Lebron/Bulls gossip & rumors (merging)

[DuckIII]

The most famous player in Knick history is who? Ewing? Monroe? Frazier? Reed?

Spike Lee and Marv Albert are probably more famous than anyone that's ever played for them.

Close your eyes and think of all the great moments in Knick history: It's Reed coming onto the court and maybe John Starks dunking on the Bulls. That's it. Any other famous moments involving the Knicks are them on the receiving end.

This is my point. Despite their relatively miserable history, they are still a crown jewel franchise for the NBA. Imagine what it would be like with arguably the greatest player of all time at age 25?

[lu9]

Side note.. typing the word pitch made me think of something. I was listening to the Danny Mac show earlier today and Spiegel actually had some good things to say:

A) (and I don't know if this has been mentioned, so forgive me if it has): He confirmed Marrioti's Jordan story. Says he heard the same story from a guy that was in the foursome.

B) Regarding the pitch. The point he made was that Bulls are in such a position where they really don't need to "pitch" or sell anything. Let everybody else fall all over themselves and the Bulls roster/history speaks for itself. I like this a lot.

[kyrv]

The most famous player in Knick history is who? Ewing? Monroe? Frazier? Reed?

Spike Lee and Marv Albert are probably more famous than anyone that's ever played for them.

Close your eyes and think of all the great moments in Knick history: It's Reed coming onto the court and maybe John Starks dunking on the Bulls. That's it. Any other famous moments involving the Knicks are them on the receiving end.

This is my point. Despite their relatively miserable history, they are still a crown jewel franchise for the NBA. Imagine what it would be like with arguably the greatest player of all time at age 25?

I guess I just don't agree with that. I think they suck and have sucked for quite some time, much of that time being an embarrassment.

[DuckIII]

And I think you are underrating how huge the Bulls and LeBron would be together from a global fame perspective.

I do not, in any way, deny that they would be huge together.

[Sever82]

After these humiliating-to-his-ego playoffs exits, I think he would rather be what you think Olajuwon is rather than what you think Ewing is. And I'm not saying you disagree with this - I don't know.

Let me tell you - in my mind New York and Chicago are now essentially neck and neck.

The problem is that we have no idea what it is that LeBron values. My argument is merely that if its fame he values, he can get more of that on a global level from New York than he can from Cleveland or Chicago or Miami. But that admittedly he'll still be a mega-star, global icon wherever he lands.

You guys are strongly underrating just how huge the Knicks and LeBron would be together from a global fame perspective.

Since you think the Knicks will help someone on a global level. Name me one NY athlete who has reached global status? Chicago has one, has NY had one? Arod should've been one when he left Texas but wasn't because the NY media ate him up. Fact is fact, Lebron will be a global icon if he goes to one of the big markets (LA, Chi, NY ) no more in one place than the other. ESPN will give the bulls more exposure if Lebron goes there. When's the last time you saw a nationally televised Knick game? You can't say well they haven't been on TV cause they stink because the bulls were on National TV when they stunk. Fact are Facts, the bulls franchise is better known globally than the Knicks. Ask a NBA fan in China who's there favorite bull and they'll give you an answer, ask him who their favorite knick is and who knows what they'll say.

[JackFinn]

After these humiliating-to-his-ego playoffs exits, I think he would rather be what you think Olajuwon is rather than what you think Ewing is. And I'm not saying you disagree with this - I don't know.

Let me tell you - in my mind New York and Chicago are now essentially neck and neck.

The problem is that we have no idea what it is that LeBron values. My argument is merely that if its fame he values, he can get more of that on a global level from New York than he can from Cleveland or Chicago or Miami. But that admittedly he'll still be a mega-star, global icon wherever he lands.

In that case, I may agree. But, when you say "if it's fame he values" - what do you mean in terms of relativity to winning? Let's make it unrealistically simpler: how much lesser basketball success do you think LeBron would accept to play in New York than in expansion team Boise Raptors? I would find it hard to believe that the discrepancy between valuing fame and winning would skew significantly to the former. However, if you're stating that LeBron would choose New York IF he cares that much more about fame than winning, then of course you're right.

You guys are strongly underrating just how huge the Knicks and LeBron would be together from a global fame perspective.

It would be beyond epic. Globally, from my experience, the Knicks were the second most famous team in the 90's - way more than the Jazz. I brought up the Ewing example because he'd just be an element of the Knicks conversation. People brought up everything about the Knicks: Riley, Starks, Miller feuds, Bulls rivalries, Oakley, even Cavs rivalries and Anthony Underrated Mason and on and on.

