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

[ffldrew]

Hottest Sports Take ever?

It's like "as Tiger Woods is to Golf" ca. 10 years ago.

Kizla wrote that one as well if I recall correctly - at the demise of The International

 

[B-Deep]

D2 is up

 

[MattFancy]

Lebron/Wade/Bosh aren't winning anymore titles. Lebron can't do it alone, Wade is over the hill, and Bosh isn't that good. A bunch of junky role players isn't going to change that.

If Lebron gets talked into going back to Miami, he's making a huge career mistake, ESPECIALLY if it's longer than a 2 year deal.

I've never understood the love for Bosh. I've never once been impressed by him. He averages 16 and 7. Does he play solid defense? I guess. But I'd have to think there are plenty of guys in the NBA who can put up 16-7 and play good defense.

Nobody labels basketball players by throwing up their point and rebound/assist totals any more. If they did we'd still think Brandon Jennings was good. We know better now.

Here's the case for Bosh:

- He's more than a solid defender. He's an elite defender. As I mentioned yesterday some call him the best PnR defender in the league, and the numbers bear it out.

- He's among the most effective midrange shooters in the game. Last year his shooting percentage from midrange ranked third in the league behind Dirk and Curry. It's discussed at length here.

- He's skilled enough to change his game to fit needs. This year the Heat lost perimeter shooting to free agency and age. Bosh responded by adding the 3 to his game to help with spacing and hit 34%, a great number for a big man.

He's also weird and nerdy, which I personally love, but that's neither here nor there.

Why do you think the Wiz didn't try and make a play for Bosh?

 

[shader]

Lebron/Wade/Bosh aren't winning anymore titles. Lebron can't do it alone, Wade is over the hill, and Bosh isn't that good. A bunch of junky role players isn't going to change that.

If Lebron gets talked into going back to Miami, he's making a huge career mistake, ESPECIALLY if it's longer than a 2 year deal.

I've never understood the love for Bosh. I've never once been impressed by him. He averages 16 and 7. Does he play solid defense? I guess. But I'd have to think there are plenty of guys in the NBA who can put up 16-7 and play good defense.

Seriously, what is it about Bosh's game that puts him anywhere near the level of Wade and James? The fact that people say he's in the "big 3"? I see a guy who put up a lot of garbage stats on a bunch of bad Toronto teams.

Huge stats aren't Bosh's role on this title-contending team, and he knows it, and plays the appropriate role properly. He could sleepwalk to 20/10 as an alpha, and proved it with half a decade of All-Star level play before he decided to pursue some hardware.

ETA: what makes a player like that different from a third banana who CAN'T put up numbers like that on his own, in a different circumstance, is that Bosh is a "16/7 guy" who is able to step up and take over a game on those rare occasions when it's needed.

What is his role? Shoot a bunch of uncontested outside shots that are there because Lebron commands so much attention? If all he's going to do is shoot from the perimeter, there are far better players to have on the team.

I'm an unabashed Lebron fan. Not a Miami fan. I love watching excellence, and that's why I have enjoyed the Miami run. But lets get real, the team has ALWAYS looked a bit disjointed. Lebron/Wade/Bosh wasn't put together by some smart GM who decided on the perfect team for LJ. It was put together by Lebron/Wade/Bosh. They made it happen, and player's aren't always the best GM's.

But it worked. Why? Because Lebron is by far the best player in the NBA right now.

 

[tonydead]

I think he knows. I haven't made million dollar decisions, but, amounts are relative. I've moved 6 times for my job and the decision, although tough each time, we made in a matter of days. We had to.

Yes, you and LeBron are in the exact same situations.

Didn't say that, but, I agree with your assertion: Much easier for a Billionaire to pick up his family and move. Must be rough knowing you'll be making more money in a year than most people will make their entire lives regardless of which decision you will make.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

We need more updates/pics of what Bosh is up to while the next 4 years of his life and his entire NBA legacy hangs in the balance.

LOL right!!! Exactly.

Seems he knows. And has known while he is relaxing with his family out of the freaking country.

or he's content knowing he's going to make a boatload of money and be able to compete for a title either way?

 

[TobiasFunke]

Lebron/Wade/Bosh aren't winning anymore titles. Lebron can't do it alone, Wade is over the hill, and Bosh isn't that good. A bunch of junky role players isn't going to change that.

If Lebron gets talked into going back to Miami, he's making a huge career mistake, ESPECIALLY if it's longer than a 2 year deal.

I've never understood the love for Bosh. I've never once been impressed by him. He averages 16 and 7. Does he play solid defense? I guess. But I'd have to think there are plenty of guys in the NBA who can put up 16-7 and play good defense.

Nobody labels basketball players by throwing up their point and rebound/assist totals any more. If they did we'd still think Brandon Jennings was good. We know better now.

Here's the case for Bosh:

- He's more than a solid defender. He's an elite defender. As I mentioned yesterday some call him the best PnR defender in the league, and the numbers bear it out.

