You have to hand it to the Knicks for trying as hard as possible to get LeBron James to come to New York. You really do. That said, this plan sounds eerily similar to this plan, except worse.
When the Knicks meet with LeBron James on Thursday, they'll be offering the free agent a vision as bold as New York itself: Create your own dynasty.
A league source with understanding of New York's plans told SI.com that the Knicks will recruit the Cavaliers' two-time MVP with a grandiose vision of surrounding him with Hawks shooting guard Joe Johnson as well as an elite power forward -- Chris Bosh of the Raptors or Amar'e Stoudemire of the Suns -- to form a starring trio capable of contending for championships for years to come.
So basically, it's the exact same thing, except instead of Dwyane Wade, the Knicks are touting Joe Johnson as a sidekick. Doesn't sound very convincing to me.
How are the Knicks trying to sell it?
The Knicks have decided to target Johnson instead of Wade because of concerns that Wade and James are too similar in style and could clash over control of the ball, according to the source. Though 6-foot-7 Johnson is a four-time All-Star who has led Atlanta to 100 wins over the last two seasons, he is viewed as a complementary player who is capable of joining with James and other stars in a constructive way.
And:
The Knicks will enhance the offer by pointing out the numerous off-court opportunities available to star athletes in the world's largest media market, enabling the players to ultimately make more money in New York than each could on a max contract in other NBA cities.
There are two problems with this. One, Johnson is much worse than Wade, and dominated the ball just as much on a Hawks team that had a much more talented supporting cast than Wade's Heat. Two, while New York may offer endorsement opportunities, Miami offers no state income tax and, well, Miami. Considering it's 2010, and you can market yourself from anywhere, that has to be worth more to LeBron.
So yeah. It's an admirable effort you're making, New York, but that doesn't mean it'll actually work.
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One difference that could be important
In the NY version of this deal, LBJ would be the CLEAR alpha dog. In the Miami version, is he the alpha dog? I would almost say that Wade is the alpha dog there having a championship already. Either way, it would be arguable. No way on earth LBJ would have that type of scenario in NY with Joe Johnson instead of Wade.
I don’t think it will work, but here is your argument for the NY version
by mamorgan1 on Jun 30, 2010 11:08 AM EDT reply actions
DON'T SWEAT LEBRON
Dating advice for NBA owners: “Don’t sweat Lebron” http://clicky.me/ot7
by Silk32 on Jun 30, 2010 12:25 PM EDT reply actions
No matter the technological advances we have made
in terms of endorsement opportunities being in New York gives you so many advantages. The proximity to celebrities in entertainment, media, finance, business, government and sports in New York is not available in any other city in America.
It is the financial hub of this country and as such will always offer individuals a greater opportunity to increase their wealth. Not saying the Knicks are going to get him, at best it’s a coin toss, but it’s ridiculous to think any other city offers him that opportunity.
For The Love of the Game - We're buying a team & the fans are runnin the show
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by aramnath on Jul 1, 2010 3:39 PM EDT reply actions
Dynasties are important
This article was good, thanks.
Also good is this one where Zegers sorta talks about the same thing… what’s Lebron without some complimentary talent:
http://www.msg.com/blogs/charlie-zegers/three-lebron-scenarios-1.45469
by Shana Johnson on Jul 1, 2010 5:29 PM EDT reply actions
yawn
Sounds like im reading ESPN. This is blasphemy. Couldnt be further than the truth. bring 3 max guys in and convince they should take less to team up? That sound like chirs boussard talk lol fkouttahere!!
Toney does what the douglas do. And no one can do what he does b/c doing it without being Toney Douglas just doesnt make it do what it do
by semsemma on Jul 2, 2010 9:04 AM EDT reply actions
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