The NBA, the commissioner, coaches, players, for the most part, have given in to the hype of free agency 2010. Max contracts, LeBron James, or bust. The hopes of New York, Cleveland, Miami, Chicago and any other team willing and able to spend money depend on signing LeBron. It seems stupid to have to state this fact, but championship teams in this day and age, cannot rely solely on one player.
Take for starters LeBron's inability to win in Cleveland - with a bad team around him OR a good team around him. But instead of turning this into a LeBron bashing session, there is a logical way to approach 2010 free agency without getting lost in the hype.
Kobe needed Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, and Trevor Ariza. Paul Pierce, KG, and Ray Allen were supplemented by Big Baby, Rondo, Sam Cassell, and James Posey. Posey was instrumental, along with Gary Payton, Shaq, Udonis Haslem, in Miami's championship with D Wade. The Spurs big 3 had Bruce Bowen, Robert Horry, etc. The list goes on. For teams like Miami and New York, starting from scratch might be the best way to go. But, even with James and 2 other max contracts, don't expect a championship next season. You need to be able to pay other players and develop a team, in every sense of the word. The only reason the Boston Big 3 worked out is the leadership and tone set by KG and Doc Rivers along with being surrounded by guys that could hit open shots and play defense.
Of course, for some teams, like the Knicks and Cavs, it's not just about the championships. Without marquee free agents, basketball is no longer significant. For Cleveland, the black hole of sports, that makes them even less relevant than they were before. As a free agent, I would avoid those cities/teams because the goal is to sell tickets and merchandise, not win championships. Well, LeBron might actually prefer that.
Another note about building a team based on the 2010 free agent class - the most anticipated free agency in history. Outside of Dwayne Wade, how many champions are a part of this class? How much money is Amar'e Stoudemire really worth if he only choses to rebound during home playoff games? How bout LeBron? Did he really give up on the Cavs this year? Sure looked like it. Building teams is as much about leadership, coaching, and commitment as it is about talent and max contracts.
I think most GMs and owners know this. But then again, Gilbert Arenas has a $100 million contract and the Knicks payroll last year was filled with guys not living up to their contracts. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly lessons of bad contracts are easily forgotten.
For those who get sucked into the hype, enjoy paying Carlos Boozer $15 million a year to get you to the 2nd round of the playoffs. For those who know how to build teams, the free agent list is long and ripe for the picking. Look for teams with good foundations (Spurs, Thunder, Blazers, Magic, Suns) to get better and contend with the Lakers. Look for the Knicks, Bulls, and Heat to get better, make the playoffs, and fall short as usual.
Personally, I hope LeBron goes to the Knicks and nobody follows. Here's their starting lineup:
C - Eddy Curry
PF - Danilo Gallinari
SF - LeBron James
SG - Wilson Chandler/Andy Rautins
PG - Sergio Rodriguez
where to go from here
15 years ago
