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Lebron and Wade? Let’s think for a second

by Tommy Dee on November 7th, 2009 at 11:59 am

Having spoken to people with serious intel, Lebron James and Dwyane Wade talked plenty about joining forces when the two were in China chasing gold.

Could Lebron head to Miami in July should the Cavs not reach the ultimate goal?

Seriously, why would he? For a ring? That’s fair, but Lebron wants to be the greatest. Should he help good friend Wade win, say 4 and form the best 1-2 combo since Gretzky and Messier, Wade would have 5.

Technically, that would make Wade the greater champion, no?

I just can’t see Lebron’s desire allowing him to take less money and always be a ring behind.

Just sayin’.
  • Bob

    I READ where Donnie Walsh was getting annoyed that people we refering to this season as a throwaway one for the KNICKS.i mean is this guy kidding?he sat on his hands all summer,screwed the pooch on the draft,and refused to sign anyone.ya think hes serious about being annoyed or was it just that”he had to say something”?

  • BiggieSmalls

    thats the funniest thing i heard.. What did Donnie expect from a team where he added very little and spent no money.

    Donnie did not look good last nite.

    He added Darko and I cant understand why MDA doesnt use him more. He looked good going to the hole that one time and then he got pulled never to see the court again.

    I cant see Lebron as enthralled to be playing with Shaq. With his stupid 10 million dollar comments and constantly sucking the air out of the ball.

    Miami is going to be a tempting lure for Lebron but I cant see him being second fiddle (or 1A fiddle) in SoBe. Wade and Riley already won with Shaq and there’s nothing like winning on Broadway .. Just ask CC

  • traps9

    Would Wade and LBJ even be an effective combo in this offense? In SoBe, that might be different; they could be a force with the emergence of Michael Beasley and a healthy O’Neal in the mix, but you make a very good point. As far as them coming to NY together, would they even be a good fit in this offense? You can never have too many superstars, I suppose, but I think SSOL is more predicated on jump shooters and crisp passers. Wade certainly fits the athletic mold of the Phoenix teams, but CP3 seems more like a D’Antoni 1 than Wade to me. (Wade wouldn’t be a 2 here, would he?) JMO

  • HaS

    You’re right about Donnie. I swear I don’t think these guys are on the same page at all. I imagine that Donnie is convinced of what it takes to win in this league, how a team needs to be structured, what type of players are needed and _’antoni is so stubborn he wants to win his own way, he refuses to believe that his gimmick offense or a more european style basketball cannot win in the NBA. You can win with defense being secondary, in his mind.

    Donnie goes out and gets the man a Center who fits his semi-european style of play and he can barely get double digit minutes on a team with a natural PF who plays terrible defense playing in front of him. Is he 3rd string?

    If LeBron goes to Miami he will not be “second fiddle” or “1A fiddle” think about it, as famous and bright a start Wade is, he is no LeBron and if he went there HE immediately becomes the main attraction. LeBron knows his star is all encompassing, the one who should worry about being in the shadow would be Wade. Is he ready to share/be pushed out of the spotlight somewhat?

    If Wade has 1 more ring more than LeBron I don’t think that makes him the “greater champion”, Horry has more rings than Kobe, is he the “greater champion”? If James sees Miami as a solid organization willing and able to do what it takes to win, then that is what will weigh on his decision imo.

    No shots.

    I don’t think he’s going to Miami either btw.

  • bduigs

    LeBron is coming to NY. The buzz in the Garden last night is enough to lure “the King”. Wade and LeBron won’t play together. LeBron will need a star that knows he’s second fiddle. I think LBJ and “the Rupaul of big men” will look good in orange and blue. As far as this season goes, Donnie gave up on this season over the summer. You can’t blame the players for giving up as well. At least the halftime act last night got louder boos than our beloved Knicks.

  • BiggieSmalls

    Horry was never the big dog on any of his championship teams so thats not a solid comparison. Not taking anything away from his accomplishments.

