NoYork

on June 2, 2010

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Once Phil signs an extension with LA...

Over the last month the saga that is LeBron James’ free agency has become absolutely strange. There have been rumors, pleas and pitches from politicians, and a free agent summit. Let’s try to recap what’s happened over the last month.

Almost exactly one month ago LeBron was collecting his second straight MVP award. He was widely regarded as the best player in the NBA. At one point in the season Bill Simmons thought that no writer could vote for anyone besides LeBron for this years MVP award. LeBron was on top of his game and the Cavs playoff chances looked very good.

Fast forward to Tuesday May 11th. Game Five. Weird. LeBron looks disinterested in one of the biggest games of his career. This game is so inexplicable that rumors swirl about why LeBron played so poorly. There must be an explanation, perhaps the pain medication for his elbow made him drowsy, perhaps even depressed.

Game Six. Loss. Speculation begins. Did LeBron just throw the series so he had an excuse to leave Cleveland? Of course he didn’t, but that’s how insane things became when the Cavs were bounced from the playoffs by the Celtics. Last season LeBron refused to shake hands with the Magic when his season was ended prematurely. This year he’s all to happy to congratulate the Celtics. Perhaps he’s over compensating for last year’s reaction?

Several questions still linger. How did we lose to the Celtics? Did something happen before/during Game 5 that interrupted the Cav’s playoff momentum? Did LeBron James give 100% in the Celtics series? Did the pressure get to LeBron? Did LeBron’s free agency interfere with his current goal? Weeks later, the Celtics series is still a mystery.

Before the loss can completely sink in LeBron is already being courted by other cities. New York’s own Mayor Bloomberg said, “I think it would be great for New York if he comes here. If he calls me and says, ‘What’s it like to live in New York?’ I’ll give him a big sales pitch for New York. I love living in New York. My kids love living in New York. I think LeBron James would love living in New York.”

It’s not every day that a politician openly asks an athlete to come to his city, but it’s not unheard of, that is until it’s the president of the United States. In an interview with Marv Albert Obama actually made a case for LeBron to play in Chicago. “You know, like I said, I don’t want to meddle. I will say this, [Derrick] Rose, Joakim Noah…it’s a pretty good core. You know, you could see LeBron fitting in pretty well there.” Really? Did the president just ask LeBron to play for the Bulls?

Now LeBron has his hometown of Cleveland depending on him to stay, an entire city wanting him to come to New York, a friend and idol wanting him to go to New Jersey, a respected peer hoping he moves to Miami, and the president making a case for him to play in Chicago.

But it doesn’t stop there, Mark Cuban cost himself $100,000 for these comments to CNNMoney.com, “Come July 1, yeah, of course. Anybody would be interested in LeBron James, and if he leaves via free agency, then it’s going to be tough.” Steve Kerr was also fined $10,000 for joking about LeBron taking the mid level exception to come play in Phoenix. Both NBA execs were fined under the NBA’s tampering rules.

Next there are rumors of an NBA free agency summit. LeBron, Wade, Bosh, Stoudemire, Joe Johnson and other 2010 free agents will supposedly have a sit down (I can’t help but imagine this being similar to the New Day Co-op from The Wire) and discuss where each player is thinking of going next season. Obviously this makes the rumors of LeBron/Wade/Bosh to Miami/NYC/Chicago that much more realistic. A free agent meeting of this scope has never even been discussed before. Oh the Summer of LeBron will be interesting…

The countdown to July 1st promises to be one of the most unique and strange off the field sporting events in recent memory. I wish I could come up with a clever way to end this blog entry, but there’s no way to predict what will happen over the next month or two. Just stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed that LeBron will make the right choice.

Boozer thinks LeBron will stay…

Published

on April 9, 2010

in 2010 Where Will He Go? and Uncategorized

. 1 Comment

Breath Mint Carlos?

Is there anyone who doesn’t know where LeBron James is headed next year? Apparently not, as Carlos Boozer is the latest player to predict where LeBron will end up. “I think LeBron’s going to stay. That’s my gut. They’re doing everything they can to build him a championship. His biggest thing is winning a ring. I think his best chance to win a ring is probably where he’s at.” Thanks for the insight Carlos.

