NBA 2010 Off Season Thread

[Juan]

words cannot express my irritation with LeBron Hames' 'decision' having a 1 hour special.

I bet that if it was Kobe having an hour long special, you wouldn't care :roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll::roll:

[alvarado52]

its just so ridiculous, yknow? For ANY one player to get that sort of attention is just so stupid. Its not game 7 of the finals, its not even on the damn basketball court. Fuckin' ugh.

[Innovator]

Apparently the show tomorrow is airing from Greenwich, CT. Gives me a little hope as a Knicks fan, definitely glad its not happening in Akron.
WOOOOOOOOO

[Juan]

I think Stan Van Gundy hit the nail on the head

R. Your thoughts on all this free agency stuff?

SVG: It’s gotten ridiculous I think. It’s really I mean it’s almost like a parody of itself this whole situation now. Come on, an hour long? It takes 15 seconds to say I’ve decided to stay in Cleveland but we’ve got another 59 minutes and 45 seconds to, what? Promote LeBron James? As if we don’t do that enough. Look, the guy’s a great player and wherever he goes, my bet would be Cleveland, that place will be excited. But an hour long special?

R. Sign of the times, I guess.

SVG: It is a sign of the times. Unfortunately. It’s amazing that a guy as good as Kobe Bryant simply extended his contract with no real fanfare or anything else.

R. Kevin Durant did, too.

SVG: Yeah and Kevin Durant is more in the Kobe Bryant mode. You don’t hear Kobe Bryant and certainly not Kevin Durant talking about their brand. They don’t. I hear that from the other guys. I don’t hear those guys talking about their brand, they’re simply basketball players who want to be great players and win games. Not that those other guys aren’t great players and don’t want to win games. They do, but there’s also more to it. It’s not what I like. Other people, I guess, like it. I’m sure it will be a widely watched show tomorrow. It simply will not have me as an audience.

R. Chris Bosh made his announcement on ESPN. Said he’s joining Wade.

SVG: Well, he’s been following him around for two weeks like his lapdog. So that doesn’t really surprise me.

[Emperor Smeat]

Surprised Bosh actually went through to go to the Heat since he was the 1st of the group to publicly resent the fact of being seen as a lackey/lapdog/#2 guy when he wanted to get #1 player type money.

Assuming Lebron stays in Cleveland and Bosh with Wade both take less money to be with Heat, Bosh would have failed badly in his goal to be a max contract player.

Whole "TV special" with Lebron reminds me a lot of A-Rod who puts himself ahead of the game especially with how bad his announcement to sign a $300+ million deal occurred during the middle of a World Series game

[IC Champion]

Bosh's only chance at a title was to play number two, he alone will never ever carry a team to a title, ever. He couldn't even make the playoffs with a team that had twice the talent of a Miami team that finished fifth.

[OssMan]

So James LeBron asked Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh if they were willing to take a pay cut to play for the "dream team" with him, but now that they've both signed with Miami is LeBron going to show how selfish he is by not taking a paycut to play with them?

[Emperor Smeat]

Celtics resign Ray Allen to 2-year at $10 million per year with only the 1st year guaranteed.

[Triple Naitch]

A full hour of LeBron, unfortunately, means a full hour of Stuart Scott or Mike Wilbon reflecting on his career.

[Nark Order]

BREAKING NEWS: LEBRON JAMES TO THE SACRAMENTO KINGS!

[Nark Order]

:(

[McLegend]

That would be kind of funny if he went to some team that no one saw coming like The Kings.

[Juan]

A full hour of LeBron, unfortunately, means a full hour of Stuart Scott or Mike Wilbon reflecting on his career.

Can't stand Wilbon.

[McLegend]

Also if all 3 are in Miami there is NOOOOOOOOOOOO way Eric Spolostra will last the year as the Coach. He might not even start the year. I don't care what Dwyane Wade says.

And Carlos Boozer signs with The Bulls.

[Jeritron]

This shit is ridiculous and everyone should know it

[McLegend]

Everyone does know it.

[Jeritron]

Real sports fans do. Thankfully that's the majority of people who post here regularly. I'm sure there are legions of sheep and meatheads who eat up everything ESPN says and does who think it's great, and think Lebron is a swell guy.
They will continue to buy his jerseys and shoes and talk about how awesome he is and not know anything else about the sport.

[Triple Naitch]

Remember when Boozer ditched LeBron to play in Utah? Now he's trying to get him to ditch Cleveland to play in Chicago.

[McLegend]

Real sports fans do. Thankfully that's the majority of people who post here regularly. I'm sure there are legions of sheep and meatheads who eat up everything ESPN says and does who think it's great, and think Lebron is a swell guy.
They will continue to buy his jerseys and shoes and talk about how awesome he is and not know anything else about the sport.

You are overthinking it. The fanfare goes on with almost every great player.

Michael Jordan wasn't/isn't a good guy. Kobe has his faults, but yet everyone loves them.

It's nothing new.

[McLegend]

Remember when Boozer ditched LeBron to play in Utah? Now he's trying to get him to ditch Cleveland to play in Chicago.

I forgot about this.

If I was Lebron I'd say "Fuck You, Carlos Boozer."

[Nark Order]

I'd have to say, it would all be worth it if he swerved everybody and went to the Milwaukee Bucks or something for a huge salary cut.

[Jeritron]

You are overthinking it. The fanfare goes on with almost every great player.

