At the time of writing, we’re now approaching 14 hours before the clock strikes midnight and the most ballyhooed free agency in NBA, perhaps sports, history gets underway.
Update 7:31PM 06/30
I for one am loving this. I know I’m in the minority there among Rockets fans, but this is great. I can’t quite understand this sentiment ascribing pernicious intent to “The Summit.” If these guys weren’t lucky enough to have Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum served up on a platter for them, why shouldn’t they coordinate their destinies if its within the rules? More power to them.
One question I’ve had concerns the “they’ll be at his doorstep at 12:01” dictum seemingly used regarding every free agent scenario ever discussed. What happens if two general managers both show up at someone’s doorstep at 12:01? Do they have to stake out the night before to ensure first-arrival? (Is that what this Caravan thing is really about?) I assume the agent makes preparations beforehand, so why the emphasis on this imagery by talking-heads?
Moving on: I was watching ESPN’s Free Agency Summit last night and I think Wilbon made a great point stating, when asked to predict the number of titles Lebron would win, that he was starting with a max-ceiling of ‘5’. I think that’s what most people, especially those who maintain that he’ll stay in Cleveland, just don’t get. This guy does not have time. He has 7 years of mileage already on his body. People pointing to Jordan as their proof just don’t get the concept of mileage. It’s not age, it’s mileage. Jordan didn’t come in at 18 and also took two years off. I hear so many people say, “oh, but Lebron has such a great body!” as if you can always foresee a forthcoming breakdown. He may not play like one, but he’s a human being. Lebron James has a very small window and even two rings is not enough. That’s why he must leave.
This brings me to my next point as Miami and Chicago have somewhat cemented themselves as the frontrunner landing spots. Miami is rooming in college with your best friend. You guys always have wild times together, it’s been your lifelong dreams, and it seems like a great idea until it happens. But you need to room with Chicago. Chicago will pay the bill on time, won’t leave a mess everywhere or bring home strange people. He’ll keep it down and won’t negatively influence you.
In my mind, this is what it boils down to. You know the temptation of Miami is killing James but he needs to pick the smart choice. For one, he and Bosh can step into that Bulls lineup and win the title immediately, whereas in Miami, they would need to wait at least another year for a draft pick and MLE signing to provide, not some depth, but an NBA roster. But more than that, it’s about Dwayne Wade. (I should preface by saying that I’m not one of those people that think James and Wade couldn’t coexist on the court – I firmly believe all great players can thrive off of each other. When you’re great, you see things normal players don’t see and it makes the game more fun when playing with someone with similar superpowers.) Dwayne Wade is old. 28 to be exact. I just don’t know how many years he has left in his body considering his playing style and his smallish stature. For a guy like James who needs to be chasing 4 rings, the 21 year old Rose is the smarter bet.
Final note: What’s up with the comments lately? It feels like the median age around here has increased by like ten years from what I was subjected to back in December.
Update 3:50PM 06/30:
Sorry, nothing of much relevance here, but can someone explain why everyone keeps playing up this Prokhorov angle citing his lifestyle as some sort of enticement for Lebron James? Seriously? If Lebron wants to have a good time, he has friends in any city to which he goes to do it with – I seriously doubt he needs Prokhorov to have a good party.
I would also appreciate some explanation on the Ronaldhino snub. I don’t watch soccer but my understanding was that he was the best player in the world? So was it not a big deal that he was left off the Brazilian soccer team? It clearly was atleast noteworthy because almost every soccer article I’ve read mentioning Brazil has mentioned it with emphasis. But is it just not a big, big deal? What’s a good comparison? I’m thinking Team USA not inviting Tim Duncan because of his old age?
No Rockets news yet. There’s a report coming out of Miami – emphasis upon ‘coming out of Miami’ – that the Heat and Raptors have agreed upon a S&T for Chris Bosh. Not sure how that’s even possible.
Update 5:20PM 06/30:
Didn’t mention this: Woj reporting that Atlanta is preparing to offer Joe Johnson a 6 year deal at his full bird rights max. I’m pretty speechless. For one, the value of the Knicks picks climb higher, but secondly, it’s shocking that Atlanta would make that commitment to Johnson. But what choice do they have? If he leaves, they’re back to the cellar. Being held up by a pseudo-star is the worst situation to be held up in.
I suppose I should also put in my predictions while we still have time before more reports start rolling in:
- Bosh to Miami with Wade – I think this will be the first domino.
- James and Amare to Chicago – James will take what I feel is the no-brainer choice and sign with the Bulls. After Bosh goes to the Heat, Chicago will turn its attention towards Stoudemire. There will be strong reports of New York and Phoenix signing Stoudemire, but after the Bosh/James dominoes fall into place, Amare will drop everything and head to the Bulls.
- Boozer to the Nets – yawn.
- Dirk and Pierce stay in place.
- Rudy Gay and David Lee to the Knicks.
I’m sure I’m forgetting someone. I think the Rockets will make a minor move and wait until the deadline for their big push. Also, anyone who followed my draft predictions should expect much of what was said above to be completely wrong.
Update 5:44PM 06/30:
I might as well knock this out now while things are slow: there was an unsubstantiated report last week of a mutual interest between the LA Lakers and Tracy McGrady. Naturally the latter has interest, but I can’t see why the Lakers would even bother unless out of some pity-laden decree from Kobe Bryant. Tracy’s pretty much done and I don’t see how he’ll latch on anywhere. I should clarify – he still has some game, but he’s in a position very similar to the one Allen Iverson found himself in last year where his lone remaining talent requires that any team disrupt its gameplan to accommodate him. What I mean is that McGrady is still an elite passer, but to pass, he has to have the ball in his hands. Given that he brings nothing else, I don’t see any team willing to give him that freedom. Some might surmise that he could see minutes somewhere as a backup 1, but I question whether he has the lateral quickness to not give back everything he produces offensively on the other end. Also, unlike Iverson, McGrady isn’t even an icon or a draw. Unfortunate circumstances for a guy who many considered to be the game’s best player 7 years ago.
Update 7:31PM 06/30:
John Gambadoro of Sports 620 KTAR in PHX just tweeted the following:
New developments – Houston Rockets interested in Amare Stoudemire. Would likely be a sign and trade with Luis Scola and Battier if it hapens
I think there’s probably truth to this given the report last year at the deadline of the Rockets’ interest. However, I can’t see Phoenix having any interest in a re-signed Scola. Battier atleast would have some value in a later trade to a contender, but if Stat is leaving, I don’t know why the Suns would want to tie themselves down with a 30 year old Luis. You would think if they were S&Ting him, they would prefer to send him to a team with cap space and take back a TPE. But I suppose, if they can’t get that, they might want Scola/Shane rather than be left with nothing.
This would be interesting. I don’t particularly like Stat, but it would leave us with all of our trade chips intact. Maybe you then dangle Martin in a S&T for Joe Johnson, re-uniting the former 2005 Suns teammates? You would be vastly upgraded and still have the Knicks picks and Jordan Hill for later moves. You would also be in cap hell in the future, though….
-ESPN Houston Rockets Affiliate- Rahat Huq - founder, editor email: rahathuq@red94.net
Rahat, I understand we need a splash to win this season, but at what cost? Cause there is no guarantee. I know any window with Yao is getting shorter and shorter, but there are no for sure bets as long as hes involved, so its a tough pill to swallow to relinquish some assets. If I had to pick a side, it would be splash/bosh/etc. But I wouldnt be completely against holding on to what we have and seeing what happens in a year or two. Or even at the trade deadline.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
Like