- He's among the most effective midrange shooters in the game. Last year his shooting percentage from midrange ranked third in the league behind Dirk and Curry. It's discussed at length here.

- He's skilled enough to change his game to fit needs. This year the Heat lost perimeter shooting to free agency and age. Bosh responded by adding the 3 to his game to help with spacing and hit 34%, a great number for a big man.

He's also weird and nerdy, which I personally love, but that's neither here nor there.

Why do you think the Wiz didn't try and make a play for Bosh?

I think they assumed they didn't have a shot? I really wish they had. But OTOH I can't see him picking Washington over Houston since he's a Texan plus there's the income tax thing, so probably wouldn't have mattered.

 

[Village Idiot]

D2 is up

Time to create an NBA WW game.

 

[MattFancy]

We need more updates/pics of what Bosh is up to while the next 4 years of his life and his entire NBA legacy hangs in the balance.

LOL right!!! Exactly.

Seems he knows. And has known while he is relaxing with his family out of the freaking country.

or he's content knowing he's going to make a boatload of money and be able to compete for a title either way?

I don't think Bosh cares either way. He either stays in Miami and plays with LeBron, albeit for less money. Or he goes to Houston, still has a chance to contend and makes more money. Win-win for him.

 

[MattFancy]

Lebron/Wade/Bosh aren't winning anymore titles. Lebron can't do it alone, Wade is over the hill, and Bosh isn't that good. A bunch of junky role players isn't going to change that.

If Lebron gets talked into going back to Miami, he's making a huge career mistake, ESPECIALLY if it's longer than a 2 year deal.

I've never understood the love for Bosh. I've never once been impressed by him. He averages 16 and 7. Does he play solid defense? I guess. But I'd have to think there are plenty of guys in the NBA who can put up 16-7 and play good defense.

Nobody labels basketball players by throwing up their point and rebound/assist totals any more. If they did we'd still think Brandon Jennings was good. We know better now.

Here's the case for Bosh:

- He's more than a solid defender. He's an elite defender. As I mentioned yesterday some call him the best PnR defender in the league, and the numbers bear it out.

- He's among the most effective midrange shooters in the game. Last year his shooting percentage from midrange ranked third in the league behind Dirk and Curry. It's discussed at length here.

- He's skilled enough to change his game to fit needs. This year the Heat lost perimeter shooting to free agency and age. Bosh responded by adding the 3 to his game to help with spacing and hit 34%, a great number for a big man.

He's also weird and nerdy, which I personally love, but that's neither here nor there.

Why do you think the Wiz didn't try and make a play for Bosh?

I think they assumed they didn't have a shot? I really wish they had. But OTOH I can't see him picking Washington over Houston since he's a Texan plus there's the income tax thing, so probably wouldn't have mattered.

Oh I agree that I don't think he would have gone, but it seems like they didn't even put any feelers out. I like Gortat, but damn Bosh, Beal and Wall would've been fun to watch.

 

[B-Deep]

D2 is up

Time to create an NBA WW game.

You are Lebron James, indy

Every three game days you can put the game on hold and decide which team to join. There is not shot clock and no one will be able to vote or take any actions until your decision has been made.

 

[TenTimes]

Lebron's camp could have squashed Cleveland rumors at any point. If he doesn't go to Cleveland he is pathetic.

You ever think that maybe he is actually weighing all his options?

Do you just hastily make multi-million dollar decisions that affect your life for the next 5 years?

Amazing to think that he can't actually think about what is best for him. If he makes a bad call, he could end up losing millions of dollars (i.e. Wiggins ends up a bust or Wade blows out a knee, etc.). It amazes me and disturbs me that people are already pissed about a decision that hasn't even been made. A week or so ago everyone thought he was staying in Miami, now he will be roundly criticized if he doesn't go to Cleveland. Seems like the fans in Cleveland and the folks that hate him already have been reading all the articles and tweets and made up their minds without a single word from the guy actually making the decision. Again, some of the reactions disturb me.

Grant Hill on Mike and Mike this morning stopped just short of saying he's holding the league and other free agents hostage.

Hater

 

[tonydead]

We need more updates/pics of what Bosh is up to while the next 4 years of his life and his entire NBA legacy hangs in the balance.

LOL right!!! Exactly.

Seems he knows. And has known while he is relaxing with his family out of the freaking country.

or he's content knowing he's going to make a boatload of money and be able to compete for a title either way?

I don't think Bosh cares either way. He either stays in Miami and plays with LeBron, albeit for less money. Or he goes to Houston, still has a chance to contend and makes more money. Win-win for him.

Unless Lebron drags this out past Houston matching Chandler offer then goes to Cleveland.

 

[Freelove]

Lebron/Wade/Bosh aren't winning anymore titles. Lebron can't do it alone, Wade is over the hill, and Bosh isn't that good. A bunch of junky role players isn't going to change that.

If Lebron gets talked into going back to Miami, he's making a huge career mistake, ESPECIALLY if it's longer than a 2 year deal.

I've never understood the love for Bosh. I've never once been impressed by him. He averages 16 and 7. Does he play solid defense? I guess. But I'd have to think there are plenty of guys in the NBA who can put up 16-7 and play good defense.