Michael Jordan wasn't/isn't a good guy. Kobe has his faults, but yet everyone loves them.

It's nothing new.

It's not about thinking Lebron is a bad guy so much as it is thinking that ESPN and their minions suck

[McLegend]

It's not about thinking Lebron is a bad guy so much as it is thinking that ESPN and their minions suck

Why do they suck? Yes the is the media, and press fault for hyping the guy up and giving therefore backing themselves into a corner.

Lebron has been a story that people care about. This reallly isn't that much different then Brett Favre.

What else are they going to do?

[Juan]

The whole Brett Favre thing on ESPN was fucking ridiculous too.

[Jeritron]

I think ESPN sucks for a lot of reasons. The way they focus in one story and blow it up is one of them. This one hour special is just another thing I think sucks about ESPN.

The agenda and format of Sportscenter is another one. Their shitty sports coverage is the biggest one, and the commercialization of the entire product at the expense of legitimate sports news is also a big reason.

I'm not saying they don't have their reasons to do this. It's good for business and they obviously are doing well. I don't like it though. That's why I don't watch ESPN except for televised sporting events.
I get my coverage elsewhere. The leagues all have their own networks with far superior coverage, and sports writing is the goods.

[Jeritron]

Comparing it to the Bret Favre thing is absolutely accurate. It is a story that people care about. You're right.
It's also one that people don't fucking care about shortly afterwards because of how overdone it is. There is massive backlash against the beating of the dead horse, and attempt to attach more interest than their actually is.

People feel strongly about the issue, and that's why they do it and get good ratings out of it. Good for them, and the people who can sit through such a labotomy. It doesn't mean me, or a very large portion of the fans have to like it, though. This is why the ESPN hate has been growing among a great many sports fans for sometime now.

[IC Champion]

Report: LeBron James Headed to Miami
http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/07/08/lebron-james-miami-dwyane-wade-chris-bosh/

[McLegend]

I'll believe it when I see it. There's way too many conflicting reports out there.

[Juan]

Free-agent center Jermaine O’Neal(notes) is leaning toward signing a contract with the Boston Celtics, but still hasn’t reached a final decision, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

O’Neal, 31, has narrowed his choices to the Celtics and Denver Nuggets, sources said. The Dallas Mavericks have been a strong consideration, too.

[Innovator]

BREAKING NEWS: LEBRON TO BUY BOBCATS, MOVE THEM TO CT, RENAME THEM THE WHALERS

source: Innovator

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Feel bad for Cleveland fan right now. They could've had LeBron and Bosh on the Cavs, but Bosh hated Cleveland so much he wouldn't come play with the best player in the league. And now LeBron is going to take a pay cut to go play somewhere else.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Hope everyone on the Cavs gets to bang LeBron's mom before he leaves town. I mean if they haven't already.

[OssMan]

Really pumped for the 3 hour SportsCenter before the James LeBron 1 hour decision special.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>yeah, BSPN's now picked up the report saying he's likely headed to the Heat.

lol if he does. This whole 1 hour special would have been for nothing because he allowed the information to leak early.

Also, if he does...looks like I still have no reason to watch the Knicks. Stoudemire ain't enough. They've spent 2 years trying to shed cap space solely for this free agent class, and it didn't pan out.</font> :-\

[Triple A]

Fucking cocksucker Chris Broussard keeps saying he is going to the Heat too, sooo sad :'(

http://twitter.com/Chris_Broussard/status/18012672982

http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/226983788/broussard_chris_m.jpg

[Innovator]

yeah, BSPN's now picked up the report saying he's likely headed to the Heat.

lol if he does. This whole 1 hour special would have been for nothing because he allowed the information to leak early.

Also, if he does...looks like I still have no reason to watch the Knicks. Stoudemire ain't enough. They've spent 2 years trying to shed cap space solely for this free agent class, and it didn't pan out. :-\
On the bright side (of life), Carmelo and CP3 are in next year's FA class.

[McLegend]

Hope everyone on the Cavs gets to bang LeBron's mom before he leaves town. I mean if they haven't already.

QUESTION: How big is Lebron in the State of Ohio?

[Triple Naitch]

He really is the only good thing going in that state. Besides the Reds now.

[Innovator]

Stephen A. Smith is reporting that Stephen A. Smith is awesome.

[Nark Order]

If this Heat news is legit, there is absolutely no reason for them not to win the Championship now. No more excuses for Lebron if he can't get the win.

[Dragon]

So Wade and Bosh announce they are going to Miami, and then LeBron does a 1 hour special the next day to announce he's also going there? Quite a few things don't make much sense about him going there. The one thing that has been brought up constantly is his legacy and now it'll be as Wade's sidekick on Wade's team. I dunno, the whole thing has been a circus.

[Dragon]

<font color=goldenrod>yeah, BSPN's now picked up the report saying he's likely headed to the Heat.

lol if he does. This whole 1 hour special would have been for nothing because he allowed the information to leak early.

Also, if he does...looks like I still have no reason to watch the Knicks. Stoudemire ain't enough. They've spent 2 years trying to shed cap space solely for this free agent class, and it didn't pan out.</font> :-\

They still have moves they can make. Most likely without LeBron they aren't competing this year but they won't be a complete trainwreck, which is something I guess. Still interested in what they end up doing if (when) they miss out on LeBron.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It's weird really, I loved basketball and it was my main sport for years. But my interest eroded after the Ewing trade. It's not even really the fact that they sucked...I still watch pretty much every Mets game even when they are 15 games under .500 and way out of it ala last year. I guess I just didn't find the sport as interesting anymore, and the games just become dominated by superstars. I've really liked guys like David Lee, but the Knicks have just been missing a mega-star to keep me as interested.

