why not? Lebron in 2014?

[Ruzious]

RG3 could recruit him to DC. Jordan fulfilled his dream of playing pro baseball (crappily), and Lebron could fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL (really well) as a WR for RG3 in the offseason (take the first half of the NBA season off). I don't think too many CB's could cover a ridiculously gifted 6'8 260 lber with great hands. And playing well in the NFL could make Lebron recognized as the greatest athlete of all time. Check that off the bucket list.

And he can hang out any time here with bestest bud Barack.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

DC was in Jalen Rose's Top-5
"Black Guy City Power Rankings".

He noted the DC being the nation's most-powerful city, the President being black, and the nickname "The Chocolate City".

The city should be a place NBA players want to play. Durant is a PG County guy. IIRC Dwight Howard has a kid whose mother is in DC. Of course Lebron, like Caron Butler, likes DC. Why? For some of the same reasons Andray Blatche did. Jalen Rose mentions gentleman's clubs in his Grantland podcast. More than that, there are many affluent blacks. Socially, culturally, and professionally the city and surrounding suburbs are appealing to wealthy NBA players.

All it would take to upgrade the Wizards as players in free agency is to hire Troy Weaver as GM, and for Ted to create a position for Ernie.

I can appreciate you bringing in a black prespective on this because I am not black, I have never been black and I will never know what it feels like to be black.

I do not know the last time you were in DC but recently "the city" has started to resemble a cookie cutter shopping mall.

Isn't Lebron's father a DC native?
Perhaps Lebron might want to come and win an NBA championship for his father's city?
I seriously doubt it but you never know.

As far as gentleman's clubs go, dont most black men prefer non black women?
The reason I ask is because when I was in high school and college, the black guys were always asking me if I had a sister or a cousin I could set them up with.

It's been forever since I have spent a lot of time in DC. I recall places like a club called "The Classics" and "Jasper's". They weren't in the city, but were close enough. Places like Crystal City had a nice, classy nightlife. When I was a young adult, way back in the 80s there were all kinds of house parties in places like Anacostia. The Strip around 14th street had every sort of adult entertainment. DC used to have great dance clubs. For cultured events the area around Howard University was nice. As far as meeting girls went, you had so many campuses to choose from. I went to Bowie (and had the best years of my life on that campus!) but the young ladies at UMCP and Howard were "accessible".

DC is like an oasis for young brothers as I recall. Surely, it hasn't been gentrified that much since the Stone Age when I grew up.

WTA, as far as brothers wanting white girls goes I didn't because of my mom. She was black and from the south. My parents divorced and my father remarried a lovely woman who happens to be white. I loved my mom too much to hurt her--and sadly, that would have back in the day. But there were so many of the baddest white girls at Friendly High. I am laughing because one of my Facebook friends posted a cheerleader picture from 1979 of her and two other girls. All I can say is as gramps says, "Hot! Hot! Hot!" I liked her then but was too dumb to ...

My two ex-wives are black but if I ever marry again I SERIOUSLY doubt she'll be of my race. A lady friend has a Chinese mom and her dad is Samoan/Puerto Rican. She is local Hawaiian-raised and is someone I admire inside and out.

One thing I am glad to see is for the most part nobody cares what race a person dates or marries. Sorry for the rant ...

[Dat2U]

The only thing stopping the Wizards from recruiting elite free agents is the owner & the general manager. And it's been that way for the last 30+ years from Pollin & Ferry to Leonsis & Grunfeld. It's the whole mom & pop store mentality. Small minded thinking in a big market city. The thinking that DC can't compete with LA, NY, CHI and the like and it's permeated throughout the fanbase, league and it's players. DC in reality is a basketball mecca. There's a strong basketball fanbase in DC that grew up not even liking or even respecting the Wizards because they were never any good. However this city lives and breathes basketball. And current & former players always talk about how they love DC and love coming here. IMO, there's nothing that would prevent stars from coming here if we had top flight management.

[AFM]

Interesting thread. Unfortunately for WTA, pretty much every major city in the US is full of CVSes and AT&T stores. The key is to seek out the cool under the radar places yourself.

[deneem4]

Rather take paul george and cousins now we have a big 4...already have porter or bennet at pf... and get tom thib as coach...