Seriously, what is it about Bosh's game that puts him anywhere near the level of Wade and James? The fact that people say he's in the "big 3"? I see a guy who put up a lot of garbage stats on a bunch of bad Toronto teams.

Huge stats aren't Bosh's role on this title-contending team, and he knows it, and plays the appropriate role properly. He could sleepwalk to 20/10 as an alpha, and proved it with half a decade of All-Star level play before he decided to pursue some hardware.

ETA: what makes a player like that different from a third banana who CAN'T put up numbers like that on his own, in a different circumstance, is that Bosh is a "16/7 guy" who is able to step up and take over a game on those rare occasions when it's needed.

What is his role? Shoot a bunch of uncontested outside shots that are there because Lebron commands so much attention? If all he's going to do is shoot from the perimeter, there are far better players to have on the team.

I'm an unabashed Lebron fan. Not a Miami fan. I love watching excellence, and that's why I have enjoyed the Miami run. But lets get real, the team has ALWAYS looked a bit disjointed. Lebron/Wade/Bosh wasn't put together by some smart GM who decided on the perfect team for LJ. It was put together by Lebron/Wade/Bosh. They made it happen, and player's aren't always the best GM's.

But it worked. Why? Because Lebron is by far the best player in the NBA right now.

Never mind.

 

[tonydead]

Lebron's camp could have squashed Cleveland rumors at any point. If he doesn't go to Cleveland he is pathetic.

You ever think that maybe he is actually weighing all his options?

Do you just hastily make multi-million dollar decisions that affect your life for the next 5 years?

Amazing to think that he can't actually think about what is best for him. If he makes a bad call, he could end up losing millions of dollars (i.e. Wiggins ends up a bust or Wade blows out a knee, etc.). It amazes me and disturbs me that people are already pissed about a decision that hasn't even been made. A week or so ago everyone thought he was staying in Miami, now he will be roundly criticized if he doesn't go to Cleveland. Seems like the fans in Cleveland and the folks that hate him already have been reading all the articles and tweets and made up their minds without a single word from the guy actually making the decision. Again, some of the reactions disturb me.

Grant Hill on Mike and Mike this morning stopped just short of saying he's holding the league and other free agents hostage.

Hater

Don't know Grant Hill personally, but, I don't think so. Call Lebron the greatest player, blah, blah, etc.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I had to make a decision on what to eat for breakfast this morning, and it certainly didn't take me as long as LeBron James is taking to make his decision.

 

[Freelove]

I had to make a decision on what to eat for breakfast this morning, and it certainly didn't take me as long as LeBron James is taking to make his decision.

I can't decide until my wife commits. She's holding me hostage!

 

[tonydead]

I had to make a decision on what to eat for breakfast this morning, and it certainly didn't take me as long as LeBron James is taking to make his decision.

Did the decision you make affect what everyone else was able to have for breakfast?

 

[shader]

Lebron/Wade/Bosh aren't winning anymore titles. Lebron can't do it alone, Wade is over the hill, and Bosh isn't that good. A bunch of junky role players isn't going to change that.

If Lebron gets talked into going back to Miami, he's making a huge career mistake, ESPECIALLY if it's longer than a 2 year deal.

I've never understood the love for Bosh. I've never once been impressed by him. He averages 16 and 7. Does he play solid defense? I guess. But I'd have to think there are plenty of guys in the NBA who can put up 16-7 and play good defense.

Nobody labels basketball players by throwing up their point and rebound/assist totals any more. If they did we'd still think Brandon Jennings was good. We know better now.

Here's the case for Bosh:

- He's more than a solid defender. He's an elite defender. As I mentioned yesterday some call him the best PnR defender in the league, and the numbers bear it out.

- He's among the most effective midrange shooters in the game. Last year his shooting percentage from midrange ranked third in the league behind Dirk and Curry. It's discussed at length here.

- He's skilled enough to change his game to fit needs. This year the Heat lost perimeter shooting to free agency and age. Bosh responded by adding the 3 to his game to help with spacing and hit 34%, a great number for a big man.

He's also weird and nerdy, which I personally love, but that's neither here nor there.

Thanks for the info. Quite interesting.

 

[Guest]

@BFavre4 3 minutes ago
make up your damn mind already. #geez #kingjames

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I had to make a decision on what to eat for breakfast this morning, and it certainly didn't take me as long as LeBron James is taking to make his decision.

Did the decision you make affect what everyone else was able to have for breakfast?

yeah, my wife opted out of her plans, and then had to wait awhile for me to decide. there was a lot of pressure. I totally can relate to what LeBron is going through here.

 

[metoo]

So James is not over The Letter?

Seems like it gives him an out here - claims he really wanted to go back to play in Cleveland, but just could not bring himself to play for Gilbert. Apparently the letter has been posted on the Cav's website until just this week...

Duh

 

[tonydead]

I had to make a decision on what to eat for breakfast this morning, and it certainly didn't take me as long as LeBron James is taking to make his decision.

