The 2010-2011 New York Knicks Thread

[Joba-Walkee]

Meh. Just some unsubstantiated rumor from some radio station's blogspot. I think it's just a publicity stunt.

[Joba-Walkee]

I may be wrong, but couldn't the Nets sign two max FAs, and have Lopez on their roster?

If they can dump Harris and Yi (which I think is possible), sure. Still I'm not sure I would.

I think the ideal off season is trading Harris and Yi for the Pacer's pick and Troy Murphy, drafting Wall and one of the PFs coming out with the 10th pick, and then a combo guard and back up big man with the 27th and 31st. Then, sign LeBron and Ray Allen (who said he was willing to take a paycut to live somewhere near Connecticut, if I remember correctly).

Wall, Allen, LeBron, Murphy, and Lopez, with Terence Williams, Courtney Lee, and the 10th pick and the two late picks, is in my opinion, the best scenario that LeBron could get himself into.

Obviously, it doesn't have the appeal of New York and MSG, but it does have Jay-Z and Brooklyn two years down the road.

[cyhughes22]

A Cavs fan on facebook really thinks that they're going to trade Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison to clear up the cap space to sign Dirk and D-Wade for less than max deals. I thought everyone here deserved a good laugh.

[Yankee Fan in Boston]

A Cavs fan on facebook really thinks that they're going to trade Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison to clear up the cap space to sign Dirk and D-Wade for less than max deals. I thought everyone here deserved a good laugh.

Well, if everyone is going for less than max deals, the Knicks should just sign LeBron, Wade and Bosh.

[Snatch Catch]

A Cavs fan on facebook really thinks that they're going to trade Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison to clear up the cap space to sign Dirk and D-Wade for less than max deals. I thought everyone here deserved a good laugh.

After reading a Cavs fan board today, it actually made me actually hope that he leaves because 90% of those fans were basically telling him to f*ck off and that they are through with him.

This post brought me an especially hearty laugh:

I can respect wanting to play for one of the all-time cornerstone franchises of the NBA in the greatest city of the world, on the best basketball court in the land with another superstar in tow.

Like if they could assemble this team:

Lebron
Joe Johnson
Gallineri
Bosh
Lee

And had a good coach that played up tempo basketball, that's a 60 win team and not really any worse than what's in Cleveland.

NOBODY challenged this person on anything other than the plausibility of that actually happening.

Think about that - in a major Cavs forum somebody said that the current Cavs starters outside of Lebron were at worst equal to the foursome of Joe Johnson, Chris Bosh, David Lee, and Gallinari...and nobody thought it was crazy.

I mean, holy SH*T.

[cyhughes22]

After reading a Cavs fan board today, it actually made me actually hope that he leaves because 90% of those fans were basically telling him to f*ck off and that they are through with him.

This post brought me an especially hearty laugh:



NOBODY challenged this person on anything other than the plausibility of that actually happening.

Think about that - in a major Cavs forum somebody said that the current Cavs starters outside of Lebron were at worst equal to the foursome of Joe Johnson, Chris Bosh, David Lee, and Gallinari...and nobody thought it was crazy.

I mean, holy SH*T.

I don't know what to tell you. I guess when every team in your city is a festering pile of failure it's hard to recognize talent. Tell me you saw the "We are Lebron" video. If you haven't it underscores just how pathetic that city and state are. They actually have politicians singing like morons. Here's the link if you haven't seen it.


http://www.break.com/index/we-are-lebron-video.html

[just-blaze]

A Cavs fan on facebook really thinks that they're going to trade Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison to clear up the cap space to sign Dirk and D-Wade for less than max deals. I thought everyone here deserved a good laugh.

I think I can top that.

A radio station here says the Bulls are the frontrunners b/c they have Noah.

[kan_t]

I think I can top that.

A radio station here says the Bulls are the frontrunners b/c they have Noah.

HAHAHAHAHAHA

I can't resist when I first read it.

[cyhughes22]

I think I can top that.

