*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (4 Viewers)

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

For all the Hoopla he is staying the Cleveland. No way he kicked his hometown in the gut and advertises with an hour long presentation on National TV.

Hmm...

@sportsguy33 Seriously starting to wonder if the LBJ show backlash will make him reconsider and sign for 3 yrs w/ Cleveland. about an hour ago

@sportsguy33 Or... Maybe not. http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmusic/ne...th-beach-201087 about an hour ago

Great, now we're dragging Us Magazine into this

 

[Juxtatarot]

It's being reported the Heat are offering Mike Miller a five year deal. How can they afford this? And don't they need a center?

 

[Hang 10]

LeBron was also the team leader in steals and blocks. He was second in assists behind CP3, and third in rebounds behind Bosh and Howard. And Lebron did all of that playing out of position half the time. He was the best USA player in Beijing.

Nope. It was definitely Wade.

 

[saintfool]

[He's kicking around - I don't see it working for SA. They need to get younger, not fatter, more brittle and childlike. Are they ever going to get Splitter into camp?

his personality isn't something that would fit in SA. he would be fine off the bench and a nice piece for the playoffs. he'd be fun to watch against the lakers and bynum. last thing i read was how splitter is awaiting the spurs offer. he is putting them on the clock though, which, given what happened with scola, makes me nervous.

 

[Abraham]

LeBron was also the team leader in steals and blocks. He was second in assists behind CP3, and third in rebounds behind Bosh and Howard. And Lebron did all of that playing out of position half the time. He was the best USA player in Beijing.

Nope. It was definitely Wade.

So we are using an all-start tourney (where Kobe, actually, was the alpha dog when the team needed one) to determine that Wade >> Lebron despite the other 7 years of NBA performance both have?

 

[FatMax]

LeBron was also the team leader in steals and blocks. He was second in assists behind CP3, and third in rebounds behind Bosh and Howard. And Lebron did all of that playing out of position half the time. He was the best USA player in Beijing.

Nope. It was definitely Wade.

So we are using an all-start tourney (where Kobe, actually, was the alpha dog when the team needed one) to determine that Wade >> Lebron despite the other 7 years of NBA performance both have?

I think the most important fact to gain from this discussion is that Lebron and Wade are both better than Kobe.

 

[ivnabru]

LeBron was also the team leader in steals and blocks. He was second in assists behind CP3, and third in rebounds behind Bosh and Howard. And Lebron did all of that playing out of position half the time. He was the best USA player in Beijing.

Nope. It was definitely Wade.

So we are using an all-start tourney (where Kobe, actually, was the alpha dog when the team needed one) to determine that Wade >> Lebron despite the other 7 years of NBA performance both have?

Actually the reasoning was based on points. Which I believe says Wade>LeBron>Kobe. So we may need a Wade is better than Kobe thread around these parts.

 

[Hang 10]

At the 2008 Olympics, the United States went unbeaten and earned gold medal honors, defeating the 2006 World Champion Spain in the final game. Wade led the team in scoring throughout the tournament and tallied a game high 27 points in 27 minutes on 75% field goal shooting and added 4 steals, 2 assists and 2 rebounds in the game.[78] For the tournament, he averaged a team high 16 points in 18 minutes on 67% field goal shooting, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.3 steals, as the United States lived up to their Redeem Team moniker and captured gold medal honors for the first time since 2000.

 

[Max Power]

It's being reported the Heat are offering Mike Miller a five year deal. How can they afford this? And don't they need a center?

The Heat have reportedly offered Mike Miller a five-year deal worth between $27 and $30 million, with a deadline of Thursday night to accept the deal.It's interesting that the Heat are making offers with LeBron still seemingly up in the air, but getting Miller would immediately add a strong fourth piece if the Heat end up with LeBron, Wade and Bosh. It's also worth noting that we reported on July 1 that LeBron wants to play with Miller, and that Jeff Goodman is saying that the Heat have told Miller they're "confident" LeBron is coming. Jul. 8 - 1:26 pm etSource: Jeff Goodman on Twitter Maybe a sign and trade for Beasley and the big three all getting less than the Max.

 

[simmonjm]

It's being reported the Heat are offering Mike Miller a five year deal. How can they afford this? And don't they need a center?

i saw this too apparently salary cap doesnt apply to Miami; or Lebron, Bosh, and Wade are all taking less money to play with Mike Miller

 

[Cliff Clavin]

you know who isn't happy about any of this? michael beasley. the heat have been trying to give the kid away and there are no takers. now he is the 3rd fiddle - at best - on the team?oof.

i stand corrected. beasley won't even be starting for the heat if lebron signs with them. beasley's gotta be close to suicidal at this point.

Any possibility that Miami and Cleveland do a sign and trade involving Lebron and Beasley? No idea whether the numbers would work at all.

