The LeBron Thread

[RHODEY]

And what Falk said today is absolutely true and will certainly be a major obstacle to him joining the Bulls if it isn't already a deal-breaker. One or more people in LeBron's inner circle and LeBron himself may very well share Falk's opinion.

What did Falk say?

[K_ick_God]

And what Falk said today is absolutely true and will certainly be a major obstacle to him joining the Bulls if it isn't already a deal-breaker. One or more people in LeBron's inner circle and LeBron himself may very well share Falk's opinion.

What did Falk say?

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/ ... s_chicago/

[Betta Bulleavit]

When is that quote from? Don't remember reading that in the past.

It's an old quote from two years back.

When asked during Wednesday's Knicks-Pistons game at Auburn Hills if he feels the Knicks are the favorite to sign LeBron in two years, Wesley smiled and said: "Barack Obama could use Donnie Walsh to clear salary-cap space for the country."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baske ... z0pM0PaNxf

Thats that point...that was two years back. Two years ago is two years ago. Today is today. Again though..you put up the checkmate position as though you guys getting LBJ would be an end game for the rest of the league and I find that laughable. Try putting together a better team than the one that he has in CLE and maybe people will be somewhat intimidated. Until then, I doubt the rest of the league is just gonna pack up and leave simply because James chooses to go to NY. Yes, its gonna make you guys tough....real tough. But a team with James (and even Bosh) along with a couple of decent role players isnt gonna guarantee anything.

[K_ick_God]

When is that quote from? Don't remember reading that in the past.

It's an old quote from two years back.

When asked during Wednesday's Knicks-Pistons game at Auburn Hills if he feels the Knicks are the favorite to sign LeBron in two years, Wesley smiled and said: "Barack Obama could use Donnie Walsh to clear salary-cap space for the country."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baske ... z0pM0PaNxf

Thats that point...that was two years back. Two years ago is two years ago. Today is today. Again though..you put up the checkmate position as though you guys getting LBJ would be an end game for the rest of the league and I find that laughable. Try putting together a better team than the one that he has in CLE and maybe people will be somewhat intimidated. Until then, I doubt the rest of the league is just gonna pack up and leave simply because James chooses to go to NY. Yes, its gonna make you guys tough....real tough. But a team with James (and even Bosh) along with a couple of decent role players isnt gonna guarantee anything.

Bosh and LeBron are 80% of the way to a title. You'd only need Gallinari to stay on course and develop at a decent clip, and fill in the roster with B+ type guys. That's a top contender.

[Striders]

The fact that it was two years ago shows nothing except that Lebron was intrigued by the Knicks even before we had enough room to sign a second max. That's literally the only other difference on the Knicks side since that quote.

The other difference is that the Cavs have failed him.

[Betta Bulleavit]

[/quote]Thats that point...that was two years back. Two years ago is two years ago. Today is today. Again though..you put up the checkmate position as though you guys getting LBJ would be an end game for the rest of the league and I find that laughable. Try putting together a better team than the one that he has in CLE and maybe people will be somewhat intimidated. Until then, I doubt the rest of the league is just gonna pack up and leave simply because James chooses to go to NY. Yes, its gonna make you guys tough....real tough. But a team with James (and even Bosh) along with a couple of decent role players isnt gonna guarantee anything.[/quote]


Bosh and LeBron are 80% of the way to a title. You'd only need Gallinari to stay on course and develop at a decent clip, and fill in the roster with B+ type guys. That's a top contender.[/quote]

I was reading an article a few weeks back that talked about how the league is evolving. It used to be that having two superstars and a few good role players was enough to contend year in and year out. Now days, you need two superstars, a star and a few good role players in order to contend. Think Celtics and Lakers of recent years. Considering injuries and things of that sort, its no longer a given that having two superstars is gonna be enough to get the job done. So where you say that having Bosh and James is 80% of the equation, I say that its more like 60-65%. So the bottom line is, even if you guys are fortunate enough to get those two guys, there is still lots of work to be done. And its gonna start with a willingness to compete on the defensive side of the court.

[Betta Bulleavit]

The fact that it was two years ago shows nothing except that Lebron was intrigued by the Knicks even before we had enough room to sign a second max. That's literally the only other difference on the Knicks side since that quote.

The other difference is that the Cavs have failed him.

I got you. So the Knicks situation has improved over the past couple of years but other teams have not emerged as contenders for his services?? Okey dokey buddy.