A radio station here says the Bulls are the frontrunners b/c they have Noah.

Lol yup he's the piece that's going to put Lebron over the top. I could maybe respect a person saying Rose even though I don't see it because he's immensely talented but Joakim Noah? Really? Wow.

[dabomb2045]

I'm gonna play devil's advocate because I want to see what you all think....lets assume James signs elsewhere, Wade stays in Miami and Bosh goes elsewhere.

Who do we sign (if anyone)? I think giving Joe Johnson a max contract would be a colossal mistake...one that could set us back even further. He's a good player--sometimes very good. But he is not a superstar....and not someone that should be making max money IMO. Same goes w/Boozer--just not a max contract player IMO. Signing one or them or both--all it does is eat up valuable cap space while making us a playoff team....but far from a championship team. Sounds like Amare is gonna stay in Phoenix.

So do you still go after Johnson and/or Boozer? Or do you just re-sign Lee....swallow another bad season....and go hard after Carmelo and/or Paul in 2011?

[chanman7483]

No, I don't throw money at Johnson+Boozer. That team will win high 40 games and then do nothing in the playoffs. That's not what we sacrificed two seasons for.

[dabomb2045]

No, I don't throw money at Johnson+Boozer. That team will win high 40 games and then do nothing in the playoffs. That's not what we sacrificed two seasons for.

Agreed. So we sit pat....suffer thru another bad season (maybe even luck into a somewhat high draft pick) and go after Anthony and/or Paul? I assume we would re-sign Lee then. I think thats the way to go. I dont think Walsh is foolish enough to waste cap space on Johnson/Boozer. Allowing Curry's deal to expire would then give us even more cap room for the 2011 offseason.

[chanman7483]

Just re-read some of Lebron's comments after the criticism that he took after game 5 and 6 about how he only had 3,4 bad games, etc.. and it really turned me off to him. New nickname for him.. Tin Man.

I'm going to go on the record here and say I prefer D Wade to Lebron this off season. And any other season.

[RYMASTER or Ryan_Yankees]

Just re-read some of Lebron's comments after the criticism that he took after game 5 and 6 about how he only had 3,4 bad games, etc.. and it really turned me off to him. New nickname for him.. Tin Man.

I'm going to go on the record here and say I prefer D Wade to Lebron this off season. And any other season.

Meh, he can be a douchebag all he wants...LeBron or LeBust.

[Snatch Catch]

No, I don't throw money at Johnson+Boozer. That team will win high 40 games and then do nothing in the playoffs. That's not what we sacrificed two seasons for.

I throw money at Johnson, and buy some 1st rounders, let the group run as an actual team next year, and then go after Carmelo HARD next year.

Johnson and Carmelo together would be fantastic.

[just-blaze]

Meh, he can be a douchebag all he wants...LeBron or LeBust.

Meh pt 2.....Im starting to have second thoughts about him. Rumors are that he is going to want to select his own coach possibly Calipari. If that's true and considering he had a good team and pieces around him and he got bounced.....its not the end of the world if we don't get him.

[stazsanity]

I throw money at Johnson, and buy some 1st rounders, let the group run as an actual team next year, and then go after Carmelo HARD next year.

Johnson and Carmelo together would be fantastic.

IMO, Johnson proved his worth in this year's playoffs...if I'm the Nets/Knicks/any other team with money to spend this offseason, I stay the hell away from him. At this point in his career, he's a high flyer that hasn't quite figured out that basketball is a team game, especially from mid-April on.

As a Nets fan, I pray to God that upper management hasn't completely lost sight of what happened to the team when Kenyon departed and they supplemented his offense with the human band-aid and everything went to ................, leading inevitably to the franchise's quick return to the bottom. If they lose out on the big three this year (which they more than likely will) I hope to see them (finally) bring in a true PF (Boozer preferably, stay the hell away from Amare, he's clearly playing for a contract right now), trade Harris if they get the one pick, and save the cap space for Melo next year. He'll absolutely come to Newark for one year if he can return to Brooklyn and be the face of the franchise for the next 10 years as it invents itself. By that point too, Williams will be a year older/more experienced and if my very ammature assessment of NBA talent is correct, CDR will be more of a household name.