    I think this ring thing matters to these uber athletes. And you cant deny the fact that winning in NYC — the mecca of b-ball that hasnt won a chip in over 35 years is a compelling story.. Esp after his boy CC road down the Canyon of Heros less than 12 hours earlier.

    Daily Dime just did an “early Survey of the Lebron Landscape” and its an interesting read.,

    http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-091107-08

  • da0213

    Tommy, you can’t be serious with this post, are you?

    “Technicaly, that would make Wade the greater champion”

    This has gotten be the dopiest line I’ve ever read on this board.

    Why?

    ‘Cause it looks like you’re grasping at air, coming off of a dismal Knicks performance last night.

    I don’t know where LBJ will play next year, but one thing I can tell you – he’s got no rings. Playing with Wade and Beasly – dude is going to get a ring(s).

    Playing with Gallo and DLee, I’m not too sure.

    If LeBron signs here, it’s not because of what the team will do on the court in 2010-11, it’s what they add to the puzzle the following season, and I just doin’t see LBJ waiting that long.

    There’s a potential dynasty waiting in Miami. Shit, there might even be one in waiting in Chicago.

  • traps9

    “If LeBron signs here, it’s not because of what the team will do on the court in 2010-11, it’s what they add to the puzzle the following season…”

    Unless they can move Curry or Jeffries to add Bosh. Would Bosh take a slight pay cut to play with LBJ if Donnie can only move Jeffries? Perhaps. LBJ/Gallo/Bosh and find space to sign FA Raja Bell? I’ll place bets on that team

    (For everyone putting him in the equation – do you REALLY think David Lee is gonna be here next year? I mean, I like the guy, but no way… That’s a Plan F scenario if there ever was one.)

  • HaS

    Like I said the whole playing in the Garden is a nice lure, but so is lifting the Cleveland curse, winning a championship, playing for on a very good team (and not just because he’s on it), and his image/legacy.

    Horry isn’t the best analogy, but you have o admit no matter where James ends up, HE is the star. If Jordan went to play with anyone at the height of his career, he doesn’t automatically become 1A or 2nd to anyone. He’s still the biggest and brightest star in the NBA.

    As much as New Yorkers want LeBron here and as much as NBA officials may want him here, opposing owners, fans, team beat writers don’t want him here. He will take a huge public relations hit if he signs here. A blow that could have been softened if the team had taken strides toward improvement over the summer via draft/trade. People are also underestimating how much it means for some players to start and finish their career in one place. Let’s say for some reason it never works out here, he could end up on a 3rd team in 3-4-5 years depending on how he structures his contract with opt-outs etc. He’ll be seen as disloyal as a player who gave up on his city, his fans and the opportunity to bring Cleveland it’s FIRST major sports championship. He’ll actually be lengthening/adding to the curse of Cleveland.

    That’s a lot.

    CC being his boy helps, but really he doesn’t know what it’s like to win anywhere else so, he can’t compare it to anywhere else. Maybe LeBron’s smarter than we think and takes that with a grain of salt.

    Is coming to a team where the coach and management aren’t on the same page, has mediocre talent at best (right now, some guys are still question marks and could get better) sees defense as an unnecessary evil and doesn’t seem to know how to build through the draft year after year worth playing in the Mecca of basketball?

    Nice piece in the Daily Dime, he mentions he is somewhat biased being a “hopeless romantic” however.

  • HaS

    Who’s the point guard? James? Same scenario he’s in in Cleveland, having to make shots and gets shots for teammates. Still no point and no Center.

  • Showstopper232

    D wade is going to the Chicago bulls which is where he’s from, and lebron is stayin in Cleveland he’s not stupid to jus up an leave is home team for more $$, he would be disgraced ever time he came home!

  • BiggieSmalls

    Are Wilt Chamberlain and Lew Alcindor considered disloyal players who gave up on their city?