My question is was it in Boozer’s gut that he would leave for Utah when he gave his word to the Cavs that he would stay in Cleveland? Was it in his gut that he thought money was more important than staying Cleveland and having a great shot at a title? I don’t know the answer to these questions but I know there would be a size 12 Nike in his gut if I ever met Boozer. I haven’t practiced my roundhouse ninja kicks lately, but I think he would bring it out of me.

Hopefully LeBron does stay in Cleveland, and yes the Cavs have definitely built a very solid team around their King. I do believe his biggest thing is winning a ring, and I do believe that his best shot is in Cleveland. And no, you will never know how much it pains me to agree with Carlos Boozer.

LeBron to Choose Clippers Coach and GM?

Published

on March 10, 2010

. 0 Comments

You think this franchise has a better future with LeBron James than me?

The Clippers released their coach/general manager Mike Dunleavy yesterday and according to several “sources” it may have something to do with LeBron James. While the Clippers made several cap clearing moves before the deadline, they may have made another power move in preparation the upcoming summer of LeBron. While some point to the Clippers poor performance over Dunleavy’s seven years with the team, others point to the timing of the move. The thought is that the Clippers will offer LeBron creative control for lack of a better term (seriously what’s the word for “Hey LeBron pick your coach and general manager”).

If the Clippers are really offering LeBron the chance to pick his own coach and general manager it’s a desperate attempt at luring one of the most influential free agents the NBA has ever seen. How many teams geared their moves towards LeBron over the past two years? Every day there’s a new conspiracy theory on where LeBron will end up. This is the latest and perhaps greatest to date in my opinion.

In other news Mike D’Antoni has filed paperwork to have the name of 23rd street in Manhattan changed to 6th street in honor of LeBron James changing his number to honor Michael Jordan. When asked if it would be problematic having two sixth streets in New York D’Antoni replied, “The confusion that would come with two sixth streets would be worth having one LeBron James.” It seems everyone is preparing for the summer of 2010 in their own way.

No LeBron for the Nets, Clippers, & Heat?

Published

on February 22, 2010

. 0 Comments

Our new expert on where LeBron won't go (the one with the beard)

A new article from the NY Daily News’ Mitch Lawrence gives reasons that the Nets, Clippers, and Heat are out of this summer’s LeBron lottery. He also goes on to explain what teams still have a shot at LeBron. Any surprise that he thinks the Knicks have one of the best situations for attracting LeBron?

Lawrence reasons that LeBron would not want to play second fiddle in Kobe’s town so the Clippers are out of the running. Next he shoots down the Nets dreams because they will most likely be playing in Newark for somewhere between 2 and 4 years while the Atlantic Yards project is set into motion. Finally the Heat won’t be getting LeBron because both Wade and James need to dominate the ball. These thoughts all seem reasonable, besides the fact that Wade and James would probably love to be on the same team and LeBron is a very unselfish player. Something tells me they could make it work…

On to the teams that Lawrence believes might still have a chance at LeBron. First up the Chicago Bulls freed up some cap space for LeBron and possibly Bosh this summer. They have a solid core and the big city lights of Chicago fits LeBron’s rumored need for a bigger market. Lawrence then directs his attention to the Knicks who gambled everything on the LeBron lottery. He claims that they are the only team with a chance to get LeBron and Bosh, although I’ve heard Miami and Chicago could sign more than one free agent.

Lawrence strenghtens his argument with a quote from LeBron about playing with Bosh. During All-Star Weekend LeBron had this to say, “Being around him last summer (in the Olympics), I got to see how smart he is. His basketball I.Q. is unbelievable. He’s a very, very good player. Sometimes you look at him and you say, “He’s not that strong or he’s not the fastest guy out there.’ But the way he approaches the game … his mindset really helps him dominate a basketball game.”

In the end we’ll see where LeBron goes, but it’s funny that the Knicks have started to rule out other teams from the LeBron sweepstakes. While the Knicks cleared a ton of cap space they gave away a lot of talent to do so. Until LeBron signs a new contract with the Cavs I’ll be thinking NoYork!!!

