I’m No Punk I Just Want To Be Paid

Coming off something of a disappointing season and the losing of a series in the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA . One can well understand the urgency of Danny Ferry as GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers . Ferry knows that in order for the franchise to remain relevant and to be still in the good graces of their superstar , LeBron James . The GM will have to surround the player with talent that’s commensurate to James’ liking and his talent.

LeBron James (left) and Shaquille O'Neal seen here prior to the 2006 NBA All Star Game . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ L . Otero ............

Now , while many might question the team’s acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns via a blockbuster trade, as seemingly is the custom concerning O’Neal. As of late the only thing that one can associate with O’Neal and his game . May well be the fact that he’s still somewhat quicker on his feet than that of former star of the ” The Golden Girls ” , Betty White . Agility and guile are no longer a part of Shaq’s repertoire. But Ferry’s presence of mind may well have been , that in order to keep his erstwhile star happy, he had to do something extravagant. O’Neal’s game though with flashes of brilliance still, as he deems fit to use it. It’s a long way off from what it once was. In Phoenix , he was ill-suited to the team’s up tempo style. And seeing him lumbering up and down the US Airways Arena like a pregnant pachyderm wasn’t at all how one likes to remember the once dominant superstar.

In the midst of this all we now have to remember that James is in the final year of his contract. And with the gluttony of elite free agents due in 2010 . It’s understandable that the player is hedging his bets at present. He’s stated that it is his wish to remain a Cavaliers’ player at present. But it wasn’t so long ago , he was stating that he could see himself spending his entire career with the franchise. That may well have been pleasing to ear of the franchise’s owner, Dan Gilbert . Bearing in mind, that Gilbert got a large cash infusion by selling a minority stake in the franchise, to a prominent Chinese businessman. And he no doubt views having James within the fold , will make the franchise much more of marketing tool for the Far Eastern market. And at the same time raise both theirs and that of James’ visibility, there also in that particular market.

James (center) seen here with Rich Paul (left) and and former high school teammate Brandon Weems (right) at an event for the launch of the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes , held at the Ed Davis Community Center in Akron , Ohio . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Jason Miller ................

Clearly this’ll be a make or break year , for not only James but also for O’Neal and the Cavaliers’ franchise. And if they’re to have any semblance of success. Then it’ll not only James and O’Neall but also the rest of the team to makes themselves all the more prominant in that success on the field of play. The nucleus of the team will be built around James , Mo Williams , Zydrunas Ilgauskas , Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson. But much of that’ll also be predicated upon the benchwarmers also contributing to the productivity of the team as well.

And for coach Mike Brown , he too can ill afford to have this team underachieve this season. Anything short of an appearance in the Confernce Finals . And more likely than not , he’ll be out of his position as coach of the Cavaliers. The situation for the franchise is as grave as that !

Source Yahoo Sports in conjunction with AP :

LeBron says he wants to keep his options open

By Tom Withers AP Sports Writer

AKRON, Ohio-(AP) LeBron James is unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cleveland Cavaliers until after the 2009-10 season, when he can become a free agent.

At an event to unveil his latest signature sneaker for Nike , James , who has given no indication as he plans to leave the Cavs, made his strongest comment yet about to his future. The NBA’s reigning MVP said he signed a contract in 2006 with an option so he could have more flexibility once it expires . cont’d …………….

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In no uncertain terms, anything less than appearance in either the conference or NBA Finals. And a win of the latter and the probability will be that James will depart from the franchise , where he’s made it his home for the last six years. And as much as it might anguish the Cavaliers’ fans. The player has done as much as he possibly can, given the resources made available to him. That being said when one considers that this time around he’ll have O’Neal in his corner. If he should fall short of what had been previously accomplished by both Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade , with Shaq as a partner . Then the daggers may well come out and questions’ll be asked if James is now merely cashing it all in , merely for the riches from a franchise willing to shell out a king’s ransom for his services.

Global icon or not at the end of the day if it ain’t about the success. Then it’s got to be about those lovely bones !