Hoping for a swerve tonight. LeBron should wear the jersey of every team that courted him, and tear them off one by one until he gets to his destination</font> :shifty:

[McLegend]

He should announce that he is turning heel.

[Nark Order]

Lots of reports saying that he still hasn't chosen between the Knicks and the Heat. Don't know though. I'm sure he's made his decision since his show is hours away.

[Innovator]

He should announce that he is turning heel.
thaaaaank you

[Nark Order]

I'm not huge into New York Sports but, I for one, would love to see the Knicks be a legit contender again. However; with a Bosh/Lebron/Wade team, a championship seems much more likely.

[Loose Cannon]

Apparently Wade and Bosh may show up tonight. They all are going to Anthony's wedding this weekend in NY

[Innovator]

All I want is my team to be somewhat competitive. Amare helps, but come ooooooooooooooon.

[Innovator]

Simmons said he's the new Hollywood Hogan, thing is Lebron wasn't trying to be heel though.

[Triple Naitch]

Bosh and Wade most likely chose to announce yesterday to give them a day at the top of the headlines. All the papers and talking heads would give them their day and then go back to talking about LeBron. But then it backfired when LeBron announced his special so everyone is still talking about him.

[Nark Order]

God, that'd be so awesome if I west coast team had their name in the pot the whole time and nobody knew it.

[Triple Naitch]

Pretty much if LeBron goes anywhere besides Cleveland, he will be labeled as a heel. If he goes to New York or New Jersey, he only cares about the money. If he goes to Miami, he's taking the easy way to a championship. If he goes to Chicago, he ditches his old team for a division rival.

[McLegend]

Free Agent signing Update




Travis Outlaw to Nets: 5 yr, $35M

[Nark Order]

Travis Outlaw is the coolest name ever.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

QUESTION: How big is Lebron in the State of Ohio?

Not really that big. I mean if you're ranking Ohio sports popularity it goes
1. Ohio St. football
2. Browns
3. Bengals
4. Reds
5. Indians
6. Cavaliers

In terms of individuals, he's probably the biggest name, although Jim Tressel's close. But Ohioans just don't really care about the NBA. College basketball is much more popular here.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The only reason people in Cleveland care so much is because they just want to win something. But even then, they're still more likely to watch the Browns lose than the Cavs win.

[McLegend]

Yeah that's interesting. I really think The Cavaliers organzation dies when Lebron leaves.

[Triple A]

They are saying on SportsCenter that people in Wade's "inner circle" are saying that "there is a feeling" that James isn't really needed in Miami and it would kinda take away from what Wade could do there with just himself and Bosh.

Also showed some interview with Wade talking about him and Bosh, and seemed like he had no idea what James was going to do. Wasn't asked anything about him in the interview but just kinda seemed like it, like he was only talking about how he and Bosh could win a championship together. I feel like if James was going to go there, they would probably be "in on it" slightly or something. Seems weird.

[Triple A]

Fucking now they are saying James spoke to Wade and Bosh "at least 4 times" yesterday and said "see you guys Friday" or something.

o well

[IC Champion]

If he leaves Cleveland he can never safely travel to Ohio ever again.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The funny part is people in Cleveland are so used to people leaving town for money, that if James left for a bigger contract they probably could take it. But if he takes a pay cut and leaves because he wants to win somewhere else, that will set them off.

If this happens, Art Moddell may have competition for the most hated man in Cleveland.

[IC Champion]

I seriously wouldnt travel in Ohio without armed guard if I were him.

[Nark Order]

CC Sabathia :(

[Juan]

Even if Bosh and Wade take a pay cut to get LeBron in Miami, that still leaves them with very little money to build a bench.

[IC Champion]

You don't need a bench to win a championship, the lakers just won didnt they?

[McLegend]

You need role players, and yes you do need a bench. I'm sure some Vetertern players would be lining up to play on this team though.

If all 3 are in Miami it doesn't necessarily guarantee a Championship. It would make things really fun however.

[McLegend]

The funny part is people in Cleveland are so used to people leaving town for money, that if James left for a bigger contract they probably could take it. But if he takes a pay cut and leaves because he wants to win somewhere else, that will set them off.

If this happens, Art Moddell may have competition for the most hated man in Cleveland.

I think Lebron is number 1. Lebron has every right to go somewhere else to make money and play basketball. I don't think many people can seriously argue that. There is difference between just leaving and doing what Lebron is doing. This really is mean.

Leaving in the middle of the night(Is that what happend with the Browns or was that just a colts thing?) is bad, but it's not as bad as doing a selection show on national TV so you can milk every second out of it.

Also when the Browns were they bad? I think they were borderline terrible at the time. With the Cavs they just won back to back 60 win games in the regular season. So if Lebron were to come back they would probably be the favorites in the East or still really high. Then to top it off how he basically gave up in game 5 of the playoffs against the Celtics at home it's bascially the worst possible scenario.

So I think it's even worse then the Browns leaving. Even if they are more popular in the city of Cleveland.