It would work. Or Beasley to Toronto. It doesn't sound like CLE wants to do a SnT with LeBron so Beasley would have be to shipped somewhere unless Bosh/Wade/LeBron are all taking paycuts.

 

[Max Power]

It's being reported the Heat are offering Mike Miller a five year deal. How can they afford this? And don't they need a center?

i saw this too apparently salary cap doesnt apply to Miami or Lebron, Bosh, and Wade are all taking less money to play with Mike Miller

I dont see where he fits in either. 6th man?

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

LeBron was also the team leader in steals and blocks. He was second in assists behind CP3, and third in rebounds behind Bosh and Howard. And Lebron did all of that playing out of position half the time. He was the best USA player in Beijing.

 

[Hellfire Snail]

Why is is assumed that James going to Miami makes him the "#2" guy? Is it because Wade is more of a scorer and James is more of a distributor? If so, then wouldn't that have made Magic the #2 to Kareem's #1? I realize it is "wade's team!" right now, but keep in mind that it is Lebron who has a TV special tonight and Wade has already announced. I would imagine that it won't take long for LBJ to e at the top of marquee.

Are you starting to understand how James will be perceived differently if he joins Wade? Granted, most don't have the depth of knowledge and education as you about the NBA, so most are at a disadvantage at understanding the truth behind things, but nevertheless, the opinion of the populous at large is what dictates players' legacies.

 

[Spartans Rule]

It's being reported the Heat are offering Mike Miller a five year deal. How can they afford this? And don't they need a center?

i saw this too apparently salary cap doesnt apply to Miami or Lebron, Bosh, and Wade are all taking less money to play with Mike Miller

I dont see where he fits in either. 6th man?

Starting on the perimeter with LeBron and Wade. When you've got those two guys you don't really need a PG.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

this Olympic team argument is starting to make me miss the great Duhon debate of pp 55-60.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

[He's kicking around - I don't see it working for SA. They need to get younger, not fatter, more brittle and childlike. Are they ever going to get Splitter into camp?

his personality isn't something that would fit in SA. he would be fine off the bench and a nice piece for the playoffs. he'd be fun to watch against the lakers and bynum. last thing i read was how splitter is awaiting the spurs offer. he is putting them on the clock though, which, given what happened with scola, makes me nervous.

I read somewhere that the Pekovic signing by the Wolves has Splitter asking for Pekovic+. Here it is:

There were undoubtedly some eyes rolling into the backs of heads in the Spurs’ front office with the Minnesota Timberwolves close to an agreement with European center Nikola Pekovic on a three-year, $13 million contract. The Spurs are negotiating to bring over 2008 first-round pick Tiago Splitter this summer, and Pekovic’s deal promises to elevate Splitter’s leverage.A 7-foot center from Brazil, Splitter is considered a far superior prospect to Pekovic. The Spurs’ ability to pay Splitter from its midlevel exception and still have some of that money to use on another free agent has been somewhat compromised.

 

[Green94]

this Olympic team argument is starting to make me miss the great Duhon debate of pp 55-60.

 

[saintfool]

I read somewhere that the Pekovic signing by the Wolves has Splitter asking for Pekovic+. Here it is:

There were undoubtedly some eyes rolling into the backs of heads in the Spurs’ front office with the Minnesota Timberwolves close to an agreement with European center Nikola Pekovic on a three-year, $13 million contract. The Spurs are negotiating to bring over 2008 first-round pick Tiago Splitter this summer, and Pekovic’s deal promises to elevate Splitter’s leverage.A 7-foot center from Brazil, Splitter is considered a far superior prospect to Pekovic. The Spurs’ ability to pay Splitter from its midlevel exception and still have some of that money to use on another free agent has been somewhat compromised.

if i'm splitter, i am thinking "some guy named travis outlaw just signed a contract worth $7mm a year and you're talking about $5mm? i don't know who this MLE guy is but his agent sucks..."

 

[simmonjm]

you know who isn't happy about any of this? michael beasley.

the heat have been trying to give the kid away and there are no takers. now he is the 3rd fiddle - at best - on the team?

oof.

i stand corrected. beasley won't even be starting for the heat if lebron signs with them. beasley's gotta be close to suicidal at this point.

Any possibility that Miami and Cleveland do a sign and trade involving Lebron and Beasley? No idea whether the numbers would work at all.

It would work. Or Beasley to Toronto. It doesn't sound like CLE wants to do a SnT with LeBron so Beasley would have be to shipped somewhere unless Bosh/Wade/LeBron are all taking paycuts.

A four-team trade involving the Bobcats, Heat, Rockets and Raptors has reportedly been discussed.

Sources say Michael Beasley and Jared Jeffries would be sent to Charlotte, with Tyson Chandler going to Houston.

The move would create more cap space for LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

One source indicates Toronto is uninterested in taking on approximately $3.1 million in salary from the Rockets.