Did the decision you make affect what everyone else was able to have for breakfast?

yeah, my wife opted out of her plans, and then had to wait awhile for me to decide. there was a lot of pressure. I totally can relate to what LeBron is going through here.

 

[Britney Spears]

In other news Donald Sterling got off the stand after testifying today, called his wife a "pig," dropped mic and walked off stage. Classy.

I have enjoyed the LeBron saga because it's pretty funny and it doesn't really affect my team one way or the other. But the worst thing about it is that it's taking attention away from the Sterling trial. Holy #### is it amazing. If you haven't been reading the updates, check it out.

Good source for internet challenged?

Dan Woike

Thanks GB.

 

[rodg12]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA · 8m

Dwyane Wade left cross-country flight with LeBron James to Miami still unsure of which way James is leaning, sources tell Yahoo Sports.

 

[MattFancy]

I had to make a decision on what to eat for breakfast this morning, and it certainly didn't take me as long as LeBron James is taking to make his decision.

Did the decision you make affect what everyone else was able to have for breakfast?

yeah, my wife opted out of her plans, and then had to wait awhile for me to decide. there was a lot of pressure. I totally can relate to what LeBron is going through here.

Did you go with pancakes or waffles?

 

[pantagrapher]

SOURCES!

 

[thecatch]

Jimmer Fredette can't make a decision about his future until Lebron chooses a team: http://m.poststar.com/sports/fredette-receiving-interest-as-free-agent/article_c9417e28-014e-11e4-83ae-001a4bcf887a.html?mobile_touch=true

 

[Hang 10]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA · 8m

Dwyane Wade left cross-country flight with LeBron James to Miami still unsure of which way James is leaning, sources tell Yahoo Sports.

I get the feeling Lebron and Wade are laughing maniacally about this tweet right now from their mansions.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Lebron's camp could have squashed Cleveland rumors at any point. If he doesn't go to Cleveland he is pathetic.

You ever think that maybe he is actually weighing all his options?

Do you just hastily make multi-million dollar decisions that affect your life for the next 5 years?

Amazing to think that he can't actually think about what is best for him. If he makes a bad call, he could end up losing millions of dollars (i.e. Wiggins ends up a bust or Wade blows out a knee, etc.). It amazes me and disturbs me that people are already pissed about a decision that hasn't even been made. A week or so ago everyone thought he was staying in Miami, now he will be roundly criticized if he doesn't go to Cleveland. Seems like the fans in Cleveland and the folks that hate him already have been reading all the articles and tweets and made up their minds without a single word from the guy actually making the decision. Again, some of the reactions disturb me.

I think he knows. I haven't made million dollar decisions, but, amounts are relative. I've moved 6 times for my job and the decision, although tough each time, we made in a matter of days. We had to.

Grant Hill on Mike and Mike this morning stopped just short of saying he's holding the league and other free agents hostage. He's not helping anyone by dragging this out so long:

1- The fans and city of Cleveland - no explanation necessary.

2- Miami - all the cap hold for the big three isn't available to sign any of the free agents starting today.

3- Houston - only have a couple more days before they will be forced to match Chandler offer taking Bosh out of the equation.

4- Bosh - see #3.

5- All the other teams and free agents have to wait for the top domino to fall before making deals.

6- Melo, waiting.

7- Lebron, yes even though he's getting all the attention he, it might turn out looking as bad as The Decision, especially if it drags on past Sunday.

It's not LeBron's fault that everyone else is waiting to see what he's going to do. If they want to move on, they're free to. If they want the luxury of knowing, they have to wait.

This is like blaming the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft for not signing right away. It's not his fault that the #27 pick on your favorite team wants to wait until that happens before he'll sign.

 

[pollardsvision]

Lebron's camp could have squashed Cleveland rumors at any point. If he doesn't go to Cleveland he is pathetic.

You ever think that maybe he is actually weighing all his options?

Do you just hastily make multi-million dollar decisions that affect your life for the next 5 years?

Amazing to think that he can't actually think about what is best for him. If he makes a bad call, he could end up losing millions of dollars (i.e. Wiggins ends up a bust or Wade blows out a knee, etc.). It amazes me and disturbs me that people are already pissed about a decision that hasn't even been made. A week or so ago everyone thought he was staying in Miami, now he will be roundly criticized if he doesn't go to Cleveland. Seems like the fans in Cleveland and the folks that hate him already have been reading all the articles and tweets and made up their minds without a single word from the guy actually making the decision. Again, some of the reactions disturb me.

Grant Hill on Mike and Mike this morning stopped just short of saying he's holding the league and other free agents hostage.

Hater

Parsons really is to blame. He's the one that put a clock on all of this.

 

[tonydead]

Lebron's camp could have squashed Cleveland rumors at any point. If he doesn't go to Cleveland he is pathetic.

You ever think that maybe he is actually weighing all his options?

Do you just hastily make multi-million dollar decisions that affect your life for the next 5 years?

