The LeBron Thread

[KAVknick]

Betta Bulleavit whilst I agree all teams and fans have rights to wish for LBJ you seem pretty realistic about the odds of getting him. I just can not see that LBJ would want to leae Cleveland to go to Chicago surely it is a more incredible feat stayin put and winning for them or coming to us and winning a chip here.

That being said as a team currently built your far superior than ours but and this is not aimed at you I find at laughable that the league teams etc and bspn seem to be rooting so hard against the Knicks. This has become bizarre im in the UK and can still easily pick up on the vibe that teams are **** themsleves at the prospect of him coming here why is this?

[captain subtext]

Obviously I want him on the Knicks, but after all this bitching and self righteousness on every side (and all the bitching yet to come), I'd be somewhat entertained, if he just signed a new deal with the Cavs.

[omerome]

It really just amazes me how much fans of other teams are longing and hoping for New York to fail. I know that you don't want a team like the Knicks to improve because that means more competition in the league but what I really do not understand is if we strike out on LeBron our plan has failed.

No, that just means that we move on to the next one. And please don't say that "HAHA looks like you're signing Joe Johnson and Carlos Boozer since you have cap space to spare". If you listen to any of Walsh's interviews or read several articles that has been written (IN ITS ENTIRETY and not just snip out a quote), you will understand that his plan is not focused on just one player. The whole point of clearing cap space is to give what this franchise hasn't had in a decade - options.

You can't have options without having the means to having salary space to sign players. As we've seen recently, the mid level exception is only good to get players who are serviceable - not players you want to build around. And in most cases, most players who sign mid level exceptions are overpaid and negatively hamper the salary cap.

This team is moving away from that philosophy of signing players who could help the team and are going after players who would help the team. There is a big difference between the two.

To address Chicago's roster for example, I know the team have an talented PG by the name of Rose and a serviceable big man named Noah but other than that, the team is loaded with players the Knicks of the 2000's had - players who earn more money than they deserve and this directly affects the team's ability to sign players in the future.

I also know that New York's roster isn't much in terms of having proven players, but we do have guys who can be key pieces to fit in with the upcoming FAs. Also what many people fail to understand is that despite the team's failure last season, the players most of our fans did not want, won't be here and it was clearly evident that the majority of those same players did not buy into the team concept. So this is going to be a completely different team from the previous years. I mean you just won't win many games with Duhon as your starting PG, Harrington as a key contributor for your team, Larry Hughes complaining on the bench - growing a beard until he gets some playing time, no matter who was coaching...

We may only have four players signed to the roster next season but that's the beauty of cap space - we now control who we sign, and for how long. Because of this, we can also tell players straight up, "Who do you want to play with”? Coupled with the opportunity and the challenge to turn around a franchise that has been the league's "kickstand" for several years, I am sure many players would love to be a part of making the New York Knicks a respectable (loved/hated) franchise once again.

Why do you think that guys that Grant Hill and Steve Nash heavily considered signing with the Knicks last year? Even Nate Robinson is quoted to saying he never wanted to leave and like David Lee has stated they would like to be a part of the turnaround since they have been a part of the failure. Our pitch to FAs is appealing whether you believe it or not and now that we are no longer obligated to long term contracts, it makes life so much easier to get players signed on this team.

This isn't the Layden or Isiah lead Knicks of yesteryear, we have a front office with a plan, a owner who isn't afraid to spend, a city with the history, and a fan base patiently waiting for special things to happen and I for one cannot wait!

So to end, this franchise will move on with or without LeBron. Signing him would be great and I will cheer for him but if he chooses otherwise, I will root for any player who is ready for the challenge to accomplish the ultimate goal - brining a championship to the New York Knicks franchise. Now the reason question is, is the rest of the league ready?

[sol537]

would you jump off the brooklyn bridge if we ended up with Boozer and Johnson? If that were to happen, I think both of those guys would be below the Max to come here, so we would have some wiggle room to sign one more player, like a Mike Miller or something. Then we can fill out with Vet. Min guys.

Start: Boozer, Chandler, Gallo, Johnson, and Douglas
Bench: Miller, Barron, Walker, and Duhon

That's a 4-5 seed with an expiring Curry, giving us a chance to maybe get Melo or Paul down the road.

So, would you jump?