The Raptors would like to acquire a trade exception.

DONT DO IT CHARLOTTE YOU WILL BE GROUPED WITH THE GRIZZ AS INEPT

Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_a.../#ixzz0t70Spj6C

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

During the morning program “Coffee or Tea” aired on TVP1,Polish national team and the Orlando Magic Marcin Gortat said that he received news that he would be traded to another club. Asked whether the club is unable to guarantee him a place in the starting five, Gortat just smiled mysteriously.Later, he said that he will be traded to Minnesota.“I do not know how much truth in this, waiting for further news. Timberwolves is the second worst team in the NBA, but they play in her talent. I guarantee you that if I had a chance to play there, it will be fantastic” added Gortat.

I wonder if this means Jefferson is headed to Orlando?

 

[simmonjm]

this Olympic team argument is starting to make me miss the great Duhon debate of pp 55-60.

Are you referring to the great floor general who shoots lights out from 3 point range?

 

[bakes]

It's being reported the Heat are offering Mike Miller a five year deal. How can they afford this? And don't they need a center?

i saw this too apparently salary cap doesnt apply to Miami; or Lebron, Bosh, and Wade are all taking less money to play with Mike Miller

Miller apparently has access to really good pot...

 

[Green94]

this Olympic team argument is starting to make me miss the great Duhon debate of pp 55-60.

Are you referring to the great floor general who shoots lights out from 3 point range?

Link to who said this, immediately!

 

[Max Power]

Why is is assumed that James going to Miami makes him the "#2" guy? Is it because Wade is more of a scorer and James is more of a distributor? If so, then wouldn't that have made Magic the #2 to Kareem's #1? I realize it is "wade's team!" right now, but keep in mind that it is Lebron who has a TV special tonight and Wade has already announced. I would imagine that it won't take long for LBJ to e at the top of marquee.

Are you starting to understand how James will be perceived differently if he joins Wade? Granted, most don't have the depth of knowledge and education as you about the NBA, so most are at a disadvantage at understanding the truth behind things, but nevertheless, the opinion of the populous at large is what dictates players' legacies.

Yep, and if Lebron does sign with the Heat, his legacy takes a hit. If he signs with the Bulls, Knicks, Nets or stays with the Cavs and leads a team to multiple championships, he could be right up there with Jordan. Winning with the Heat won't put him in the same conversation as Jordan.

 

[saintfool]

The only player on the USA roster who shot more frequently for Team USA in Beijing than for his NBA team in 2008? Kobe Bryant. Kobe shot 19.1 times per36 in his NBA season. Surrounded by the best players in the world, Kobe still found the time to shoot 19.9 times per36.

it's kobe's world and we're all just living in it.

 

[Abraham]

Why is is assumed that James going to Miami makes him the "#2" guy? Is it because Wade is more of a scorer and James is more of a distributor? If so, then wouldn't that have made Magic the #2 to Kareem's #1? I realize it is "wade's team!" right now, but keep in mind that it is Lebron who has a TV special tonight and Wade has already announced. I would imagine that it won't take long for LBJ to e at the top of marquee.

Are you starting to understand how James will be perceived differently if he joins Wade? Granted, most don't have the depth of knowledge and education as you about the NBA, so most are at a disadvantage at understanding the truth behind things, but nevertheless, the opinion of the populous at large is what dictates players' legacies.

What will happen to that perception when James is playing point-forward as he did with Cleveland much of the time and the perception is that James is running the team?

 

[Max Power]

During the morning program “Coffee or Tea” aired on TVP1,Polish national team and the Orlando Magic Marcin Gortat said that he received news that he would be traded to another club. Asked whether the club is unable to guarantee him a place in the starting five, Gortat just smiled mysteriously.

Later, he said that he will be traded to Minnesota.

“I do not know how much truth in this, waiting for further news. Timberwolves is the second worst team in the NBA, but they play in her talent. I guarantee you that if I had a chance to play there, it will be fantastic” added Gortat.

I wonder if this means Jefferson is headed to Orlando?

is this bad translation or bad english?Just to note, the Bulls were floating a rumor about a trade for Gortat.

 

[Mr. PadresLakers]

Why is is assumed that James going to Miami makes him the "#2" guy? Is it because Wade is more of a scorer and James is more of a distributor? If so, then wouldn't that have made Magic the #2 to Kareem's #1? I realize it is "wade's team!" right now, but keep in mind that it is Lebron who has a TV special tonight and Wade has already announced. I would imagine that it won't take long for LBJ to e at the top of marquee.

Are you starting to understand how James will be perceived differently if he joins Wade? Granted, most don't have the depth of knowledge and education as you about the NBA, so most are at a disadvantage at understanding the truth behind things, but nevertheless, the opinion of the populous at large is what dictates players' legacies.