[Jeritron]

Not much compares to packing up a local team and moving it away in the middle of the night

[McLegend]

But this does.

I'd rather have that then at least what is going on right now. At least then I know, and I'm not getting jerked around like I would be now. (I can't think of a better adjective or Metaphor)

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>It still just seems hella weird that he'd pick the Heat. Literally every other team that courted him would make for a better story for him.

Cavs: Home town hero
Knicks: Bringing basketball relevance back to the Big Apple, immediately goes right with Jeter as the top sports figure in the city
Nets/Clippers: Attempting to make the 2nd class team in their respective areas relevant
Bulls: Yeah he'd always be compared to Jordan, but at least he'd be the top star of that team

Instead he's gonna go to the team where there's already a guy there that will overshadow him? It's no-win for him. Everybody is expecting a ring and if they don't it will be a huge disappointment...but if they do, meh.</font>

[McLegend]

Would you make the comparsion Lebron is A-Rod to D-Wade's Jeter?

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Not a bad comparison.</font>

[DaveWadding]

I think LeBron is going to New York. Look at how this would shake out

Eastern Conf.

NY - LeBron/Amar'e/potentially Chris Paul (just signed with LeBron's marketing company thing)

Miami - Wade/Bosh

Chicago - Rose/Noah/Loozer

Orlando - Howard/Rashard/Jameer etc.

Atlanta - JJ/Horford/Smoove

Boston - Rondolo/KG/Pierce/Jesus for at least a couple more years

plus Milwaukee is starting to look pretty good....that's 7 good teams in the East. A lot more than there have been in the past decade. Usually you get maybe 3/4 good teams out East...

West:

LA - Kobe/Gasol
Portland - getting good
OKC - getting REALLY good
Sacramento - young and exciting
Spurs will be good for a couple more
Dirk et al in Dallas
Melo in Denver
The Suns are always at least watchable/exciting
plus Houston...

Both conferences look pretty stacked if LeBron chooses NY. I think that's what Stern wants. Pretty sure it will happen.

[Juan]

The Warriors and free-agent power forward David Lee have agreed to contract worth about $80 million over six years, according to team sources.

[Juan]

Jermaine Oneal aparently getting 2 year deal for the full Mid Level in Boston.

[OssMan]

WASHINGTON Wall - Arenas :wavesad:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Bet they'll have cameras at a random bar in each city LeBron can pick from. It'd be like watching the draft reactions</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I think Lebron is number 1. Lebron has every right to go somewhere else to make money and play basketball. I don't think many people can seriously argue that. There is difference between just leaving and doing what Lebron is doing. This really is mean.

Leaving in the middle of the night(Is that what happend with the Browns or was that just a colts thing?) is bad, but it's not as bad as doing a selection show on national TV so you can milk every second out of it.

Also when the Browns were they bad? I think they were borderline terrible at the time. With the Cavs they just won back to back 60 win games in the regular season. So if Lebron were to come back they would probably be the favorites in the East or still really high. Then to top it off how he basically gave up in game 5 of the playoffs against the Celtics at home it's bascially the worst possible scenario.

So I think it's even worse then the Browns leaving. Even if they are more popular in the city of Cleveland.

Moddell told Cleveland to build a new stadium or he'd move the team. Cleveland built a new stadium with the taxpayers' money and Moddell moved the team anyway. That's straight up evil right there.

[Nark Order]

That would be kind of awesome if somebody signed with a team at random one time. Put all of the teams in a hat and just picked one out. Negotiations would start immediately afterwards.

[Loose Cannon]

Even if Bosh and Wade take a pay cut to get LeBron in Miami, that still leaves them with very little money to build a bench.

bingo

[Loose Cannon]

I like how Wadding is thinking up there

[Loose Cannon]

and I just read Juan's post about Lee. good for him. I like the Warriors, especially with my man, Stephen Curry

[McLegend]

Moddell told Cleveland to build a new stadium or he'd move the team. Cleveland built a new stadium with the taxpayers' money and Moddell moved the team anyway. That's straight up evil right there.

See I didn't know that, and that really is bad.

So I guess Lebron would be number 2. Still probably a tough choice for the Clevelanders.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I still don't understand why ESPN is reporting LeBron is leaning toward the Heat. Way to sabotage your own special.

[Jeritron]

I just can't imagine an owner taking one of my favorite teams away with no intentions of coming back.
That's taking everything away. To me that is far worse than any player leaving the city, no matter how ugly the manner in which they left is. At least you still have a team when all is said and done.

[Jeritron]

My father mentioned something about him planning a party in South Beach, and for that reason everyone thinks he is going to the Heat?
I have not been following the coverage at all this week.

[Dragon]

Apparently the deal is in place for the Knicks to S&T Lee to the Warriors for Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Azubuike. Gonna happen after LeBron says Miami tonight.

[Evil Vito]

I still don't understand why ESPN is reporting LeBron is leaning toward the Heat. Way to sabotage your own special.

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah. Would be even funnier if he picked a different team, making their entire day of reporting meaningless.</font>

[McLegend]

I still don't understand why ESPN is reporting LeBron is leaning toward the Heat. Way to sabotage your own special.

I think you have to maintain some journalistic credabilty.

So you have to continue to report stuff.

[Nark Order]

This ESPN special seems a bit silly but I'll bet they'll get tons of views for it. I don't see how it's THAT controversial.

[Juan]

It's not controversial, just annoying.

