Nix on Iverson

Aside from loot, and I don't believe he's in it for the money only, there is NOTHING that the Knicks can present to James to make the situation attractable. Contrary to popular belief, New York is not the end of end all.

 

Then there is the absurd idea that LeBron will have more endorsement opportunities in New York. He's already an international brand.
And if you walk around midtown Manhattan right now, you'll see LeBron on more ads and billboards than any New York athlete.

 

But maybe LeBron thinks New York is the biggest thing. We don't know. That's just as likely as thinking he's going to have loyalty to Cleveland just because he's from Ohio.

It's like calling the Garden the mecca of basketball. It sounds absurd to us because of what we've seen from the Knicks the last 10 years and because they haven't won a title in nearly 40 years. But the fact is the players do treat it differently when they play there, guys like LeBron, Kobe, Jordan before them, do put the Garden - and New York - on a pedestal that you wouldn't think it would deserve, considering the recent history.

 

What are ya talking about? Lebron loves the Yankees!!! Of course he's gonna sign with the Knicks.

 

I'm going to err on the side of assuming that after a few years in the spotlight, James is not a clueless rube.

 

Yes, he's clearly hoping for the rebirth of the Condors so he can play in Pittsburgh.

 

Meaning? I didn't mean he walks around gazing up at skyscrapers and is awed by the guys sketching in Times Square so he's going to run to New York. But players talk about the Garden differently than when they play in other arenas, there are endless quotes affirming that on their trips to play the Knicks. So there is a chance that, yes, playing in new york because it's New York might be part of the appeal for LeBron. It's no more ludicrous than those who insist he's going to stay because he went to high school in Akron, as if he had a choice in 2003 and picked Cleveland over every other team in the league. We'll find out in July.

 

Now that would make sense. Even a guy from Ohio would have the sense to prefer Pittsburgh over Cleveland.

 

Meaning I think he is sensible enough to realize that he doesn't to be in New York just because it is New York. The attention comes to him wherever he is. The Knicks are going to have to give him more reason to come than just the home arena.

 

I really hope that the Knicks' biggest signing next year is Steve Nash. Mostly because their three years of obvious tanking would end up landing them ... Steve Nash.

 

Maybe, just maybe Lebron would just rather live in New York City. I still believe he stays in Cleveland but his decision may not just be based on baskeball and who gives him the best chance to win.