What will happen to that perception when James is playing point-forward as he did with Cleveland much of the time and the perception is that James is running the team?

He will be regarded as a roided up Scottie Pippen?

 

[saintfool]

Sources say Michael Beasley and Jared Jeffries would be sent to Charlotte, with Tyson Chandler going to Houston.

that would likely mean that they're not going to re-sign tyrus thomas and it's a big vote of confidence in alex ajinca....

 

[Bobcat10]

Woj reporting Chris Paul has officially joined LRMR and left Octagon.

It's also been reported today by Windhorst many in Lebron's camp are advising against leaving, and even Paul himself.

 

[tommyGunZ]

The only player on the USA roster who shot more frequently for Team USA in Beijing than for his NBA team in 2008? Kobe Bryant. Kobe shot 19.1 times per36 in his NBA season. Surrounded by the best players in the world, Kobe still found the time to shoot 19.9 times per36.

it's kobe's world and we're all just living in it.

Though sarcastic, your comment actually has a lot of merit. As opposed to nerds like us who spend our days over analyzing box scores and advanced metrics, when players are actually on the court the alpha dog takes the most shots. There is a reason Kobe lead Team USA in shots by a large margin and you didn't hear whining from LeBron, Wade, etc. Anyone who has played hoops for an extended period of time and watched the '08 Olympics knows why.

 

[Hang 10]

The only player on the USA roster who shot more frequently for Team USA in Beijing than for his NBA team in 2008? Kobe Bryant. Kobe shot 19.1 times per36 in his NBA season. Surrounded by the best players in the world, Kobe still found the time to shoot 19.9 times per36.

it's kobe's world and we're all just living in it.

Though sarcastic, your comment actually has a lot of merit. As opposed to nerds like us who spend our days over analyzing box scores and advanced metrics, when players are actually on the court the alpha dog takes the most shots. There is a reason Kobe lead Team USA in shots by a large margin and you didn't hear whining from LeBron, Wade, etc. Anyone who has played hoops for an extended period of time and watched the '08 Olympics knows why.

Because he's ball hawk and a narcissist?

 

[simmonjm]

Alright guys its official now Perez Hilton has confirmed it

http://perezhilton.com/2010-07-08-lebron-j...mi-this-weekend

Considering the rumors that he will play for the Miami Heat next year, LeBron James seems like he's sealed the deal!

He rented six cabanas at the W Hotel South Beach for the weekend to allegedly celebrate his decision to switch teams.

With a possible five-year deal worth $99 million, LeBron can afford it!

 

[simmonjm]

The only player on the USA roster who shot more frequently for Team USA in Beijing than for his NBA team in 2008? Kobe Bryant. Kobe shot 19.1 times per36 in his NBA season. Surrounded by the best players in the world, Kobe still found the time to shoot 19.9 times per36.

it's kobe's world and we're all just living in it.

Though sarcastic, your comment actually has a lot of merit. As opposed to nerds like us who spend our days over analyzing box scores and advanced metrics, when players are actually on the court the alpha dog takes the most shots. There is a reason Kobe lead Team USA in shots by a large margin and you didn't hear whining from LeBron, Wade, etc. Anyone who has played hoops for an extended period of time and watched the '08 Olympics knows why.

:duhon:

 

[Max Power]

The Bath Township Police Department has extra squad cars ready to patrol in the neighborhood of LeBron James on Thursday night.

"Whether we get loads of happy fans or unhappy fans showing up outside his home, we will be prepared to keep the traffic moving," chief Michael McNeeley said. It's looking more and more like LeBron is off to Miami, meaning those police officers may have some real work on their hands tonight. Jul. 8 - 2:40 pm et

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

 

[saintfool]

The only player on the USA roster who shot more frequently for Team USA in Beijing than for his NBA team in 2008? Kobe Bryant. Kobe shot 19.1 times per36 in his NBA season. Surrounded by the best players in the world, Kobe still found the time to shoot 19.9 times per36.

it's kobe's world and we're all just living in it.

Though sarcastic, your comment actually has a lot of merit. As opposed to nerds like us who spend our days over analyzing box scores and advanced metrics, when players are actually on the court the alpha dog takes the most shots. There is a reason Kobe lead Team USA in shots by a large margin and you didn't hear whining from LeBron, Wade, etc. Anyone who has played hoops for an extended period of time and watched the '08 Olympics knows why.

isn't this is the same "alpha dog" that asserted his dominance by deliberately not taking shots, disappearing in a playoff game? i think it has more to do with them accomplishing their stated goal than acknowledging the greatness of his lordship. if that team had somehow come up short then there would have been plenty of "whining" about kobe's volume.