[Snatch Catch]

IMO, Johnson proved his worth in this year's playoffs...if I'm the Nets/Knicks/any other team with money to spend this offseason, I stay the hell away from him. At this point in his career, he's a high flyer that hasn't quite figured out that basketball is a team game, especially from mid-April on.

I couldn't disagree more. If you were talking about Josh Smith, I'd agree. Joe Johnson is most definitely not a "high-flyer" who hasn't quite figured out basketball as a team sport. He's a shooter with a well rounded game, but no standout, elite skills. He's the perfect 2nd banana to a legit alpha dog.

[Joba-Walkee]

Agreed. So we sit pat....suffer thru another bad season (maybe even luck into a somewhat high draft pick) and go after Anthony and/or Paul? I assume we would re-sign Lee then. I think thats the way to go. I dont think Walsh is foolish enough to waste cap space on Johnson/Boozer. Allowing Curry's deal to expire would then give us even more cap room for the 2011 offseason.

Well you don't have your own draft pick this year, unless you REALLY luck out and get #1. That's why I didn't like the Jeffries Deal. It kills any contingency plan.

[Joba-Walkee]

if my very ammature assessment of NBA talent is correct, CDR will be more of a household name.

CDR is awful.


Snatch is totally right on Joe Johnson. Obviously he's not a #1, but very, very few of those come around anyway.

[dabomb2045]

Even if you like the "sign Johnson now, then wait for Melo in 2011" I dont think it will happen. I dont see any of the big FA's signing here by themselves---they are only coming if one of the other FA's signs here as well. I just dont think it's very attractive to come here solo....and be a part of another 35 win team next year.

[just-blaze]

Well you don't have your own draft pick this year, unless you REALLY luck out and get #1. That's why I didn't like the Jeffries Deal. It kills any contingency plan.

That was from an Isiah deal not the Jeffries deal.

[Joba-Walkee]

That was from an Isiah deal not the Jeffries deal.

I meant the 2011 pick, as dabomb was talking about building up in 2010/2011.

[chanman7483]

Meh pt 2.....Im starting to have second thoughts about him. Rumors are that he is going to want to select his own coach possibly Calipari. If that's true and considering he had a good team and pieces around him and he got bounced.....its not the end of the world if we don't get him.

Calipari is part of the WorldWide Wes consortium.

[cyhughes22]

If we don't get Lebron it doesn't mean we can't field a contender within the next couple of years. Would it be awesome to get him? Obviously. Would it speed up the rebuilding process? Undoubtedly. Do I think we'll sign him? Probably. If we don't though I have a hard time believing that the floor of the garden is going to open up and the flames of hell are going to consume the patrons. We've sucked for a decade and I would much rather suck another year or 2 than panic and be mediocre for the next decade. Walsh did all of this work to avoid just that scenario and the hope is that he's got plenty of backup plans that don't involve overpaying bums. I think that we do have a very loyal fanbase who would understand even if we don't land Lebron that the franchise did everything it could to get him and they'd accept a step in the right direction rather than overpaying useless names again.

[chanman7483]

If we don't get Lebron it doesn't mean we can't field a contender within the next couple of years. Would it be awesome to get him? Obviously. Would it speed up the rebuilding process? Undoubtedly. Do I think we'll sign him? Probably. If we don't though I have a hard time believing that the floor of the garden is going to open up and the flames of hell are going to consume the patrons. We've sucked for a decade and I would much rather suck another year or 2 than panic and be mediocre for the next decade. Walsh did all of this work to avoid just that scenario and the hope is that he's got plenty of backup plans that don't involve overpaying bums. I think that we do have a very loyal fanbase who would understand even if we don't land Lebron that the franchise did everything it could to get him and they'd accept a step in the right direction rather than overpaying useless names again.