[Striders]

I was reading an article a few weeks back that talked about how the league is evolving. It used to be that having two superstars and a few good role players was enough to contend year in and year out. Now days, you need two superstars, a star and a few good role players in order to contend. Think Celtics and Lakers of recent years. Considering injuries and things of that sort, its no longer a given that having two superstars is gonna be enough to get the job done. So where you say that having Bosh and James is 80% of the equation, I say that its more like 60-65%. So the bottom line is, even if you guys are fortunate enough to get those two guys, there is still lots of work to be done. And its gonna start with a willingness to compete on the defensive side of the court.

Well luckily for us, it looks we're gonna have all that done. Douglas, Chandler and Gallinari are all VERY serious about defense. Despite all the rumors, D'antoni understands how important defense is himself.

Besides, Walsh himself said he won't be done even if we land two max cats, and he believes that those signings will only be just the beginning.

[K_ick_God]

I was reading an article a few weeks back that talked about how the league is evolving. It used to be that having two superstars and a few good role players was enough to contend year in and year out. Now days, you need two superstars, a star and a few good role players in order to contend. Think Celtics and Lakers of recent years. Considering injuries and things of that sort, its no longer a given that having two superstars is gonna be enough to get the job done. So where you say that having Bosh and James is 80% of the equation, I say that its more like 60-65%. So the bottom line is, even if you guys are fortunate enough to get those two guys, there is still lots of work to be done. And its gonna start with a willingness to compete on the defensive side of the court.

It's an interesting theory but I'm not sure I agree.

Who is the third star on the Lakers?

Kobe has been surpassed (in almost all aspects) by LeBron and I'd take Bosh over Gasol. Our top two guys would be better and arguably Gallo can be at least as good as Odom, although he has a little ways to go. And we can trade Curry for serviceable pieces.

Lakers are going to be a 2-time champion with the current roster (I believe) and I'd give the Knicks the edge on the top two guys. Plus the supporting guys -- Gallo, Wilson, even Toney and Bill Walker -- are all young and capable role players.

Knicks would be close to being an elite team just with LBJ & Bosh. I know people don't want to accept that because they've had the Knicks to kick around for so long. But it's hard to deny.

The NBA is not that complicated. Two stars and you're pretty much going to be able to beat anyone.

[Betta Bulleavit]

I was reading an article a few weeks back that talked about how the league is evolving. It used to be that having two superstars and a few good role players was enough to contend year in and year out. Now days, you need two superstars, a star and a few good role players in order to contend. Think Celtics and Lakers of recent years. Considering injuries and things of that sort, its no longer a given that having two superstars is gonna be enough to get the job done. So where you say that having Bosh and James is 80% of the equation, I say that its more like 60-65%. So the bottom line is, even if you guys are fortunate enough to get those two guys, there is still lots of work to be done. And its gonna start with a willingness to compete on the defensive side of the court.

It's an interesting theory but I'm not sure I agree.

Who is the third star on the Lakers?

Kobe has been surpassed (in almost all aspects) by LeBron and I'd take Bosh over Gasol. Our top two guys would be better and arguably Gallo can be at least as good as Odom, although he has a little ways to go. And we can trade Curry for serviceable pieces.

Lakers are going to be a 2-time champion with the current roster (I believe) and I'd give the Knicks the edge on the top two guys. Plus the supporting guys -- Gallo, Wilson, even Toney and Bill Walker -- are all young and capable role players.

Knicks would be close to being an elite team just with LBJ & Bosh. I know people don't want to accept that because they've had the Knicks to kick around for so long. But it's hard to deny.

The NBA is not that complicated. Two stars and you're pretty much going to be able to beat anyone.

This is true but that Lakers team has tons of verteran leadership and they have one of the best coaching staffs in the league. Now, Im not trying to insult the Knicks coaching staff but you have to admit that its nowhere close to the calibur of the Lakers. So in my opinion, its the star power plus the leadership and coaching that allows LA to kind of compensate for that lack of the third star. Also, you are seriously underrating Pau Gasol my man. Dude played a winning style of basketball even before he got to LA. He played on some absolutely horrible Memphis teams but still managed to get them to the playoffs. Bosh has not shown the winning mentality that Gasol has even if he may be more skilled.

[NBA Fan 1234]

Heck Gerald Green, had potential Noah game had grown over the past couple of year he good shot blocker and rebounder. You don't think Noah has respect all over the NBA more then Gallo has now.