 

[Hellfire Snail]

Why is is assumed that James going to Miami makes him the "#2" guy? Is it because Wade is more of a scorer and James is more of a distributor? If so, then wouldn't that have made Magic the #2 to Kareem's #1? I realize it is "wade's team!" right now, but keep in mind that it is Lebron who has a TV special tonight and Wade has already announced. I would imagine that it won't take long for LBJ to e at the top of marquee.

Are you starting to understand how James will be perceived differently if he joins Wade? Granted, most don't have the depth of knowledge and education as you about the NBA, so most are at a disadvantage at understanding the truth behind things, but nevertheless, the opinion of the populous at large is what dictates players' legacies.

What will happen to that perception when James is playing point-forward as he did with Cleveland much of the time and the perception is that James is running the team?

My guess is that he'll be regarded as one of the best players in the league. Some will say James is better than Wade, Some will say Wade is better than James. If he went to any other city and won titles, people would say Lebron is unquestionably best, because no other team with the exception of the Lakers and Heat have a player near his equal. It's not just that Lebron is joining another great player, like a McHale, or a Gasol, or a Pippen. He's joining a near-equal who has already led a team to a championship. I think James is easily the most talented player in the league, a good deal more talented than Kobe, and probably more talented than Jordan, but he'll be thought of as an incredible specimen who didn't have the killer instinct necessary to win it all until he hitched on with Wade.

 

[RenoHightower]

I'm not buying the rumors: LeBron will ultimately decide to stay home

Ian Thomsen

SI.com

I read the anonymous reports that LeBron James will sign with the Miami Heat and I don't believe them.

Until he says otherwise himself Thursday night, I will continue to believe this entire process will steer him back home to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I've been hearing all year long is that James alone will make this decision. He will listen to advice, he will take account of the different offers and opinions, and in the end he will make his own choice. This is what I've been told for a long time and it was spelled out most eloquently in a recent column by the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Brian Windhorst, who is plugged into James' camp.

So when I read of unnamed sources saying that James is going to Miami, I wonder: Do they absolutely 100 percent know what he is going to say Thursday night?

I also cannot understand why James' camp would arrange for this drum-roll proclamation on national television and then leak out word of the final result before the boss -- James himself -- can make his announcement. That makes no sense whatsoever. Do all of these reality TV shows -- Survivor or Big Brother -- want you to know who is going to be the winner before you watch the season-ending broadcast?

The rule of reality TV is to advertise a surprising "twist" without letting viewers know what it may be. If people who really do know what James is thinking have been spreading word that he'll sign with Miami, then I view that as another way of creating suspense and surprise for the actual announcement to have maximum impact.

If we all believe he's going to Miami, and he goes on TV to say he's going to Miami, then what was the point of the live TV show? If his own camp is leaking out the final result then there is ultimately going to be little drama to "The Decision," as the ESPN show has been titled.

Here is the third reason to wonder if we're all being played. Going back to November, on the morning of James' only game this season at Madison Square Garden, I believe I was the first to firmly predict that this entire process was set up for him to return to Cleveland. This is what I wrote Nov. 6:

I bet James already has the entire recruiting process planned out. He'll listen to the Knicks, the Nets and anyone else who wishes to speak with him. Then he'll hold a news conference on live TV and announce that he is staying with Cleveland. It will be the professional version of national signing day, when the top high school recruit announces the college of his choice.

But it will be much bigger than that. An entire city will rejoice, and its people will speak of how proud they are of their LeBron James. Casual fans who would have booed him for going to New York will now be cheering for him because he stayed in Cleveland. By showing loyalty to his hometown, he'll have a chance to become a bigger force than he could have been on the world's greatest stage. He'll be the NBA's Family Guy.

So now, as forecast here eight months ago, he is making the announcement on live TV. So far it has played out the way I thought it would. Is he really going to use this setting to say he's moving to Miami or Chicago? (And don't believe the last-minute Knicks talk -- New York has no chance.) If James uses the vehicle of a celebratory one-hour TV special to declare that he's abandoning the people of Akron and the fans of the Cavaliers, then he'll never be able to go back home again.

The Akron/Cleveland area is the only place he has ever lived. It is everything he knows. I truly believe -- as do people who know him, the same people who are saying Thursday they still don't know his decision -- that if he was going to move to Miami or Chicago, then he would have arranged the least painful exit so as not to destroy his reputation at home.

Instead, if he goes on live TV tonight to say he's walking out on the only place he's known, then he has done so in the most painful way imaginable. He has tortured millions of people who for months have had faith that he would stay -- and he has ruthlessly cut them off.

Let's give James credit for intelligence, based on the extraordinary success of how he has positioned himself in the global marketplace as a 25-year-old. He is a smart guy, and everything he has said so far suggests that he will return to Cleveland. He constantly announces to crowds in Akron how much he loves them and his home city, and he has repeatedly said that Cleveland is in the driver's seat in the race to retain him.

When he goes on TV on Thursday he'll be able to say truthfully that he himself has never indicated he was going to leave Cleveland.

