Y! reports that Bosh, Wade, and James will hold a conference call today to finalize their decisions. I would not be surprised if this ‘news’ was leaked by one of their handlers – they’ve seemed to expect a near masturbatory response with each ‘breaking development.’ Suffice it to say, this entire ordeal has been a public relations disaster for ‘The Big 3.’
Update: Chris Bosh’s latest tweet….
As you’ve no doubt heard, Lebron will announce his decision upon the culmination of a one-hour special on ESPN. The sponsorship payouts will allegedly go to charity. Can’t complain there.
I think this course points to James staying in Cleveland; can’t see him breaking news of his departure live in front of a nationally televised audience – that would be far too sinister. (Were this the caricature that has become Chris Bosh, one could easily foresee such a lapse of PR judgment.)
Miami seems to have gained the upper hand in the Bosh-Wade package sweepstakes. It’s clear Bosh’s foremost preference is to remain with Wade. If he landed in Houston, at this point, it would seem to be nothing short of a miracle – think McGrady trade miracle.
One thing seems clear and it is the status of the Knicks picks, with the free agency dust settling, possibly more valuable than ever. Lee for Stoudemire is invariably a wash, but the bigger, more overlooked loss will be the contributions of such players as Al Harrington, Eddie House, Sergio Rodriguez, and Tracy McGrady. Not world-beaters, but that was NBA talent that, save a push to waste what remains of their precious space, the Knicks will play without this season. Ray Felton, recently linked to New York, will help, but that is a lottery team, East or not.
Update: ESPN reports that Chris Bosh will join the Miami Heat today. Cue the painfully predictable “we didn’t want him anyway, Scola is better” chorus. Diva or not, Bosh would have lifted this team overnight to contender status. This one hurts.
Still, this team is no worse off than it had been. With the expirings of Battier and Jeffries, I do expect Morey to make some blockbuster move before the winter ends. The question is not ‘if’ but rather ‘when.’
Morey knew coming in that this was likely a longshot yet he still refused to parlay assets for a draft trade-up. I think that means there is a targeted backup plan. Who that will be remains to be seen. For now, New Orleans will be in no hurry to deal Chris Paul after draft day maneuverings brought them back below the tax. Still, if Hornets brass is blown away by an offer, one could see them taking the bird in the hand.
I do not think there will be interest in Al Jefferson and Carmelo Anthony could come at too high a cost. With the Knicks threat having passed, the smartest course might just be to stand pat and make minor upgrades until something lopsided comes along. This will all be topic for discussion over the coming weeks/months.
Update: Chris Bosh just tweeted:
What’s all the fuss about this morning? I woke up to a ton of emails, texts and missed calls.
MAYBE NOTHING’S HAPPENED!!!? HE WOULD KNOW, RIGHT?! WHY ELSE WOULD HE BE CONFUSED UNLESS THE REPORT IS WRONG!??! WHAT’S GOING ON?!?! SOMEONE PLEASE CALL JA RULE SO I CAN MAKE SENSE OF ALL OF THIS!
Give us back our Ipad and please go away, Chris Bosh. Your fifteen minutes are now over.