The Basketball Oracle Special: Writer Choices

 

Who is the Best Shooter in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Ray Allen

Ryan Drescher - Jason Kapono

David Downs – Ray Allen

Jace Puckett – Ray Allen

Nathan – Ray Allen

Marlowe Alter – Ray Allen

Eric Johnson Jr. – Rashard Lewis

Timothy Tan – Ray Allen

 

Who is the Best Dunker in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Jason Richardson

Ryan Drescher – Dwight Howard

David Downs – LeBron James

Jace Puckett – Vince Carter

Nathan – Vince Carter

Marlowe Alter – Jason Richardson

Eric Johnson Jr. – Nate Robinson

Timothy Tan – Vince Carter

 

Who is the Best Passer in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Chris Paul

Ryan Drescher – Chris Paul

David Downs – Chris Paul

Jace Puckett – Chris Paul

Nathan – Steve Nash

Marlowe Alter – Steve Nash

Eric Johnson Jr. – Steve Nash

Timothy Tan – Steve Nash

 

Who is the Best Perimeter Defender in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Shane Battier

Ryan Drescher – Kobe Bryant

David Downs – Shane Battier

Jace Puckett – Kobe Bryant

Nathan – Kobe Bryant

Marlowe Alter – Shane Battier

Eric Johnson Jr. – Ron Artest

Timothy Tan – Shane Battier

What Kobe Wants, Kobe Gets. Well, At Least Most Of The Time

Well the off-season proved to be an upheaval for a number of teams around the NBA . And that’s to be expected , as many teams felt that they had a rather disappointing season. For the Los Angeles Lakers who came off winning their 15th NBA title, it was something of a well executed season, all-round.

Kobe Bryant the Finals' MVP seen here in Manila , Philippines. While there , the player will be conducting several Nike sponsored youth basketball coaching clinics. The player will also be traveling to Tapei , China. picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Richard Chao ............................

And for the team’s All Star guard Kobe Bryant , it was a for a prophecy fulfilled. Those who cast doubt as to whether or not he could win a title without Shaquille O’Neal. Finally saw that Bryant could do it without him, given a good complement players to surround the player with the facets needed.

Lakers' first round pick Chinemelu Elonu (left) and the Clippers' Marcellus Kemp battle for a loose ball during an NBA Summer League Game played in Las Vegas , Nevada. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Laura Rausch ............................

Well for the Lakers this off-season was no different with the departure of one their heroes in the postseason, in Trevor Ariza. The player seeking a commmitment from the team in terms of a long term contract paying him considerably more money. It was felt by the player that would be the Lakers’ form of showing loyalty to him for his contributions to the team’s success. Alas, it wasn’t to be as they were not prepared to acquiesce to his demands. He eventually signed as a free-agent with the Houston Rockets. And much to everyone’s surprise moving in the opposite direction from the Rockets was Ron Artest, who was signed by the Lakers.

Artest has let it be known that he has come to the Lakers to contribute further, to the team’s success and fulfill his ambition of winning an NBA title. Well that’s what he’s got to say at this juncture . But I guess we can believe him. For Bryant , he’s welcomed the player with open arms and admits that he’d rather have Artest as a teammate , rather than having to play against him on a regular basis within the Western Conference.

Free-agency and the problems that it can sometimes create. Well for the general manager of the teams, they’ve got to be financially prudent and at the same look to improve the team’s roster in the places necessary. At times it may well mean having to lose a valuable asset. But then it can mean having to acquire a player without having to overpay for that talent. However, when it comes to a situation that’s now fomenting with regard to Odom and his desire to be paid commensurate to what he believe is his perceived value. It in effect puts the Lakers and their GM Mitch Kupchak in something of a dilemma. Bryant is optimistic that the player will remain with the team. Odom is an unrestricted free-agent.

Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak who has worked closely in unison with the team's coach Phil Jackson in assembling the Lakers championship winning team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elisio Gonzalez .........................

Overtures have been made towards the player by the Miami Heat . And Dwyane Wade of the Heat has made it known that it his desire to see Odom become a Miami Heat player. It could very well become a tug of war for the player’s services. But much of that’ll be predicated on the deisres of both teams. The Heat for their part are also pursuing Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz . And it remains their number one priority at present. But that’s not to say that their interest in Odom is on the decline.

The perceived view is that Odom while a very good player. He remains an enigma for all who’ve seen him play. At his very best he’s player who can give you 20pts , 10reb’s on regular basis, were it his desire to do so. And it plainly comes down to <strong desire and his willingness to contribute to a team consistently. And therein lies the enigma with regard to Lamar Odom. For the Los Angeles Lakers, they might not defer to Bryant when it comes to a final decision on the issue. Although they’ll probably listen to any input on the matter from the player. Coach Phil Jackson for his part has kept his cards close to his chest. And for the Lakers’ fans it’s not really hard to see where their loyalties lie on this very issue. They’re probably 70-30 in favor of seeing Odom leave. He was viewed as a valid member of a championship winning team. But his time has come , and it’s viewed that he ought to be bid , a hearty farewell and thanks for memories. If nothing it’s the least that the fans could do for the player.

