NBA Free Agency/Offseason

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561

[quote]LarryDavid wrote:

[quote]red04 wrote:

[quote]LarryDavid wrote:
To be completely honest though, I’m not having these guys as the favourites until at least I see how they fill out the roster. I still have Lakers coming out of the west, and if they can keep healthy and not play their age, the Celtics can come out of the East. If not the Celtics, Orlando has proven they can make it.

We’ll see though. The sky’s the limit for these guys if Wade or LeBron decides to play second fiddle [Bosh WILL make the sacrifice, no question], or if both willingly take a hit to their numbers. But it could also be a big disappointment.

Even if things implode they’ll st least get 50-55 wins. We all know the playoffs are a whole different animal. But holy crap right now the starting lineup of the Heat looks frighteningly similar to Team USA.[/quote]

You gotta see how the ‘Boston effect’ plays out here, there are going to be some people willing to take massive paycuts to hop on that gravy train.

With that said, as I mentioned above, I am right there with you: we need to see what’s going on with Beasley(Bosh’s contract isn’t inked yet, sign and trade could still happen), and how much cash the 3 are taking(assuming 16.6 each, but we don’t know).

I dunno if I buy this team being ready in 1 season, but when that new CBA happens(a lockout would suck for this team btw) they could probably get really cooking with some solid role players.[/quote]

With the looming CBA, and that fact that there are a bunch of teams with too much money and barely any players, dudes are going to have to take bigger paycuts from potential salaries than in other years. This is a great time to be a mid level player. NY and NJ, and TO for the matter are probably going to overpay a lot of guys just to look like they did something [TO is already I believe]. Even Darko’s caked up now.

I can still see some guys taking pay cuts to get on, though. Maybe there are some old guys who desperately want a title that I can’t think of right now.

PS: I’m really sorry man. Damn, I know how you feel. If they’re all taking paycuts than there a good chance we won’t get anyone for Bosh. [/quote]

To be completely honest I’m really torn on this, like, as is very much obvious at this point I am a LeBron fan. I’ve played ball on the same floor as him(high school), watched any game he played within a reasonable drive(northern half of Ohio basically, bunch of buddies from school would road trip it occasionally if he played in one of the close states on a weekend), and then watched him ‘mature’ from raw athletic rookie too (still pretty reliant on his athleticism) full blown star. So part of me really wants to kind of go the Randman route(his following of Kobe from youth) and just stick to him because of all of that. On the other hand, I’m well past the age of being a bandwagon fan, my Cavs will most likely be back to anonymity in the league, but they’re my Cavs.

At least he didn’t go to the Bulls WITH CARLOS FUCKING BOOZER… god that would’ve been a nightmare.

562

Mike Wilbon just said ‘super team.’

563

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
Wow. I honestly didn’t think he’d do it. I think all of the talk of him not caring about winning got to him and he made a decision he’s not entirely sure of. His days of being talked about as a potential GOAT are OVER. The great ones take on all comers. The good ones join 'em. Also, what struck me is his choice of wording. He said “I want to LEAD this team to a championship”. Not sure if it was a Fruedian slip or what, but he’s gonna have to learn his days of leading are over. He’s now along for an equal part of the ride. Even with the firepower they have now, I just don’t see this working the way they planned. This may have completely changed the way pro basketball works, and it wont be for the better.

Oh yeah, His ego is out of fucking control. He kept talking about what he did for the Cavs and how he took them places they had never been and would never go without him and how loyal he is and yadayadayad… shut the fuck up. I really don’t think he knows what he just did and he’s gonna regret this really soon.[/quote]
I’m sure he will when he has a bunch of NBA championship rings on his fingers. LMAO

564

[quote]sardines12 wrote:

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
Wow. I honestly didn’t think he’d do it. I think all of the talk of him not caring about winning got to him and he made a decision he’s not entirely sure of. His days of being talked about as a potential GOAT are OVER. The great ones take on all comers. The good ones join 'em. Also, what struck me is his choice of wording. He said “I want to LEAD this team to a championship”. Not sure if it was a Fruedian slip or what, but he’s gonna have to learn his days of leading are over. He’s now along for an equal part of the ride. Even with the firepower they have now, I just don’t see this working the way they planned. This may have completely changed the way pro basketball works, and it wont be for the better.

