NBA Offseason Thread.

[InvincibleCakeEater]

"Sources" are saying LeBron to the Heat.

This is according to some Chris Broussard character.

[Socnorb11]

The only way it's a PR mistake is if it doesn't get ratings. And it's going to get ratings. He's donating to charity, it doesn't matter why he is. I don't see how that can be bad PR in any way. It's just really smart business.

The guy is a sports superstar. The biggest or 2nd biggest name in sports. Of course it's all about him. To think otherwise is foolish.

To me, the article read like the guy just has an ax to grind with LeBron.

As explained, it is a PR mistake because he's creating expectations that he can't possibly live up to, and it wasn't really necessary. The guy is going to make a bazillion dollars with basketball and endorsements. Does he really need to make an ass of himself in front of America, just to make a few more bucks? It's really hard to see the point of it. He's coming off as an arrogant buffoon. If that's the image that he's striving for then I guess you're right...... it's good PR.

I don't think the writer has an ax to grind with Lebron. He's simply calling a spade a spade.

[Socnorb11]

So when all is said and done, and Lebron chooses a team other than the Bulls tonight, can we all agree that the Bulls gave up Hinrich and the 17th overall pick in the draft for absolutely nothing?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

So when all is said and done, and Lebron chooses a team other than the Bulls tonight, can we all agree that the Bulls gave up Hinrich and the 17th overall pick in the draft for absolutely nothing?

No, because they still have the cap space to replace the production of Kirk Hinrich and the 17th overall pick with incredible ease. Which was always the point and was reiterated multiple times the first time this argument was brought up.

[stlouie_lipp]

So when all is said and done, and Lebron chooses a team other than the Bulls tonight, can we all agree that the Bulls gave up Hinrich and the 17th overall pick in the draft for absolutely nothing?

No, because they still have the cap space to replace the production of Kirk Hinrich and the 17th overall pick with incredible ease. Which was always the point and was reiterated multiple times the first time this argument was brought up.

++

[stlouie_lipp]

That article is lame. That guy has had the red ass for LeBron for a long time now. I don't understand what's in it for an NBA writer to be annoyed by this. LeBron has given his articles more page hits in the last two weeks than anything, maybe ever.

Wojo has good sources, he's a good writer but I don't understand his p.o.v. on LeBron. Yes he's an egomaniac, but it's pretty weak and hypocritical to criticize him for it considering the other stories that come out about similar superstars. He's not Tiger getting caught banging porn stars and whooahz, he's not A Rod doing steroids or Lance Armstrong doping and being an a hole. He's super aware of who he is, what he has to offer and how best to maximize his golden years and he's doing it to the fullest. It might rub you the wrong way out of jealousy or whatever, but as a professional writer covering the NBA, it's stupid to do anything but love this guy.

Everyone, and I mean everyone that I've talked to since his announcement special was announced has had the same fed-up F you Lebron attitude. I think the majority of NBA fans feel the same way. Just my opinion though...

[Socnorb11]

So when all is said and done, and Lebron chooses a team other than the Bulls tonight, can we all agree that the Bulls gave up Hinrich and the 17th overall pick in the draft for absolutely nothing?

No, because they still have the cap space to replace the production of Kirk Hinrich and the 17th overall pick with incredible ease. Which was always the point and was reiterated multiple times the first time this argument was brought up.

The idea was to sign 2 max players, right? They didn't trade Hinrich just so they could sign a replacement for Hinrich. I mean, they could have gotten value for Hinrich rather than give him away, if they really didn't want him.

[vinsanity]

As explained, it is a PR mistake because he's creating expectations that he can't possibly live up to, and it wasn't really necessary.

I'd say the media and fans already have expectations of him he can't live up to. All he's doing is going on national TV to announce the conclusion of what you could argue is the biggest story in the NBA for over a year.

The guy is going to make a bazillion dollars with basketball and endorsements. Does he really need to make an ass of himself in front of America, just to make a few more bucks?

I didn't think he was making any money on this? People in America complain about Tiger Woods or Sarah Palin coverage. We complain that news organizations are sensationalist, and ESPN only plays East Coast Sports. But guess what? If that's not what drove ratings, they wouldn't do it! They don't do it just to spite us in the Mid-West. They don't do it because they don't want people to watch. LeBron James is announcing the conclusion to the most followed NBA Story since....Kobe's 'Indiscretion'? Maybe Jordan?

It's really hard to see the point of it. He's coming off as an arrogant buffoon. If that's the image that he's striving for then I guess you're right...... it's good PR.

Yep it is arrogant. Most pro-athletes are. But he's giving the people what they want. No matter how much those in the minority think it's self serving.

[Socnorb11]

As explained, it is a PR mistake because he's creating expectations that he can't possibly live up to, and it wasn't really necessary.

I'd say the media and fans already have expectations of him he can't live up to. All he's doing is going on national TV to announce the conclusion of what you could argue is the biggest story in the NBA for over a year.

The guy is going to make a bazillion dollars with basketball and endorsements. Does he really need to make an ass of himself in front of America, just to make a few more bucks?

I didn't think he was making any money on this? People in America complain about Tiger Woods or Sarah Palin coverage. We complain that news organizations are sensationalist, and ESPN only plays East Coast Sports. But guess what? If that's not what drove ratings, they wouldn't do it! They don't do it just to spite us in the Mid-West. They don't do it because they don't want people to watch. LeBron James is announcing the conclusion to the most followed NBA Story since....Kobe's 'Indiscretion'? Maybe Jordan?

It's really hard to see the point of it. He's coming off as an arrogant buffoon. If that's the image that he's striving for then I guess you're right...... it's good PR.

Yep it is arrogant. Most pro-athletes are. But he's giving the people what they want. No matter how much those in the minority think it's self serving.

Do you think Pujols would handle it the same way, if he were a free agent?

A little humility would be swell.

I'm not sure what you mean by "the minority".

[stlouie_lipp]

So when all is said and done, and Lebron chooses a team other than the Bulls tonight, can we all agree that the Bulls gave up Hinrich and the 17th overall pick in the draft for absolutely nothing?

No, because they still have the cap space to replace the production of Kirk Hinrich and the 17th overall pick with incredible ease. Which was always the point and was reiterated multiple times the first time this argument was brought up.

The idea was to sign 2 max players, right? They didn't trade Hinrich just so they could sign a replacement for Hinrich. I mean, they could have gotten value for Hinrich rather than give him away, if they really didn't want him.

The Bulls did what they could to put themselves in a position to make a run at two max players. Looks like they didn't get it done, but I cannot blame them for trying. Either way, they improved their team this off-season (and they're not done signing players yet). Kirk was a nice player but is easily rep[replaceable.