So it’s the 4th of July, right in the midst of the free agency frenzy, and since most people in the sports media world are on-call like doctors, BBQ plans may take a bit of a hit. Here are a few thoughts that I wanted to jot down before I take a mini break from the signing sagas:
*LeBron James needs to sign with the Bulls and quickly. Now I’m not from Chicago and not partial to the Bulls in any way. In fact, I thought Miami was the team that would surprise everyone and sign him. However, when I heard Dwyane Wade had a second meeting and that Chris Bosh was right along with him (which was later discredited), I immediately thought of the impact these potential signings would have: not on the league–on LeBron. Everyone thought LeBron’s decision would produce a domino effect and the other free agents would fall into place accordingly. If Dwyane Wade and Bosh sign with the Bulls (provided the Bulls shed enough cap space to pull it off), the Bulls will have one of the most dominant teams in the NBA. And now, where does LeBron sign? The Knicks and Heat barely have anyone to build around. The Nets and Clippers offer some solid players at key positions, though both seemingly have a long hill to climb. Basically, LeBron needs to pre-empt any of these situations–especially Wade and Bosh signing together and limiting his options. If LeBron signs with the Bulls, he is already guaranteed a starring role on a talented team. And the Bulls still have the cash to sign another star. With LeBron there, what player would decline that opportunity?
*The Knicks did not get better if they sign Amar’e Stoudemire to a max contract. In the city of basketball smoke and mirrors, this signing just does not make sense. I personally cannot stand the argument that Lee’s stats are a product of a fast paced, undisciplined, offense-oriented system. If you are going to make the argument with Lee, you better include Bosh and Stoudemire in those discussions, since their offensive stats are equally “inflated.” Stoudemire is a more explosive scorer, but David Lee will score without having to be the focus of the offense. Additionally, Lee crashes the boards every night and is pretty much a guaranteed double-double (even leading the league in double-doubles in 2008-09). Lee is also a better passer, leading centers in assists per game this past season. Health is also a concern as Amar’e has battled through knee and eye injuries. I like Amar’e Stoudemire. But take a look at these stats. If Amar’e gets max, his first year’s salary ($17.2M) will be more than the Knicks paid David Lee in 5 years combined (11.5M). Those numbers may be the most telling of all.
*Lastly, no shame in taking the money. In the NBA, money is guaranteed, rings are not. Simple as that.
