When I think about the NBA for the year 2010, there is one question that continues to pop-up in my mind:Will LeBron James leave Cleveland for New York?
This is a question that even LeBron James doesn't know the answer to. James has started a media frenzy in the NBA regarding his loyalty to the Cleveland Cavaliers. We all know that Cleveland had it's share of heart breaks throughout the years. From Michael Jordan's game winning fade away jumpers to the awful Cleveland Browns, Cleveland desperately needed LeBron James to save their city.
Not only did LeBron save the city of Cleveland, he resurrected a throne in the Eastern Conference. With three Eastern Conference Finals appearances, one NBA Finals appearance, countless awards and broken records, James became a dominant force.
After all the accomplishments in Cleveland, the "King" may be looking to resurrect another throne in New York City. LeBron couldn't dodge the temptation to leave Cleveland and his teammates for the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. In an interview with ESPN's NBA analyst Stephan A. Smith, James didn't rule out leaving the Cavs for New York city. James's words struck a chord with Hall of Famer Charles Barkley.
In an interview on "Dan Patrick Radio" Barkley said "If I was LeBron James, I would shut the hell up." Barkley also went on to say "I'm a big LeBron fan. He's a stud. You gotta give him his props. I'm getting so annoyed he's talking about what he's going to do in two years. I think it's disrespectful to the game. I think it's disrespectful to the Cavaliers."
Hearing Barkley's comments, James called Barkley stupid.
Even with Barkley's comments James still has his eyes fixated in New York. Every basketball player dreams of playing in Madison Square Garden because of it's rich tradition of champions. Players like Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Willis Reed, Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, etc. These players have blessed the Garden with memorable games and championships that will leave you drooling.
Let's be honest, who would turn down playing basketball in Madison Square Garden in New York City for the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio?.. That's what I thought, no one.
The New York market is a place where LeBron can thrive in. Knowing that he won't be able to throw down thunderous dunks forever, LeBron has utilized his personality through endorsements. Watching how Michael Jordan took over endorsements deals for athletes, LeBron has become the face of Nike, Coca-Cola, Upper Deck and State Farm.
According to Fortune magazine, in 2007 LeBron took in $25 million in endorsements making him the #1 marketable player in the NBA. Imagine if James was playing in New York where there are more avenues in terms of endorsements. He would set a new standard for players being marketed in the NBA.
Having endorsements is good, but James is a big competitor and winning tops his lists when it comes to basketball. If the Knicks aren't prepared to lure LeBron away from Cleveland, then Knicks fans might as well bring out the tissue box.
But Knicks team president Donnie Walsh understands the significance of the 2010 free agency period. To have a chance to sign one of the best players in the NBA doesn't come around too often these days. Walsh erased $27.5 million from New York's salary cap for the 2010-2011 NBA season by trading away guard Jamal Crawford to the Golden State Warriors and forward Zach Randolph to the Los Angeles Clippers. In return Walsh brought in former Clippers Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas. Both of these players contracts expires in the 2009-2010 season.
According to ESPN.com writer Chris Sheridan Walsh was quoted saying "We're getting ourselves in position, and now we have a year and a half to get the team in shape to get where we want to be, and the object is to put together a title-winning team here."
Clearing that $27.5 million from their salary cap will allow the Knicks freedom to offer maximum contracts to two of the elite free agents in 2010. Everyone knows that LeBron will be the first priority for the Knicks organization, but surrounding James with a supporting cast is key when it comes to winning NBA championships. The Celtics were fortunate enough to have three leaders in Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The Spurs were also fortunate with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.
The Knicks have a chance to bring in another elite player from that 2010 free agency period. Players like Amare Stoudemire, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Bosh, Steve Nash and Dwayne Wade will be great additions to join forces with LeBron. Its just a matter of how Donnie Walsh wants his Knick team assembled.
Many feel that Chris Bosh is the likely candidate to join LeBron in New York. Bosh would be a great sidekick for LeBron because of his ability to face-up and knock down jumpers in the post. The two also won gold medals together this past summer in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Through all of the media attention, James has continued to say that his focus as of right now is his teammates in Cleveland. But two years from now his main concern may be his teammates in New York. Only time will tell.
Be Peaceful
- Sadly, 11 year NBA veteran Cuttino Mobley was forced to retire because of a heart disease. Mobley, who is 33 years old, had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This was the same disease that lead to the deaths of former Boston Celtics star Reggie Lewis and Loyola Marymount legend Hank Gathers. Through his 11 year NBA career, Mobley averaged 16ppg with the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers.
- Christmas is right around the corner and the NBA has a huge present for you basketball fans! Christmas day the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers will face each other for the first time since last years NBA Finals. The Celtics beat the Lakers 4-2 making them the 2008 NBA champions. Gather the family around the television because this game will be interesting!
