to their credit, the Lakers remain one of the NBA's most successful franchises. Thanks in good part to Magic Johnson and his teammates, the Lakers are ranked as the league's most valuable team. With an estimated worth of nearly $1 billion, the Lakers’ Showtime teams of the 1980s helped create a basketball blockbuster that rivals any Hollywood boxoffice hit. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#23 Favorite NBA Comic

Everything about this retired player is big - extremely big. His size, personality and basketball accomplishments all contribute to his big nickname, or in Shaquille O’Neal’s case, his multiple big nicknames. Originally called The Big Fella when the Orlando Magic selected him as the top overall pick in the 1992 NBA draft, Shaq’s stable of nicknames has grown. Every one of them started with, or carried, giant-sized expectations. Big Shamrock, the last nickname Shaq earned during his one year stint with the Boston Celtics, ranks as my all-time favorite. However, other Shaquille O’Neal nicknames like Big Diesel, Superman, Big Aristotle and even Big Cactus (for his time with the Phoenix Suns) have all captured this 7-footer’s personality and equally big game on the hardwood. Now in his post-NBA days and a part owner of the Sacramento Kings, Shaq’s fans expect the Luck of the Irish to continue. May this Big Shamrock, Big Cactus, Big Aristotle and Superman gain more giant-sized celebrity with his latest nickname - Big Shaqramento. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#22 Favorite NBA Comic

During the late 1990s, the Vinsanity craze intoxicated NBA fans. The spectacular play of University of North Carolina product Vince Carter regularly drove basketball fans crazy. At 6’6” and 220 lbs. and playing for the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets, Vince Carter initiated the Vinsanity movement with his high flying dunks, acrobatic finishes and improbable shot making skills. Famous for his windmill dunks and fantastic finishes off alley-oop passes, Carter produced an intensely loyal fan base. Rabid Raptor fans so adored Carter’s exploits that they also dubbed him Air Canada and Half Man Half Amazing. Today, Carter plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He’s one of only 37 NBA players to ever score more than 20,000 career points. Vince Carter’s insanely athletic play during his peak NBA days not only entertained basketball fans around the world. This eight-time all-star’s sensational play memorialized his Vinsanity nickname. MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#21 Favorite NBA Comic

The mocking nickname this 10-time NBA all-star received early in his career motivated him to become one of the greatest three point shooters in league history. The second overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft, Jason Kidd was destined to be a star for the Dallas Mavericks. At 6'4" and 210 lbs. Kidd demonstrated overall excellence on the court as a leader, passer, rebounder and defender. These talents overshadowed his otherwise marginal shooting ability. Noting this fact, fans and reporters removed the first letter from Jason’s name to highlight the fact. Soon, Jason Kidd was known as Ason Kidd – as in, “no J” or jump shot. Kidd worked hard at getting the “J” added back into his name. Today, the retired Kidd ranks third in league history for most three pointers made, trailing legendary sharp-shooters Ray Allen and Reggie Miller, the league's best ever long range marksmen. In addition, Jason Kidd radically improved his free throw shooting. Before retiring as a player, the Brooklyn Nets’ new coach consistently averaged better than 80% from the charity stripe each year. He left no doubt that Jason Kidd definitely got the “J” back in his name. MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#20 Favorite NBA Comic

An icicle-thin stature, coupled with uncommon cool on the court, earned this NBA Hall of Famer his iconic nickname The Ice Man. Silky-smooth George Gervin possessed a feathery shooting touch and repeatedly made difficult shots look easy during his high scoring ABA and NBA playing days. The Ice Man’s brilliant stroke and dizzying array of shots made him impossible to guard. At a height of 6’7”, Gervin was too long for shorter guards to cover, and he easily shot over them. At just 185 lbs, Gervin was also too quick and athletic for taller players to guard. As a result, The Ice Man easily drove by bigger opponents and finished his drives with a stop-on-a-dime pull-up jumper, a fluid reverse lay-up or his finger-roll signature shot from just about anywhere in the lane. Gervin transformed the pro game into fast-paced, high-flying sport played by today’s highly skilled athletes. Today’s NBA players may be cultural icons who exude super cool personas. But, let’s never forget that there will only be one finger-rolling, railthin NBA star known for playing his game ultra cool – The Ice Man. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#19 Favorite NBA Comic