A lot of negatives will follow him to Miami. His people at home will feel betrayed. He will have to change his style of play -- sacrifice is the common term -- in order to fit in with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, even though James, by his own admission, has yet to peak as a player. Shouldn't he want to explore his own potential before he begins deferring to others? And how is that Miami team going to win a championship immediately with as many as seven roster spots to be filled by yet-to-be-identified veterans on minimum contracts?

None of this Miami talk makes any sense to me. This extravagant charade is set up for James to go on TV Thursday to declare his loyalty to his hometown, to say he took a look around at more glamorous places and in the end decided there is no place better for him than Cleveland. And then he'll go into next season with a promising new coach in Byron Scott and a deep roster that has won 127 games over the last two seasons, and every time he puts on the Cavs uniform he'll be selling himself as a player who was ultimately loyal to his hometown and his franchise -- which is how every athlete who endorses products hopes to be viewed.

Maybe I'll turn out to be wrong. But if I am, then it's James who has made the biggest mistakes by deciding to abandon his hometown in the ruthless setting of a national broadcast and then ruining the drama of his live TV announcement by leaking out news that he's going to Miami.

He's staying in Cleveland, I say.

Link

 

[saintfool]

Alright guys its official now Perez Hilton has confirmed it

http://perezhilton.com/2010-07-08-lebron-j...mi-this-weekend

Considering the rumors that he will play for the Miami Heat next year, LeBron James seems like he's sealed the deal!

He rented six cabanas at the W Hotel South Beach for the weekend to allegedly celebrate his decision to switch teams.

With a possible five-year deal worth $99 million, LeBron can afford it!

i think mr hilton has a different idea of what switching teams means for mr james than everyone else does...

 

[oneohh]

Why is is assumed that James going to Miami makes him the "#2" guy? Is it because Wade is more of a scorer and James is more of a distributor? If so, then wouldn't that have made Magic the #2 to Kareem's #1? I realize it is "wade's team!" right now, but keep in mind that it is Lebron who has a TV special tonight and Wade has already announced. I would imagine that it won't take long for LBJ to e at the top of marquee.

Are you starting to understand how James will be perceived differently if he joins Wade? Granted, most don't have the depth of knowledge and education as you about the NBA, so most are at a disadvantage at understanding the truth behind things, but nevertheless, the opinion of the populous at large is what dictates players' legacies.

What will happen to that perception when James is playing point-forward as he did with Cleveland much of the time and the perception is that James is running the team?

My guess is that he'll be regarded as one of the best players in the league. Some will say James is better than Wade, Some will say Wade is better than James. If he went to any other city and won titles, people would say Lebron is unquestionably best, because no other team with the exception of the Lakers and Heat have a player near his equal. It's not just that Lebron is joining another great player, like a McHale, or a Gasol, or a Pippen. He's joining a near-equal who has already led a team to a championship. I think James is easily the most talented player in the league, a good deal more talented than Kobe, and probably more talented than Jordan, but he'll be thought of as an incredible specimen who didn't have the killer instinct necessary to win it all until he hitched on with Wade.

 

[Wooderson]

I think Lebron is behind all the misinformation being circulated around the last couple of days. What he really plans on doing is going to his press conference and shocking the world by signing with the Sacramento Kings.

My sources tell me Lebron was out partying with Tyreke Evans and Chris Webber at the Palm last night. Read into that what you will.

To many Kings rumors going around for this not to happen. The King wil play for the KINGS

 

[tonydead]

Why is is assumed that James going to Miami makes him the "#2" guy? Is it because Wade is more of a scorer and James is more of a distributor? If so, then wouldn't that have made Magic the #2 to Kareem's #1? I realize it is "wade's team!" right now, but keep in mind that it is Lebron who has a TV special tonight and Wade has already announced. I would imagine that it won't take long for LBJ to e at the top of marquee.

Are you starting to understand how James will be perceived differently if he joins Wade? Granted, most don't have the depth of knowledge and education as you about the NBA, so most are at a disadvantage at understanding the truth behind things, but nevertheless, the opinion of the populous at large is what dictates players' legacies.

What will happen to that perception when James is playing point-forward as he did with Cleveland much of the time and the perception is that James is running the team?

My guess is that he'll be regarded as one of the best players in the league. Some will say James is better than Wade, Some will say Wade is better than James. If he went to any other city and won titles, people would say Lebron is unquestionably best, because no other team with the exception of the Lakers and Heat have a player near his equal. It's not just that Lebron is joining another great player, like a McHale, or a Gasol, or a Pippen. He's joining a near-equal who has already led a team to a championship. I think James is easily the most talented player in the league, a good deal more talented than Kobe, and probably more talented than Jordan, but he'll be thought of as an incredible specimen who didn't have the killer instinct necessary to win it all until he hitched on with Wade.

