Exactly. Even the idea that he is for sure leaving Miami seems incredibly pre-mature. I would think it goes Miami, Laker, Clippers. If the Cavs can swing a big trade and have some cap space, they could be appealing (say, Kyrie and Kevin Love with cap space and young players) - but it's a pretty big leap to include them in the list right now.
For someone who cares about legacy, and is a student of the history of the game, I find it hard to believe that LeBron would walk away from a potential 4-peat (assuming heat does what they should do this eyar and next) to go to Cleveland or anywhere else. This is espescially true since LeBron knows first hand how difficult it is to win a championship year 1 with new pieces even if they are great players.
Not to mention supposedly Jonas' agent forced the Cavs hand (if he was even their preference) by threatening to not be able to work out a reasonable buyout (or something along those lines) for a number of years (2 or more).
It's Miami, nowhere, and nowhere. The reason the Big Three have opt-out clauses after year 4, when the luxury tax kicks into overdrive, is to give them (or at least Bosh and LeBron) new deals to make their salaries more manageable. I don't know how anyone watches the way this team has played and the way the players interact with each other off and on the court and think that they're all just itching to break it up. Well, actually, I do: it involves not watching. Pat Riley is about to confound everyone again.
[ I would think it goes Miami, Miami and Miami. Lebron isnt leaving. Woj and ESPN just want Lebron to go somewhere else because they cant stand the thought of him being sucessful here. They are still bitter that he didnt chose Chicago or NY. He will end his career here.
Riley also alluded to a new TV contract in his press conference, so there may be an influx of new revenue that could help off set the tax penalties. Micky is going to have to spend a lot, and probably lose money, but it seems to be worth it to him
There's been a rumor of a TV deal like the Lakers have floating around for over a year now. If it comes to fruition the tax hits will not be so devastating as being reported.
But that doesn't really explain why they're pushing the Cleveland narrative so hard. I guess this way they can say he's coming here for a year and then when he doesn't they can drum up stories about how he murdered Cleveland and tumbleweeds and rolling down the streets again.
I may be naive here but if (and that's s big if, I understand) they win it all, that would make 3 out of 4, and a loss in the Finals. You telling Lebron, after 4 years like that, will want to leave? That just doesn't make sense.
I can't decide how I feel about this hire. He definitely got the most out of a flawed roster, but there were some fairly glaring issues with him as well.
This offseason will be interesting - I'm sure they're going to do everything they can to pry Aldridge, Love, Horford away. Doutbt they can do it.
I'd hate to see my favorite player on the team leave (TT), as he'd likely have to be included in whatever deal to get Aldridge or Love.
I love TT but I wonder if his trade value right now is better than his long-term potential. If you can use him to get a legit 2nd star I think you have to do it. He'll never reach that level.
Well, we all knew that wouldn't happen, but what's he supposed to say? "Yeah, we're going to get swept." It's good to see that he has confidence at least.
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....ook-to-undergo-knee-surgery-out-indefinitely/ Wow, big blow for the Thunder. Westbrook will be out for a while.
Russell Westbrook has torn meniscus in knee and will have surgery in the next few days. Out indefinitely. Sucks for OKC. Durant alone should still be enough to get them out of this round, but they could be in deep trouble after that against Clippers/Memphis
I agree, but IMO the biggest factor is trust. I think that LBJ trusts Riley to be able to bring in pieces that give him the best chance to get the maximum number of rings. He loves playing with Wade but, if Wade breaks down in three years or whatever happens, he'll trust Riley to make the right moves. I think that's the biggest lesson he learned in Cleveland. No matter what they promise you, not everybody has a proven record of assembling championship teams.
Ha. So true. If somebody would've told me anytime prior to the last two years that the Clippers would be clearly better then the Lakers for two years straight, with a more promising future, I would have had them committed.
Might not even get there. Durant's on his own and the game is going to have to slow way down. Reggie Jackson's never played those kind of extended minutes and if you're going to be playing Fisher more you can't run.
Knicks just snapped the 4,380 day streak without a road playoff win. The next big one to go is close to 5,000 days. Congrats. you guys put the final nail in those bastards coffin.
A sweep is needed....we need rest for what is sure to be a physical series. I don't like the matchup against Indiana at all by the way. I won't be surprised if we get doubled up on the boards every game.
Dear Boston, We here in New York feel really bad about the terrorist attacks. We're glad they caught the bad guys. But now we're the bad guys and we're going to terrorize your team by bombing 3's and shutting down your offense. We owe you for 2010. Pierce & KG, we got something for you...wheelchairs. Love, The New York Knicks
No Granger for Indy...Amare will be back soon. Indy will get 1-2 games...I think we can go big if amare gets back and give them some real matchup problems.
I wonder what is the lowest ppg in the shot clock era in a best of 7. Celtics have to be flirting with it.