[McLegend]

I just can't imagine an owner taking one of my favorite teams away with no intentions of coming back.
That's taking everything away. To me that is far worse than any player leaving the city, no matter how ugly the manner in which they left is. At least you still have a team when all is said and done.

The reason why I say is, because Lebron is the Cavaliers.

Without Lebron The Cavaliers cease to exist.

[Jeritron]

This ESPN special seems a bit silly but I'll bet they'll get tons of views for it. I don't see how it's THAT controversial.

I mean, it's not that I'm opposed to it being a story. Naturally I'm interested to see where he goes. That's why I'm in this thread.
It's just that I'd like to hear an announcement when there's ready to be one and that's all I'm really interested in. Take 20 seconds.
Analyzing what he had for breakfast and what clues it may hold to where he is signing is where it is at this point.
Like Juan said, it's not controversial it's just bullshit.

[Jeritron]

The reason why I say is, because Lebron is the Cavaliers.

Without Lebron The Cavaliers cease to exist.

This is true. The Cleveland sports world is not a pretty one

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Except that's just a metaphor. The Cleveland Browns ACTUALLY stopped existing

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Do the Heat immediately become the most hated team in the NBA if LeBron does sign there?</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Dan Patrick says it's the perfect occasion (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/blog/119101/index.html?eref=twitter_feed) for a drinking game, and suggests we all take a swig of our favorite adult beverage every time any of these terms are mentioned: sources, max deal, trio, shift of power, brought to you by, booyah, spurned.
Rings and legacy are two more obvious ones, and his readers add these:
Wanted to stay . . .
It's not about the money . . .
This is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make . . .
And our favorite suggestion:
Drink every time you hear a car is set on fire in Cleveland.

[Nark Order]

No, I'd say the Lakers will still hold the title of most hated. However, the Heat would be in contention.

[McLegend]

Except that's just a metaphor. The Cleveland Browns ACTUALLY stopped existing
lol another excellent point.
<font color=goldenrod>Do the Heat immediately become the most hated team in the NBA if LeBron does sign there?</font>

Yes 100%. In fact maybe one of the most hated teams ever.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I dunno, I can see hating LeBron and Bosh, but D WADE. How do you hate that guy?

[Nark Order]

Give me some reasoning behind Lebron hate though. I feel like people hate him because he's good and because everybody talks about him. Maybe I'm missing something but Lebron as a person seems like a class act.

[McLegend]

I dunno, I can see hating LeBron and Bosh, but D WADE. How do you hate that guy?

Just guilty by association.

It'll either be peoplelove this team(and people will love them) or just hate them with a blood thristy passion.

It would be really fun to have that team in the NBA.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Give me some reasoning behind Lebron hate though. I feel like people hate him because he's good and because everybody talks about him. Maybe I'm missing something but Lebron as a person seems like a class act.

Well the whole ditching your hometown thing will take off regardless of if it's fair or not.

Plus people always hate on success. You don't necessarily have to do anything bad to be hated. Kobe was hated long before he raped that chick.

[McLegend]

Give me some reasoning behind Lebron hate though. I feel like people hate him because he's good and because everybody talks about him. Maybe I'm missing something but Lebron as a person seems like a class act.

People are going to hate him, because of the Boston thing this year.

Also this huge unnecssary glory seeking. I have always been a huge Lebron defender. I still think he's the best player in the wolrd, but this whole debacle is hard to defend.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I think they would be hated if they dominate, as is the case with any dominant team.

It's kinda funny. Normally players would be praised if they took less money to win, but these guys are gonna be huge heels. Plus the NBA is a star-driven game, they stars should be more spread out.</font>

[McLegend]

Also don't forget the whole thinking

"This guy hasn't won anything... So why does he get to do this?"

[Nark Order]

The Cavs had the best record in the NBA last season.

[McLegend]

The Cavs had the best record in the NBA last season.

People's thinking

"That's just the regular season that doesn't mean anything."

[Supreme Olajuwon]

It really doesn't though.

[Jeritron]

Also don't forget the whole thinking

"This guy hasn't won anything... So why does he get to do this?"

To be fair, I think this particular ordeal is beyond the whole championship thing. I think people would find it pretty ridiculous and self important no matter who the fuck did it.
If Derek Jeter, Kobe Bryant, Tom Brady or any other popular athlete with a bunch of rings went out and did this, the criticisms would likely be the same.

[McLegend]

It really doesn't though.

I argee and disargee.

I think it's wrong to devalue regular season stuff, because then why even play the regular season?

But yeah that is right. No matter what regular season stuff is far secondary to rings and post seasons accomplishments no matter what. Especially in the NBA where it's all about Championships to define how great a player is.

[Jeritron]

Football is similar too, I think.

Baseball is a bit different. One player doesn't typically general and entire squad the same way, so you have players defined by their individual play throughout their career and seasons rather than just rings.

[McLegend]

Football is similar too, I think.

Baseball is a bit different. One player doesn't typically general and entire squad the same way, so you have players defined by their individual play throughout their career and seasons rather than just rings.

Really in football you only define QB by Championships. Also it kind hurts since a player only plays half the time with the whole Offense/defense thing.

And yeah in baseball no matter how great one player is he can't do it himself or even get to the playoffs. Since a player only gets to bat 3 or 4 times at most, and the ball is only going to be to hit to a player a few times.