    I would even argue that Shaq isnt considered a carpet bagger even considering he left Orlando, LA and Miami. In fairness I think his rep has taken somewhat of a hit based on how he left each city (scorched earth is kind?) but he is still regarded as one of the all time NBA global icons. And he is sitting in the same Locker room with Lebron all year. What an example to leave for him huh?

    The whole coach and GM not on the same page is valid — and far be it from me to be a DW or MDA appoligist — but both are widely considered as competent and good NBA people despite their butchery of the recent off season.

    MDA may take some hits to his rep after this year. Not sure if DW does as he has been straight up as to his plan. Realistically we are stuck with both until Dolan gets run out the league for the next stupid thing he does.

  • Nick.Bar.Numb

    They can both come to New York because Lebron doesn’t have to worry about not winning as many championships as Wade since Lebron will probably play longer and could win another after Wade retires. A-Rod doesn’t look too concerned over having less Jeter…

  • BiggieSmalls

    I dont see Lee here next year. I dont see him hear past the new year.

    I think it is unrealistic to think Donne can pull off TWO max or near max players this off season. He WILL add one player and make a big time play for Lebron. But it is perfectly acceptable as part of the pitch to say — he look Lebron, we’ve got 17 mil coming off the cap in 2011 in JJ and EC so we can go back to the well again and get you whoever you want. CP3 will be completely fustrated with NoLa by that point and there may be other PG options out there.

    The most Lebron can make next year is 17 mil. From anyone that will be the max on a 56 mil cap (30%) so he’ll get that regardless. He can get 10.5% raises from Cleveland and 8% from us. I suspect he’ll want an opt out after three years .

    But Donnie NEEDS to get some more young pieces here that actually fit together.. This Chandler, Lee, Harrington, JJ, Hill nonsense needs to get cleared up.

  • BiggieSmalls

    My point with the third Para was that the $$ difference between Cleveland and anyone else isnt that large if you assume Lebron doesnt want or care about Year 6 (the extra year Cleveland can offer)

  • BiggieSmalls

    if they renounce Ty Thomas Chicago will have enough room to play for Wade. That will most probably happen..

    With Miami getting Boozer to pair with Beasley.

    I think Wade HATES Beasley from his quotes .

  • BiggieSmalls

    thats why we’ve been banging our heads for Donnie to get a young point guard.

    But Lebron is the Super Star.. he is going to make shots and get shots for team mates whevever he goes .. thats why he is who he is..

    He needs players around him and I just think Ferry hasnt done an awful job getting the right players around him to make a 4 or 5 year big run.. Varajeo? Booby Gibson? Mo Williams? Shaq for one year?

    And Mike Brown is a complete idiot. for real. no shots.

    If they win in Cleveland what they gonna do? get 50,000 people to come to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a celebration then go back to hibernation for the winter? I dont think they can get 3 million people to a canyon of heroes type celebration.

  • Jack D

    “Technically, that would make Wade the greater champion, no?” No offense but that is just foolish to say imo. I enjoy your articles and tkb, but I think this is a waste of everyone’s time.

  • BobbyFromBK

    And what about that lame excuse that he didn’t have the right feel for Jennings, so he didn’t draft him. I can’t wait to see how Jennings plays against the Knicks tonight.

  • DaGawD_KnowLedge

    good stuff BIGGIE also.

    i hope u guys know DANNI boy wants to get fired
    i bet no1 has thought about that.

    hiring danni boy was DONNIE’S first mistake
    his second was drafting a kid with back probs
    third he should of gotten on DANNI boy for not playing MARBURY atleast they could of traded him if he performed well..

    yea we all know this team doesn’t have a STAR but this team isn’t as bad as it’s coach…

    as for lebron
    money talks
    as we will find that out next year.

