tOfficial "2014 LeBron James" Superthread

[gordontrue]

I will take a blank canvas over a bunch of core players that can't shoot.

Yeah, I get that point, its a fair one.

There are pros and cons to both. One issue with a blank canvas is that making trades becomes very difficult, especially since the Heat won't have any attractive draft picks as long as LeBron stays in town. The advantage is you're not stuck with anyone you don't want.

The cavs roster is actually pretty flexible, IMO. They're losing their worst two salaries in Deng and Hawes to free agency next week. They're only big salary is Varejao and he's a servicable, tradable player (especially since he's only got 1 more year on the book.... he's an attractive expiring contract). They have several young guys who other teams would love to get. They do have a couple of duds... but those guys aren't making anything so who cares.


Now... the one point I will agree with is that thus far the Cavs have shown a complete inability to make good moves... even when they've found themselves in great positions.

 

[Jims_Doors]

It was reported about a week ago that Andersen plans on opting out.

facing a $1,448,490 player option for next season – the league-minimum salary for a player of his experience – the 35-year-old Andersen will take his chances.

Essentially, Andersen is definitely making one bet and possibly another.

1. He believes he will play in the NBA next season.

2. If he wants to stay in Miami, he believes the Heat will give him a roster spot.

I’d say No. 1 is correct. Andersen has played solidly overall the last couple years, and a disappointing end to the season – even though he’ll turn 36 before next season – won’t push him completely out of the league.

If Andersen signs somewhere this offseason, there’s no way he’ll lose money, because his option year called for the league minimum. Can he get more than that – either in a higher salary or a multi-year deal? Maybe, but probably only if he’s willing to leave Miami, and even then it’s a 50-50 chance. But he should have multiple suitors offering a one-year, minimum-salary contract.

Chris Andersen to opt out of contract | ProBasketballTalk

 

[tlance]

Have to make them to have a team respect them. The Spurs let Bosh, Wade, James, Chalmers shoot as many outside shots as they wanted. Like someone said above Cole is the only one left and he isnt that good. Miami has as much outside shooting as the Bulls and Cavs do at this time.

Right. The Heat were not as good this year because they did not have as many quality shooting options around LeBron. This is why they would need to revamp in order to be the best fit for LeBron. As is, they are not even close.

 

[dirtboy068]

The Bulls would have a good chance to win with LeBron, but that does not mean it is the best fit. Where are the shooters?

The Clippers would be really good, but the best fit, although impossible would LBJ convincing the Heat he is going to walk and getting them to deal him straight up for Westbrook. That would really be special. Durant and LeBron would complement one another beautifully.

Oh yeah, a re-tooled Heat could be really awesome too.

can't deny that


i think he should of went there in the first place (Chicago).

BUT CHICAGO COULD BE JAMES TEAM , HIS TOWN.. from a marketing stand point that makes since i think. if you put James on the bulls right now would they be title contenders or favorites??? not saying they couldn't do something with the roster if they added James. I dont know, it seems as if he's chasing Jordan's legacy, it might be uncomfortable doing it playing on Jordan's team and the house he built.

 

[RobToxin]

 

[Kinzu]

Sources are telling ESPN that the Hawks are gonna try to get him and Anthony. Boy, I wouldn't mind seeing a team with LeBron, Carmelo, and Al Horford.

Too bad it probably won't happen.

Hawks would be a much better team if they traded off Lou Williams and just signed James, but it's just not likely to happen.

PG - Teague
SG - Korver/Jenkins/Draft pick
SF - James
PF - Millsap
C - Horford

Coached by Popovich's long time assistant that is getting the Hawks to play the same style of basketball that just crushed James in the Finals. James is a perfect fit for that style of offense as well. It would be hard to defend that starting lineup, and you still have Antic to come off the bench as a stretch Center to really space the floor out.

It just won't happen because the Hawks are not a big time market and the owners are to cheap to go over the tax limit. The only way the Hawks could pull it off is to likely go for both Anthony and James. I mean the Heat were not exactly a big market team, but the pitch of bringing together 3 stars was enough for that not to matter.

Sadly a lineup of something like

PG: Schroeder (Teague likely gets traded)
SG: Korver ???
SF: James
PF: Anthony
C: Antic

is just not as talented as the one above. To clear the cap space needed the Hawks would likely have to trade Lou Williams, Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap, and possibly even Horford. They might could keep one of Horford or Millsap but not both. They might could keep Teague and dump Korver, but Korver is the perfect type of player to put alongside James.

 

[purguy12]

I would be shocked if LBJ leaves and more shocked if he does leave to go to the West. Just doesn't make sense.

 

[BUD]

Not sure what the deal is

She posted a picture of AKRON

AKRON IS NOT CLEVELAND

Akron is a much nicer city then Cleveland. If I lived in Cleveland I would post pictures of Akron too.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

I don't. I think he trusts Riley and I think Riley will do everything in his power to get the players the Heat need. Whether it works or not will remain to be seen (just like every off-season move that any team makes), but if it doesn't work, it won't be for lack of trying on Riley's part.

Question to you or anyone else who cares to answer.

My opinion has always been that any FA owes should do what they feel is best for themselves/their family. That still applies now. To me, he owes the Heat nothing. If he thinks the grass is greener...then he should leave.

