NBA Free Agency - A Disgusting Display
Friday, July 02, 2010
If it’s possible to be both interested and disgusted about the same thing, then I’m there when it comes to NBA free agency. I am very interested to find out where all of the big name free agents end up. But I am also disgusted about how the process is unfolding.
With players like LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Dirk Nowitzki and Paul Pierce all available for a price, what’s not to be interested about? Furthermore, no fewer than 8 teams can afford to offer a max-level contract to a free agent with four teams having the ability to add two.
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But when we hear of Miami meetings between LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh taking place and rumors of them teaming up in south Florida to make a run at a championship it sickens me!
And then there’s guys like Pierce and Nowitzki. Both chose to opt out of the final year of their contract with their respective teams for a shot at more years and more money.
Answer this question. Do you think that Larry Bird, Magic Johnson or Isaiah Thomas would have had a pow-wow in Los Angeles to talk about playing together with the Lakers?
Or how about this one. Would any of those three players have considered leaving their respective franchises to chase riches somewhere else?
The answer to both questions is NO!
There was a healthy dislike amongst those great superstars. They had a tremendous amount of pride in the teams that they played for and, even more, in beating their hated rival.
Call me crazy, but I don’t think Bird would have wanted to purposely stack a team with superstars for the purpose of winning an NBA title. Where’s the challenge in that?
Yes, he was part of the “Dream Team” which won Olympic gold for the United States in 1992 in Barcelona. But that was different. He didn’t put that team together. He probably would have preferred taking one of his championship Celtic teams from the 80’s into world competition instead.
If Miami Thrice does decide to get together on South Beach, I will be the biggest Heat hater alive.
LeBron James was raised in Ohio. Doesn’t playing for the Cavaliers mean anything to him? If it were me, nothing would be more gratifying than to lead a team from my hometown to an NBA championship. Especially a franchise with no championships to speak of. Maybe it’s too much of a challenge for the alleged “best player in the game.”
As for Paul Pierce. I understand that the NBA’s collective bargaining deal could look a lot different a year from now and that could have a negative impact on his next contract. I also appreciate all that he has done for the Boston Celtics franchise.
While some believe that Pierce will sign a new contract with Boston, if he doesn’t, how do we hold him in the same high regard as career Celtics like Bird, Russell and Havlicek?
Maybe I’m old school or just plain old, but guys like Russell, Bird, Magic and Jordan seemed to be all about the competition and winning. Meanwhile today’s NBA stars seem to be more concerned about the almighty dollar and finding the easiest way to a title.
Like I said, it sure as hell has the makings of an interesting off season. But it’s also disgusting to think about all of the possibilities.
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