Amazing to think that he can't actually think about what is best for him. If he makes a bad call, he could end up losing millions of dollars (i.e. Wiggins ends up a bust or Wade blows out a knee, etc.). It amazes me and disturbs me that people are already pissed about a decision that hasn't even been made. A week or so ago everyone thought he was staying in Miami, now he will be roundly criticized if he doesn't go to Cleveland. Seems like the fans in Cleveland and the folks that hate him already have been reading all the articles and tweets and made up their minds without a single word from the guy actually making the decision. Again, some of the reactions disturb me.

I think he knows. I haven't made million dollar decisions, but, amounts are relative. I've moved 6 times for my job and the decision, although tough each time, we made in a matter of days. We had to.

Grant Hill on Mike and Mike this morning stopped just short of saying he's holding the league and other free agents hostage. He's not helping anyone by dragging this out so long:

1- The fans and city of Cleveland - no explanation necessary.

2- Miami - all the cap hold for the big three isn't available to sign any of the free agents starting today.

3- Houston - only have a couple more days before they will be forced to match Chandler offer taking Bosh out of the equation.

4- Bosh - see #3.

5- All the other teams and free agents have to wait for the top domino to fall before making deals.

6- Melo, waiting.

7- Lebron, yes even though he's getting all the attention he, it might turn out looking as bad as The Decision, especially if it drags on past Sunday.

It's not LeBron's fault that everyone else is waiting to see what he's going to do. If they want to move on, they're free to. If they want the luxury of knowing, they have to wait.

This is like blaming the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft for not signing right away. It's not his fault that the #27 pick on your favorite team wants to wait until that happens before he'll sign.

Problem is for the most part it isn't the free agents that are waiting (like melo and bosh), it's the teams.

ETA: And there is a chance, seemingly slim chance but, there is a chance Bosh get's f'd in this deal. Surely you understand that?

 

[pollardsvision]

It's not LeBron's fault that everyone else is waiting to see what he's going to do. If they want to move on, they're free to. If they want the luxury of knowing, they have to wait.

This is like blaming the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft for not signing right away. It's not his fault that the #27 pick on your favorite team wants to wait until that happens before he'll sign.

Problem is for the most part it isn't the free agents that are waiting (like melo and bosh), it's the teams.

No, it's the players. The teams all know who they want.

 

[Mario Kart]

 

[TobiasFunke]

Lebron's camp could have squashed Cleveland rumors at any point. If he doesn't go to Cleveland he is pathetic.

You ever think that maybe he is actually weighing all his options?

Do you just hastily make multi-million dollar decisions that affect your life for the next 5 years?

Amazing to think that he can't actually think about what is best for him. If he makes a bad call, he could end up losing millions of dollars (i.e. Wiggins ends up a bust or Wade blows out a knee, etc.). It amazes me and disturbs me that people are already pissed about a decision that hasn't even been made. A week or so ago everyone thought he was staying in Miami, now he will be roundly criticized if he doesn't go to Cleveland. Seems like the fans in Cleveland and the folks that hate him already have been reading all the articles and tweets and made up their minds without a single word from the guy actually making the decision. Again, some of the reactions disturb me.

I think he knows. I haven't made million dollar decisions, but, amounts are relative. I've moved 6 times for my job and the decision, although tough each time, we made in a matter of days. We had to.

Grant Hill on Mike and Mike this morning stopped just short of saying he's holding the league and other free agents hostage. He's not helping anyone by dragging this out so long:

1- The fans and city of Cleveland - no explanation necessary.

2- Miami - all the cap hold for the big three isn't available to sign any of the free agents starting today.

3- Houston - only have a couple more days before they will be forced to match Chandler offer taking Bosh out of the equation.

4- Bosh - see #3.

5- All the other teams and free agents have to wait for the top domino to fall before making deals.

6- Melo, waiting.

7- Lebron, yes even though he's getting all the attention he, it might turn out looking as bad as The Decision, especially if it drags on past Sunday.

It's not LeBron's fault that everyone else is waiting to see what he's going to do. If they want to move on, they're free to. If they want the luxury of knowing, they have to wait.

This is like blaming the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft for not signing right away. It's not his fault that the #27 pick on your favorite team wants to wait until that happens before he'll sign.

Problem is for the most part it isn't the free agents that are waiting (like melo and bosh), it's the teams.

The teams that set up the framework that pays him maybe a third of his true value because of capped max salaries while they make hundreds of millions off him? I'm sure that's really tearing him up inside.

I do feel for the good people of Cleveland, though. I can't believe LeBron is being so cruel to the kind, gentle souls who chanted "who's your daddy?" at him and burned his jersey and put him on t-shirts calling him the "Lyin King." He sure is ungrateful.

 

[CurlyNight]

I'm the mindreader part of today's thread title and I say Le B will stay put.

 

[Plorfu]

http://www.theonion.com/articles/breaking-lebron-james-leaning-toward-joining-alqae,36417/

 

[tonydead]

It's not LeBron's fault that everyone else is waiting to see what he's going to do. If they want to move on, they're free to. If they want the luxury of knowing, they have to wait.