Kobe Bryant (left) and teammate Lamar Odom (right) of the Los Angeles Lakers. It remains to be seen as to whether or not Odom will remain a Laker for the forseeable future. As it'd appear that contract negotiations have stalled. The player is also said a desired target of the Miami Heat. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elvis Takahida ...................

Possibly at the end of it all the player’ll remain with the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether or not he’d be prepared to play for the team at a reduced salary remains to be seen. The mid-level salary cap would be the preferable option for the team. And at between $4.5m-$6m it wouldn’t appear to be an excessive amount to be playing a veteran such as Odom. Though the player himself. may well feel that he could be in line for a better offer from the Miami Heat. And it’s rumored that he’s looking for a long term contract of between 4 and 5 years paying $30-$35m at between $6-$7m per year .

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. It is Wade's desire to see the Heat reacquire the player. But it'd appear that the team's pursuance of Carlos Boozer is of the utmost priority for the franchise. That's not to suggest that their interest in Odom has waned . picture appears courtesy of weblogs.com @ copyrighted material All rights reserved .................

The business side of any sport is littered with decisions that’ve been to the detriment of a team , or what ultimately proves to be of benefit to them. As to the decision to be made by the Lakers’ hierarchy. They know that for all sense and purpose this just won’t be about positives far outweighing the negatives with regard to Lamar Odom. But more in line with what’s best for the team from a financial and competitive aspect.

Lamar Odom or Carlos Boozer To The Miami Heat? Sorry, I Can’t Dignify That With An Answer

So the free agency period is here and a number of teams around the league have begun to retool their rosters for next year. Now as much as it pains me to say this. The Miami Heat are doing little to persuade their All Star guard Dwyane Wade , that they mean business in strengthening their roster.

Lamar Odom (left) of the Los Angeles Lakers and Carlos Boozer (right)of the Utah Jazz. Both players are said to be targets of the Miami Heat. There's a remote possibility that both players could be signed to complelment Dwyane Wade, the Heat's All Star guard. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Alastair Walsh ..........

Now far be it for me to suggest that the two players they’re said to be assessing with a view to signing are not worthy of playing alongside Wade. But in Carlos Boozer and Lamar Odom , you’re basically getting two players who consistently tend to underperform, given their undoubted talents.

But in all reality there’s no way that in viewing the addition of either Boozer or Odom, would one assess that the Heat would become a legitimate contender within the Eastern Conference of NBA . Not with the splash made by the Boston Celtics in signing Rasheed Wallace . Which in effect places them right back on top as the prohibitive favorite within the conference. Whilst the Cleveland Cavaliers believe that their fate may well lie in the fact , that in acquiring Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns , they can redeem themselves after their loss in the conference finals.

And whilst Wade is under no immediate pressure in signing a contract. He’s stated that he’d like to see the team improve the roster greatly, in order to become and remain more competitive.

Dwyane Wade seen here in a postseason playoff game against the Atlanta Hawks . picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images / Isaac Baldizon ..........................

Speculation is now rife that either of the two players will be making South Florida their home. And for the Utah Jazz’s Carlos Boozer , he’s made it known that he expects the team to make a sign and trade deal that’d create such a move.And with the state’s other NBA team , in the Orlando Magic aqcuiring Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets , the matching of the offer made to backup center Marcin Gortat. It can be said Miami team President Pat Riley is under due pressure to appease Wade and prove to him that he wants the player to remain and challenge for postseason honors.

The fans in Miami remain resolute in the fact that they’d like see Wade remain in a Heat uniform. And if anything play his entire career with the team. But as of now that may well be asking too much. Obviously with the unrelenting state of the economy , a number of teams around the league have trimmed their payroll and looked to get the best players available within what they deem to be fair market value . However, in the case of Wade how do you assess a player of his stature ? Much less players such as Carlos Boozer or Lamar Odom. Granted , Odom had a wonderful postseason in assisting the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA title. Buth theirs was one of a concerted team effort , wherein Kobe Bryant willed and led the team with great aplomb to the series win and title. His teammates merely followed the example, with which he led.

The intricacies of the game as it now stands. It’s not now just about the talent on the floor. But even more so about the financial wizardry of the front executives and what they believe to be feasible and in the best interests of a franchise in order to attain success. Such are the vagaries of today’s game , that an executive is almost as important , if not more so than a player on the floor.