  • itzyung1

    I seriously think a roster shake up will help especially for a veteran.
    I think our lineup that will score efficiently the most would be
    Toney
    Hughes
    Gallo
    Lee
    Curry
    Say what you want about Eddy but the man knows how to get the Easy buckets which is something we could use right now.
    Toney is finally driving plus he plays good D so he doesn’t get abused like Duhon.
    Hughes did the best he could on Lebron last night and is it just me or is he chucking less?
    Gallo is our best player and Lee will make up for the Rebounds Eddy won’t get.

  • DaGawD_KnowLedge

    CURRY in danni boy’s system nope he doesn’t believe in posting players as much as a regular coach

  • DaGawD_KnowLedge

    AGREED.

  • DaGawD_KnowLedge

    i think if WADE leaves mia he will mos def go home..

  • itzyung1

    True Post Up Players don’t thrive in this system but its not like it is Non Existent either.

  • itzyung1

    Ok I just read your statement again and we said the exact thing…my bad
    What I meant was our shooters aren’t as good as Phoenix’s when Mike coached there.
    So I think when he notices we may be struggling he may try to get Curry the ball.
    And as far as I know Coaches can’t make you give effort there has to be motivation.

  • Mucha

    LeBron will either sign with the Knicks or the Cavaliers.

    The Heat is Wade’s team, period. I don’t think LeBron’s willing to play for the Heat – he would reach legendary status by winning a title in New York, not in Miami.

    But I wonder what Donnie Walsh’s plan really is.

    Will he trade Jeffries at the trade deadline? Will he make a major move on draft night considering that it’ll not be swingman-heavy draft (see Wilson Chandler)? Or will he sign-and-trade Jeffries and a couple of young players for another max contract next summer?

  • Mucha

    Randolph was a beast.

  • itzyung1

    Id try a draft night trade to try and get Monroe, Warren or Derrick Favors.

  • dino2008

    because darko stinks… there is a reason why he is one of the biggest busts in the history of the nba, having said that hes a lot better than a lot of our other guys, so i would play him more 2.

  • dino2008

    Question here:

    Honestly, if there is a team out there who is close to contending, do you guys think it is possible that they will take on eddy currys contract if we were to give them guys like chandler, david lee, nate, al harrington for the stretch run, because quite frankly i would give away this entire team with the exception of Gallinari, Jordan Hill, and Douglas if it meant us losing curry and jeffries.

    WE NEED MONEY FOR 2 MAX FA! Lebron and i would even take bosh at this point if wade stays or goes to chicago to go along with gallinari is RIDICULOUS.

    get curry back and then do whatever it takes to get him out of here, except trading Gallinari, Hill, and Toney Douglas.

  • dino2008

    yes he can get easy buckets, but he also gives them up on defense.

  • Mucha

    Willie Warren in particular, I think he’s a stud and he’d fill a need.

  • itzyung1

    So does JJ.

  • DatNewYorker

    If any team is foolish enough to take on Curry’s contract they should be able to pick any player they desire. The only exception is Gallo and Gallo only. The only valuable players are Hughes, Chandler, Nate, Lee, and Hill and Toney D. Now remember that Lee and Nate are Free Agents so no team would want to pay them. Walsh most likely will offer Lee a 4 year 30 mill contract and trade him. I can see Jared Jeffries leaving with Lee in a package. It will be impossible to move Eddy Curry with Lee but Eddy Curry with Hill and Chandler maybe a respectable package. Eddy Curry has to play soon. He has to be showcased to the League for any chance of moving him. But the real problem that only a few of you guys mentioned is the coach. I wish we can trade Dantoni in a package with Eddy Curry.

  • da0213

    How exactly is D’Antoni the problem????

  • HaS

    Valid points, Big. Its nice to be able to debate an opinion with someone on this site without it devolving into a sandbox name-calling contest.

    Here’s my problem with that argument. Shaq like you said has taken somewhat of a hit like you said. Both him and Alcindor I’ll call him Abdul-Jabbar out of respect headed for one of the best organizations in history. The Lakers are run like a machine and they always get the better of the trade and have made some great draft picks. Trading Vlade for Kobe, acquiring Kareem, signing a young O’Neal trading for Pau Gasol etc.