James was lambasted for joining Wade/Bosh because critics wanted to know how much help he needed.

Now, on paper, you can easily make cases for better Big 3's then what you think the Heat will have.
So, if James stays, does that change your perception of him just flat out ring chasing vs maybe seeing that on top of joining up with 2 very good players 4 years ago...that their friendship and dream to all play together had more merit to it than originally thought.

 

[tlance]

Either way, I won't hold it against him. Didn't 4 years ago and won't now.

I just want to see the best possible basketball in June. We have had that the past two years. LeBron playing for a team that is not a realistic contender is not good for the league.

 

[wildturkey]

Breaking: Lebron James spotted in a city that isn't Miami. Panic level at Def Con 1

 

[Jims_Doors]

The 2 are exactly 34 miles away. Not that big a difference.

There is a big difference.

One is home to an NBA basketball team, the other isn't

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

Akron is a much nicer city then Cleveland. If I lived in Cleveland I would post pictures of Akron too.

When's the last time you drove through Akron?
It's a total shit hole basically from A-Z, with Akron U thrown in the middle.
Poverty stricken. No quality work available.
What possibly can you tell me is nicer?


Downtown Cleveland has built up over the last decade. The Flats has good nightlife. Plenty of hotels/ restaurants. Sports venues. Concert venues.
The casino has boosted the economy. It's relatively safe.

Neither is any place you want to live though unless you can build a compound like James did.

 

[Kold]

So wait...I gotta jump in on this "why the Heat lost to the Spurs" argument. Nobody was talking about how old the Heat were after they beat Indiana. Everyone was lauding the fact that they made the Finals 4 straight times. Nobody was talking about how old they were after it was 1-1. The Heat "looked" old because San antonio made them look that way. That Miami team was good enough, they just were outplayed, outstrategized, and outteamed(that's not a word I know) by San antonio

 

[Black Adam]

Breaking: Lebron James spotted in a city that isn't Miami. Panic level at Def Con 1

lol, hear that? the sound of millions of fake Heat fans jumping head-first off the bandwagon...

 

[tlance]

So wait...I gotta jump in on this "why the Heat lost to the Spurs" argument. Nobody was talking about how old the Heat were after they beat Indiana. Everyone was lauding the fact that they made the Finals 4 straight times. Nobody was talking about how old they were after it was 1-1. The Heat "looked" old because San antonio made them look that way. That Miami team was good enough, they just were outplayed, outstrategized, and outteamed(that's not a word I know) by San antonio

That simply is not true.

Barkley said it, and although I was posting on these threads at the time, my take on the Finals was that the Spurs were a lot better and LeBron would need to carry the Heat if they were to win.

Admittedly, I thought they had a chance because LeBron really is that good, but the Heat's supporting cast really did not look great at any point this season.

Miami was clearly outplayed and lost to the better team, but anytime you have the best player on the planet you should have a fighting chance. The Heat did not because Wade, Chalmers, etc. were not good enough and as great as LeBron is, he could not overcome a truly amazing team without more help.

Miami was good enough to get past two mediocre teams and a dysfunctional Pacers squad, but they failed the final exam against really the only strong team they played.

 

[trojanfan12]

Question to you or anyone else who cares to answer.

My opinion has always been that any FA owes should do what they feel is best for themselves/their family. That still applies now. To me, he owes the Heat nothing. If he thinks the grass is greener...then he should leave.

James was lambasted for joining Wade/Bosh because critics wanted to know how much help he needed.

Now, on paper, you can easily make cases for better Big 3's then what you think the Heat will have.
So, if James stays, does that change your perception of him just flat out ring chasing vs maybe seeing that on top of joining up with 2 very good players 4 years ago...that their friendship and dream to all play together had more merit to it than originally thought.

I've never had an issue with Lebron leaving Cleveland to play alongside D-Wade and Bosh. My issue has always been with how he left Cleveland and all of the crap that he and to a lesser extent D-Wade pulled when he got there.

So, whether he stays in Miami or goes to another team, as long as he doesn't pull any more of that crap he did 4 years ago, I have no issue with it. It would be pretty hypocritical of me to complain about Lebron going to/staying in Miami to play alongside Wade and Bosh when I'm hoping that the Lakers can land him and/or other max FA's.

 

[trojanfan12]

Breaking: Lebron James spotted in a city that isn't Miami. Panic level at Def Con 1

I read where he was seen talking to a Real Estate agent in L.A. and has contacted a couple of posh private schools for his kids. This has to take the panic level to at least DefCon 2!!

 

[BUD]

When's the last time you drove through Akron?
It's a total shit hole basically from A-Z, with Akron U thrown in the middle.
Poverty stricken. No quality work available.
What possibly can you tell me is nicer?


Downtown Cleveland has built up over the last decade. The Flats has good nightlife. Plenty of hotels/ restaurants. Sports venues. Concert venues.
The casino has boosted the economy. It's relatively safe.

Neither is any place you want to live though unless you can build a compound like James did.

It's been a long time since ive been through Ohio, like 1989.

 

[Hambombs]

So Miami first option and clippers are intriguing according to woj. Stay in Miami!