For those who watched this player elevate off the asphalt in New York City during the 1960s, the origin of his Helicopter nickname became immediately apparent. He hung higher in flight than Michael Jordan ever did and leapt loftier and lingered longer than LeBron James ever could. Herman Helicopter Knowings literally hovered above all other players he faced on a basketball court. With a purported 50” vertical jump, the 6’4” Knowings cultivated his streetball cred on the legendary courts of Rucker Park. A 6’4” whirlybird of a player, Knowings frequently appeared suspended over the action taking place below the rim. This asphalt god seemed to breathe the same rarified air of Michael Jordan. His heightened level of play also pre-empted the Human Highlight Reel that Dominique Wilkins was later to become. Herman Knowings died in 1980 at age 37. Surprisingly, he’s lauded as the greatest basketball player to have never played in the NBA. How tragic and ironic that the phenomenon known as Helicopter would be killed in a car wreck on the same city streets he so easily flew above while playing the game he loved. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#18 Favorite NBA Comic

Uttering his name usually sparks agitation in basketball circles everywhere – except maybe in the state of Michigan. Fans would think words like champion, all-star, terrific rebounder, rugged defender or great teammate would best describe this player. After all, he owns two championship rings for winning NBA titles in 1989 and 1990 with the Detroit Pistons. He’s also amassed 10,000 points and 10,000 rebounds during 12 solid NBA seasons. But, mention of Bill Laimbeer’s name immediately fuels heated debates about this devilish basketball player with the evil sounding nickname. Bill Laimbeer’s well-documented nasty play on the court has earned him the moniker of His Heinous. At times, Laimbeer’s brutal play looked more like that of a smash mouth NFL offensive lineman than a valuable NBA starting center. Basketball fans may bristle at the notion of His Heinous’ punishing, physical play. But, nobody argues that this Detroit Bad Boy was most instrumental in the Pistons winning two NBA Championships. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#17 Favorite NBA Comic

Standing just 5’3” tall, Tyrone Bogues had to be really tough to excel in a sport dominated by much larger athletes. Bogues was a great ball handler, a terrific passer and a fantastic defender. His aggressive, mugging style of defense led to this tiny player’s tough guy nickname, Muggsy. Plus, his speed and quickness resulted in steals or complete disruption of the other teams’ plays. At Wake Forest University, Bogues enjoyed a fantastic ACC career. In his senior season, Bogues received the 1987 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award as the best NCAA college basketball player in the nation shorter than six feet tall. But Bogues’ basketball success did not stop in college. He became the first round pick of the then Washington Bullets and went on to play 14 seasons in the NBA. He still ranks as the league’s shortest player ever. The tiny and clever Muggsy just didn’t make a lot of steals and dish out a bunch of assists. Bogues was a fan favorite. His ever-present smile and his tough, energetic play captured the hearts of NBA fans. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#16 Favorite NBA Comic

Just mention the name Bird to any basketball fan and fond memories come to mind. Bird’s legend evokes long white legs in short green shorts, step back jumpers, swishing nets, non-stop jabbering and multiple NBA banners hanging above a parquet basketball floor. One of the most revered basketball players in history, Bird's ascent in the NBA was instantaneous. He not only lived up to his initial billing; he soared past the Celtics and NBA fans' expectations. The blue collar Bird battled against his college nemesis Magic Johnson during his entire career. During the 1980s, Bird's Celtics and Magic's Lakers played as if their clubs were the only two teams competing for an NBA title. The storied rivalry is memorialized in books and television documentaries and is credited with transforming the NBA into the wildly popular sports league it’s now become. The intensely private Hick from French Lick might have been averse to the media during his playing days. But there's no doubt this immediately recognizable athlete has left an indelible mark on the sport. This is one Bird who soared above his competitors. MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#15 Favorite NBA Comic