Don’t Worry Cleveland - NY Post

Published

on February 8, 2010

Read the full article here

. 2 Comments

"Championship first, then I'll talk about next year"

Marc Berman of the New York Post wrote an article recently about the odds of LeBron leaving Cleveland. He writes about an encounter with a Cavs fan who thinks that a Cleveland championship in 2010 means LeBron is more likely to leave. This is an interesting issue that I think we should expand on…

There seems to be two distinct camps on this one. Either you think a championship seals the deal and keeps LeBron in Cleveland, or you think it means mission accomplished and freedom to skip town. I can see the logic in both viewpoints.

On one hand, if this Cavs team wins a championship LeBron knows they are capable of being a contender for years to come. On the other hand if he brings Cleveland the trophy that has eluded them for so long, he may feel like he’s done enough for his hometown and he’s free to pursue greener pastures.

I think a championship is very significant, but LeBron will be looking further into the future than June. His decision will depend on the development of JJ Hickson, the durability of Shaq and Z, and the cap situation for the Cavs. If these issues are in place, LeBron will stay in Cleveland win or lose come playoff time…at least I think he’ll stay, don’t you?

LeBron to resign before the end of the season?

Published

on January 27, 2010

. 0 Comments

Do we look nervous? We're fine, seriously.

I’ve heard rumors that LeBron would resign with the Cavs if they were able to trade for a superstar power forward. That’s right, if the Cavs can land a game changing power forward LeBron would resign, and his signature would be inked before the end of the season! Let me be the first to say this will not happen!

Unless the Cavs can find a way to land Chris Bosh, LeBron won’t be signing a contract with the Cavs before the season ends. It doesn’t make sense that LeBron would wait this long to sign, then decide half way through the season that now was the time. There would have to be a blockbuster trade that improved the Cavs dramatically for LeBron to resign early.

The rumors claim that LeBron told Cavs management that if they could sign a top tier free agent he would sign a new contract before the Cavaliers season ended. There is no credible source and there is no evidence that this conversation ever happened. LeBron wouldn’t even have to make this statement for the Cavs brass to feel pressure to improve.

The Cavaliers organization, and many Cavs fans, are already feeling the heat from LeBron’s upcoming free agency. If LeBron said this to management it wouldn’t get more done than what the Cavs are already attempting. They’re talking to anyone willing to listen and trying to get everyone from Antawn Jamison to Amare Stoudemire in Cleveland. Unfortunately for all of us LeBron fans, these reported whispers of an early resigning are nothing more than words in the wind.

New 2010 Agendas

Published

on January 17, 2010

. 0 Comments

"Hey Chris if YOU get traded YOU could mess up our plans!"

As many of you know the NBA trade deadline is a month from tomorrow (February 18th). The newest rumor is that Chris Bosh will be dealt before that deadline, which could dramatically change the landscape for this summer. If Bosh were to get dealt here’s the way things may shake out.

ESPN’s Chad Ford reported that both Knicks and Nets officials have told him that “the only scenario in which they think the would have a real shot at prying LeBron out of Cleveland,” is by signing James and another superstar next season. The superstar that they’re referring to most often is Chris Bosh. If Bosh is traded this scenario probably won’t play out.

According to Ford, New Jersey is already rethinking a LeBron or nothing summer plan. Apparently New Jersey is afraid that gambling on the LeBron lottery could force their hand if they come up short. A team source had this to say about the situation, “Because of our record we are going to be forced to overspend on guys like David Lee and Rudy Gay and perhaps Boozer if you can’t land LBJ. I don’t want to be like Detroit and spend to just spend.” Instead the Nets are looking to trade their expiring contracts and anyone besides Brook Lopez to improve the team right now.

The Knicks are in a similar situation, but they haven’t given up the hopes of signing a big free agent in 2010. Mike D’Antoni doesn’t want to wait until 2011, but may be forced to do so if the Knicks don’t land LeBron. In 2011 both Jared Jeffries and Eddy Curry have expiring deals, so they could make some serious noise in the free agent market.