This is like blaming the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft for not signing right away. It's not his fault that the #27 pick on your favorite team wants to wait until that happens before he'll sign.

Problem is for the most part it isn't the free agents that are waiting (like melo and bosh), it's the teams.

No, it's the players. The teams all know who they want.

They might know who they want, but, they don't know who they can get under their caps until the biggest pieces start filling up that space.

 

[tonydead]

Lebron's camp could have squashed Cleveland rumors at any point. If he doesn't go to Cleveland he is pathetic.

You ever think that maybe he is actually weighing all his options?

Do you just hastily make multi-million dollar decisions that affect your life for the next 5 years?

Amazing to think that he can't actually think about what is best for him. If he makes a bad call, he could end up losing millions of dollars (i.e. Wiggins ends up a bust or Wade blows out a knee, etc.). It amazes me and disturbs me that people are already pissed about a decision that hasn't even been made. A week or so ago everyone thought he was staying in Miami, now he will be roundly criticized if he doesn't go to Cleveland. Seems like the fans in Cleveland and the folks that hate him already have been reading all the articles and tweets and made up their minds without a single word from the guy actually making the decision. Again, some of the reactions disturb me.

I think he knows. I haven't made million dollar decisions, but, amounts are relative. I've moved 6 times for my job and the decision, although tough each time, we made in a matter of days. We had to.

Grant Hill on Mike and Mike this morning stopped just short of saying he's holding the league and other free agents hostage. He's not helping anyone by dragging this out so long:

1- The fans and city of Cleveland - no explanation necessary.

2- Miami - all the cap hold for the big three isn't available to sign any of the free agents starting today.

3- Houston - only have a couple more days before they will be forced to match Chandler offer taking Bosh out of the equation.

4- Bosh - see #3.

5- All the other teams and free agents have to wait for the top domino to fall before making deals.

6- Melo, waiting.

7- Lebron, yes even though he's getting all the attention he, it might turn out looking as bad as The Decision, especially if it drags on past Sunday.

It's not LeBron's fault that everyone else is waiting to see what he's going to do. If they want to move on, they're free to. If they want the luxury of knowing, they have to wait.

This is like blaming the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft for not signing right away. It's not his fault that the #27 pick on your favorite team wants to wait until that happens before he'll sign.

Problem is for the most part it isn't the free agents that are waiting (like melo and bosh), it's the teams.

The teams that set up the framework that pays him maybe a third of his true value because of capped max salaries while they make hundreds of millions off him? I'm sure that's really tearing him up inside.

I do feel for the good people of Cleveland, though. I can't believe LeBron is being so cruel to the kind, gentle souls who chanted "who's your daddy?" at him and burned his jersey and put him on t-shirts calling him the "Lyin King." He sure is ungrateful.

You're right. Poor, poor Lebron.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Lebron's camp could have squashed Cleveland rumors at any point. If he doesn't go to Cleveland he is pathetic.

You ever think that maybe he is actually weighing all his options?

Do you just hastily make multi-million dollar decisions that affect your life for the next 5 years?

Amazing to think that he can't actually think about what is best for him. If he makes a bad call, he could end up losing millions of dollars (i.e. Wiggins ends up a bust or Wade blows out a knee, etc.). It amazes me and disturbs me that people are already pissed about a decision that hasn't even been made. A week or so ago everyone thought he was staying in Miami, now he will be roundly criticized if he doesn't go to Cleveland. Seems like the fans in Cleveland and the folks that hate him already have been reading all the articles and tweets and made up their minds without a single word from the guy actually making the decision. Again, some of the reactions disturb me.

I think he knows. I haven't made million dollar decisions, but, amounts are relative. I've moved 6 times for my job and the decision, although tough each time, we made in a matter of days. We had to.

Grant Hill on Mike and Mike this morning stopped just short of saying he's holding the league and other free agents hostage. He's not helping anyone by dragging this out so long:

1- The fans and city of Cleveland - no explanation necessary.

2- Miami - all the cap hold for the big three isn't available to sign any of the free agents starting today.

3- Houston - only have a couple more days before they will be forced to match Chandler offer taking Bosh out of the equation.

4- Bosh - see #3.

5- All the other teams and free agents have to wait for the top domino to fall before making deals.

6- Melo, waiting.

7- Lebron, yes even though he's getting all the attention he, it might turn out looking as bad as The Decision, especially if it drags on past Sunday.

It's not LeBron's fault that everyone else is waiting to see what he's going to do. If they want to move on, they're free to. If they want the luxury of knowing, they have to wait.

This is like blaming the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft for not signing right away. It's not his fault that the #27 pick on your favorite team wants to wait until that happens before he'll sign.

Problem is for the most part it isn't the free agents that are waiting (like melo and bosh), it's the teams.

The teams that set up the framework that pays him maybe a third of his true value because of capped max salaries while they make hundreds of millions off him? I'm sure that's really tearing him up inside.