Very level headed post. That being said, if we don't land one at least one of the big 3, I will jump out of my 10th floor window.

This may or may not mean anything, but my friend who lives back in NY said Chris Bosh was looking for apartments in his building a month ago.

[dabomb2045]

If we don't get Lebron it doesn't mean we can't field a contender within the next couple of years. Would it be awesome to get him? Obviously. Would it speed up the rebuilding process? Undoubtedly. Do I think we'll sign him? Probably. If we don't though I have a hard time believing that the floor of the garden is going to open up and the flames of hell are going to consume the patrons. We've sucked for a decade and I would much rather suck another year or 2 than panic and be mediocre for the next decade. Walsh did all of this work to avoid just that scenario and the hope is that he's got plenty of backup plans that don't involve overpaying bums. I think that we do have a very loyal fanbase who would understand even if we don't land Lebron that the franchise did everything it could to get him and they'd accept a step in the right direction rather than overpaying useless names again.

This is a wonderful post. And I hope Knicks fans understand that getting James is only at best a chance....and more then likely he probably wont end up here. I mean as much as I dream of a James/Bosh tandem signing....I am preparing myself that we wont get any of our intended targets (James, Bosh, Wade). There's a better chance that happens as opposed to getting who we want. So instead of overreacting "OMG we didnt get LeBron! we will never win again! Walsh's plan was a failure!", everyone would simply need to move on from LeBron and focus on improving in other ways....and there are other ways. As great as James is, the basketball world doesnt revolve around him....and signing him isnt the only way to become a great team. My fear is that the media/fans just totally overreact if James doesnt come here---and in response to that, Walsh makes some bad moves (overpaying for Joe Johnson, Boozer etc) and totally ruins his work the past two years.

Luckily though, Walsh is smart and understands whats going on.....so I wouldnt expect him to do anything like that.

[Joba-Walkee]

If we don't get Lebron it doesn't mean we can't field a contender within the next couple of years. Would it be awesome to get him? Obviously. Would it speed up the rebuilding process? Undoubtedly. Do I think we'll sign him? Probably. If we don't though I have a hard time believing that the floor of the garden is going to open up and the flames of hell are going to consume the patrons. We've sucked for a decade and I would much rather suck another year or 2 than panic and be mediocre for the next decade. Walsh did all of this work to avoid just that scenario and the hope is that he's got plenty of backup plans that don't involve overpaying bums. I think that we do have a very loyal fanbase who would understand even if we don't land Lebron that the franchise did everything it could to get him and they'd accept a step in the right direction rather than overpaying useless names again.

I would have totally bought into this before the Jeffries move. Money, good picks, and good management can take a team a long way. The Jeffries move makes it much harder though.

[yankeesrule2000]

Parker
James
Gallo
Chandler
Bosh

[kan_t]

I would have totally bought into this before the Jeffries move. Money, good picks, and good management can take a team a long way. The Jeffries move makes it much harder though.

This move is judged on whether the second max FA comes in the upcoming offseason. If they can't get more than one max FA, then this move is a failure.

[Snatch Catch]

The reason I'm not so bothered by it is because I have legitimate faith in Gallo developing into something real.

[SLURPEE]

Parker
James
Gallo
Chandler
Bosh

We're not getting Parker


Bosh
Chandler
Gallanari
James
Douglas


The media has overlooked the Knicks young talent. They tell lies and say we have nothing "why would Lebron go there?"

If you look at that lineup everyone plays defense. Douglas is the perfect point guard for Lebron. He can shoot-shot 39% from 3 this year. Is quick, a pest and a good finisher. You'll never hear about this in the media....
Everything is Chicago with Rose. Nothing against D.Rose but he DOES NOT compliment Lebron.

Gallanari was second in the league in 3 pointers. He can shoot. And he will be open quite a bit with Lebron on the floor.

Chandler really improved this year. Still a bit inconsistent with his jumper but it really improved this year. So he can shoot too. I expect him to get better every year.