OK, now this Lebron thing has officially gone tooooo far.

 

[Bobcat10]

Alright guys its official now Perez Hilton has confirmed it

http://perezhilton.com/2010-07-08-lebron-j...mi-this-weekend

Considering the rumors that he will play for the Miami Heat next year, LeBron James seems like he's sealed the deal!

He rented six cabanas at the W Hotel South Beach for the weekend to allegedly celebrate his decision to switch teams.

With a possible five-year deal worth $99 million, LeBron can afford it!

i think mr hilton has a different idea of what switching teams means for mr james than everyone else does...

What does this say? I'm blocked...

 

[Shooter McGavin]

you know who isn't happy about any of this? michael beasley.

the heat have been trying to give the kid away and there are no takers. now he is the 3rd fiddle - at best - on the team?

oof.

i stand corrected. beasley won't even be starting for the heat if lebron signs with them. beasley's gotta be close to suicidal at this point.

Any possibility that Miami and Cleveland do a sign and trade involving Lebron and Beasley? No idea whether the numbers would work at all.

It would work. Or Beasley to Toronto. It doesn't sound like CLE wants to do a SnT with LeBron so Beasley would have be to shipped somewhere unless Bosh/Wade/LeBron are all taking paycuts.

A four-team trade involving the Bobcats, Heat, Rockets and Raptors has reportedly been discussed.

Sources say Michael Beasley and Jared Jeffries would be sent to Charlotte, with Tyson Chandler going to Houston.

The move would create more cap space for LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

One source indicates Toronto is uninterested in taking on approximately $3.1 million in salary from the Rockets.

The Raptors would like to acquire a trade exception.

DONT DO IT CHARLOTTE YOU WILL BE GROUPED WITH THE GRIZZ AS INEPT

Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_a.../#ixzz0t70Spj6C

Why would any of these teams want to help Miami clear cap space, unless it's going to make their team significantly better? If I'm a GM of any other team, I make the Heat keep Beasley's contract and fill out the rest of their team with minimum salary chumps. Any trade conversation that involves the words "Tyson Chandler", "Jared Jeffries" and Beasley's contract would result in an instant hang-up, if I'm any of these GMs.

 

[Bobcat10]

ChrisMannixSI So LeBron has reportedly rented cabanas this weekend in South Beach...when he is supposed to be at Carmelo's wedding. Hmmm...

 

[simmonjm]

Got this from http://www.theknicksblog.com/

Salfino: NY Must Happen

Via SNY.tv

It’s hard to overstate the significance of this. Assume he will be surrounded by local boys and girls and that there’s a very high likelihood that they are Knicks fans given the club’s location in Knicks territory. The optics of James’ announcing that he’s going to Miami and announce another destination while surrounded by local kids who may reasonably cry in grief is what people in the business call a public-relations nightmare. Consider also that an enterprising reporter is sure to find a heartbroken child to be the poster boy or girl for what will be portrayed as heartless flirtation with total innocents.

If it’s not New York, why make the announcement here when he dragged everyone to Akron for the pitches? He could have stayed there and maintained an illusion of neutrality at least as far as the pitches were believed to have been received in a neutral manner.

By Tommy Dee on Jul 08, 2010, 2:05 pm

Word I’m getting doesn’t look good from a Knicks fans perspective. I’ve heard “done deal” a few times. But that can be tricky. Apparently the Knicks have been told by Lebron’s people that they will be calling him 5 minutes before the show goes live…

Still holding out hope..........................................

 

[Max Power]

I'm not buying the rumors: LeBron will ultimately decide to stay home

Ian Thomsen

SI.com

I read the anonymous reports that LeBron James will sign with the Miami Heat and I don't believe them.

Until he says otherwise himself Thursday night, I will continue to believe this entire process will steer him back home to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I've been hearing all year long is that James alone will make this decision. He will listen to advice, he will take account of the different offers and opinions, and in the end he will make his own choice. This is what I've been told for a long time and it was spelled out most eloquently in a recent column by the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Brian Windhorst, who is plugged into James' camp.

So when I read of unnamed sources saying that James is going to Miami, I wonder: Do they absolutely 100 percent know what he is going to say Thursday night?

I also cannot understand why James' camp would arrange for this drum-roll proclamation on national television and then leak out word of the final result before the boss -- James himself -- can make his announcement. That makes no sense whatsoever. Do all of these reality TV shows -- Survivor or Big Brother -- want you to know who is going to be the winner before you watch the season-ending broadcast?

The rule of reality TV is to advertise a surprising "twist" without letting viewers know what it may be. If people who really do know what James is thinking have been spreading word that he'll sign with Miami, then I view that as another way of creating suspense and surprise for the actual announcement to have maximum impact.

