Nets Plans to Lure LeBron Include Replicating the Current Cavilers

Let's just go on the assumption that the Nets are hell-bent on wooing LeBron. Here's an interesting debate: Does going after Jarvis Hayes and Eduardo Najera really strike you as the path to an endless future for the Nets?

Both are solid players, who could bolster the team's rotation in an East that, Celtics aside, still seems relatively wide-open. On the other hand, exactly what is the sales pitch to LeBron going to be like: "We have the location, a smart coach and front office, and all the cap in the world to use around you" or "Look, like Cleveland, we're populated by well-meaning guys who will be your new teammates." Subtle moves to make a team more competitive only really make sense once the team is actually competitive -- certainly, they're not sexy enough to sway a superstar.

Granted, the Hayes deal is for only two years (like Duhon's -- for LBJ-seeking teams, this is the new hot contract), and Najera isn't signed. But it's pretty clear that the Nets are tinkering, trying to put together a slightly above-average team at a low cost, all while keeping an eye on LeBron. Wouldn't he prefer to feel like the team was getting a total overhaul when he arrived, or was in a position to grab another star to go with him? By then, Vince will be totally tapped out.

Maybe it's a subtle distinction. Still, if the Nets aren't careful, they might end up as nothing more than the Tri-State Cavs. Compiling okay talent and expecting James to animate it has only worked so well thus far. If they really want to land 2010's major prize, this organization needs to think long and hard about what would make it most attractive to the King.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.