The Cleveland Cavaliers’ interest in Wizards forward Antawn Jamison is hardly a secret. It’s been rumored for months now, even going back to last season.
However, it’s been unclear who within the Cavaliers brass is pushing for acquiring Jamison. Now, via CBS Sportsline’s Ken Berger, we find out that it’s none other than LeBron James.
It’s been well documented that the Cavaliers’ infatuation with Antawn Jamison has been rekindled. What’s been underplayed is the reason behind it: LeBron James is the one driving the team’s pursuit of Jamison, according to a source, and Cavs GM Danny Ferry – as usual – is trying to appease the King.
Well, that makes sense. LeBron basically runs that team anyway, so this shouldn’t be a surprise. If you’re Danny Ferry, you basically have no leverage here. If you don’t do what LeBron wants, he’ll just go to New York, Miami or anywhere else in the offseason. LeBron knows this, so he’s exerting pressure on his GM to make a move that will help now, but might hurt later.
The Wizards want more than just salary relief for Jamison, which makes sense because Jamison is an all-star caliber player, but the Cavaliers are reluctant to trade J.J. Hickson. To that, I say, really? Really, Danny Ferry? You have the league’s best player, who could walk after the season, begging for help, and you’re not going to give it to him because of J.J. Hickson? No disrespect to Hickson, but when a guy like Jamison becomes available, you have to pull that trigger.
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Feb 18
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LeBron's Power over the Franchise (sorry long comment!)
While it has been well documented that Cavs have to do whatever it takes to make LeBron happy, LeBron has also taken a backseat in recent years regarding personnel decisions. Sure he states his preferences, but the last time they brought in a “LeBron guy” they were stuck with a horribly underachieving Larry Hughes for way too long. The Cavs know better now, and LeBron doesn’t have as much control over that aspect of the team as you’d think. The fact that Jamison is coveted by the Cavs is more of a reality surrounding his fit into the offense and locker-room attitude of the team. Why the hell wouldn’t LeBron want him? He’s the archetype of the stretch-4, and that’s what they need. LeBron knows that, and so does Ferry (and Dan Gilbert, and Mike Brown, and Shaq, and Mo Williams, and even Z). If it comes down to dealing Hickson, they probably will, but they want to hold out as long as possible. In the end, it comes down to whether the Wiz are more desperate for cap space or if the Cavs are more desperate to make a move.
by Amin Vafa on Feb 3, 2010 9:37 AM EST reply actions
That theory goes against everything Ken Berger wrote
Are you saying he’s wrong? Just checking to make sure.
You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.
by Mike Prada on Feb 3, 2010 9:59 AM EST up reply actions
I'll Say It
He’s over-stating it. Would LeBron like to have Antawn Jamison? Sure. Does he value the chemistry this team has? Yes.
LeBron is all about winning – he cares little about who is on the court with him. He has the confidence he can make anyone better.
There is a lot that goes into making this deal – including taking precautions in case LeBron does leave. With reports that the Cavaliers would like to make a move by the All-Star Break, we’ll all know soon enough.
-TSG
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by John Bena on Feb 3, 2010 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
Not Saying Berger is Wrong, Per Se
But it’s more about how LeBron wants to be paired up with a winner that fits into the team. That person is Jamison. Anyone who follows the NBA knows that too. So LeBron wants it to happen, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s the drive behind the trade talks. I don’t think Berger is wrong, but I do think LeBron’s egotist reputation has allowed for some stretching of reality. Yeah LeBron wants Jamison. I think the only pressure LeBron is exerting is the mere fact that he’s a free agent. The pressure is built in.
by Amin Vafa on Feb 3, 2010 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
Everything we hear is that it’s more of a committee approach. LeBron, Mo, Shaq and Ilgauskas are the main talking heads that give the player point of view to managment. Now, there’s no way to quanitfy how much one voice rings over another, but it isn’t just a one-man show behind closed doors.
http://www.waitingfornextyear.com
by scottsargent on Feb 3, 2010 10:03 AM EST reply actions
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