    The Knicks are not in that type of company. They boast a building. “The world’s most famous arena”, granted, but the Knicks organization has been anything but a machine. They’ve had terrible drafts, squandered opportunity after opportunity to add talent around a HOF Center in Ewing and haven’t lifted a trophy in 36 years. They have become a laughing stock for a reason. Dolan has stayed on his meds and avoided embarrassing himself for awhile, but I still don’t think this franchise has maximized its storied history and connections with players that have won here. There seems to be a penchant for being at odds with former players or holding petty grudges against the

    I wonder if players have those conversations with each other. How their former players are treated by ownership/upper management, I think its an embarrassment that Ewing has held 3 assistant coache jobs in 3 different cities and can’t get so much as an interview in the building where his number is raised in the rafters.

    Aside from that I think Kareem and Shaq are not terrible examples, but I think guards are more popular than big men and fans identify with them more. Big men can’t sell sneakers the way guards can and have less endorsement potential.

  • HaS

    For clarificattion, Shaq is the exception. Hakeem was never as popular as he should have been, Duncan still goes unnoticed, Ewing wasn’t very popular or marketbale outside of NY. Big men leaving, logical or not, isn’t as tragic as when an outstanding guard or guard-like player leaves.

  • BiggieSmalls

    I think you just made my point for me.

    Hakeem and Duncan are not as popular as they should be. I think that is largely a result of where they play(ed).

    If Duncan was in NYC and brought NY multiple chips he would be insanely popular here and everywhere.

    people have debated that Ewing was just another great center and not the Bill Russell clone NY made him out to be. Not winning it all had something to do with it. Also, he always had a surely attitude with the press going back to his days with the Hoyas.

    Remember that Ewing never signed a shoe contract and went out and had his own shoes made but didnt market them much if at all. This was at a time when Jordan was making 100 plus mil for Nike and shoe deals were all over.

    Could Shaq have ever risen to the Superman/Diesel/Global Icon status had he stayed in Orlando with Penny? Maybe but we’ll never know.

    Going to Hollywood opened TONS of doors for him and Im sure he is explaining all that to Lebron this year

  • BiggieSmalls

    oh.. and add the treatment of Marv Albert to your spot on rant on the Upper Management/Ownership of this organization.

  • DaGawD_KnowLedge

    i guess u don’t know too much about basketball

  • DaGawD_KnowLedge

    trade danni boy with curry is classic
    that’s a good 1

  • HaS

    Good point about Duncan. That’s a pretty damn big IF though, Big. Not the if he was in NYC, but the IF he won multiple championships here.

    LeBron has to most definitely win and win big, that means a championship. Period. That is the only thing imo that will defuse the backlash/and possible PR disaster that could occur if he shuns his hometown team to join a losing team.

    That’s a lot of pressure to inherit, especially when management/ownership hasn’t proven to be exactly stellar in building a balanced team.

    I’m just not completely convinced coming here would be the smartest thing for him, he could come here and do the same thing as in Cleveland, as in win 50 games and never get over the hump or never even make it back into to the Finals for NY.

    I would love for him to come to the Knicks. Hopefully the pressure of NY wouldn’t get to him and hopefully the pressure of having to win a ring to justify his leaving his hometown(state) team (another thing that I think makes O’Neal’s, Jabbar’s and Wilt’s leaving their initial teams a little different) doesn’t get to him.

    Why wouldn’t I want the game’s best player on the Knicks? I just refuse to get my hopes up until the ink dries.

    Sidebar: if/when James resigns with the Cavs or spurns the Knicks to join another all-star somewhere else, do you think he’ll finally get booed at the garden? That display of affection for the opposing team’s player is kind of disgusting. I’d like to think so, but the Garden chanted (M-V-P… M-V-P) for Kobe last year.