Who's the NBA's Next Hero?

It all started here. Well technically, it started July 9 but this was the climax of arguably one of the biggest moves in sports history. NBA's Golden Boy LeBron James joined his future teammates Dwayne Wade & Chris Bosh on stage for their "coming out party" in Miami. Everyone witnessed the spectacle; the highfives, the handshakes, the daps, the cocky projections for the season, and an interpretation of every urban dance move known to man. This was the night we all dreaded, it was official. The NBA player who fans rooted for, loved, praised as the next Jordan, and even labeled "The Chosen One" had now officially turned to the darkside.

Lebron James had officially became one of the most hated figures in sports.

It was a sad day for basketball fans everywhere. If you weren't a Laker fan you more than likely hated Kobe Bryant. Jordans retired, and now even if you found yourself being a Dwayne Wade fan your opinion probably went sour when you saw him join forces with the King.

Then their was one player who had an opportunity to rise from Lebron's long lost shadow. A player who has consistently been top 5 in scoring, a player who has quietly went to the playoffs all 7 of his seasons in the NBA (including his Rookie season where he lost Rookie of the Year to James.) The crown was placed above his head, and all he had to do was rise to it. Carmelo Anthony was set to be the savior of the NBA.

And then the trade rumors happened.

Melo had fallen into the trap. Pleading desperately to be released from one of the best teams in the West, Melo demanded the spotlight, but not in a good way. He was acting like a crybaby, a pre-madonna, taking attention away from what could have seemingly been a breakthrough season for the Denver Nuggets. Soon after announcing during the All-Star game that he'd be suiting up for a Nuggets game on Tuesday with an opponents name that seemed to be escaping him Melo got his wish. He was traded to the New York Knicks.  He got the bright lights, he's living in the big city, but at what price? Being grouped in a category with a bunch of big name players who are more recognized for their griping off the court than their performance on it?

Take a look at the picture below:

Outside of Karl Malone, it's pretty difficult to put a finger on which one of these players made your blood boil. Jordan, Pat Ewing, Magic Johnson, these were all athletes who were amazing playing the game of basketball and you watched them every week hoping they would succeed. Even loud mouths like Charles Barkley were still lovable.

But that's what's missing from the game now. Respect, and the humility to realize that even if you're one of the best players in the game you don't have to act like an asshole.

If things don't change that's what we have to look forward to. A league bathed in arrogance, with a bunch of players who focus on self-fulfilling prophecies opposed to being the best player they can be and at least trying to please the fans who pay their salary.

Until Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, or Deron Williams learn how to showcase some charm what do we really have to look forward to? Another season of Basketball Wives?

So NBA I challenge you with one task, and one task only. Give us somebody to believe in and root for relenltessly. Give us a player who outside of their skills on the court we admire and respect. Give us someone who the next generation of wide-eyed ballplayers can look up to who we don't personally frown upon with shame.

Who's going to be the NBA's next hero?