I do feel for the good people of Cleveland, though. I can't believe LeBron is being so cruel to the kind, gentle souls who chanted "who's your daddy?" at him and burned his jersey and put him on t-shirts calling him the "Lyin King." He sure is ungrateful.

You're right. Poor, poor Lebron.

I didn't say poor LeBron, did I? I don't feel bad for anyone here. You're the one who suggested that he's hurting people. Don't turn your whining around and put it on me.

 

[pollardsvision]

It's not LeBron's fault that everyone else is waiting to see what he's going to do. If they want to move on, they're free to. If they want the luxury of knowing, they have to wait.

This is like blaming the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft for not signing right away. It's not his fault that the #27 pick on your favorite team wants to wait until that happens before he'll sign.

Problem is for the most part it isn't the free agents that are waiting (like melo and bosh), it's the teams.

No, it's the players. The teams all know who they want.

They might know who they want, but, they don't know who they can get under their caps until the biggest pieces start filling up that space.

Right, but for "bigger pieces", we're essentially talking about 3 players, and one of those really doesn't need to know where LeBron's going to decide (Melo).

It's also a limited number of teams involved. For LeBron/Bosh, we're talking about 3 teams that can't move until LeBron decides. For all of those 3 teams, if they don't land the big ticket they hope for, there isn't some other big move they are making.

For the ancillary moves, the Jack move is done. Philly being in limbo with Lin isn't holding them up.

The 27 teams that know they won't be getting LeBron or Bosh can pretty much go about their business for the mid-tier FA's.

Dallas was a big name in all of this, and the knew enough to remove themselves completely for 3 days.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I had to make a decision on what to eat for breakfast this morning, and it certainly didn't take me as long as LeBron James is taking to make his decision.

Did the decision you make affect what everyone else was able to have for breakfast?

yeah, my wife opted out of her plans, and then had to wait awhile for me to decide. there was a lot of pressure. I totally can relate to what LeBron is going through here.

Did you go with pancakes or waffles?

He's not a woman! [/gm]

 

[got_nugs]

I'm the mindreader part of today's thread title and I say Le B will stay put.

We love curly! Yes!!!!!

 

[pollardsvision]

Really, if anybody's holding up anything, it's Melo and the Lakers.

They have a bunch of cap space that they'd use on mid-tier guys if Melo doesn't come.

 

[[icon]]

I'm reading reports that Lebron has convinced Pau, Bosh, Wade, and Melo to join him in Cleveland for league min contracts.

 

[Freelove]

Lebron's camp could have squashed Cleveland rumors at any point. If he doesn't go to Cleveland he is pathetic.

You ever think that maybe he is actually weighing all his options?

Do you just hastily make multi-million dollar decisions that affect your life for the next 5 years?

Amazing to think that he can't actually think about what is best for him. If he makes a bad call, he could end up losing millions of dollars (i.e. Wiggins ends up a bust or Wade blows out a knee, etc.). It amazes me and disturbs me that people are already pissed about a decision that hasn't even been made. A week or so ago everyone thought he was staying in Miami, now he will be roundly criticized if he doesn't go to Cleveland. Seems like the fans in Cleveland and the folks that hate him already have been reading all the articles and tweets and made up their minds without a single word from the guy actually making the decision. Again, some of the reactions disturb me.

I think he knows. I haven't made million dollar decisions, but, amounts are relative. I've moved 6 times for my job and the decision, although tough each time, we made in a matter of days. We had to.

Grant Hill on Mike and Mike this morning stopped just short of saying he's holding the league and other free agents hostage. He's not helping anyone by dragging this out so long:

1- The fans and city of Cleveland - no explanation necessary.

2- Miami - all the cap hold for the big three isn't available to sign any of the free agents starting today.

3- Houston - only have a couple more days before they will be forced to match Chandler offer taking Bosh out of the equation.

4- Bosh - see #3.

5- All the other teams and free agents have to wait for the top domino to fall before making deals.

6- Melo, waiting.

7- Lebron, yes even though he's getting all the attention he, it might turn out looking as bad as The Decision, especially if it drags on past Sunday.

It's not LeBron's fault that everyone else is waiting to see what he's going to do. If they want to move on, they're free to. If they want the luxury of knowing, they have to wait.

This is like blaming the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft for not signing right away. It's not his fault that the #27 pick on your favorite team wants to wait until that happens before he'll sign.

Problem is for the most part it isn't the free agents that are waiting (like melo and bosh), it's the teams.

The teams that set up the framework that pays him maybe a third of his true value because of capped max salaries while they make hundreds of millions off him? I'm sure that's really tearing him up inside.

I do feel for the good people of Cleveland, though. I can't believe LeBron is being so cruel to the kind, gentle souls who chanted "who's your daddy?" at him and burned his jersey and put him on t-shirts calling him the "Lyin King." He sure is ungrateful.