76-6 season

[montestewart]

Interesting thread. Unfortunately for WTA, pretty much every major city in the US is full of CVSes and AT&T stores. The key is to seek out the cool under the radar places yourself.

My wife spent her formative years in San Francisco. I'd never been there, and for a number of years heard her describe it as some sort of Shangri-La. Almost twenty years ago, she took me for my first visit to San Francisco. What I saw didn't match what she saw, colored by her memories. I saw a lot of Georgetown, as money was pouring in, gradually eating up the old uniqueness of the city and largely replacing it with a safe and relatively safe uniformity. SF has continued down that path over the last 20 years, but it isn't alone. It was starting to happen in NYC too. Times Square now looks like a huge extension of Disney World. Harborplace brought much of the same to Baltimore. Parts of Philadelphia started to embrace that uniformity. It was happening in many other cities long before anyone thought of investing much money in making DC a "livable" city. Rising rents and the economy of scale both drive many unique places to the fringes, the suburbs, or out of business.

Thus, 42nd Street went from this:

to this:


Funny thing is, newcomers to a city often like that familiar uniformity. NBA players have more money than the average Joe, but beyond that, I don't hear much about their tastes being so much different from those of other people. Maybe LeBJ would like a CVS, Starbucks, and Results in the ground floor of his luxury condo.

As far as gentleman's clubs go, dont most black men prefer non black women?
The reason I ask is because when I was in high school and college, the black guys were always asking me if I had a sister or a cousin I could set them up with.

My memory of high school is that practically every guy asked every other guy about a sister or cousin, regardless of color.

[Higga]

It's funny, they were just talking about the Wiz on 980 and how they never even try to go after the big names. I mean, what's the harm in trying? It's like they're scared that the players(or in their case, the coach: George Karl)would say yes and they'd have to pay him. Just once I'd like to hear the Wizards are in the running(even if it's a longshot)for a Lebron or Howard type player. At least it would show the franchise is serious about winning.

This franchise just doesn't dream big. It's like they're happy striving for mediocrity and the 8 seed. We're always in rumors for those scrub type trades. GO BIG OR GO HOME.

[pancakes3]

It's funny, they were just talking about the Wiz on 980 and how they never even try to go after the big names. I mean, what's the harm in trying? It's like they're scared that the players(or in their case, the coach: George Karl)would say yes and they'd have to pay him. Just once I'd like to hear the Wizards are in the running(even if it's a longshot)for a Lebron or Howard type player. At least it would show the franchise is serious about winning.

This franchise just doesn't dream big. It's like they're happy striving for mediocrity and the 8 seed. We're always in rumors for those scrub type trades. GO BIG OR GO HOME.

Even if they don't make big free agent signings, at least use the draft intelligently - not trading picks for vets or selling picks. Indy didn't make major free agent acquisitions and ended up in the conference finals going 7. So did the Spurs. OKC went last year to the finals. All did it through the draft.

[verbal8]

It's funny, they were just talking about the Wiz on 980 and how they never even try to go after the big names. I mean, what's the harm in trying? It's like they're scared that the players(or in their case, the coach: George Karl)would say yes and they'd have to pay him. Just once I'd like to hear the Wizards are in the running(even if it's a longshot)for a Lebron or Howard type player. At least it would show the franchise is serious about winning.

This franchise just doesn't dream big. It's like they're happy striving for mediocrity and the 8 seed. We're always in rumors for those scrub type trades. GO BIG OR GO HOME.

Even if they don't make big free agent signings, at least use the draft intelligently - not trading picks for vets or selling picks. Indy didn't make major free agent acquisitions and ended up in the conference finals going 7. So did the Spurs. OKC went last year to the finals. All did it through the draft.

David West was fairly significant even if it wasn't a max salary deal.

[Deeptu McPullup]

It's funny, they were just talking about the Wiz on 980 and how they never even try to go after the big names. I mean, what's the harm in trying? It's like they're scared that the players(or in their case, the coach: George Karl)would say yes and they'd have to pay him. Just once I'd like to hear the Wizards are in the running(even if it's a longshot)for a Lebron or Howard type player. At least it would show the franchise is serious about winning.

This franchise just doesn't dream big. It's like they're happy striving for mediocrity and the 8 seed. We're always in rumors for those scrub type trades. GO BIG OR GO HOME.