Known by his itchy nickname The Rash, undrafted Bruce Bowen didn’t need to scratch, claw or chafe his way to become an NBA champion. Fans not only loved his clever nickname, but they admired his tenacious defending on the basketball court. It helped his San Antonio Spurs team win three NBA Championships. Bowen discovered his special defending ability when he was a free agent signee with the Spurs and established himself as a tireless defender. Spurs teammate Sean Elliott originally referred to Bowen as The Rash. Elliott cited Bowen’s irritating pressure on the other team’s leading perimeter scorer and said, “Bowen’s all over you like a rash.” A five-time NBA All-Defensive First team, Bowen was vital to the Spurs’ success. He could knock down three pointers from the corner and, like a good rash, annoy, hound and harass high scorers like Ray Allen, Vince Carter and Kobe Bryant, too. Today, Bowen is a well-spoken and bowtie clad NBA talking head for ESPN. This former player and key member of three NBA Championship teams shares basketball insights with itchy fans everywhere. MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#14 Favorite NBA Comic

No other team sport celebrates the unparalleled combination of individual creativity and athletic excellence like NBA basketball. Signature shots - developed and made famous by accomplished basketball players - memorialize their impact on the sport. Like Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s Sky Hook, these shots leave a lasting legacy of fun, excitement and enviable skill for NBA fans to enjoy. Here are my top 10 shots and moves: 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

Cross-over Dribble – the AI and Tim Hardaway ankle breaker. Pick ‘n Roll – Stockton and Malone’s unstoppable, two man game. Tear Drop – Frenchman Tony Parker’s “gentle” dagger in the lane. Step Back Jumper – Larry Bird’s step back with ball over head. Fade Away – Michael Jordan perfected this un-guardable shot. Windmill Dunk – popularized by The Human Highlight Reel. Sky Hook – ESPN called it the greatest basketball move ever. Finger Roll - The Ice Man’s improbable finish in the lane. No Look Pass – Magic’s patented pass on a Showtime break. Dream Shake – Hakeem’s spins, fakes, twists and scores.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#13 Favorite NBA Comic

As the fastest and largest snake on the African continent, the black mamba is feared for its lethal aggressiveness and protective territorial instincts. Basketball fans across the globe would agree that Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant embodies his Black Mamba nickname. The NBA’s fast and athletic Black Mamba plays with the same venomous, assertive nature as his African namesake. Kobe has coupled incredible basketball skill with an indomitable spirit and unparalleled work ethic to become one of the very best NBA players ever. This universally recognized basketball star became the youngest player in NBA history to accumulate 30,000 career points. In spite of a season ending Achilles injury, Bryant’s incomparable 2012-13 NBA campaign demonstrated to naysayers that Kobe shows no sign or willingness to slow down. Around the world, basketball fans remain snake-bitten by what this Black Mamba can do with a basketball. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#12 Favorite NBA Comic

This young NBA superstar is incredibly gifted but so understated. Instead of an icy stare, Kevin Durant shares a warm smile. He’s comfortable with a quasi-arachnid nickname rather than that of a monarch or snake. He’s a smaller market player, but wields global appeal. Durant is liked and respected widely; not demonized and disrespected selectively. He seems genuinely humble, dominating NBA games played by prideful men. Instead of brandishing brawny biceps with a bevy of tattoos, he flexes spaghetti-thin arms of clean chocolate hue. Number 35 refers to himself in the first person rather than the royal “we” or a global brand he’s apparently not anxious to become. Durant’s height and length defy basketball beliefs that only those of much shorter stature can dribble, drive and dish like he deftly does. He still may be ring-less, but he’s already wedded to basketball fans. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#11 Favorite NBA Comic

The sports world may never again witness the “pa-role model” line-up of the grousing and maladjusted group of knuckleheads the Portland Trailblazers assembled in the early 2000s. More appropriately nicknamed the Jail Blazers, Portland's franchise featured a team filled with NBA felons, batterers, alcohol abusers, potheads and immensely talented - yet highly dysfunctional - athletes. These jailhouse jocks quickly antagonized the team's loyal fan base. This was a star-studded team expected to compete for an NBA title. Instead, the infamous Jail Blazers imploded as fast as these thoroughbred athletes filled the lane on the fast break or showed up in the local police precinct's arrest report. Since the outbreak of the early 2000 Trail Blazers’ reputation, the Portland franchise has rebuilt its once enviable team. They’ve drafted a cadre of gifted athletes who also possess off-the-court character. Here’s hoping these players pioneer a future trail for the City of Roses to the NBA Finals. It’ll be better than blazing a path - like the ignominious Jail Blazers did - back to the local jail. MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#10 Favorite NBA Comic

