This Sunday marks the 30th anniversary since the release of "The Terminator." The film and its subsequent sequel are two of the finest action movie examples in American cinematic history. No, I'm not being grandiose. "The Terminator" is just that awesome.
Since I'm a big fan of mash ups that involve pop culture and sports, I thought we might as well use some of the film's best quotes to examine some interesting storylines in the upcoming NBA season.
Shall we? I think we shall.
The Terminator: "I'll be back!"
Perhaps the Terminator's most iconic phrase, the "I'll be back" line highlighted the machine's steadfast relentlessness and his complete and utter refusal to quit.
I'm not saying Kobe Bryant is a cybernetic organism sent from the future to dominate the NBA, I'm just saying no one has proven that he isn't yet. Bryant's extreme work ethic and commitment to basketball has him set to return to the Los Angeles Lakers after playing in just six games last season. No, the Lakers will not be any good in the foreseeable future, but Bryant has a realistic shot at breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record in the next couple seasons. Bryant's laser focus and scary level of persistence has him on the cusp of history. James Cameron would be proud.
Kyle Reese: "Come with me if you want to live."
Kyle Reese, the soldier sent back from the future to protect Sarah Connor, is a beacon of hope and a source of sanctuary throughout the movie. He offers protection and security and a small chance at survival. Connor believes that she just might make it through all this if she sticks with Reese.
That's how I feel about Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls. Similar to Reese's plight, there are no guarantees Rose will be able to regain his old form and lead the Bulls to playoff glory. But there is hope. There is an underlying belief that things just might be okay with Rose healthy again. Who knows? With the offseason additions of Pau Gasol, Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic and a possibly successful Rose comeback, the Bulls have a chance at surviving through the playoffs and reaching the NBA Finals.
Sarah Connor: "What did he just say?"
Gas station attendant: "He said there's a storm coming in."
Sarah Connor: [sighs] "I know."
You really couldn't have come up with a more perfect ending to this movie.
Despite her survival, Connor knows that the future is bleak. She knows the human race is headed for misery.
Who else is headed for misery? The Indiana Pacers. Paul George will miss the entire season after suffering a gruesome leg injury this summer. Lance Stephenson left town for the Charlotte Hornets (!). Roy Hibbert looked like a shell of his former self in the playoffs. This is going to be a very difficult season for Indiana.
Pacers fans know what's coming, but that doesn't make it any less painful.
Kyle Reese: "You've been targeted for termination."
LeBron James is saying all of the right things. He's repeatedly said how it takes time to develop chemistry and how other teams are better than the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has stressed patience and that championships won't come overnight. But something tells me he wants another shot at the San Antonio Spurs real badly. James has now lost two championships to San Antonio against just one ring. You don't think he wants more revenge? You don't think he's marked the two dates in his calendar when the Cavs and Spurs square off?
James has targeted the Spurs for termination.