Gerald Green had potential that he was never able to tap into. He was never anything more than a freak athlete. Gallo has SO much more going for him than Gallinari...so please, don't even compare the two. You don't think Gallo has gotten respect from players around the league? Dirk gave him respect saying he is more advanced that he was at that same age. He also said that Gallinari has a bright future ahead of him. Melo gave him A LOT of respect after going toe to toe with him at the Garden...you gotta read up my man before you say that Gallinari hasn't received as much respect as Noah. I don't see players going out of their way to say things about Noah...

These are the types of things that happen when you are trying to support an argument that doesnt make a damn bit of sense to begin with. Noah is more respected in this league than Gallo because Noah has flat out proven more. Please...talk to everyone when Gallo proves something when it counts.....in the playoffs. You guys are sucking on the Gallo juice way too hard in my honest opinion. I mean...I like the guy's potential too. But as it currently stands, thats all that Gallo is..potential. Until he proves something, he is nothing. I remember when a prime Shaq had the best things to say about Eddie back when he was with the Bulls. Even went as far as to say that Eddie would be a top 3 center in the league. Now you tell me how that one is working out.

I know I know...the truth can taste nasty as hell sometimes, but it is often a necessary evil. And I will say it again...I will be the first person to come to this board and grab my slice of crow pie when Gallo turns into everything that you guys say he is gonna be. I hope the guy becomes a star. Id love to see our two teams doing battle again in the playoffs. But I just cant but into the Gallo hype at this point.

Dude, has any ONE player come out and compliment how good a player Noah is? Gallo has received compliments by two of of the best players in the NBA. Shaq kept saying that Curry had potential...these guys are saying that Gallinari, not only has potential, but he also is a great player NOW. Huge difference there. You haven't seen Gallinari enough to say that he is this, or that, or he won't be this or that.

[cgf]

These are the types of things that happen when you are trying to support an argument that doesnt make a damn bit of sense to begin with. Noah is more respected in this league than Gallo because Noah has flat out proven more. Please...talk to everyone when Gallo proves something when it counts.....in the playoffs. You guys are sucking on the Gallo juice way too hard in my honest opinion. I mean...I like the guy's potential too. But as it currently stands, thats all that Gallo is..potential. Until he proves something, he is nothing. I remember when a prime Shaq had the best things to say about Eddie back when he was with the Bulls. Even went as far as to say that Eddie would be a top 3 center in the league. Now you tell me how that one is working out.

I know I know...the truth can taste nasty as hell sometimes, but it is often a necessary evil. And I will say it again...I will be the first person to come to this board and grab my slice of crow pie when Gallo turns into everything that you guys say he is gonna be. I hope the guy becomes a star. Id love to see our two teams doing battle again in the playoffs. But I just cant but into the Gallo hype at this point.

If you watched gallo once we let him out of the corner you'd know he's already shown he can be force in this league. Now when you add to that that as a teenager he took Italy's equivalent of the Isiah Knicks and made them an elite squad you start to understand the intangibles that Gallo also brings which show that he's always stepped up in the clutch. I understand being skeptical, of course his career could get derailed tomorrow and he hasn't proven it in the NBA enough, but he's shown that he's clutch and that he's very talented with a great understanding of how to use his skill. I'll give you that Noah made a bigger impact this past season, Gallo was negated to bailout 3 point shooter, but I genuinely doubt that that is the case this coming season. LeBron or no Gallo will get a bigger role on this team next and not be stuck with (Please Use More Appropriate Word) team-mates that got sand in their vag because he's going to be here long term and they weren't. I expect gallo to get 17 pts, 6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and a block a game very efficiently. Depending on how FA goes I can only see those numbers going up.

[Hitman33]

Knicks would be close to being an elite team just with LBJ & Bosh. I know people don't want to accept that because they've had the Knicks to kick around for so long. But it's hard to deny.

The NBA is not that complicated. Two stars and you're pretty much going to be able to beat anyone.

This is the key point that so many people are missing. LeBron - Bosh - Gallinari would be a young, incredibly talented core.

Honestly, if they get LBJ & Bosh they will be the favorites to win the East next year. The other pieces will just fall into place.

Like gravity.

