I know all the short smart a$$ responses im going to get like "duh... money talks" or "NY is a huge market," but I want to have a real discussion I don't understand the true incentive for LeBron to go to New York. They will offer him max money, and I know that New York gives him a tremendous market that he cannot get anywhere else in the world. That being said, King James rules the sports universe, ESPN would broadcast highlights of him over the PBA tour in July if they could. I'm sure they've even looked into a LeBron 24/7 channel or something. All of this attention has come to him while he has played in Cleveland. If he makes the jump to any major market, he will get a boost. More importantly, however, this doesn't make sense for LeBron from a basketball standpoint. Hiring D'Antoni was a terrible move for the Knicks IMO. His style of ball and his philosophy do not seems to fit with LeBron. While he is a phenomenal passer, the running style is something that wouldn't bring another dimension to his game, it would just amplify one part of it while neglecting another. I am a strong believe in the "Defense wins Championships" mantra. While some may argue that Phoenix was gypped in the Conference finals for a few years, in the end, the team had nothing to show for it, not even a Finals appearance. I am convinced that Mike D'Antoni will NEVER win a championship (unless he changes his ideology). Above all, however, I would be terrified to depend on the Knicks front office. It has been a disaster for a very long time. LeBron has been on the Cavs constantly to get more talent around him, and it would be much worse if he went to NY. I know money talks and many people think that LeBron is all about the green, but after seeing his demands from the Cavs- why would he want to mess with the Knicks?
I agree, basketball speaking, Knicks are not good for him, but if he is only for the money and the popularity, he will choose the Knicks. lets see how much he cares about the sport (playing because he likes to play, not playing just to make money)
Will the Knicks even have the money? Not sure they will. And LeBron hasnt been shy about his love for the baseball team there that just won the world series. As for why ESPN thinks he'll end up there? I'm not sure. I'm not sure they have a legitimate reason for thinking he'll end up there besides maybe just wishing or thinking he ends up there or for the reason I mentioned above(not shy on expressing his love for the baseball team there so perhaps makes them think he may want to go there). However, as I said, I dont think NY has the money, and even if they do, thye're gonna have to get another selling point imo besides just being NY and being a big makret. But hey, what do I know. Just my $.02
As for basketball, if you take James away from the Cavaliers, I'd argue that the Knicks are better suited for the future. Lee (assuming he's resigned), Chandler & Gallinari look promising. Their cap situation is finally manageable. Whereas, the Cavs have an aging Shaq & Z, an overrated Mo Williams, a defensive four in Varejao, either an aging or mentally imbalanced undersized shooting guard, and not much else. Also, New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world, especially to live in. As much as he's an NBA superstar, living in Manhattan, James wouldn't always have to suffer from the big fish in small pond phenomenon. Also, to resurrect an internet meme, this (NSFW: language): "Our economy is based on Lebron James." <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oZzgAjjuqZM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oZzgAjjuqZM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> Also, if the Russian oligarch can break ground in Brooklyn, I'd argue that Devin Harris, Brook Lopez & Courtney Lee make the Nets the best option out there.
I agree D'Antoni doesn't seem to be a coach LeBron would want to play for. It will make me laugh if the Knicks don't get either LeBron or Wade and have to overpay someone else after betting the farm on 2010 and deliberately blowing chunks for 2 years.
There is one basketball reason: D'antoni's system. Maybe he just wants to be free to run and his numbers will be ridiculous in that system, he could come close to averaging a triple double. Roster wise there is no reason for him to play in NYK, they will be the least talented team in the league going into the start of FA next year. At least all the other bad teams will have a draft pick and some good young players. The Knicks have no draft pick and they took Tyrone Hill, yuck, seriously look up the rosters on the eve of FA next year, and you will see that the NY roster is the worst, by far. I don't buy the NYC greatest city stuff. If he's into it that much he can just go and stay there over the summer. Athletes never stay in Manhattan anyway, they all get a house in Jersey and commute. He would definitely get more local endorsement money, but I don't think his national and international appeal would be affected by being in NYC. There is only one way for him to be a bigger star: win some titles.
I agree, you don't automatically become a popular player just by playing in New York City. Marbury never became the primetime player and neither has any of the recent "stars" on that team. LeBron James is popular beyond location now. He could play in Idaho and the whole world would still know him. If he genuinely thinks that being in NYC is going to make him more marketable than he is right now...I think he's making a mistake. He needs to be on a team suitable for him to win games, but still be able to be the main guy on the team and not have to share that much spotlight. THAT's how you become who he wants to become.
I don't think the Knicks have enough talent to entice LeBron.. but the Nets? Devin Harris Brook Lopez Courtney Lee Terrence Williams All damn good players.. LeBron would have a PG, big man who can score in the post, and shooters on the wing.. all while perhaps playing for Jay-Z's Brooklyn team.. I think NJ might be the favorite if he leaves.
Why wouldn't Knick's system be good for him? He currently plays 1 on 5 half court. If he actually had a system to play with, it would make it so much easier for him.
D'Antoni's system also seems like it would be a heck of a lot more fun to play in. Compared to the offensive sets they run in Cleveland, that seems a no-brainer. But between NY and Cleveland, both rosters are bad, but at least NY has the greater flexibility moving forward. The Cavaliers are pretty much a one-man team right now, even with all the money spent on failed complementary players. The Knicks are better positioned to surround James with talent in the future. Most athletes don't stay in Manhattan, but celebrities do. James is the icon. Why put off living where you want to, as you want to, if money is no impediment?
If he wanted to goto NYC that badly he should choose the Nets. They have just as much flexibility and a whole lot more talent than the Knicks.
He makes them a playoff team just off joining them and makes Cleveland a lottery pick just off leaving them. I still don't think he will leave Cleveland though.
I'm pretty sick of hearing people say it's Jay Z's team. He owns less than 2% of the Nets, if that. He has absolutely no say in any decisions that the team makes.
People bring up Jay-z because they are close so they think he can convince LeBron to come there. Of course he has no say but what is he to say? He and the Nets want LeBron James and it is pretty obvious.
Nets haven't won a game 0-6 and lost all 3 of the preseason games they played with the Knicks and you guys think they have talent enough to attract Lebron??? The Nets are rebuilding just like the Knicks and more so in terms of the team, ownership and their arena. There was a real excitement at MSG when Lebron played on Friday that you never see at the Izod Center. No way does Lebron go to the Nets before the Knicks.
I think it was Avery Johnson that said New Jersey has enough cap space to sign LeBron and another top notch free agent this upcoming summer.
I dont think there is any win win situation with the Knicks other than the money. Of which most of it he will give back over a lifetime being on a sucky team with high state taxes and no exposure when they start to lose even with Lebron on their team causing his stature to diminish even more. Just an all around bad situation for him there. He might as well stay with Cleveland if he is considering the Knicks.
If the Nets could get that move finalized to Brooklyn, that would do the trick. And yet, since LeBron can't tell anyone beforehand what he's gonna do next year (especially if he isn't sure himself, duh), the Nets might not get their move-to-Brooklyn hammered out. And playing this season in Newark (I think?) isn't gonna lure Bron-Bron.