So really basketball is the one sport where One guy affects the most things on the playing field. Therefore it's the sport where one player will take the most criticism.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I argee and disargee.

I think it's wrong to devalue regular season stuff, because then why even play the regular season?

But yeah that is right. No matter what regular season stuff is far secondary to rings and post seasons accomplishments no matter what. Especially in the NBA where it's all about Championships to define how great a player is.

I mean regular season is important, but not to a guy's legacy. Rings are why we talk about Bird and Magic and Jordan and Russell, but you never hear a thing about Baylor and Malone. Shit you can win one ring and people still won't talk about you. Nobody ever talks about Oscar Robertson anymore, and he might be the greatest ever.

[Juan]

Where the fuck were all you chumps during the regular season? I was stuck here with SammyG and Dave Wadding

[Jeritron]

SammyG and Dave Wadding combined to form a powerful sports fan repellent, keeping any and all intelligent conversation away from this thread

[DaveWadding]

IT's because LeBron is the Second Coming of Jesus.

[McLegend]

With Oscar to someone would play the "He couldn't win without Kareem" card. Just like people will say about Lebron with Dwade(if he goes). Still though that's probably better then not having any rings at all.

Because having a ring/and or rings is the only thing that matters.

The only individul record that even matters is Wilt's 100 point game. I would even say Kareem's record is pretty close to being meaningless. Hardly anyone cares about it.

[McLegend]

Where the fuck were all you chumps during the regular season? I was stuck here with SammyG and Dave Wadding

Hey I have been consistent.

[Rev. Hallowell]

I believe Lebron will announce that because he can't manage to win a championship in the NBA, his lawyer managed to find a loophole that will allow him to sign with the WNBA.

[Juan]

Hey I have been consistent.

True

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I dunno NBA Season Threads always seem a bit too homer happy for my liking. Especially when you don't have a dog in the fight. Too much chest bumping to really get involved.

[Jeritron]

The Reverend Jerry Hallowell

[Juan]

I dunno NBA Season Threads always seem a bit too homer happy for my liking. Especially when you don't have a dog in the fight. Too much chest bumping to really get involved.

I thought you were a Cavs fan?

[Jeritron]

I dunno NBA Season Threads always seem a bit too homer happy for my liking. Especially when you don't have a dog in the fight. Too much chest bumping to really get involved.

But where would the MLB thread be without daily updates on the state of the Mets, Orioles and Cubs from Vito, Droford and Wadding respectively?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I thought you were a Cavs fan?

Nah. I watched a lot of their games this year since they were on Fox Sports, but I'm just a well wisher.

Location wise it'd make more sense for me to be a Pacers fan anyway.

[Rev. Hallowell]

The Reverend Jerry Hallowell

My first name is Jeremy...pretty close :$

[Supreme Olajuwon]

But where would the MLB thread be without daily updates on the state of the Mets, Orioles and Cubs from Vito, Droford and Wadding respectively?

That doesn't bother me since I'm a baseball stat junkie. What turns me off to threads is when they turn into pissing contests. I get that way with the NFL Thread sometimes too.

[Jeritron]

No I agree

[Juan]

From Rich Buhcer's twitter:

Disparate opinions among gms, agents, league HQ officials today about where LeBron is going, but consensus on 1 thing: it's not Miami.

[DaveWadding]

CNBC is reporting that contrary to earlier reports, LeBron James is not expected to make his announcement within the first 15 minutes of Thursday's 'The Decision' show.


Not too shocking, and actually makes more sense if he waits until the end of the show. In other LeBron news, Ric Bucher said on Twitter that of the seven insiders he spoke with today (GMs, agents, team officials), four said he's going to Cleveland and the other three said New York. Despite the fact ESPN has been reporting he's likely to go to Miami, not one of Bucher's sources mentioned the Heat.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

What's the penalty for a GM releasing false information? I would love any team that announced they had reached a sign and trade agreement with the Cavs 15 minutes before the special begins.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wonder what the ratings are going to be for the special. I fucking hate the entire scenario, and yet I'm going to be watching anyway.</font> :o

[Loose Cannon]

Lebron's going to take 45 minutes to drive the stake through Cleveland first

[IC Champion]

Where was I when Delonte West banged LeBrons mom? Seriously, I just heard of this now.

Also some man is claiming to be LeBrons daddy.

[Emperor Smeat]

I bet 1st 15 minutes is going to be a video highlight of his early life or early basketball experience up until his time with the Cavs. Then another 15 minutes of him giving a speech either talking about teams who wanted him or a big thank you to the sponsors. Followed by another 15 minutes of him talking about all the teams who wanted him and what they could offer that made him listen.

Then he uses the last 15 minutes to pull out a bunch of team hats or jerseys and makes his decision after a dramatic pause followed by reporter questions on why he made his decision to go to his new team.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I hope he has a bunch of hats on a table and knocks one away every couple minutes.

[Loose Cannon]

and I was in here a lot for the playoffs Juan. I never post much in any regular season threads

[McLegend]

I had heard he was going to aswer this question in the first 10 mins, and then have an interview with either Jim Gray or Michael Wilbon.

But again this is why I am believing nothing.

[IC Champion]

He's going to spend 50 minutes talking about how much Cleveland and Ohio means to him, and then just when it looks like hes coming back, BAM he rips his shirt of to expose a Knicks jersey. His theme music hits and he leaves to a course of cheering New Yorkers who have gathered about the Connecticut Boys and Girls club.