The nickname Round Mound of Rebound doesn’t seem to fit with the amazing basketball ability of this undersized and, at times, overweight NBA Hall of Famer. Charles Barkley was first known as the “fat guy who can play like the wind.” Former Auburn University coach Sonny Smith originally joked about the “round” in this Round Mound of Rebound when first spotting the chubby Chuck as a high-school senior. As it turned out, Barkley’s hefty build and shorter stature for a power forward defied basketball wisdom. This five-time First Team all-star became the shortest player to ever lead the NBA in rebounding. Named one of the fifty greatest basketball players of all time, Charles Barkley may be more popular now in the broadcasting booth than he ever was as an 11-time NBA All Star. Today, Barkley is known as Sir Charles on TNT’s Inside the NBA television coverage. He cleverly reports as a truly colorful commentator. As a popular and outspoken media personality, this former Round Mound of Rebound doesn’t need to play the game of basketball to throw his weight around in the court of public opinion. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#9 Favorite NBA Comic

The freakishly sculpted physical specimen known as Chocolate Thunder never achieved the impossible expectations that others placed upon him. But, at 6” 11” and 260 lbs, he far surpassed the entertainment value of any person that preceded him in an NBA uniform. Darryl Dawkins became better known for his off-beat personality and ferocious dunking rather than for his ability to play the game of basketball that he was expected to dominate. Colorful and cocky, Dawkins became an instant NBA cult-hero. The media focused on his rim-rattling dunks and his growing, outer-worldly persona. The nutty Dawkins believed himself to be an alien from Planet Lovetron. He claimed to practice interplanetary funksmanship and even dated the fictional personality Juicy Lucy. Dawkins nearly always spoke in rhyme and named his dunks things like Rim Wrecker, In-Your-Face-Disgrace and Yo-Mama. With Chocolate Thunder rising above the rim, NBA basketball was always sweet to watch. This dunk-naming practitioner of interplanetary funksmanship made the NBA a far more entertaining sport. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#8 Favorite NBA Comic

His gravity-defying dunking ability earned Michael Jordan the Air Jordan nickname. This two-time NBA slam dunk champion soared above all competitors. He was a six-time NBA Finals Most Valuable Player and five-time regular season Most Valuable Player. On the court, Jordan won six NBA titles with the Bulls. He also starred on the gold medal winning USA Dream Team at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. Off the court, his Air Jordan lines of footwear and merchandised apparel rack up billions of dollars for the Nike Corporation. Sales of his products helped make Jordan extraordinarily wealthy. Michael Jordan leveraged his incredible popularity. He’s created profitable marketing deals not only with Nike, but also with the Hanes and Gatorade brands. Fans will remember the many championships he won, the MVP awards he earned and the incredible feats of athleticism he demonstrated on and above the basketball court. In more ways than one, Michael Jordan certainly deserves his soaring title – Air Jordan. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#7 Favorite NBA Comic

Few athletes so dominated a sport that the professional league in which they play enacted rules to make the games fair for the other 99.9% of the participants. Such was the case with Wilt Chamberlain. Wilt so overpowered opponents when he stepped onto the hardwood that the NBA instituted new goal tending rules and widened the lane. The 7'1" and 260 lb. Wilt effortlessly prevailed over all smaller, less physically gifted competitors. His towering size, strength, stamina and scoring ability empowered him to become the greatest player the NBA ever witnessed when he entered the league in 1959. Also known as The Big Dipper, Goliath and Wilt the Stilt, Chamberlain reigned as an unstoppable force in the pivot. He may be best remembered for becoming the only NBA player to score 100 points in a single game. Wilt's dominance as an player prompted many NBA fans to root against this giant of a man. The fans treatment of him led Chamberlain to famously respond, "No one ever roots for Goliath!" Whether you were a fan of the Big Dipper or not, no one can argue that Wilt was one dominating Goliath of an NBA basketball player. MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#6 Favorite NBA Comic