[Betta Bulleavit]

Knicks1214, yes, seveal players have come out and talked about how great of a player Noah is. Coaches too. Lebron, Dwight are a couple of players that I can think of right off the top of my head that have complemented Noah. Dont wanna buy it..fine, just ask every player on both the Celtics and Cavs teams. In terms of coaches...practically every damn coach in the Eastern conference that have had to play against him multiple times have talked about how good he is. So to use that as a means to justify your foolish argument is obsurd. Furthermore, how good Noah is or will be has absolutely nothing to do with how good Gallo is or will be. You are the one making the comparison. And as of right now, there simply isnt one. Noah has proven far more than Gallo up to this point. That could change, but we are talking about the here and now.

[cgf]

When is that quote from? Don't remember reading that in the past.

It's an old quote from two years back.

When asked during Wednesday's Knicks-Pistons game at Auburn Hills if he feels the Knicks are the favorite to sign LeBron in two years, Wesley smiled and said: "Barack Obama could use Donnie Walsh to clear salary-cap space for the country."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baske ... z0pM0PaNxf

Thats that point...that was two years back. Two years ago is two years ago. Today is today. Again though..you put up the checkmate position as though you guys getting LBJ would be an end game for the rest of the league and I find that laughable. Try putting together a better team than the one that he has in CLE and maybe people will be somewhat intimidated. Until then, I doubt the rest of the league is just gonna pack up and leave simply because James chooses to go to NY. Yes, its gonna make you guys tough....real tough. But a team with James (and even Bosh) along with a couple of decent role players isnt gonna guarantee anything.

If we get LeBron and Bosh we have an infinitely better supporting cast than Cleveland. That team is simply awful, they're solid defenders, but awful waste of that much money.

[Betta Bulleavit]

These are the types of things that happen when you are trying to support an argument that doesnt make a damn bit of sense to begin with. Noah is more respected in this league than Gallo because Noah has flat out proven more. Please...talk to everyone when Gallo proves something when it counts.....in the playoffs. You guys are sucking on the Gallo juice way too hard in my honest opinion. I mean...I like the guy's potential too. But as it currently stands, thats all that Gallo is..potential. Until he proves something, he is nothing. I remember when a prime Shaq had the best things to say about Eddie back when he was with the Bulls. Even went as far as to say that Eddie would be a top 3 center in the league. Now you tell me how that one is working out.

I know I know...the truth can taste nasty as hell sometimes, but it is often a necessary evil. And I will say it again...I will be the first person to come to this board and grab my slice of crow pie when Gallo turns into everything that you guys say he is gonna be. I hope the guy becomes a star. Id love to see our two teams doing battle again in the playoffs. But I just cant but into the Gallo hype at this point.

If you watched gallo once we let him out of the corner you'd know he's already shown he can be force in this league. Now when you add to that that as a teenager he took Italy's equivalent of the Isiah Knicks and made them an elite squad you start to understand the intangibles that Gallo also brings which show that he's always stepped up in the clutch. I understand being skeptical, of course his career could get derailed tomorrow and he hasn't proven it in the NBA enough, but he's shown that he's clutch and that he's very talented with a great understanding of how to use his skill. I'll give you that Noah made a bigger impact this past season, Gallo was negated to bailout 3 point shooter, but I genuinely doubt that that is the case this coming season. LeBron or no Gallo will get a bigger role on this team next and not be stuck with (Please Use More Appropriate Word) team-mates that got sand in their vag because he's going to be here long term and they weren't. I expect gallo to get 17 pts, 6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and a block a game very efficiently. Depending on how FA goes I can only see those numbers going up.

Ive watched a little bit of Gallo, not alot. And based on what I have seen, you are correct Gallo CAN BE a force in this league. But again, we are talking potential. The guy that I was referring to was comparing Gallo and Noah on the basis of what other superstars have said and what the two have proven and from that end, its a terrible argument.

[Betta Bulleavit]

When asked during Wednesday's Knicks-Pistons game at Auburn Hills if he feels the Knicks are the favorite to sign LeBron in two years, Wesley smiled and said: "Barack Obama could use Donnie Walsh to clear salary-cap space for the country."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baske ... z0pM0PaNxf[/quote]

Thats that point...that was two years back. Two years ago is two years ago. Today is today. Again though..you put up the checkmate position as though you guys getting LBJ would be an end game for the rest of the league and I find that laughable. Try putting together a better team than the one that he has in CLE and maybe people will be somewhat intimidated. Until then, I doubt the rest of the league is just gonna pack up and leave simply because James chooses to go to NY. Yes, its gonna make you guys tough....real tough. But a team with James (and even Bosh) along with a couple of decent role players isnt gonna guarantee anything.[/quote]

If we get LeBron and Bosh we have an infinitely better supporting cast than Cleveland. That team is simply awful, they're solid defenders, but awful waste of that much money.[/quote]

Yeah, if you are looking at it from a talent versus contract perspective, then you would be hard pressed to find a team in worse shape than the Cavs. However, if you compare the two teams talent for talent, Bosh would be better than anything that CLE can offer. However, it starts to even out big time after that. And you cant simply discount the importance of good defense. Its half the game.