Yahoo ! Sports :

Heat targeting both Boozer and Odom

By Adrian Wojarnowski Yahoo Sports

LAS VEGAS- Pat Riley has listened to Dwyane Wade express his unease with the Miami Heat sitting out the Eastern Conference arms race this summer. As the Boston Celtics , Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic elevated themselves as championship contenders, the Heat president sold his superstar on patience, promising to surround him with talent for the long run.

Now the Heat are working furiously to deliver Lamar Odom and Carlos Boozer to the shores of Biscayne Bay. The Heat are trying to sell Odom on a five-year $34 million contract, at the mid-level exception, and a league executive with knowledge of the talks says Miami has also hatched a three-way proposal with the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies to secure Boozer.

The essentials of a possible deal would include Miami sending forward Udonis Haslem and Dorrell Wright to Utah. Because Memphis under the cap, Utah could move Wright’s $2.8million salary to the Grizzlies and save itself approximately $5.6million with salary and luxury-tax payments. Memphis could probably get cash and picks for its trouble. The Heat would have to then send one more small contract to make the math and salary exchange work.

Miami would pay Boozer his $12.7million salary this season and own his Bird rights to sign him to an extension next summer.

The deal isn’t considered imminent, but the Jazz are working hard to find a suitable trade forn Boozer. Utah is determined to match the Portland Trailblazers’ $32million offer sheet for restricted free agent Paul Milsap . Utah has until the end of the week to match or lose the young power forward to the Blazers. Most league executives believe they’ll match the offer , regardless whether they’ve moved Boozer.

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Financial expediency has to be the norm , given the state of play. And one has to consider that the NBA for all of its profound success in the marketing of its produt as a global brand. Even they now realize that budgetary belts need to be tightened. The franchises themselves can’t ever envisaged that this economic crisis would take such a toll on their patron, the fans. So much whatever gesture in terms of an altruistic nature may well be the only way that they can keep those interested in supporting their teams.

Say You’ll Stay ?

It’s always darkest before the storm. And even when the waters are said to be calm it can be misleading.

And for the Miami Heat they’re in somewhat in the midst of a dilemma. How best to retain the services of their All Star guard Dwyane Wade. He’s the pivotal piece as to the ambitions of the franchise. And to lose a player of Wade’s caliber to impending free agency would be a monumental and financial disaster for the franchise.

And though when looking over the team’s roster and the mere fact that there’s not much there by way of overall veteran leadership or experience , other than Udonis Haslem, Wade and Jermaine O’Neal . It can be said that for team President Pat Riley. He’ll have to use all of the charm and guile he’s established over the years to persuade Wade that Miami is the still the best option and the place for him to be .

And whilst the Eastern Conference has seen a seismic shift in terms of talent coming into the conference. The Heat has taken it upon themselves not to make any bold moves. They’ve stood pat, intent to avail themselves by way of what they’ve got within their own cupboard. Though it’s not necessarily viewed as being bare. This roster is by far not what one would deem to be viewed as being a legitimate contender for a divisional title, much less being viewed as a conference champion. The reality is that this team is no better than a fifth or sixth seed at best within the Eastern Conference of the NBA.

Heat guard Dwyane Wade who'll soon be contemplating whether or not to re-sign with the Heat. Or pursue his professional ambitions elsewhere. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Grant Marshall .........

And though the rumblings of discontent are nowehere to be seen from the player. Everyone within the NBA is all too aware of the bounty that awaits with the free-agency market of 2010 . That is when a bountiful crop of marquee stars will be out there rendering their services to the highest bidder. And amongst those stars will be Dwyane Wade . Who’ll also be joined by his Beijing Olympic teammate LeBron James, amongst others.

As alluded to earlier it is imperative that Riley and the team’s coach Erik Spoelstra do all that they can to re-sign and retain the player. Such is the urgency that no stone will be left unturned in trying to eke out an amicable arrangement, whereby both parties are satisfied with the negotiations.

Now comes the latest courtesy of Associated Press:

AP Sports Writer Tim Reynolds :

Wade says he’ll stay if Heat is a title contender

Dwyane Wade will remain in Miami on one condition. He wants the Heat to become a championship contender again, the quicker the better.

Otherwise, he might need moving trucks next summer.

The reigning NBA scoring champion, who can opt out of his Heat contract after the 2009-10 season ,said Monday “….that simply getting to the playoffs is not enough” to satisfy him anymore, and that his long-term commitment to Miami hinges entirely on the franchise getting back into the mix for the title trophy he hoisted three years ago.