Mention the name Dr. J and sports fans will immediately recognize this basketball legend. Julius Erving, or simply Dr. J, revolutionized the game of basketball and elevated it to a much higher level. His amazing athleticism changed the NBA style of play from a below the rim pick-and-roll game to an entertaining act above the basket. Erving’s flashy form on the court also created a whole new basketball vocabulary. He helped introduce a more entertaining language with terms like “slam dunk,” “no look pass” and “cross over dribble.” Erving probably never sought a medical degree. He probably never held a scalpel or touched a stethoscope or performed surgery. Yet, Dr. J knew how to operate brilliantly on the basketball court. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#5 Favorite NBA Comic

This Mailman never deposited letters in mailboxes or drove a United States Postal Service truck. But, for Utah Jazz fans, his delivery was always guaranteed on both ends of the basketball court. During an 18-year NBA career, Karl Malone lived up to his Mailman nickname. Because of his rugged dependability, he became a 2010 Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame inductee. Mailmen deliver in all kinds of weather. In Karl Malone’s case, rain, wind, ice, snow and even other talented NBA players couldn’t keep this power forward from succeeding on both ends of the basketball court. Even after his retirement, NBA fans won’t forget the stamp of excellence Karl Malone leaves behind. When it comes to basketball, they will surely remember that this Mailman always delivered. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#4 Favorite NBA Comic

He was every coach's dream player. This highly skilled big man introduced a unique basketball move to the NBA during the mid 1980s. So successful, it allowed him to easily shake free from all would-be defenders. Hakeem Olajuwon, or Hakeem the Dream, used a string of spins, fakes and twists that became known as the Dream Shake. It was an unstoppable move. The Dream Shake resulted in either an un-guarded fade away jump shot or a fast, explosive move to the basket. "Un-guardable," claimed rival big man and two-time NBA champion David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs when referencing Olajuwon. Olajuwon credits his great footwork to his youthful days playing soccer in Nigeria. This childhood skill added to the amazing success of his Dream Shake move during his decorated 18-year NBA career. Ironically, the low-key Olajuwon never appeared shaken on the basketball court. Yet, Hakeem's move will forever be remembered as a nightmare rather than a dream for a generation of helpless NBA centers who desperately tried to defend this Dream Shake. MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#3 Favorite NBA Comic

Just a few years ago, one of the most identifiable athletes in the world also ranked among sports fans’ most reviled. However, times have quickly changed. Before celebrating his first NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2012, LeBron James may have been the most polarizing athlete on the planet. His decision on ESPN to leave the beaches of Cleveland's Lake Erie for the sun drenched soil of Miami's South Beach back fired badly. Since then, LeBron has worked as diligently on restoring his personal reputation as he has working on winning championships in Miami. Away from the hardwood, James also serves as a clean cut, law abiding, family oriented role model. In addition, he has learned how to deal with the intense media scrutiny that accompanies global celebrity. On the court, King James has reigned supreme wherever he's laced up his sneakers. With his improved public persona, many fans speculate that James will become the sports world's first ever $ Billion athlete. That’s one royal bounty fit for this NBA king. MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#2 Favorite NBA Comic

This NBA Hall of Famer possessed incomparable ball handling, passing, rebounding and scoring abilities never before seen in a 6’9” player. Plus, his leadership skills were unparalleled. It’s easy to understand why his magical basketball talent earned him the universally recognized nickname of Magic. Earvin Johnson, Jr. picked up the Magic nickname long before he started vanquishing opponents and mesmerizing fans in NBA arenas. Labeling Magic Johnson only as a basketball player would be insufficient. The gifted guard with an assortment of basketball skills has also showcased varied abilities during his post NBA days. This former Los Angeles Laker has become a businessman, media personality, investor, mentor, philanthropist, humanitarian and hero with a megawatt smile. When you put all these elements together in one man, you definitely have Magic. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