Oh yeah, His ego is out of fucking control. He kept talking about what he did for the Cavs and how he took them places they had never been and would never go without him and how loyal he is and yadayadayad… shut the fuck up. I really don’t think he knows what he just did and he’s gonna regret this really soon.[/quote]
I’m sure he will when he has a bunch of NBA championship rings on his fingers. LMAO[/quote]

It’s really not that easy man. They signed a guy in James who proved he couldn’t get it done on a good team and another in Bosh who’s put up good numbers on mediocre teams. The pressure on this team to win - not be competitive, but WIN - is about to reach astronomical levels. And, we’ve all “witnessed” how James handles pressure.

565

Thought experiment:

How would you feel if MJ got his rings in this fashion? He called up a few other big name free agents and colluded to one team, instead of building a championship team (and era) in Chicago - brick by brick. Even if LeBron wins next year or the following (and I think that conclusion is far from certain), those rings will be GOLD PLATED AND ENCRUSTED WITH CUBIC ZIRCONIA.

I am absolutely dumbfounded that he and his team believe that achieving a championship in this manner is the same as all those that preceded him and that he will be their equal or even surpass them. He can win 6 rings in Miami and they will never come close to equaling those earned by MJ or Kobe. They will not even equal one such ring properly earned.

His decision would be far less distasteful had he done what any other athlete understandably does; take max money and a destination you believe is committed to winning. Make the commitment pack your bag and trust the organization to put together the pieces - not collude and wait until the pieces are there.

566

Holy shit. Dan Gilbert just released maybe the craziest call out letter in pro sports history. Sportscenter just read it aloud and the sportscasters reading it were damn near at a loss for words on how raw it was. He tore James a Shaquille Oneal sized new asshole.

567

Alright, several things:

  1. LeBron needs a speech coach. Said ‘umm’ and ‘process’ way too much

  2. MIA won’t win any championships with these three guys. You have three guys in their prime all want to take shots. Heck, Bron and Wade will probably take 50+ shots per game between the two of them. Bosh seems like a wingman, so he’ll be good. Interested to see how D-Wade and LBJ will work things out (Wade saying ‘you came to MY team’ vs. LBJ saying 'I’m the man, it’s my show now). I see the Heat being regular season champs, but losing in the playoffs.

  3. LeBron is very very full of himself (nothing new here).

  4. The gesture at the end to donate money and scholarships was nice, but LeBron finishing off by saying ‘there’s probably another LeBron in this group’ added to his arrogance.

  5. The Heat have a somewhat decent (albeit) young squad with Beasley and Chalmers, plus if their rooks pan out (Butler, Pittman, Varnado) they have an ok squad. The Heat will probably have to sign Kimbo Slice and Dan Marino to come off the bench.

568

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
Holy shit. Dan Gilbert just released maybe the craziest call out letter in pro sports history. Sportscenter just read it aloud and the sportscasters reading it were damn near at a loss for words on how raw it was. He tore James a Shaquille Oneal sized new asshole.[/quote]

Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert
Posted by Inside Hoops

Jul 8

Note from InsideHoops.com: This is a real letter from the owner of the Cavs, released to the public the night LeBron James left the Cleveland to join the Miami Heat:

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his â??decisionâ?? unlike anything ever â??witnessedâ?? in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply donâ??t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

â??I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER â??KINGâ?? WINS ONEâ??