Even if they don't make big free agent signings, at least use the draft intelligently - not trading picks for vets or selling picks. Indy didn't make major free agent acquisitions and ended up in the conference finals going 7. So did the Spurs. OKC went last year to the finals. All did it through the draft.

David West was fairly significant even if it wasn't a max salary deal.

They also traded a first round pick for their starting point guard.

[queridiculo]

Lebron to the Wizards doesn't fit into the narrative of the king.

There's only one logical destination for Lebron as that Heat roster falls apart, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He'll be able to remove the stench associated with his departure, and bring that trophy to Cleveland just like he promised.

By the time Lebron can opt out, the Cavaliers will have a roster stacked with talent and salary cap room to burn. Heck, he might even be able to bring one of his Miami buddies along for the ride and the media won't be able to get their tongues out of Lebron holiest of holies for showing the character to return to his roots and the commitment to uplift Cleveland area devastated by the economic downturn.

The prodigal son returns!

There will be full page adds taken out by Dan Gilbert apologizing for being tossed aside like a spoiled kids old toy, and Ohio fans on their knees begging to service the royal member.

Bah, I'm ready to puke.

[queridiculo]

Except that's coming from an old and mature Jalen Rose. Fab Five Jalen Rose wouldn't have given 2 flips about DC. It'd be a great place for a player to retire to with its schools, culture, etc. but for a man in his late-20's, early 30's when money is no issue?

DC by law can't have any penthouse highrises, has the worst of all 4 seasons, a piddling club scene compared to NYC/Miami/LA, and really, demographically where this hypothetical NBA player would be hanging out? It's not as diverse as the raw statistics say.

Webber and Howard loved it here and that might be part of that nostalgia.

CW made a huge commitment to the area and was heartbroken when he was dealt away from the Bullets.

D.C. is routinely ranked as one of the favorite places to play by black pro athletes. The district still has a lot of pull, the trouble for Washington is really that we don't have the ownership structure to build a winner in this town.

No vision, no guile, no balls.

That's why there won't ever be a player of Lebrons caliber playing in this city unless we draft/develop our own.

[rockymac52]

Lebron to the Wizards doesn't fit into the narrative of the king.

There's only one logical destination for Lebron as that Heat roster falls apart, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He'll be able to remove the stench associated with his departure, and bring that trophy to Cleveland just like he promised.

By the time Lebron can opt out, the Cavaliers will have a roster stacked with talent and salary cap room to burn. Heck, he might even be able to bring one of his Miami buddies along for the ride and the media won't be able to get their tongues out of Lebron holiest of holies for showing the character to return to his roots and the commitment to uplift Cleveland area devastated by the economic downturn.

The prodigal son returns!

There will be full page adds taken out by Dan Gilbert apologizing for being tossed aside like a spoiled kids old toy, and Ohio fans on their knees begging to service the royal member.

Bah, I'm ready to puke.

Narrative of a king was already written once by this guy named Michael Jordan, and he tried to win in Washington, D.C., did he not?

[queridiculo]

Narrative of a king was already written once by this guy named Michael Jordan, and he tried to win in Washington, D.C., did he not?

Well, I was talking about the self-anointed king here, not one of, or perhaps THE best basketball player ever.

Jordan sold his soul for a shot to take over the Bullets. Abe Pollin's days, may he rest in peace, were numbered at the time and I can guarantee you that those BET dollars weren't originally meant to be put to use to buy the Charlotte Bobcats.

[colts18]

Narrative of a king was already written once by this guy named Michael Jordan, and he tried to win in Washington, D.C., did he not?

Why would a black athlete want to take a shot at DC after Pollin threw MJ under the bus and discarded him like a used tampon when he couldn't milk anymore value from MJ. MJ was an awful guy, but the way Pollin handled the situation was a disgrace. He broke his promise to MJ after MJ made him millions to play for his pathetic franchise. Say what you want about MJ's lack of character, but he is the only thing that has made the Wizards relevant with the exception of Gilbert (another guy Pollin threw under the bus).

[montestewart]

Narrative of a king was already written once by this guy named Michael Jordan, and he tried to win in Washington, D.C., did he not?

Why would a black athlete want to take a shot at DC after Pollin threw MJ under the bus and discarded him like a used tampon when he couldn't milk anymore value from MJ. MJ was an awful guy, but the way Pollin handled the situation was a disgrace. He broke his promise to MJ after MJ made him millions to play for his pathetic franchise. Say what you want about MJ's lack of character, but he is the only thing that has made the Wizards relevant with the exception of Gilbert (another guy Pollin threw under the bus).