So how is going to the Knicks a bad move (on the court wise), a bad move for him?

[Joba-Walkee]

I think you're right on Gallo and Douglas, but I disagree on Chandler. His eFG% on jumpers was only 39.5%.

Here's a breakdown of his shooting statistics. Go to the fourth table.

Saying he's able to shoot is like saying Ramiro Pena can hit. Sure, he's physically capable of shooting, but that's not why he's on the team.


I don't get the Chicago love either, but from a pure talent (not fit) perspective, they're definitely better.

[dabomb2045]

I personally dont think Rose and James would work all that well together. Both NEED to dominate possession of the ball to be effective. Rose is definetly not an off the ball player, and not a spot up shooter. The Bulls offense runs thru Rose on every play--he always has the ball in his hands, and is either creating for himself or someone else...he did this at Memphis too. Thats what James does--and its nearly impossible for two guys like that to co-exist on the same team. It could work better w/Wade and James....mainly cuz Wade has improved his spot up shooting. However, I dont see either one wanting to take a backseat to the other.

If you look at great 1-2 tandems w/either two guards or a guard and a small forward....the ones that have always worked were when the "second banana" didnt need the ball in his hands all the time to be effective i.e Scottie Pippen.

James and Gallo would be dynamic together. Thinking of all the open looks from the perimeter that Gallo would get thanks to James drawing in the defense? Makes me excited.

[SLURPEE]

I think you're right on Gallo and Douglas, but I disagree on Chandler. His eFG% on jumpers was only 39.5%.

Here's a breakdown of his shooting statistics. Go to the fourth table.

Saying he's able to shoot is like saying Ramiro Pena can hit. Sure, he's physically capable of shooting, but that's not why he's on the team.


I don't get the Chicago love either, but from a pure talent (not fit) perspective, they're definitely better.

You know it wouldn't surprise me if Chandler is packaged with Curry's expiring contract to get another player during the season.

[Snatch Catch]

His two surgeries since the season ended don't really help the cause. The latest one last week really frustrated me.

[Joba-Walkee]

You know it wouldn't surprise me if Chandler is packaged with Curry's expiring contract to get another player during the season.

I could definitely see that. Could get a nice return on that. Getting a scorer and salary relief is very nice. The Knicks should only do it if they go big in free agency though. If not, they should let him expire and build up from there.

I personally dont think Rose and James would work all that well together. Both NEED to dominate possession of the ball to be effective. Rose is definetly not an off the ball player, and not a spot up shooter. The Bulls offense runs thru Rose on every play--he always has the ball in his hands, and is either creating for himself or someone else...he did this at Memphis too. Thats what James does--and its nearly impossible for two guys like that to co-exist on the same team. It could work better w/Wade and James....mainly cuz Wade has improved his spot up shooting. However, I dont see either one wanting to take a backseat to the other.

I don't get the love with Rose + LeBron either. I think he's much better off with a supporting cast of Lopez, and whoever the Nets get (the dream would be Allen, Murphy, and Wall), or Gallo and, say, Bosh or Amare.

I still think the Clippers have the most to offer.

[dabomb2045]

I could definitely see that. Could get a nice return on that. Getting a scorer and salary relief is very nice. The Knicks should only do it if they go big in free agency though. If not, they should let him expire and build up from there.


I don't get the love with Rose + LeBron either. I think he's much better off with a supporting cast of Lopez, and whoever the Nets get (the dream would be Allen, Murphy, and Wall), or Gallo and, say, Bosh or Amare.

I still think the Clippers haVe the most to offer.

He will NEVER go to the Clippers. EVER. Career suicide. Terrible ownership and even worse FO. The Clippers will always be the second team in LA...no matter if James is there or not. I dont see him settling for that. Now one could say that would the case w/NJ but I think a LeBron team in Brooklyn would have a chance to take over NYC esp if the Knicks continue to suck balls.

Its NY, NJ, Chicago or he stays...not necessarily in that order.