[cgf]

These are the types of things that happen when you are trying to support an argument that doesnt make a damn bit of sense to begin with. Noah is more respected in this league than Gallo because Noah has flat out proven more. Please...talk to everyone when Gallo proves something when it counts.....in the playoffs. You guys are sucking on the Gallo juice way too hard in my honest opinion. I mean...I like the guy's potential too. But as it currently stands, thats all that Gallo is..potential. Until he proves something, he is nothing. I remember when a prime Shaq had the best things to say about Eddie back when he was with the Bulls. Even went as far as to say that Eddie would be a top 3 center in the league. Now you tell me how that one is working out.

I know I know...the truth can taste nasty as hell sometimes, but it is often a necessary evil. And I will say it again...I will be the first person to come to this board and grab my slice of crow pie when Gallo turns into everything that you guys say he is gonna be. I hope the guy becomes a star. Id love to see our two teams doing battle again in the playoffs. But I just cant but into the Gallo hype at this point.

If you watched gallo once we let him out of the corner you'd know he's already shown he can be force in this league. Now when you add to that that as a teenager he took Italy's equivalent of the Isiah Knicks and made them an elite squad you start to understand the intangibles that Gallo also brings which show that he's always stepped up in the clutch. I understand being skeptical, of course his career could get derailed tomorrow and he hasn't proven it in the NBA enough, but he's shown that he's clutch and that he's very talented with a great understanding of how to use his skill. I'll give you that Noah made a bigger impact this past season, Gallo was negated to bailout 3 point shooter, but I genuinely doubt that that is the case this coming season. LeBron or no Gallo will get a bigger role on this team next and not be stuck with (Please Use More Appropriate Word) team-mates that got sand in their vag because he's going to be here long term and they weren't. I expect gallo to get 17 pts, 6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 steals and a block a game very efficiently. Depending on how FA goes I can only see those numbers going up.

Ive watched a little bit of Gallo, not alot. And based on what I have seen, you are correct Gallo CAN BE a force in this league. But again, we are talking potential. The guy that I was referring to was comparing Gallo and Noah on the basis of what other superstars have said and what the two have proven and from that end, its a terrible argument.

See that's where we disagree Gallo being a force in this league is a question of role, when he wasn't stuck sitting in the corner for the end of the shot-clock three and got to take the ball and attack he was a force. And he's clutch. Now Noah's a better rebounder and stronger defender, is that worth the vast difference in offensive ability? I don't think so since Gallo is a tremendously under-rated Defender and rebounder by people who haven't seen much of him. He had games where his shot wasn't falling so he drifted into the paint and was a force on the boards, plus following the trade of Jeffries Gallo became our best defender.

[Betta Bulleavit]

CGF, even with this being the case, Gallo is a SF/PF whereas Noah is a Center. Given Gallo's skillset, he could present a ton of mismatches for opponents. But Noah's skillset is one that will present a ton of problems for opposing centers as well. Noah IS a double double machine only having completed 3 seasons in the league. So again, we are dealing with the proven vs the unproven. Now...one more season could change that. But again...even if Gallo pans out the way that many of you guys feel he will, it doesnt change what Jokim has already proven. I never once said that Gallo sucks and is going to be a bust. But Noah (along with Rose) have already proven that they can peform at a high level at the highest of levels. What Gallo might be cant change that.

So with that said, I can respect how you guys feel about Gallo so long as you guys can respect how we feel about the value of our young guys.

[Wilson Chandlaa]

Ive watched a little bit of Gallo, not alot. And based on what I have seen, you are correct Gallo CAN BE a force in this league. But again, we are talking potential. The guy that I was referring to was comparing Gallo and Noah on the basis of what other superstars have said and what the two have proven and from that end, its a terrible argument.

ok but when dealing with players potential the ones who usually reach it are the ones who have a great work ethic and attitude. and that's the same reason Eddy curry couldn't ever reach his potential