[Loose Cannon]

you know nothing legend

[IC Champion]

I had heard he was going to aswer this question in the first 10 mins, and then have an interview with either Jim Gray or Michael Wilbon.

But again this is why I am believing nothing.

Michael Wilbon is an idiot. I hate hearing his opinions, which are well known "facts" the way he presents them. He just used to annoy me, but if I ever saw him I'd spit and punch him in the face and ask how they do in Chicago then.

[McLegend]

you know nothing legend
Ouch. WTF man?
Michael Wilbon is an idiot. I hate hearing his opinions, which are well known "facts" the way he presents them. He just used to annoy me, but if I ever saw him I'd spit and punch him in the face and ask how they do in Chicago then.

Ok bit unncessary, but ok.

[IC Champion]

Why, he acts like he's a bad man all the time, "You know what I would do if I saw someone act like that, I'd deck them". because he's from southside chicago, so look out.

[Nark Order]

I hope he stays in Cleveland now and all of this was for nothing.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Michael Wilbon isn't nearly assertive enough to be hated. He's just a guy who talks.

[IC Champion]

Michael Wilbon isn't nearly assertive enough to be hated. He's just a guy who talks.

LOL.

[Nark Order]

He might actually be more hated if he stays with Cleveland now.

[McLegend]

Why, he acts like he's a bad man all the time, "You know what I would do if I saw someone act like that, I'd deck them". because he's from southside chicago, so look out.

Becuase I was only tallking about random speculation.

[IC Champion]

He makes Dan Lebetard endearing.

[IC Champion]

Becuase I was only tallking about random speculation.

I know.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Wilbon is just that guy who talks and you don't really form an opinion about what he's saying because you don't really care and you weren't really listening.

[Jeritron]

No matter what he's a heel. If he goes to Miami, the Cleveland and NY fans will hate him.
If he goes to NY, the Cleveland and Miami fans will hate him. And even if he stays in Cleveland the other teams will hate him for getting their hopes up.

Plus a large portion of the national fans will just resent him for this whole ordeal no matter what. I think everyone will really hate him if he stays put, and did this "for nothing."

[Juan]

Denver Nuggets restricted free agent forward Linas Kleiza signed a four-year, $18.8 million offer sheet with the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, his agent, Bill Duffy, told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

The Nuggets, who made a qualifying offer to Kleiza last month, have seven days to match the Raptors' offer.

[IC Champion]

Wilbon is just that guy who talks and you don't really form an opinion about what he's saying because you don't really care and you weren't really listening.

Don't tell me what to do!

[Juan]

Word in LA is that the Lakers want to trade for Hedo Turkey-glue. God I hope that doesn't happen.

[Nark Order]

Me too.

[IC Champion]

God I hope it happens, not that the Lakers would likely have anything worth sending the other way, but Hedo is a problem now, and overpaid.

[Crimson]

How dare you guys go off topic of the Kings' day! Let's keep talking about Lebron and where he might go! :|

[Nark Order]

Well, Hedo is a former Sacramento King, so it isn't that much off topic.

[Juan]

It's the final countdown

[Triple A]

lol @ being surrounded by children at the podium

[ClockShot]

So, if King James leaves Cleveland. Does it burn tonight?

Just watching ESPN and they said that cops are out in full force throughout the city and the his house.

[Emperor Smeat]

According to Bill Simmons, a lot of teams in the NBA believe the whole Big 3 meeting and Wade going to different places was so that Pat Riley could "spy" on any of the big name teams who could make an offer to Bosh and Lebron. As well as see what each team's contingency plans were with and without Wade.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/100708

Its under his 6th bulletin point of the article.

[McLegend]

How could Bosh leave the Raptors? When he looks so much like a Raptor.

[Jeritron]

Life found a way...

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>God, please don't sign with the Heat. I just want all of this ESPN hype about him going to the Heat to be for nothing.</font>

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Bill Simmons' article is pretty great, and I'm not always a BS fan. If any conspiracy theory was going to be real, it's this one.

[McLegend]

3 minutes

[RP]

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[McLegend]

BREATHLESS ANTICIPATION

[RoXer]

Wow, it's got its own graphic

[Supreme Olajuwon]

3 minutes

Thanks Bischoff.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>God this is insane</font>

[RoXer]

omg the production makes me sick

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Gonna feel even more let down if he goes to Miami than the Cavs...since it's been "spoiled" during the day.</font>

[Krimzon7]

cameo apperance! Where ever Lebron goes, I go! I'm a fan babay! GUYS I'M OUT!

[McLegend]

LOl if he doesn't go to Miami


A ridiclious prediction made by me right now Portland

[RP]

Cleveland getting there hearts ripped out on live television? Sign me up!

[Krimzon7]

wtf...okay, Portland is def outta left field. What if bron announces a five team trade to get a dream team in Cleveland? There has to be some type of blockbuster for the King to hold court like this.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Come on Milwaukee! Redd LeBron 4 life!

[Jeritron]

If you build the suspense up to something enough it will be suspenseful regardless of what it is

[RoXer]

NASH JRICH MATRIX LEBRON SHAQ AMARE LIL' DRO THE DRAGON

[RoXer]

and charles barkley

[RoXer]

and grab cp3 next year

[RoXer]

The King

[RP]

I hope they have a live look at Cleveland fans like they do during the NCAA Tournament Selection show.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Lebron's taking a huge pay cut to play in New Orleans with CP3. Fuck you Byron Scott.

