I’m taking a small break from baseball to discuss a recent hot topic in basketball. The New Jersey Nets set off a fury of “LeBron James to New York” rumors after trading Richard Jefferson to the Milwaukee Bucks for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons. NBA experts speculate the move was made to clear cap room and make a run at LeBron James in 2010.
Seriously, we’re talking about 2010? Really?
So maybe you are among the crowd worried LeBron James is going to leave Cleveland. Let’s examine the facts that forced writers into a frenzy of rumors.
1. LeBron is friends with New Jersey Nets part-owner Jay-Z.
2. LeBron “likes” New York City.
WOW. Compelling evidence.
How is this even news worthy? We know LeBron likes New York, and we know LeBron is friends with rapper Jay-Z. What I don’t understand is why writers decide to be ignorant, selectively choosing information that supports their claims and disregarding anything that might refute it.
Take Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports for example. After explaining LeBron’s favorite New York borough is Brooklyn, Wetzel writes, “Brooklyn is where the New Jersey Nets are expected to move to in 2010 (at least if community groups don’t blow it). The franchise is owned, in part, by James’ friend Jay-Z, and should be stock full of young, complementary talent and a King’s ransom in salary cap room.”
I must be missing something. I understand the part about the Nets moving to Brooklyn, and I’ll even buy the part about James’ friend Jay-Z. Then Wetzel chokes and blindly claims the Nets will be “stock full of young, complimentary talent.” Even if we are to assume the Nets will have young talent (which is a major assumption), why would that entice an all star forward looking to win a championship? Young players take time to develop. LeBron James will turn 26 in 2010. With 7 years under his belt, he’s not likely to be patient.
Cleveland Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry is committed to putting the pieces around LeBron to win now. The only reason James would leave is if he felt that commitment was no longer there. In a recent Team USA press conference James said "I just want to win. I want to get better every year. That's all I ask. I know me. I know I will go to the gym and work out and make sure I'm better the next year. I just need for the organization to make that same commitment, which I think the Cavs have."
Please don’t panic, Cleveland. There’s nothing to worry about right now. I’m not guaranteeing LeBron James will stay in Cleveland post-2010, because no one knows what the future holds. I’m just saying there is very little evidence right now to suggest he won’t resign with the Cavaliers if offered a max contract.