[SLURPEE]

If I'm Lebron I don't even think about going back to Cleveland.

In 7 years they have failed to give him a legit sidekick.

They won't be winning a championship imo, anytime soon.....if ever. It's not all about Mike Brown. That roster overall sucks. And they don't have much cap space. No one is taking Jamison off their hands. They're stuck with him.
And even with Lebron and if they had enough cap space, I wouldn't see Bosh or Wade signing in Cleveland of all places.

If I'm Lebron there are several more attractive teams than Cleveland.

Knicks, Nets, Thunder, Bulls, Heat....

I'd ditch that place in a New York minute and not think twice. The hell with loyalty.

[NYJets37]

You know it wouldn't surprise me if Chandler is packaged with Curry's expiring contract to get another player during the season.

Yea, Chandler is a useful player, but not more than that. He's not someone we should be building around. Gallo, on the other hand, we would have to be getting a star for me to be willing to part with him.

[NYJets37]

If I'm Lebron I don't even think about going back to Cleveland.

In 7 years they have failed to give him a legit sidekick.

They won't be winning a championship imo, anytime soon.....if ever. It's not all about Mike Brown. That roster overall sucks. And they don't have much cap space. No one is taking Jamison off their hands. They're stuck with him.
And even with Lebron and if they had enough cap space, I wouldn't see Bosh or Wade signing in Cleveland of all places.

If I'm Lebron there are several more attractive teams than Cleveland.

Knicks, Nets, Thunder, Bulls, Heat....

I'd ditch that place in a New York minute and not think twice. The hell with loyalty.

Yea, right now, if I'm ranking the teams that I think Lebron might go to, Cleveland is 4th behind Knicks, Nets, and Bulls, not necessarily in that order. I don't see what Cleveland has to offer.

A few weeks ago, I thought he would probably stay because:
1. He's on a winning team
2. Loyalty to his teammates, coaches, and the organization.

But the playoffs showed that the Cavs talent was overrated, and they really don't have much flexibility to get better. For loyalty, nothing Lebron has ever said made me think he really cared about staying in Cleveland because he loves the city so much. But I thought he really loved his teammates and he liked Brown. But him and the rest of the team seemed to quit on Brown, and he didn't seem like the same teammate during the playoffs, like mentally he was already moving on.

I don't really see the reason why he would stay.

[TheManKnownAsMecca]

Yea, right now, if I'm ranking the teams that I think Lebron might go to, Cleveland is 4th behind Knicks, Nets, and Bulls, not necessarily in that order. I don't see what Cleveland has to offer.

A few weeks ago, I thought he would probably stay because:
1. He's on a winning team
2. Loyalty to his teammates, coaches, and the organization.

But the playoffs showed that the Cavs talent was overrated, and they really don't have much flexibility to get better. For loyalty, nothing Lebron has ever said made me think he really cared about staying in Cleveland because he loves the city so much. But I thought he really loved his teammates and he liked Brown. But him and the rest of the team seemed to quit on Brown, and he didn't seem like the same teammate during the playoffs, like mentally he was already moving on.

I don't really see the reason why he would stay.

I am a Bulls fan and I see the Bulls going after LeBron hard but I think we'll end up with Wade. Truly, I think Wade will give Miami first shot but will get bitter when he sees that the Heat go after LeBron before him. As people have said, Rose and James don't fit well together with their playing styles, but if the Bulls signed James, I'm sure the two could figure something out. Rose and James are a better fit.

[dabomb2045]

The Bulls dont deserve to get James either. Good lord....you just had a dynasty not too long ago and got a chance to watch arguably the greatest player ever dominate the game for years. Let someone else have some fun and get LeBron

[Joba-Walkee]

How do you think the odds change if the Nets hit the Lotto on Tuesday? Wall, Lopez, Prokhorov, Brooklyn, a new arena, and Jay-Z is a lot to turn down.