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our â??motivationâ?? to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but thatâ??s simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown â??chosen oneâ?? sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And â??whoâ?? we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called â??curseâ?? on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former â??Kingâ?? will be taking the â??curseâ?? with him down south. And until he does â??rightâ?? by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter dayâ?¦.

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdueâ?¦.

Dan Gilbert

Majority Owner

Cleveland Cavaliers

569

Damn, just read Dan Gilbert’s letter to Cavs fan. Raw and uncut. Wow!

570

BREAKING NEWS: Heat send Beasley to T-Wolves.

571

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:

[quote]sardines12 wrote:

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
Wow. I honestly didn’t think he’d do it. I think all of the talk of him not caring about winning got to him and he made a decision he’s not entirely sure of. His days of being talked about as a potential GOAT are OVER. The great ones take on all comers. The good ones join 'em. Also, what struck me is his choice of wording. He said “I want to LEAD this team to a championship”. Not sure if it was a Fruedian slip or what, but he’s gonna have to learn his days of leading are over. He’s now along for an equal part of the ride. Even with the firepower they have now, I just don’t see this working the way they planned. This may have completely changed the way pro basketball works, and it wont be for the better.

Oh yeah, His ego is out of fucking control. He kept talking about what he did for the Cavs and how he took them places they had never been and would never go without him and how loyal he is and yadayadayad… shut the fuck up. I really don’t think he knows what he just did and he’s gonna regret this really soon.[/quote]
I’m sure he will when he has a bunch of NBA championship rings on his fingers. LMAO[/quote]

It’s really not that easy man. They signed a guy in James who proved he couldn’t get it done on a good team and another in Bosh who’s put up good numbers on mediocre teams. The pressure on this team to win - not be competitive, but WIN - is about to reach astronomical levels. And, we’ve all “witnessed” how James handles pressure.[/quote]

First of all, what we witnessed was how he took knowing Delonte West was balls deep inside his mom. That being said, fml; I don’t think I can stand another season of hearing Walt Frazier make up words for how bad the knicks are.

572

link to letter please

573

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Alright, several things:

  1. LeBron needs a speech coach. Said ‘umm’ and ‘process’ way too much

  2. MIA won’t win any championships with these three guys. You have three guys in their prime all want to take shots. Heck, Bron and Wade will probably take 50+ shots per game between the two of them. Bosh seems like a wingman, so he’ll be good. Interested to see how D-Wade and LBJ will work things out (Wade saying ‘you came to MY team’ vs. LBJ saying 'I’m the man, it’s my show now). I see the Heat being regular season champs, but losing in the playoffs.

  3. LeBron is very very full of himself (nothing new here).

  4. The gesture at the end to donate money and scholarships was nice, but LeBron finishing off by saying ‘there’s probably another LeBron in this group’ added to his arrogance.

  5. The Heat have a somewhat decent (albeit) young squad with Beasley and Chalmers, plus if their rooks pan out (Butler, Pittman, Varnado) they have an ok squad. The Heat will probably have to sign Kimbo Slice and Dan Marino to come off the bench.[/quote]

I think the Heat are ultimately the best team in the NBA right. We were all talking about how Kobe wanted redemption for Boston’s 2008 championship, so we shouldnt ignore the sense of motivation and redemption 'bron, Bosh and Wade are going to have. I believe they will figure it out. They have some of the best management in the NBA in Miami and now they have the best players. I think players are going to be begging to play down there in ‘south beach.’

Laker’s latest three-peat cluster chances just got STOMPED.

574

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Damn, just read Dan Gilbert’s letter to Cavs fan. Raw and uncut. Wow!

Dude, that has to be an unprecedented level of “break-up” anger. He went apeshit. Scott Van Pelt read the letter and mockingly called Gilbert a “gypsie” in reference to the curse portion of the letter. I wonder if the league is gonna take action, or if he violated any rules. That was crazy.

