LeBron in Cleveland vs LeBron in New York

[bdm860]

We should be rooting for the Cavs, cuz we don't want LeBron in New York.

This is my view on this, if the Cavs win a championship this year or next year, LeBron is more likely to stay with the Cavs.
If they don't come that close (like not even making the Finals), LeBron is more likely to leave the Cavs for New York.

Just my opinion.

Now I know alot of us hate LeBron, him and Kobe are definitely the C's main antagonists, BUT LeBron will be even more of a thorn in our side in New York.  Do you really think King James would make life easier for the C's if he was in the same division?  It would be best if LeBron played in the opposite conference, but we all know it's going to come down to Cleveland or New York, LeBron ain't going anywhere else.

I've heard some people say LeBron going to the Knicks would take a couple of seasons to gel and get up to speed.  Why on earth would a Celtics fan think that when we saw our whole roster made over in one year and won the championship.  Signing LeBron and another star or two, and filling out the roster with other role players, it's definitely possible they win a championship right off the bat, just like the Celtics did last year.

Other good players would be more likely to take a lesser deal to play with LeBron in New York then in Cleveland.  Think Joe Smith going to Cleveland midseaon was a big deal?  New York and LeBron would be the kind of situation the Lakers had in '03-'04 with Karl Malone and Gary Payton signing to chase rings.  Much greater chance those type of players sign in New York as opposed to Cleveland.  Steve Nash, Shaq, TMac, Marcus Camby, Brad Miller, Ben Wallace, these are the type of veteran free agents that will be on the market in 2010.  Any of those guys signing small deals to play with LeBron in New York wouldn't surprise me.  Also this years free agents, guys like Iverson, Rasheed, Kidd, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, Andre Miller, Grant Hill, Drew Gooden, McDyess, Shawn Marion, etc. may take one year deals or may only be offered one year deals as everyone gets ready for the 2010 market, so you may be able to add some of them to the mix as well.

Everything I've heard indicates LeBron is a good teammate.  Not like Kobe a few years ago who was alienating teammates left and right.  LeBron gets along with his teammates, guys will want to play with him.

We all know New York has no conscious when it comes to spending.  Sure any team with LeBron is probably going to make money, but New York can easily push the envelope much further then any other team possibly could when it comes to spending.  $100 million roster? $150 million roster? $200 million?  New York wouldn't even flinch.  The Cavs might spend, but there's definitely going to be a limit.

More endorsement dollars are available in New York.  A player who takes a minimum deal to play with LeBron in New York could make up lost income more easily there then in Cleveland.  Plus some of their endorsement deals have kickers that include more money if they play in a major market (I believe).

New York + LeBron = #1 free agent destination for players who value a ring more then money.  Right now I'd say LAL, Cleveland, Boston and to a lesser extent San Antonio are all somewhat in the same ballpark when it comes to veteran free agent appeal.  By 2010 the Spurs will likely be out of the picture, and the C's window may have closed, but with LeBron, New York is easily the top choice in my opinion.  If the C's are still a top team in 2010, better hope LeBron stays in Cleveland if you're hoping to land some good veterans through free agency.

Conspiracy theorists, who do you think the NBA would rather see in the Finals, the New York LeBrons or the Cleveland LeBrons?  Think LeBron gets calls in Cleveland?  Think how bad it will be in New York.

If I had to choose, I think it's best for the Celtics if LeBron stays in Cleveland.

[hpantazo]

I agree except for one point, wether it's fair or not, the truth is ring seeking FA's still prefer contenders in warm weather cities. LA would be ahead of us, and so will Orlando, and sooner than we think, Miami. NBA players love to go to these places, big market cities with great weather.

[dlpin]

The problem here is that we really have no idea whether or not a title would make him stay or not. First of all, he has said before that he ever left cleveland, that he would want to leave them with at least a title.

Second of all, the reason New York is the team always mentioned as his possible destination is completely unrelated to winning a title: he wants to be a global icon, new york is the media capital of the world. For all his celebrity, Lebron has never had the top selling nba jersey, and even nate robinson isn't too far behind him in sales.

[guava_wrench]

I agree except for one point, wether it's fair or not, the truth is ring seeking FA's still prefer contenders in warm weather cities. LA would be ahead of us, and so will Orlando, and sooner than we think, Miami. NBA players love to go to these places, big market cities with great weather.

This is where global warming helps the northern teams.

 

[johnnyrondo]

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/59456/20090529/amare_lobbying_for_knicks_gig_in_2010/

Lebron and Amare would be pretty tough. Throw in some spot up shooters (Galinari, S. Curry) and you already have a core.

[PaulPierce34G]

I agree except for one point, wether it's fair or not, the truth is ring seeking FA's still prefer contenders in warm weather cities. LA would be ahead of us, and so will Orlando, and sooner than we think, Miami. NBA players love to go to these places, big market cities with great weather.

Not to mention better nightlife, a more enjoyable atmosphere.  Veterans may have better work ethic as compared to that of rookies/younger players, such as getting into the hotel earlier the night before a game but when there isn't an important game, they are out doing the same exact things as the youngsters until 2,3,4 AM.