[Striders]

If I missed anything, please pardon me. The part about this that I find so comical is that someone accused me of making a bold prediction when the entire premise of how NY will fair this summer is based on one big a$$ed bold prediction in itself. Guys listen....I really hope that your plan pans out this summer. I really do for reasons that I have stated previously. But dont go getting your panties all up in a bunch just because NY is the only one buying the NY hype right now.

Yeah, you're such a victim. You're coming in here talking about how our situation would "catastrophic" if Lebron doesn't come. People here wouldn'tbe shocked at such a prediction?

Betta Bulleavit whilst I agree all teams and fans have rights to wish for LBJ you seem pretty realistic about the odds of getting him. I just can not see that LBJ would want to leae Cleveland to go to Chicago surely it is a more incredible feat stayin put and winning for them or coming to us and winning a chip here.

That being said as a team currently built your far superior than ours but and this is not aimed at you I find at laughable that the league teams etc and bspn seem to be rooting so hard against the Knicks. This has become bizarre im in the UK and can still easily pick up on the vibe that teams are **** themsleves at the prospect of him coming here why is this?

Well...because...

"I would think it would be hard for him to leave all he has in Miami, unless he thinks the team isn't going to be good enough for his standards," an Eastern GM said.

But the executive doesn't dismiss the possibility of Wade's signing with the Knicks.

"That wouldn't surprise me either," he said. "It doesn't scare me to death if Wade goes to New York. If Wade is their guy, I don't say, 'Oh, no, what are we going to do?'If they get LeBron, that will be a big deal, the party's over [for the rest of the league]. But Wade is a little injury-prone, and he's taken wear and tear over his career."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/w ... index.html

The Eastern Conference would be pretty much ****ed.

[KAVknick]

would you jump off the brooklyn bridge if we ended up with Boozer and Johnson? If that were to happen, I think both of those guys would be below the Max to come here, so we would have some wiggle room to sign one more player, like a Mike Miller or something. Then we can fill out with Vet. Min guys.

Start: Boozer, Chandler, Gallo, Johnson, and Douglas
Bench: Miller, Barron, Walker, and Duhon

That's a 4-5 seed with an expiring Curry, giving us a chance to maybe get Melo or Paul down the road.

So, would you jump?

Sol no wouldnt jump but damn Il be honest I only want Johnson as a complimentary to a stud and as for Boozer while slightly better than Lee seems to lack the fire and drive for me to want on this team although you right its about options which is what we have been crying about these last years.

[Betta Bulleavit]

Yeah, you're such a victim. You're coming in here talking about how our situation would "catastrophic" if Lebron doesn't come. People here wouldn'tbe shocked at such a prediction?

See, now you're reaching a bit. I never called myself a victim. Im merely saying that I would appreciate not being lumped in with a particular group of Bulls fans that have made our entire fanbase look bad on this board. Believe it or not, there are actually some Bulls fans that are able to discuss the matter in a civilized manner.

As far as it being catastrophic for you guys if you dont get LBJ, that is simply a matter of my personal opinion. The reason that this is my opinion is because the past two years have consisted of nothing but talk of LBJ to NY and a little bit about NJ. But for the most part, your organization has spent the past two seasons preparing for this moment. And the ultimate prize has always been said to be Lebron. So if he doesnt come, then you gotta worry about who else (worth signing) will want to come without him here. Im sure you guys could get players like Boozer, JJ or either a re-signed Lee.

My question is...how good will that make your team and what opportunities will exist to get better once you have guys like that locked up long-term? So Im not saying that the Knicks cant get other FA. Im just not sure that you guys will be able to get the ones that you covet most without an attraction like Lebron. But understand, this is jut my opinion...not an attempt to bash NY the city, the Knicks, or you guys as fans.

[4PointPlay]

Only one month to go!

[K_ick_God]

LeBron taping Larry King interview today, will air tomorrow or the next day, but there could be some leaks today.

[ITGM]

LeBron taping Larry King interview today, will air tomorrow or the next day, but there could be some leaks today.

[K_ick_God]

As far as the above conversation, I think we all need to inject some civility into this discussion fellas.

Obviously we disagree mostly on this subject because each side wants a very different result. So, in large part, we're working BACKWARD from the result we want and then finding facts to justify that different result we want to see.

Derrick Rose is an extremely gifted young player and Noah has proven that he is a top energy big man.

And maybe LeBron has decided that NY would be too much pressure and too much of a challenge to him at this stage of his career -- when he is probably getting desperate for an immediate championship.