With New York and New Jersey out of the hunt things open up for Chicago, Miami, and believe it or not Oklahoma City. Miami feels that they have the best shot of landing LeBron and Bosh this summer. They would have to let go of a lot of quality players in the process, but I’d say it’s worth it for that three headed monster! Chicago has been after Bosh and Wade for as long as we can remember, but without New Jersey or New York running interference they may have a realistic shot. Oklahoma City isn’t a huge market, but they’re anchored by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

This could be a very interesting turn of events, but I don’t see LeBron in Oklahoma City. I’m convinced that LeBron won’t leave Cleveland unless it’s for a big market or the shot at playing with Wade and/or Bosh. Chicago does have a lot of good players to surround a superstar free agent or two, but would LeBron really want to play in Jordan’s shadows for years to come?

Truthfully the only team that I see LeBron gravitating toward if New York and New Jersey bow out of the race is Miami. It would be hard to pass up the chance to play on a team with Wade and Bosh. For now LeBron seems very content in Cleveland though. Last night when asked if he knew how to spell I Love LA, LeBron responded with, “I know how to spell I love Akron and O-H-I-O.” That’s enough for me, for now.

“New York would help LeBron…”

Published

on January 4, 2010

Read the whole article here

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"You can't wear something like this in Cleveland LeBron"

Those are the words of Walt Frazier, who believes that Kobe is above LeBron currently. Frazier went on to say that, “I think LeBron would gain in stature by coming to the Knicks. I think if he signed with the Knicks, he’d be right up there with Kobe.”

It seems that New York has some sort of LeBron alarm that goes off every few days. When the alarm sounds a new writer or athlete needs to step up and suggest that LeBron play for the Knicks. I guess this time it was Walt Frazier’s turn.

Frazier brought up many of the same points as everyone else who wants LeBron in orange and blue next season. The only new idea was that New York has never had one of the top two players in the league, so LeBron would automatically be the best player to ever suit up for the Knicks.

Personally I have no idea why that has any relevance, but hey Walt Frazier said it so we’ll roll with it. I will leave you with one more quote from Frazier, “If he were to play in New York, he’d be even bigger than he is now. He’d enhance his position.” Well not in the conference standings, but you know…who cares about winning these days?

LeBron and Wade on the same team?

Published

on December 29, 2009

. 0 Comments

Melo, when does your contract expire? Nevermind you shoot too much.

Peter Vecsey recently wrote an article that made the possibility of LeBron and Dwyane Wade teaming up sound more probable than ever. Wade was quoted as saying, “Before we agreed to terms, LeBron and I had a couple conversations. I can’t recall exactly what we said, but the gist of it was we wanted to give ourselves the flexibility and the option to play together.”

As if that wasn’t enough Wade went on to say, “A lot of times in this league, players usually wind up going where they can get the most money. We’re both blessed within that area. We’ve made a lot of money. So we wanted to base our decision on two things, the organization and the ability to win a title. And that’s what we’ll do. When the season is over, we plan to sit down and talk about it. I’m not saying it will happen. But I’m intrigued by the idea.”

So Wade is thinking about joining forces but what does LeBron think about the idea? “I’d like to play here (in Miami), but I don’t mind where it is as long the organization is a good fit and it’s committed to competing for championships. The unknown has me intrigued.”

It would be amazing to see LeBron and Wade on the same team. The talk coming from the two stars seems like it’s a possibility that we’ll see them wearing the same jerseys in 2010? Now the question becomes will they be wearing Cavs jerseys, Heat jerseys, or another team’s jerseys? Sadly enough I believe that if the two players decide to play on the same team, it won’t be in Cleveland. Miami’s combination of cap space and talent seems like the best fit. Keep in mind that the Miami tax structure might also come into play if the two stars are taking lower salaries.

Of course the LeBron/Wade scenario is purely speculation at this point, but it would be fun to see the two players on the same team. I guess we can always hope that LeBron can convince Wade to come to Cleveland, but I’m not counting on it. If Wade did come to Cleveland, Andy wouldn’t be safe in practice anymore…

LeBron to Houston or LA?

Published

on December 9, 2009