It's not like Lebron and Cleveland fans are playing on a level field, when it comes to emotional impact. Lebron gets paid nearly nine figures a year specifically to have the privilege of holding a position that effects people emotionally. Emotional involvement of the public is why sports is profitable. It's why he has a job. It's why men playing sports fill stadiums, control airwaves, and move trillions of dollars worth of product. And it's why an athlete the stature of a Lebron James is given the podium and bandwidth to control the emotions of millions, while the millions mostly just have to grumble or cheer in relative silence and anonymity.

To hold it against a fanbase when they get upset that a pro athlete breaks their hearts is to pretend the entire point of pro sports doesn't exist. Dan Gilbert? He should be held to a higher standard, as an owner.

But a man sitting at the pinnacle of his profession, when that profession is exactly to be a public spectacle for the masses, has the ability to toy with millions in ways they are utterly incapable of responding to. I do feel badly for them.

It ain't finding out a loved one is dying or anything, but it seems unnecessarily petty if he chooses to play these games then yank the carpet out from under the same group for the second time in five years.

 

[pollardsvision]

Oh come on. Screw Cleveland, no offense.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Lebron's camp could have squashed Cleveland rumors at any point. If he doesn't go to Cleveland he is pathetic.

You ever think that maybe he is actually weighing all his options?

Do you just hastily make multi-million dollar decisions that affect your life for the next 5 years?

Amazing to think that he can't actually think about what is best for him. If he makes a bad call, he could end up losing millions of dollars (i.e. Wiggins ends up a bust or Wade blows out a knee, etc.). It amazes me and disturbs me that people are already pissed about a decision that hasn't even been made. A week or so ago everyone thought he was staying in Miami, now he will be roundly criticized if he doesn't go to Cleveland. Seems like the fans in Cleveland and the folks that hate him already have been reading all the articles and tweets and made up their minds without a single word from the guy actually making the decision. Again, some of the reactions disturb me.

I think he knows. I haven't made million dollar decisions, but, amounts are relative. I've moved 6 times for my job and the decision, although tough each time, we made in a matter of days. We had to.

Grant Hill on Mike and Mike this morning stopped just short of saying he's holding the league and other free agents hostage. He's not helping anyone by dragging this out so long:

1- The fans and city of Cleveland - no explanation necessary.

2- Miami - all the cap hold for the big three isn't available to sign any of the free agents starting today.

3- Houston - only have a couple more days before they will be forced to match Chandler offer taking Bosh out of the equation.

4- Bosh - see #3.

5- All the other teams and free agents have to wait for the top domino to fall before making deals.

6- Melo, waiting.

7- Lebron, yes even though he's getting all the attention he, it might turn out looking as bad as The Decision, especially if it drags on past Sunday.

It's not LeBron's fault that everyone else is waiting to see what he's going to do. If they want to move on, they're free to. If they want the luxury of knowing, they have to wait.

This is like blaming the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft for not signing right away. It's not his fault that the #27 pick on your favorite team wants to wait until that happens before he'll sign.

Problem is for the most part it isn't the free agents that are waiting (like melo and bosh), it's the teams.

The teams that set up the framework that pays him maybe a third of his true value because of capped max salaries while they make hundreds of millions off him? I'm sure that's really tearing him up inside.

I do feel for the good people of Cleveland, though. I can't believe LeBron is being so cruel to the kind, gentle souls who chanted "who's your daddy?" at him and burned his jersey and put him on t-shirts calling him the "Lyin King." He sure is ungrateful.

It's not like Lebron and Cleveland fans are playing on a level field, when it comes to emotional impact. Lebron gets paid nearly nine figures a year specifically to have the privilege of holding a position that effects people emotionally. Emotional involvement of the public is why sports is profitable. It's why he has a job. It's why men playing sports fill stadiums, control airwaves, and move trillions of dollars worth of product. And it's why an athlete the stature of a Lebron James is given the podium and bandwidth to control the emotions of millions, while the millions mostly just have to grumble or cheer in relative silence and anonymity.

To hold it against a fanbase when they get upset that a pro athlete breaks their hearts is to pretend the entire point of pro sports doesn't exist. Dan Gilbert? He should be held to a higher standard, as an owner.

But a man sitting at the pinnacle of his profession, when that profession is exactly to be a public spectacle for the masses, has the ability to toy with millions in ways they are utterly incapable of responding to. I do feel badly for them.

It ain't finding out a loved one is dying or anything, but it seems unnecessarily petty if he chooses to play these games then yank the carpet out from under the same group for the second time in five years.

I seriously, seriously doubt he knew this whole time he was going back to Miami. It contradicts literally every report I've seen and it contradicts common sense too. If that turns out to be the case I'll condemn him too.

I agree with pretty much everything you wrote. I was exaggerating the culpability of Cleveland fans to counter exaggerations of his issues with LeBron. Although I do think the "who's your daddy?" chant is over the line of normal sports fandom. The rest of it is defensible.

 

[B-Deep]

If i had my way he'd go somewhere not Miami or Cleveland

and he'd call a press conference to announce it and be flanked by Wade and Bosh, and he'd hit Wade with a chair.

 

[MAC_32]

Oh come on. Screw Cleveland, no offense.

You keep saying this and it doesn't make any sense.