5 comments:
Ceej,
Great read as usual. But I don't think that its set in stone so much for LeBron leaving for NY. I know he would prefer to play there, but the pressure to succeed in that may play a part in his decision. In NY, its win or go home, period!!! No matter who you are...this is the same town who boo's ARod and he may be 1 of the best baseball players of all time. Winning is key in NY!! Who wants to deal with that?? I know I wouldn't and I know LeBron wont. The only way I see LeBron making that leap is if NY pull a Boston, and that would mean they would have to basically bring Amare or DWade if not both just to entice LeBron to play for them and show their committment to win. Remember, KG was not feeling going to Boston at all until they traded for Ray! So I if NY don't get on the ball soon, it may be a done deal. Matter of fact, scratch Amare's name from the list, since he can't handle playing 2nd fiddle! He wants the limelight to himself! 2010 will be an interesting year but I think NY will not be the only player in the LeBron sweepstakes. What about Miami? They have a good market plus they already have 1 superstar and a budding rookie. Now to me, Miami would be the move to make, the women alone makes it my #1 choice. What about LA?? They may pull something out they sleeve also, Im just not sold on NY being the only team who has a shot. I think teams are going to try to assemble a Olympic squad to try to woo LeBron away from Cleveland. And let's not even think about the $50 million he could make overseas (TAX FREE!!!!!) Forget the endorsements and all, $50 million has gotta be a hard deal to pass up, regardless if he may be playing in cold Siberia somewhere!! So we may be waiting til 2011 for the pursuit of LeBron b/c he may take the money to play overseas for a year. I know I would! Wouldn't you??? Anyway, enough of this LeBron talk, lets go Lakers!!!! LeBron will win MVP, DRose will ROY if he doesn't get hurt, and the Lakers will win the ship if Bynum doesn't trip over his feet during practice and break his legs!! Im out like Cuttino!!! By the way, I'm glad he chose to retire than to risk his life to be a 4th tier NBA superstar! Glad he's not an idiot athlete who thinks he's immortal!
D'Wayne thanks for the comment:
First off I would like to say your wild for saying "I'm out like Cuttino!!!" That's messed up. Lol!
I think that New York is the front runner in the LeBron James sweepstakes. I say that because money talks and the Knicks will have plenty of it when 2010 comes around. The Knicks will offer LeBron a maximum contract and bring in a marketing team that will help add to King James's fortune.
I don't believe the Lakers or Heat will make a push for LeBron. LA already has Kobe Bryant, who can play for at least 6 more years. Miami has D-Wade and rookie Michael Beasley. Miami and LA would have to give up too much inorder to bring LeBron aboard. As far as going overseas..not a chance! I know that the money is tax free, but LeBron won't make that big of a transition.
Like I said in the article the bright lights and attention that surrounds New York city will be one way Donnie Walsh will entice Lebron on joining the Knicks. Another way they will get LeBron is bringing another star power free agent to the team. Your right D'Wayne, KG would have never came to Boston if Ray Allen didn't. And Donnie Walsh knows that LeBron wants to win immediately
As far as pressure on LeBron James, I don't think there will be any pressure. The man has surpassed all expectations and hype in his career. James loves having the spotlight on him and showing people that he might be the second coming of His Airness(I said might be!)
Amare Soudemire may be a good fit for LeBron, but he lacks defensive skills. My choice would be Chris Bosh because his solid offense and defense. Bosh has a killer post game and a feathery touch on his jumpshot.
LeBron knows where he will be going, but he's smart and he will make teams up the dollar amount.
Killa Cam,
Man i was looking for Jay-Z's name in that article but did not find it. I think what is going to happen is Jay-Z, part owner of the Nets, will move the team to Brooklyn as planned. Jay-Z, a great friend of Lebron, will acquire the King and start a huge marketing frenzy that will outshine Tiger Woods and maybe Michael Jordan. Believe it. Watch! If all goes as planned "Brooklyn Nets" will acquire superstars starting with Lebron. We all know the game is not the same anymore and people will leave their city, team, fans for a extra cash. What you think about that???
Thank you for the comment Sanket:
I honestly don't believe LeBron will join forces with Jay-Z to play ball in Brooklyn. I understand that Jay-Z and LeBron are good friends, but when it comes to business, LeBron would be smart not to play in Brooklyn.
If there will be a team in Brooklyn, LeBron wouldn't risk his whole career to play for an expansion team. What's the Oklahoma City Thunder's record...oh yes 2-24!! Playing for the Knicks would be a better decision for LeBron if you compared it to playing with an expansion team.
LeBron is already on the path of surpassing Michael Jordan when it comes to endorsements. That's something he won't have to worry about.
CJ,
Looks like our convo had you going in deep this time with it lol.... I will say this though, the whole concept of people saying that New York is demanding of the whole win or go home concept; thats complete BS... Yankees and Mets have choked in the last couple of years and the Islanders aren't doing anything... The Giants are back to the pre-Manning era, and the Knicks? Well When was the last time the Knick waved a Banner in the Garden? Everyone calls it the Mecca Of Basketball But so far in the last decade, I see Bulls with 6 titles, Rockets with 2, Celtics one, Lakers 3, Pistons 1, Spurs 4 and Heat 1, IN FACT THE LAST TIME A BANNER WITH A CHAMPIONSHIP INSIGNIA HUNG FROM THE GARDEN WAS 1972, and CJ you should know who was on that team being an SIU grad, Walt Frazier.... SO 30 years of losing and the Knicks expect what? To win? Its like the they are soon going to be the next Cubs of Basketball....they have the immaculate field/court, rich history, but aren't doing anything with it... and CJ you are totally right Amare and Lebron I don't see being as good as Bosh and Lebron, also like I've said they need a point guard in there like a Nash to really get Lebron moving... Finally, Why not Brooklyn though? D Harris , Swift, (Not sure what they would do with Carter), and Yi? I mean that sounds more of a shorter laundry list for the Nets to do in order to get LBJ rather than the Knicks doing an entire revamping of their operation. Its also worth noting how disgusted i was with the Knicks cheering for Lebron, during a game... If we rewind the game back 13 years ago, and Jordan is on the market in 1 year, You would NEVER see the Orlando Magic fans, or the Knick and Laker fans ever root for him... Back then it was win now... WIN NOW....Thats the reason I hope something goes wrong and then the Knicks are a done deal for the next 20 years...
Post a Comment