Because Pollin doesn't own the franchise anymore? I like to think that NBA players are somewhat informed on current events. Could make a difference, if Leonsis doesn't blow it.

[Wes_Tiny_Abe_]

Interesting thread. Unfortunately for WTA, pretty much every major city in the US is full of CVSes and AT&T stores. The key is to seek out the cool under the radar places yourself.

My wife spent her formative years in San Francisco. I'd never been there, and for a number of years heard her describe it as some sort of Shangri-La. Almost twenty years ago, she took me for my first visit to San Francisco. What I saw didn't match what she saw, colored by her memories. I saw a lot of Georgetown, as money was pouring in, gradually eating up the old uniqueness of the city and largely replacing it with a safe and relatively safe uniformity. SF has continued down that path over the last 20 years, but it isn't alone. It was starting to happen in NYC too. Times Square now looks like a huge extension of Disney World. Harborplace brought much of the same to Baltimore. Parts of Philadelphia started to embrace that uniformity. It was happening in many other cities long before anyone thought of investing much money in making DC a "livable" city. Rising rents and the economy of scale both drive many unique places to the fringes, the suburbs, or out of business.

Thus, 42nd Street went from this:

to this:


Funny thing is, newcomers to a city often like that familiar uniformity. NBA players have more money than the average Joe, but beyond that, I don't hear much about their tastes being so much different from those of other people. Maybe LeBJ would like a CVS, Starbucks, and Results in the ground floor of his luxury condo.

As far as gentleman's clubs go, dont most black men prefer non black women?
The reason I ask is because when I was in high school and college, the black guys were always asking me if I had a sister or a cousin I could set them up with.

My memory of high school is that practically every guy asked every other guy about a sister or cousin, regardless of color.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l2jjWaOlfA[/youtube]

I am very aware of the current pussification of New York City.
I used to ride the bus and sometimes even the train from DC to Manhattan by myself or with friends and we would go to Playland and spend the entire day there.

You can see some video footage of Playland in the above video @ 1:30.

[Higga]

Except that's coming from an old and mature Jalen Rose. Fab Five Jalen Rose wouldn't have given 2 flips about DC. It'd be a great place for a player to retire to with its schools, culture, etc. but for a man in his late-20's, early 30's when money is no issue?

DC by law can't have any penthouse highrises, has the worst of all 4 seasons, a piddling club scene compared to NYC/Miami/LA, and really, demographically where this hypothetical NBA player would be hanging out? It's not as diverse as the raw statistics say.

Webber and Howard loved it here and that might be part of that nostalgia.

CW made a huge commitment to the area and was heartbroken when he was dealt away from the Bullets.

D.C. is routinely ranked as one of the favorite places to play by black pro athletes. The district still has a lot of pull, the trouble for Washington is really that we don't have the ownership structure to build a winner in this town.

No vision, no guile, no balls.

That's why there won't ever be a player of Lebrons caliber playing in this city unless we draft/develop our own.

Good post, agree 100%. Guys would love to play here if the ownership/FO were competent. D.C. is a great city but it isn't worth playing here if you know you'll never win more than 25-30 games a year.

[montestewart]

On many levels, DC can't compete with LA, NYC, and Miami, although with the latter, it seems like fan support is often an issue (maybe that's a mistaken impression), and I can easily see why the Wizards would lose FAs to those cities. But there's no reason they shouldn't try, and they should assume they have a good chance against every other city. The Wizards management thinking and saying otherwise just sounds pathetic. It sounds like they think they're the Washington Generals.

[Kanyewest]

RG3 could recruit him to DC. Jordan fulfilled his dream of playing pro baseball (crappily), and Lebron could fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL (really well) as a WR for RG3 in the offseason (take the first half of the NBA season off). I don't think too many CB's could cover a ridiculously gifted 6'8 260 lber with great hands. And playing well in the NFL could make Lebron recognized as the greatest athlete of all time. Check that off the bucket list.

And he can hang out any time here with bestest bud Barack.

With RG3 anything is possible! RG3 can also explore playing some point guard to fill the Wizards combo guard need. Him playing point guard would help him develop into the best qb of all time.