#1 Favorite NBA Comic

According to veteran NBA.com writer John Maxwell, “The Microwave was one of the most colorful and appropriate nicknames in recent sports history.” As the sixth man, Vinnie Johnson earned his Microwave nickname as an electrifying scorer for the Detroit Pistons off the bench. When entering the game, Johnson never needed time to defrost. Like a microwave, his power and energy level were set on immediate high. During the Pistons’ 102 – 99 come back victory during the 1985 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the favored Boston Celtics, Johnson scored an incredible 22 points in the fourth quarter. Johnson’s scoring led Celtics star guard Danny Ainge to remark, “If that guy (William Perry) in Chicago is the Refrigerator, then Vinnie Johnson is the Microwave. He sure heated up in a hurry.” Johnson was never named to an NBA all-star team. Yet, his iconic Microwave label will heat up any debate about whose nickname is hottest in NBA history. MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Thank you for downloading this FREE book. I wish to extend my appreciation to these companies who have chosen to partner with us and make their products available to our readers. NBA Store Fathead Lids / Hat World Sports Memorabilia If you have clicked on any of the highlighted links above or elsewhere in this book and purchased products from the sports related sites, then thank you because we earn a small commission from each sale.

FREE MIKE Sports Comic Books In addition to the MIKE Sports Comic Books available on Amazon.com, here is a bonus for MIKE sports comic book fans. FREE sports comic books can be safely downloaded at no charge by clicking on the cover images of books on the following pages. You will be directed to the www.theemike.com web site where you can safely download PDFs of the FREE books.

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Meet the MIKE Makers, Jim and Maura Sweeney, as well as the other contributors to this unique sports property.

Jim Sweeney – Author Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, Jim grew up with a passion for sports and fun. He played baseball, basketball, soccer and street hockey as a kid. After graduating from the Lawrenceville School in NJ, Jim attended Boston College and started on the school’s basketball team for four years in a row. Sweeney captained the Eagles from 1977 – 1980 and received the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award as the nation’s top NCAA basketball player under six feet tall. After a 20-year-career in sales, Jim closed the computer agency he founded to pursue a fun career in sports entertainment. Along with his wife Maura, Jim founded New Vision Entertainment, LLC with a desire to positively impact others through sports and entertainment. Jim developed MIKE as an alter-ego sports personality and has penned 30+ books under the MIKE name for both kids as well as adults. In addition, Jim has written dozens of audio monologues and hundreds of blogs through the voice of the MIKE character. The blogs can be read on www.theemike.com as well as other sports sites. Now in his fifties and living in Florida, Jim continues to play basketball regularly – though more slowly now!

The MIKE Maker is a World Masters & World Senior Olympics Basketball Champion as well as a seven time USA Masters Basketball Champion in the 45+, 50+ and 55+ age groups. http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdsweeney

Maura Sweeney – Publisher A three-time best selling publisher of Inky Winky Spider pre-school books, Maura is an author, Huffington Post contributor, video blogger and a founder of The State of Happiness Talk Radio Show in Florida. Maura became the driving force in encouraging her husband out of a highly successful business and into the pursuit of his dream – to create MIKE into the sports world’s ultimate talking head. Maura is MIKE’s co-creator and publisher. For more on Maura – http://www.maura4u.com

Alex Salsberg - Illustrator Cartoonist Alex Salsberg is the man behind Poke Gravy Studios in Boston. An ardent New England Patriots fan, Alex has created animation and illustration for many clients including Nickelodeon and National Lampoon. Alex has drawn the cover and most of the artwork in the book. His work can be seen at www.PokeGravy.com.

Kaley Sweeney - Editor As editor, Kaley infuses youthful enthusiasm and insight into the MIKE Sports Comic Book series. At 21 years old, Kaley holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism from Boston University and is pursuing her Master’s at Harvard University. Kaley works as Editor of the World Photo Organization On-line Magazine and is co-founder of Empowered Voices, a non-profit that raises awareness for women in developing countries. http://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleysweeney

The MIKE sports property is expected to be seen and heard on television, the web, radio and Jumbotrons. MIKE is a registered Trademark. MIKE and all the artwork in this book are the property of New Vision Entertainment, LLC. Special thanks to these MIKE contributors: Kevin Riley – Animator Greg Stauffer – Studio Production Dave Rittenhouse – Studio Production Amy O’Hara-Cusick – Legal