575

[quote]LTKO wrote:
link to letter please[/quote]

576

[quote]Gettnitdone wrote:

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Alright, several things:

  1. LeBron needs a speech coach. Said ‘umm’ and ‘process’ way too much

  2. MIA won’t win any championships with these three guys. You have three guys in their prime all want to take shots. Heck, Bron and Wade will probably take 50+ shots per game between the two of them. Bosh seems like a wingman, so he’ll be good. Interested to see how D-Wade and LBJ will work things out (Wade saying ‘you came to MY team’ vs. LBJ saying 'I’m the man, it’s my show now). I see the Heat being regular season champs, but losing in the playoffs.

  3. LeBron is very very full of himself (nothing new here).

  4. The gesture at the end to donate money and scholarships was nice, but LeBron finishing off by saying ‘there’s probably another LeBron in this group’ added to his arrogance.

  5. The Heat have a somewhat decent (albeit) young squad with Beasley and Chalmers, plus if their rooks pan out (Butler, Pittman, Varnado) they have an ok squad. The Heat will probably have to sign Kimbo Slice and Dan Marino to come off the bench.[/quote]

I think the Heat are ultimately the best team in the NBA right. We were all talking about how Kobe wanted redemption for Boston’s 2008 championship, so we shouldnt ignore the sense of motivation and redemption 'bron, Bosh and Wade are going to have. I believe they will figure it out. They have some of the best management in the NBA in Miami and now they have the best players. I think players are going to be begging to play down there in ‘south beach.’

Laker’s latest three-peat cluster chances just got STOMPED.[/quote]

This will prove to be another in your long line of boneheaded declarations. I’ll bet you a tub of grow or something that the Heat don’t win it next year.

577

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
BREAKING NEWS: Heat send Beasley to T-Wolves.[/quote]

Damn, they traded him for a future first and second round pick. They basically just gave him away.

578

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Damn, just read Dan Gilbert’s letter to Cavs fan. Raw and uncut. Wow!

Dude, that has to be an unprecedented level of “break-up” anger. He went apeshit. Scott Van Pelt read the letter and mockingly called Gilbert a “gypsie” in reference to the curse portion of the letter. I wonder if the league is gonna take action, or if he violated any rules. That was crazy.[/quote]

They should take action. If they fine players and coaches for inappropriate language, the owners should be held to the same standard. They don’t deserve a free pass because they own the team. In fact, they should be held to a higher standard.

579

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:

[quote]sardines12 wrote:

[quote]WhiteFlash wrote:
Wow. I honestly didn’t think he’d do it. I think all of the talk of him not caring about winning got to him and he made a decision he’s not entirely sure of. His days of being talked about as a potential GOAT are OVER. The great ones take on all comers. The good ones join 'em. Also, what struck me is his choice of wording. He said “I want to LEAD this team to a championship”. Not sure if it was a Fruedian slip or what, but he’s gonna have to learn his days of leading are over. He’s now along for an equal part of the ride. Even with the firepower they have now, I just don’t see this working the way they planned. This may have completely changed the way pro basketball works, and it wont be for the better.

Oh yeah, His ego is out of fucking control. He kept talking about what he did for the Cavs and how he took them places they had never been and would never go without him and how loyal he is and yadayadayad… shut the fuck up. I really don’t think he knows what he just did and he’s gonna regret this really soon.[/quote]
I’m sure he will when he has a bunch of NBA championship rings on his fingers. LMAO[/quote]

It’s really not that easy man. They signed a guy in James who proved he couldn’t get it done on a good team and another in Bosh who’s put up good numbers on mediocre teams. The pressure on this team to win - not be competitive, but WIN - is about to reach astronomical levels. And, we’ve all “witnessed” how James handles pressure.[/quote]
yawn

580

[quote]tmoney1 wrote:
Damn, just read Dan Gilbert’s letter to Cavs fan. Raw and uncut. Wow!

Yea, I was shocked when they read it on ESPN. Cavs can’t win a championship before james does.