NBA: LeBron Isn't Going to Golden State
LeBron James sent the sports world into a frenzy late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning with reports suggesting that James would listen to a pitch from the reigning champions in Golden State, if they could open up a max slot. The keywords here are, listen and if, and listening is all James would be doing if the acquisition was even possible. Apparently, Golden State's structure and it’s position to win many championships in the near future would be enticing to any player, even LeBron James. However, the likelihood of the Warriors dismantling some their core for James borders on improbable at best.
In order for James to sign with Golden State they would have to give up Klay Thompson, Andre Igoudala, Shaun Livingston, possibly Draymond Green and ask Kevin Durant to take yet another pay cut. Simply put, James will never be seen in a Warriors uniform in the Bay. Maybe on Halloween if Cleveland can pull off another upset. And whose to say Stephen Curry, Durant, and James would even fit together? One would think that the top three out five players would figure it out eventually but it might take a lot of time and money to even get there.
None of those players are cheap and complimentary players are needed to win a championship. Also, let's not forget what happened in 2011; LeBron had one of, if not the worst performance of his career against the eventual champs in the Dallas Mavericks. Wade was playing like Batman to Lebron’s Robin and The King couldn’t adjust. Relegating him to a second option may not yield the desired results which is another reason why he is not going to Golden State. For all the praise LeBron’s basketball acumen gets on the court, it’s his mind off of the hardwood that should be studied for all to see.
When it comes to the brand that is LeBron, nothing will come close to his image if it has even a possibility of it making him look bad. To quote the great Jay-Z, “I’m not a businessman / I’m a business, man.” And Mr. James is a very big business. It goes without saying legacy is important to James whether he likes to admit it or not. Hashtag “Strive For Greatness” can routinely be seen in a King James tweet. And someone who isn't aware of their own greatness probably wouldn't say it as much as he does. Going to Golden State would presumably tarnish what is already a top five career and the most recent heir to 30,000-point club knows this.
Not only is James still the greatest basketball player on the planet, he's easily one of the most recognizable figures alive. All eyes are on James at seemingly all times and he knows just how much weight his words carry. A single tweet can bring attention to any subject he chooses. To be clear, this report isn’t about going to the Warriors, it’s for the rest of the league. We don’t even know if James even ever uttered these words but there’s speculation that he did and that’s all that’s needed. According to ESPN's Chris Haynes, there are allegedly five other teams in the James decision 2018 sweepstakes.
The San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Lakers are specifically included because it has been said a few times that James will never sign with the Los Angeles Clippers. Speculation as to why is as good as mine but apparently it’s just something James isn’t willing to do. It's no secret that if Cleveland doesn’t right this ship they won't be sailing to the NBA Finals for the fourth straight time this coming June. They'll probably crash somewhere in either Boston or Toronto. Not only are the Cavs the oldest team in the league they are also one of the worst defensive teams around.
The Cavaliers are ranked 28th in defensive rating between Phoenix (29th) and Orlando (27th) which would place them somewhere in Kyle, Texas. Get it? Half way? Oh never mind! Anyway, Cleveland isn't a very good ball club right now and James knows it. All of these whispers, speculation and finger pointing is just more leverage for James and his business partners. The ball will always be in James’ court, besides the fact he’s a basketball player, but because he wants it that way. Dan Gilbert is at his mercy because that's what happens when one person can directly impact the economic landscape around him.
This seems to be a ploy for the front office to surround James with reliable, young talent or watch him go to one of the six teams listed (not Golden State) and watch him take his talents elsewhere. With Brooklyn playing somewhat better than expected, the first round pick that was acquired in the Isaiah Thomas and Kyrie Irving trade may not be as valuable as initially thought. If Cleveland trades away the pick they’ll be able to acquire a strong enough talent to compete with the top teams in the league. However, the one thing that puts a wrench in all this movement is the idea that James can walk at the end of the season unscathed/
That is even if the Cavs trade away their pick. This very idea puts the front office between a rock and hard place because it's literally “damn if you do and damn if you don't.” There's no guarantee that Cleveland will win a championship if they trade away their first round pick, there's no guarantee that James stays but it could be the spark that may change his mind to stay knowing they were willing to strive for greatness. And that's what makes this whole ordeal so beautiful and exciting because James is playing chess while everyone else plays checkers. Your move Cleveland.
Photo Credit: Business Insider.