[dabomb2045]

How do you think the odds change if the Nets hit the Lotto on Tuesday? Wall, Lopez, Prokhorov, Brooklyn, a new arena, and Jay-Z is a lot to turn down.

I think if the Nets were in Brooklyn right now....they might actually be the frontrunners. I know the arena in Newark is nice---but its still Newark and its still NJ. 2 years is alot of time to wait. Plus what happens if there is something that stalls construction and delays it an extra year or something? I dont know if LeBron wants to spend 2 of 5---or possibly more---years of his deal playing in NJ.

I give the Nets a chance...but they are behind Chicago and NY in my opinion.

[Joba-Walkee]

I think if the Nets were in Brooklyn right now....they might actually be the frontrunners. I know the arena in Newark is nice---but its still Newark and its still NJ. 2 years is alot of time to wait. Plus what happens if there is something that stalls construction and delays it an extra year or something? I dont know if LeBron wants to spend 2 of 5---or possibly more---years of his deal playing in NJ.

I give the Nets a chance...but they are behind Chicago and NY in my opinion.

I think concerns of a delay in construction would be a problem if Bruce and FCE were the ones running the show, but I completely trust Prokhorov to get it done on time.

I think NY and NJ are in a direct tie if the Nets get lucky and hit Wall.

I think if both teams strike out in FA, the Nets are in much better position going forward, especially if they hit Wall. Wall, Lopez, and Williams is a good, cost controlled core going forward.

[Hellsing]

Probably sign a 5 year contract with the Knicks with a player option for years 4 & 5. Depending on what happens those first 3 years, he may leave for the Nets once they are in Brooklyn.

[Joba-Walkee]

Thing is I doubt the Nets are under the cap in three years. Lopez will be up for an extension, and we'll probably get someone the next two FA classes.

[Yankee Fan in Boston]

I think concerns of a delay in construction would be a problem if Bruce and FCE were the ones running the show, but I completely trust Prokhorov to get it done on time.

I think NY and NJ are in a direct tie if the Nets get lucky and hit Wall.

I think if both teams strike out in FA, the Nets are in much better position going forward, especially if they hit Wall. Wall, Lopez, and Williams is a good, cost controlled core going forward.

You may be right in your trust of the wealthy Russian, but I think it's a lot for James to have that same level of trust, considering he'd be betting a few years of his prime on it. It would be a pretty big risk for him.

It also feels like you are putting a lot of eggs in the Wall basket. A lot of teams will look better if they win that first pick

[SLURPEE]

A few thoughts:



1. I am tired of hearing about this rich Russian owner. It doesn't matter how rich he is because there is a cap in the NBA. This isn't baseball...


2. The Nets new arena will take longer than 2 years. It's more like 3 perhaps 4. I don't know any arena/stadium built in NYC that only takes 2 years to build.


3. The Nets are the Clippers of the East - just run better. Evan Roberts-who is a big Net fan made that comparison. They are the second team in town. By a significant margin too. Unless the Nets secretly expect a good portion of a loyal Knick fan base to just become Net fans.


4. Jay-Z will not be the deciding factor in Lebron's decision. I think people are making to big a deal about that.

First off, Jay-Z owns LESS than 1% of the Nets. He's not a big factor as many are making him out to be. Second, Jay-Z grew up a Knick fan and is a Knick fan. He doesn't own any part of the Knicks because Dolan wouldn't let him buy any shares.


5. It's doubtful Lebron will make a big decision-career wise, if the Nets get Wall. Wall hasn't played 1 NBA game in his career and people have him going to the HOF. For all we know he can end up being a bust.

First I don't think Wall will end up being a franchise player. A very very good player. But not in the mold of a Kobe or Lebron

Again another thing people are making too big a deal over: 'oh Lebron went to Kentucky games. He said he loves Walls game'.
Umm, okay??? I'm sure Lebron loves a lot of players games. I'm sure he loves Kevin Durant too but it's highly doubtful he's signing with Oklahoma City.
In the grand scheme of things his compliments towards other players mean very little.