[HINrichPolice]

Duck, I understand your argument being predicated on LeBron choosing fame over rings. (Which, by the way, would allow me to take solace if in fact LeBron chooses NY over Chicago.)

However, what do you have to say about the notion that Kobe's jersey sales in China or Asia (I forgot what the report said exactly) eclipse LeBron's because Kobe's a champion and that winners are who are most valued. In other words, having fame in Asia is directly related to championship success thus giving Chicago an edge in the fame category over New York with regards to Asia. (wish I had the link to back up my claim)

[Sever82]

The most famous player in Knick history is who? Ewing? Monroe? Frazier? Reed?

Spike Lee and Marv Albert are probably more famous than anyone that's ever played for them.

Close your eyes and think of all the great moments in Knick history: It's Reed coming onto the court and maybe John Starks dunking on the Bulls. That's it. Any other famous moments involving the Knicks are them on the receiving end.

This is my point. Despite their relatively miserable history, they are still a crown jewel franchise for the NBA. Imagine what it would be like with arguably the greatest player of all time at age 25?

Crown Jewel? What in the world are you talking about. What sponge was getting at is that the knicks have no player that stands out.

[DuckIII]

In that case, I may very well agree. But, when you say "if it's fame he values" - what do you mean in terms of relativity to winning? Let's make it unrealistically simpler: how much lesser basketball success do you think LeBron would accept to play in New York than in expansion team Boise Raptors?

Pop-Psychology by Duck: LeBron would, in theory, be swayed to New York by the fame factor, and convince himself the wins would come. (Which they will.)

Will they come as quickly and as often as in Chicago? No. And I think he knows it. But if its the maximizing of his global fame driving him, it will be easy for him to convince himself that he'll still win plenty in New York. One ring in New York would, as Bill Simmons put it, make him immortal. Immortality in other venues would require multiple championships.

In my opinion.

[HINrichPolice]

The most famous player in Knick history is who? Ewing? Monroe? Frazier? Reed?

Spike Lee and Marv Albert are probably more famous than anyone that's ever played for them.

Close your eyes and think of all the great moments in Knick history: It's Reed coming onto the court and maybe John Starks dunking on the Bulls. That's it. Any other famous moments involving the Knicks are them on the receiving end.

It really is sad to see how Knicks fans have that one dunk as one of their best moments in franchise history. Whenever that dunk is mentioned as a top dunk or top play of all-time, I just think, "well, they have to give NY something!"

[DuckIII]

The most famous player in Knick history is who? Ewing? Monroe? Frazier? Reed?

Spike Lee and Marv Albert are probably more famous than anyone that's ever played for them.

Close your eyes and think of all the great moments in Knick history: It's Reed coming onto the court and maybe John Starks dunking on the Bulls. That's it. Any other famous moments involving the Knicks are them on the receiving end.

This is my point. Despite their relatively miserable history, they are still a crown jewel franchise for the NBA. Imagine what it would be like with arguably the greatest player of all time at age 25?

Crown Jewel? What in the world are you talking about. What sponge was getting at is that the knicks have no player that stands out.

You have consistently missed the meaning of every post I've written in this thread. I'll try again: Even though they have a terrible history, they are still - from a fame and notoriety standpoint - one of the 3 core franchises in the NBA. The Lakers. The Celtics. The Knicks. It is the fact that they have this status despite a relatively crappy history that buttresses my point.

[DaeDae]

I would be ok with Deng staying here, if he did, i would like it if the bulls move Lebron to the two guard spot. He has the speed and athleticism to do so

That's exactly where LBJ will play. The starting 5 would be Rose-James-Deng-Gibson-Noah. That team can score, rebound, block shots, defend and run the court. Just get some 3 point specialist off the bench and this team is winning the title next year.

I'm sorry, and I hate to borrow a quote from Cowherd, but "say this out loud":

"Sure Lebron, we'll take you, but one of the conditions that we have is that you move to the SG spot, and play out of position, in order to make room for Luol-freaking-Deng."


Sorry, but that's pretty far out there. Lebron is not coming to Chicago to play out of position just because we have Luol Deng on the roster. Luol will be the one adapting, NOT the other way around.

[Professor Frink]

You have consistently missed the meaning of every post I've written in this thread. I'll try again: Even though they have a terrible history, they are still - from a fame and notoriety standpoint - one of the 3 core franchises in the NBA. The Lakers. The Celtics. The Knicks. It is the fact that they have this status despite a relatively crappy history that buttresses my point.

I get your point, Duck, but what are you basing it on? I missed that.

