LeBron James, king of basketball, student of Talmud

I’m not sure if LeBron James, like Dwight Howard, is a godly man, though it sure would explain his physical freakishness. Regardless, LeBron, who actually makes the NBA worth watching, is a man concerned with at least some godly pursuits.

When asked to nominate someone for the Time 100, King James selected Jay Schottenstein, the Ohio businessman and philanthropist who “supported the translation and elucidation of the Talmud Bavli into English, Hebrew and French. The Schottenstein Edition of the Talmud is now utilized by more than 2 million people worldwide.”

The news got Heeb’s Jewdar a bit hopeful:

Dare we dream that LeBron may be planning to join the Tribe? We hope so, as it’s been a looooong time since the NBA has had a black Jewish superstar—we don’t care what anyone else says—as far as we’re concerned, a guy named both Julius and Erving, who’s a doctor to boot simply has to be a Yid.

Dr. J wasn’t. Neither was Moses Malone. But back when the game was about set-shots, running hooks and understated lay-ups, basketball, like Hollywood and Wall Street, was a game dominated by Jews.

(Creator’s note: Please read that last sentence with tongue firmly placed in cheek.)