If we all believe he's going to Miami, and he goes on TV to say he's going to Miami, then what was the point of the live TV show? If his own camp is leaking out the final result then there is ultimately going to be little drama to "The Decision," as the ESPN show has been titled.

Here is the third reason to wonder if we're all being played. Going back to November, on the morning of James' only game this season at Madison Square Garden, I believe I was the first to firmly predict that this entire process was set up for him to return to Cleveland. This is what I wrote Nov. 6:

I bet James already has the entire recruiting process planned out. He'll listen to the Knicks, the Nets and anyone else who wishes to speak with him. Then he'll hold a news conference on live TV and announce that he is staying with Cleveland. It will be the professional version of national signing day, when the top high school recruit announces the college of his choice.

But it will be much bigger than that. An entire city will rejoice, and its people will speak of how proud they are of their LeBron James. Casual fans who would have booed him for going to New York will now be cheering for him because he stayed in Cleveland. By showing loyalty to his hometown, he'll have a chance to become a bigger force than he could have been on the world's greatest stage. He'll be the NBA's Family Guy.

So now, as forecast here eight months ago, he is making the announcement on live TV. So far it has played out the way I thought it would. Is he really going to use this setting to say he's moving to Miami or Chicago? (And don't believe the last-minute Knicks talk -- New York has no chance.) If James uses the vehicle of a celebratory one-hour TV special to declare that he's abandoning the people of Akron and the fans of the Cavaliers, then he'll never be able to go back home again.

The Akron/Cleveland area is the only place he has ever lived. It is everything he knows. I truly believe -- as do people who know him, the same people who are saying Thursday they still don't know his decision -- that if he was going to move to Miami or Chicago, then he would have arranged the least painful exit so as not to destroy his reputation at home.

Instead, if he goes on live TV tonight to say he's walking out on the only place he's known, then he has done so in the most painful way imaginable. He has tortured millions of people who for months have had faith that he would stay -- and he has ruthlessly cut them off.

Let's give James credit for intelligence, based on the extraordinary success of how he has positioned himself in the global marketplace as a 25-year-old. He is a smart guy, and everything he has said so far suggests that he will return to Cleveland. He constantly announces to crowds in Akron how much he loves them and his home city, and he has repeatedly said that Cleveland is in the driver's seat in the race to retain him.

When he goes on TV on Thursday he'll be able to say truthfully that he himself has never indicated he was going to leave Cleveland.

A lot of negatives will follow him to Miami. His people at home will feel betrayed. He will have to change his style of play -- sacrifice is the common term -- in order to fit in with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, even though James, by his own admission, has yet to peak as a player. Shouldn't he want to explore his own potential before he begins deferring to others? And how is that Miami team going to win a championship immediately with as many as seven roster spots to be filled by yet-to-be-identified veterans on minimum contracts?

None of this Miami talk makes any sense to me. This extravagant charade is set up for James to go on TV Thursday to declare his loyalty to his hometown, to say he took a look around at more glamorous places and in the end decided there is no place better for him than Cleveland. And then he'll go into next season with a promising new coach in Byron Scott and a deep roster that has won 127 games over the last two seasons, and every time he puts on the Cavs uniform he'll be selling himself as a player who was ultimately loyal to his hometown and his franchise -- which is how every athlete who endorses products hopes to be viewed.

Maybe I'll turn out to be wrong. But if I am, then it's James who has made the biggest mistakes by deciding to abandon his hometown in the ruthless setting of a national broadcast and then ruining the drama of his live TV announcement by leaking out news that he's going to Miami.

He's staying in Cleveland, I say.

Link

I kind of agree with this guy. While ESPN has slotted this for an hour, I imagine the ratings will drop after he announces.

 

[tommyGunZ]

The only player on the USA roster who shot more frequently for Team USA in Beijing than for his NBA team in 2008? Kobe Bryant. Kobe shot 19.1 times per36 in his NBA season. Surrounded by the best players in the world, Kobe still found the time to shoot 19.9 times per36.

it's kobe's world and we're all just living in it.

Though sarcastic, your comment actually has a lot of merit. As opposed to nerds like us who spend our days over analyzing box scores and advanced metrics, when players are actually on the court the alpha dog takes the most shots. There is a reason Kobe lead Team USA in shots by a large margin and you didn't hear whining from LeBron, Wade, etc. Anyone who has played hoops for an extended period of time and watched the '08 Olympics knows why.

isn't this is the same "alpha dog" that asserted his dominance by deliberately not taking shots, disappearing in a playoff game?

Context down? The fact that Kobe scored 50 the game before in a loss, and had 23 in the 1st half yet the Lakers were down 15 means nothing? It's mind boggling how some of you let your preconceived notions of Kobe destroy your logic. I'm sure if Kobe would have disregarded Phil's gameplan in the 2nd half and put up 50 pts in the Game 7 loss you'd have been suggesting that his dominance of the shots was the problem.