[Sever82]

Crown Jewel? What in the world are you talking about. What sponge was getting at is that the knicks have no player that stands out.

You have consistently missed the meaning of every post I've written in this thread. I'll try again: Even though they have a terrible history, they are still - from a fame and notoriety standpoint - one of the 3 core franchises in the NBA. The Lakers. The Celtics. The Knicks. It is the fact that they have this status despite a relatively crappy history that buttresses my point.[/quote]

Wow, can't help you there then. You honestly think the Knicks are more popular globally than the Bulls?

[DuckIII]

However, what do you have to say about the notion that Kobe's jersey sales in China or Asia (I forgot what the report said exactly) eclipse LeBron's because Kobe's a champion and that winners are who are most valued. In other words, having fame in Asia is directly related to championship success thus giving Chicago an edge in the fame category over New York with regards to Asia. (wish I had the link to back up my claim)

Tim Duncan is a champion. What are his jersey sales like?

Its a combination of things. Charisma. Success. Flashiness. Franchise. It all comes together. Note that franchise is part of it. Does Kobe have that type of market share if he spent his career as a Pacer?

[Showtime Lakers]

I was told by a source Chicago is LeBron's #1 choice this off-season. Chicago can give him something the Nets, Knicks, and Cavs won't be able to give him. Chicago has a young nucleus and only need a true #1 superstar on the team to compete with the Lakers. LeBron doesn't want to waste his prime like Kobe when the Lakers rebuilded during his prime. LeBron doesn't want to wait 3-4 years for a team to develop young players. Chicago is also close to his hometown and his family can come to visit him whenever they want.

What other team has two young all star caliber players like Noah and Rose? LeBron would also love to be the guy who won Chicago a ring after Jordan left the Bulls.

Don't be surprise if you see chicago in the finals next year with LeBron.

BTW, the Bulls want to trade for Bosh. Deng, filler, and their first round draft pick for Bosh. Bosh is not coming back to Toronto.

Nets: Play with Wall and waste 3-4 years of your prime waiting for the team to rebuild.

New York: Team is years away from being a real threat in the East.

Cavs: Team is getting older every year and FA don't want to play in Cleveland.

Chicago: Play with Noah and Rose, play in a big city and stay close to home, the Bulls can compete and beat teams like Celtics and Magic.

[JackFinn]

In that case, I may very well agree. But, when you say "if it's fame he values" - what do you mean in terms of relativity to winning? Let's make it unrealistically simpler: how much lesser basketball success do you think LeBron would accept to play in New York than in expansion team Boise Raptors?

Pop-Psychology by Duck: LeBron would, in theory, be swayed to New York by the fame factor, and convince himself the wins would come. (Which they will.)

Will they come as quickly and as often as in Chicago? No. And I think he knows it. But if its the maximizing of his global fame driving him, it will be easy for him to convince himself that he'll still win plenty in New York. One ring in New York would, as Bill Simmons put it, make him immortal. Immortality in other venues would require multiple championships.

In my opinion.

So he has to believe he'll win at least a championship there.
Anyway, this gives another facet to be giddily expecting July 1st.
Seeing as I'd be fine with a Reddick+Lee outcome, the rest of the storylines fill the role of porn-substitute.

[DuckIII]

Wow, can't help you there then. You honestly think the Knicks are more popular globally than the Bulls?

Put Lebron James on the Knicks and it is bigger than LeBron on the Bulls.

[Professor Frink]

Here's an interesting list of the most popular NBA teams by Twitter followers and Facebook fans:

http://thehoopdoctors.com/online2/2010/ ... book-fans/

Cleveland is #4, Chicago is #5 and NY is #12.

[Clint Eastwood]

i cant read over 80 pages of lebron, and i assume that if i made a new thread i would be flamed, so here is an email i got from my brother...

According to Sports producer/reporter for Chicago’s WGN Radio 720, Justin Weiner’s Twitter account. My heart can not take this.

http://twitter.com/justinweiner

Update from Justin Weiner:

I have heard through a reliable source that LeBron was seen looking for houses Tuesday in Highland Park, IL. He was seen entering one of two Range Rovers parked outside a house with a ‘for sale’ sign. If anyone is unfamiliar with the Chicagoland area, that location would be anywhere roughly 10-20 minutes away from the Berto Center in Deerfield where the Bulls practice. Coincidence? I think not.

Obviously, there can be no official negotiations between teams and prospective free agents until the July 1 date, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be under the table talks. I’m not a betting man, but this would be one of those rare occasions where I would throw some money on LeBron wearing number six in a Bulls uniform in the fall of 2010.