“I’m going to listen, I owe the Miami Heat that much. I’m going to listen to what they have to say,and I’m going to think about it”. Wade told the Associated Press …….

To read the article in its entirety just click on the highlighted text shown.

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It will be intriguing to see the maneuvers that’ll take place as the franchise looks to pursue and persuade the star to remain in Miami. If nothing else they know that that their very future lies in the decion that’ll be made by Wade. He has time on his hands. Something that Riley and the franchise knows is of the urgency. Especially if this turns out to become an allout bidding war.

And in these uncertain economic times . Money may well not be the object of Wade’s desire. But a real chance to play for contender, rather than a franchise still in a rebuilding mode.

Greatness And The Legacy That Comes With It Or More To The Point, The Label The Fans And Pundits Choose To Affix To A Player

Well the age old question is forever cropping up. Who’s the better player ? Or who’s the greatest of them all ? Is it really like comparing apples to oranges ? And more to the point can it be abitrarily done or must we be subjective in the analysis before coming to a resounding decision ?  

Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Jeb Jacobsohn ...............

For all sense and purpose over the past six years we’ve seen the likes of LeBron James , Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade enter into the league. Where upon comparisons have been made as to their games. Never mind the fact that in the midst of this all perhaps the best player of his era in Kobe Bryant has remained at the vanguard of the game.

A studious Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat looks up at the scoreboard during a game picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Richard Cross ..........

And as with each generation the comparisons are being made about the players of the past to the present. And nowadays players of the present are being compared to their contemporaries. The most hyped conversation that’s become the water cooler topic “….. is the greatness that is Kobe when measured against that of LeBron ?”

LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The phenom's presence in the NBA has set tongues wagging as to who's the pre-eminent player in the NBA. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Victor Strassner ......

Whilst I’ve no axe to grind when it comes to the players. I like many amongst you am very much appreciative of their skills. And what each of them brings to the game individually. I’m a basketball fan first , last and always. And if nothing else there’s nothing better than watching these athletes perform at their best alongside their teammates. Because in many ways without being part of a team they would not be the stars they are today.

For Bryant who’s just come off another stellar year. Whereby he led the Los Angeles Lakers to their fifteenth win of the NBA championship with a resounding series’ defeat of the Orlando Magic. It can be said that also having been named the Finals’ MVP, there isn’t more for the player to achieve in terms of his career. He’s now got four championsip rings , an Olympic gold medal and a league MVP trophy now adorning his cabinet. And there’ve been players within the league who’ve never ascended to the heights achieved by Bryant. Accolades alone shouldn’t necessarily be what one ought to judge a player by when it comes to their accomplishments. But yet this is the criteria that is put forth when adjudicating the accomplishments of a player. We also use it rather arbitrarily to make the case as to who’s the best.

 

Hopes, The Future, And All Of The Nonsense That Comes With It All

Well for the Miami Heat (43-39) this offseason will be one where they’re hoping that their All Star guard Dwyane Wade will be re-signing with the team. For team President Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra this is of the utmost priority for the team. And in particular for the franchise’s billionaire owner Micky Arison.  

Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat with his NBA Finals' MVP trophy and NBA Trophy in 2006. Picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Matthew McFadyen

For the Heat this was something of a disappointing season . Albeit that they made the postseason. However their’s was a postseason that abruptly ended with them being dispatched by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of this season’s playoffs.

Spoelstra (right) is seen here with Team President Pat Riley for the announcement of his hiring as head coach. At 37, Spoelstra is the youngest coach in the NBA. Picture appears courtesy of afp/china.org/cn

The team saw the departure of Shawn Marion who was traded to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jermaine O’Neal. Many questioned the prudence of the deal. Considering that though Marion was to become a free agent , come the postseason. With the acquisition of O’Neal they were getting a player who many viewed hasn’t been a player who at the height of his undoubted prowess was seen as an offensive threat. Over the last few years however , be it that with recurring injuries. The player has been a mere shadow of himself and his days with the Indiana Pacers . When he, in partnership with Reggie Miller were one of the better offensive combos around the league.

Jermaine O'Neal (7), All-Action Hero? Picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Scott Pettigrew

With the collective bargaining now doubt reeking havoc with the economic aspirations with many of the franchises around the league. And the very fact that the Players’ Union will be looking for a great deal of leverage as to what they still perceive to be an imbalance as to the sharing of the league’s revenues. It has to be said that for the likes of the Heat as well as the other franchises around the league they will have to be fiscally responsible as to how they spend their resources, with regard to the acquisition of players and re-signing the players that they seek to have within their fold.