[RP]

I dont remember a team being ruined on live television like this since Ron Artest ran into the 9th row at the Palace in 2004.

[Nark Order]

Come on! Go to Utah Jazz and surprise the fuck out of everybody.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>decisionwater

COME ON</font>

[RP]

Time for 45 minutes of fake crying.

[Emperor Smeat]

<font color=goldenrod>decisionwater

COME ON</font>

Does it take an hour to drink? :shifty:

[Crimson]

omggg "so whats new?"

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Texting a bunch of Clevelanders right now. They are tense as fuck. I just started joking around with them but they are not having it. Got like 4 "fuck you"s in my inbox.

[RP]

why does no one talk about Lebrons head size getting bigger and bigger?

[Crimson]

Is he taking off his shirt to reveal the jersey??

[RP]

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[Emperor Smeat]

Would be very heelish if he was to announce he's going to the Heat and Pat Riley walks up and starts to hug him with a sinister smile.

[RoXer]

why are his cheeks so big??

[Crimson]

This is dragging and im getting bored

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>"My decision is that I haven't decided. TUNE IN NEXT WEEK! Same LeBron time, same LeBron station!"</font>

[Triple A]

ughhhhh

[Juan]

my gut says Cleveland

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO</font>

[Crimson]

MIAMIII

[Triple A]

fuck

[Juan]

oh snap

[Emperor Smeat]

:rofl: 1 person clapped then stopped.

[McLegend]

DOWN GOES CLEVELAND

[RP]

Cleveland's battleship was sunk

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>RIP Cleveland</font>

[Dragon]

Ugh. Cementing his legacy as Wade's sidekick.

[Crimson]

POOR CLEVELAND

[Juan]

lol "it's not about sharing"

[RP]

Classy guy Lebron is. Destroying Cleveland on live television. Love it!

[Loose Cannon]

crap

[Crimson]

It makes sense when they were interviewing Bosh and Wade yesterday..they were talking with a smirk the whole time. They knew it

[Dragon]

My favorite line is how he thinks this is his greatest challenge moving on.

[McLegend]

"I never wanted to leave Cleveland."

[Loose Cannon]

ugh, gutted

[Emperor Smeat]

David Stern is probably drooling right now at the thought of a Lakers vs Miami Heat Finals since you have Kobe going after Jordan's ring total and the new Big Three in Miami. Also lets him have his Kobe vs Lebron finals after all these years of trying.

[RP]

Jim Gray : " How much did Delonte West having sex with your mom, effect your decision?"

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Now I believe that story that LeBron, Wade, Bosh, and Paul all decided they'd play together in the NBA while they were in the Olympics. In 2012 Paul will join them.

It's the NBA version of the Kliq.</font>

[Dragon]

I could have really understood Cleveland, NY or Chicago. Miami is the only one that doesn't make sense to me.

[Juan]

Jim Gray : " How much did Delonte West having sex with your mom, effect your decision?"

lol

[RP]

Reaction time yes!

[Loose Cannon]

LOL the guy in Miami with a Cavs jersey on.

[RP]

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[IC Champion]

LeBron knew he was never gonna win as the man I guess, atleast thats what will be said.

[DaveBrawl]

I turn it on there and Wilbon congratulates him on making his decision...

I had to turn it back off. I like Wilbon, but that's just sad.

[IC Champion]

And I'm sick of them calling LeBron the best player, he hasnt won shit.

[Juan]

And I'm sick of them calling LeBron the best player, he hasnt won shit.

What's worse is that they called Dwayne Wade the 2nd best player in the league.

[DaveBrawl]

LeBronathon hour 17 and counting.

[RP]

Why isnt anyone on ESPN telling Lebron how classless this whole thing was and how he can never go home again?

[Juan]

And I'm sick of them calling LeBron the best player, he hasnt won shit.

LeBron was the MVP last season [/narc]

[DaveBrawl]

What's worse is that they called Dwayne Wade the 2nd best player in the league.

I'd agree with that, don't agree with their first though. :lol:

[IC Champion]

What's worse is that they called Dwayne Wade the 2nd best player in the league.

I know I couldnt believe it. I mean Im not a laker fan or sammyg and I know Kobe is the best player.

[Loose Cannon]

yea, he never wanted to go to NY :(

[IC Champion]

I hope Bosh and James never win.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>2 fucking years of clearing cap space, and we nothing but Amare Stoudemire.

Screw trading David Lee, bring him back dammit</font> :(

[Juan]

lol Knicks and Nets are screwed

[McLegend]

Stephen A. Smith is a prophet.

[Loose Cannon]

who plays center for the Heat?

[Emperor Smeat]

Knicks hurt themselves by not doing anything and leaking out Plan B/C/D/E once they started to doubt in getting Lebron or Wade/Bosh. Also didn't help how sudden Heat and Chicago gained cap space and could match the Knicks in a bidding war.

[IC Champion]

They have 2 plays signed who arnt the big three. and no one of mention.

[Emperor Smeat]

who plays center for the Heat?

Right now its their unsigned rookie from the 2010 draft.

[Juan]

who plays center for the Heat?

lol right now its either Mario Chalmers or Michael Beasley

[Loose Cannon]

that's going to be a huge hole against a team like LA