I'm not basing this on any information, but theoretically it is possible.

Who knows FOR SURE. But logic tells me three things that really do back up the argument that the Knicks' chances are stronger than Chicago's and I think they're three very substantial things:

1. The MJ legacy issue is, to me, a very real thing that will probably get in the way. LeBron does not want to hear about Jordan every waking hour for the rest of his career.

2. I really don't see how Rose and LeBron will coexist in a way that will maximize each other's talents. Would they be a load to handle and win ballgames? Yes. But would Rose excel off the ball OR does LeBron like playing off the ball on the wings? No. One of the two would be diminished most likely. It's probably a flawed mix. Bosh is a better fit next to LeBron because you know the two wouldn't get in each other's way. Could Rose and LeBron surprise me and work great? Yes. But the problem is that we wouldn't know that until they play together and they can't play together until he signs. Chicken & egg. Despite the ESPN fools, I really think LeBron would be hesitant to share the ball with Rose and on paper, it's at least an odd, questionable fit.

3. The Bulls getting Bosh is a major mountain to climb. I don't think Toronto is going to give him away and take back a bad contract or two. I just don't see it. Without Bosh, Rose, LeBron and Noah has major holes and I don't think it's a title team.

But again, maybe he feels that Chicago is going to bring less attention to him and he prefers a quieter, smaller challenge at this point in his career. And one big thing in the Bulls' favor is that they have made the playoffs for two years and we've been bad for a decade. That's the strongest thing in Chicago's favor and the biggest hurdle for the Knicks to overcome.

Nobody could know for sure. We'll find out soon.

[Pharmcat]

lebron has a taped interview with Larry King on fri...LOL


knowing larry's history with women, I hope he didnt do, eh nevermind

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5238743

[Pharmcat]

with just one month to go now folks, how do you feel about nyks chances with the FA?

[Jay10]

larry king is definitely going to ask him about free agency. everyone might finally get their answer to whether he is staying or leaving

[K_ick_God]

with just one month to go now folks, how do you feel about nyks chances with the FA?

I think where LeBron goes is highly unpredictable at this point. I think almost everybody would prefer he not go to NY, so we could see some wild things happen if it looks like LeBron is close to signing with the Knicks.

I can't imagine LeBron signing with a Dallas or whatever, but who knows -- it's possible I guess.

I think the Bulls thing has holes and seems as phony as a 3-dollar bill. Just seems like a fake diversion.

We're the most natural fit for him and have the best potential roster for him too, but I've grown to expect the worst.

[Striders]

with just one month to go now folks, how do you feel about nyks chances with the FA?

We have an OK shot at him. Better shot than we did around the All-Star break.

I'm just happy that Donnie gave us a good position so that we're not screwed if we don't sign him.

[jdennis187]

http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page ... bo-edition

8. LeBron James-David Lee
Break out pick-and-roll stats and Lee's numbers jump off the page. No big man rolled more proficiently and more frequently in 2009-10 than Lee did.

What makes Lee so efficient? Unlike Stoudemire, who moves with brute force off the action, Lee is a master of finding pockets of space off the screen where he can launch a quick shot with either paw -- the closer to the rim, the better. Lee can get out in transition and also saw his shooting accuracy leap this past season from midrange.

But he doesn't compromise defenses with his back to the basket, which limits the range of half-court sets you can run in an offense where Lee anchors the front line. And as much temptation as there would be to play James at the 4 with Lee at the 5 -- particularly under D'Antoni -- Lee's inability to defend the post or challenge shots would demand another big body in the mix.

[Marty McFly]

surprise, surprise look who's at number 9

[ITGM]

with just one month to go now folks, how do you feel about nyks chances with the FA?

I think Lebron has known what he wanted to do for three years now. The Chicago smokescreen is the best thing that could have happened to Lebron and the Knicks. The media has switched from saying he should never leave his roots, to "Lebron has to leave and Chicago would be great". Now when Lebron signs with New York, that "leaving home" argument won't hold much weight. The smokescreen has also worked tremendously in the kNicks favor. The GM's around the league aren't sure who to blacklist. If it was a sure thing that we would sign Lebron, how many teams would be willing to deal us draft picks? Or work out a trade with us??? (A resounding Zero) Chicago has diverted so much attention from New York that Donnie Walsh is free to make a splash in this years draft and Offseason.

[Jstarks3]

i honestly think gallo could be an honorable mention.