http://reasho.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/lebron-james.jpg
Preclude: Read the rankings if nothing else, which are towards the bottom.
It's amazing what LeBron James can do. From the now famously coined "chase down blocks" to the posterizing dunks, there is no doubt LeBron James is the most athletically gifted NBA player. Even more impressive, he has motivated me to restart my blog, which I haven't kept up (last post February 18). My excuses are the academic demands of college, as well as sheer laziness. However, as a fan of the game, and a semi-decent player myself, I cannot deny that Lebron James' early exit in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against the Celtics marks the beginning of a two month circus of speculation. While many realists will not play the guess game about where LeBron will land, fuck them. LeBron's decision will undoubtedly go down as one of the top 5 most impactful decisions in NBA history (if not 1, but we won't know until he hangs up his jersey and we can count his rings). For this reason I have decided to chug some coffee, suck it up, and get back to writing; moreover, I have decided to partake in the fun of predicting his future because lets be honest, what else would a true sports fan do. Before I get to the Lebron sweepstakes let me recap the Bulls season from where I left off, since after all, this is a Bulls blog:
- After trading Salmons for Warrick to the Bucks and Tyrus for Flip Murray to the Bobcats, Noah goes out for 10 games. Guess our record? Yes, 0-10. Meanwhile, Salmons leads the Bucks on a tear that lands them a 6 seed leading to a 7 game battle with the Hawks despite losing Bogut for the season.
- Bulls in the 9 spot trailing the Raptors looking like they will be watching the postseason from home. By their bootstraps Rose and Noah put together some great basketball and lead the bulls to the 8th seed
- Bulls lose to Cavs 4-1, but compete and show LeBron why the Bulls would be an attractive option.
Short, but sweet. Because even with the Conference Finals and NBA finals looming, we cannot deny that the world of basketball is focused on LeBron James. Like it or not, he's that freakishly good. I know many people are disappointed with his inability to win in Cleveland, but lets not write his book yet. I know Jordan won in his seventh season, but don't forget Lebron came right out of high school and is only 25. I know Jordan would never have let his team go out that way, losing in 6 and getting blown out by 30 at home in game 5, but don't forget LeBron didn't have a Scottie Pippen, and for fucks sake give Doc Rivers, Rajon Rondo, and three future hall of famers some credit for their defensive schemes. At the end of the day James, Williams, and Jamison (and Shaq's fat ass who despite some offensive production really slowed Cleveland's tempo) cannot be compared to Jordan, Pippen, and Grant or Jordan, Pippen, and Rodman. So, while I could echo Bill Simmons and say Lebron will never be Jordan, or while I could demand that he will have a similar legacy after playing with comparable talent on a new team, I prefer to take the easy way out and say we will have to wait and see. Though I am disappointed and surprised, lets remember he is only 25 and he is the best player in the world if defined by pure physical abilities-I think this renders him a couple more chances to win before judgment day. So, without further ado, I present the places Lebron is likely to land in three categories:
Outside Looking in:Mavs- As much as Cuban loves Dirk, maybe he finally realizes that Dirk needs a wingman that is 85-115% as good as him. Caron is a great 3rd scorer and Jason Terry a great fourth, but not second and third as is. They have the money, do they have the marketing?
Clippers- L.A. Baby! PG- Baron Davis, SG- Eric Gordon, SF- James, PF- Blake Griffin, C- Kaman, and they have the cap space! O wait, it's the Clippers, and Gordon and Davis need the ball in their hands, and it's the Clippers.
Lakers- WOW! Kobe and Lebron. Ultimately, even though a sign and trade with Bynum is feasible, I think Lebron's ego is too big to share the court with Kobe.
Kickers:Nets- Close to NY. Friends with Jay Z. Rich ass owner. Devon Harris/maybe John Wall with Brook Lopez. But...reality: it's New Jersey, they won 12 games and the Bulls have a more proven PG/C combo not one up in the air.
Heat- see Lakers. Only reason they're higher is because Pat Riley knows how to convince people of things.
The Chosen Few:Least Likely: Cavs- maybe LeBron has that feeling of unfinished business and hometown loyalty. Maybe 7 seasons is more than enough defeat for him. We shall see.
Runner Up/Winner if Bosh or Wade don't join LeBron: Bulls- Partially it's because I can't put them as most likely because I don't want to jinx the Bulls chances. In terms of winning and creating a dynasty, playing with Rose and Noah would be formidable. With other key pieces such as Deng, Hinrich, and Gibson (as well as sign and trade possibilities from those guys), the Bulls could win next year with LeBron. Plus, he gets a big market. The problem is that he may want his own legacy and his own city. Kobe is creating one in L.A., Jordan created one in Chicago, maybe LeBron badly wants to create one in...
NEW YORK KNICKS- Front-Runner: Despite all the media hype about the Bulls being the top contender to land LeBron, I can't help but feel like the combination of NYC, endorsements, media hype, international fame, etc etc etc will draw LeBron to NY. Moreover, with nearly $30 mil in cap space, they can bring in Chris Bosh or another top tier free agent. With his ego, it's hard to imagine him not believing he will win titles with someone a huge step above Mo Williams or Jamison. Moreover, LeBron may want to win, but he also cares about the spotlight and the limelight. I think if he could play with a Bosh/Wade/Amare/Johnson type in NY, he goes there. However, in the Bulls defense, if the Knicks cannot guarantee another top free agent to join LeBron, I think he's wearing Bulls red next year.
So, that is my initial stance on the LeBron sweepstakes. Sorry I can't give any press concerning Wade, Bosh, etc... the King is free.
