New York or not New York, that is the question for LeBron James. Johnette Howard, columnist for ESPNNewYork.com, writes that if LeBron decides to play for the Knicks, we'll all find out what drives him. Howard writes that we'll find out if LeBron is tough enough to take on the criticism he'll face in New York. Does James, 25, really...
LeBron James New York or not New York, that is the question for LeBron James. Johnette Howard, columnist for ESPNNewYork.com, writes that if LeBron decides to play for the Knicks, we'll all find out what drives him.
Howard writes that we'll find out if LeBron is tough enough to take on the criticism he'll face in New York.
Does James, 25, really have the guts to walk out on his home state of Ohio and a Cavs team that, however flawed, still led the league in wins this year? Does the NBA's biggest star want to start over in his eighth NBA season, shoulder everything that playing in a crucible like New York demands, then deliver on the court?
Will his loyalty to Cleveland trump the klieg lights New York can offer? His choice will tell us a lot.
With all money on the court equal (playing somewhere other than Cleveland), New York can offer LeBron the best perks, writes Howard. The biggest market, rabid fans, and the chance to hand-pick the other max free agent that he'd want to play with for the Knicks.
His presence would guarantee that New York City wouldn't be a baseball town anymore. New York would feel like the center of the basketball universe again, something it hasn't felt like for quite awhile. There would be a trickle-down effect. The drifting local college programs, the Rucker League, the pickup action on playgrounds from the Bronx to Brooklyn, Harlem to the West Village, would all take on a different buzz. The city game would make a comeback. James would own the tabloid back pages.
Waiting game
Former Michigan State coach Jud Heathcote says to The Detroit News that Tom Izzo will make his decision based on LeBron James remaining with or leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Heathcote believes Izzo would turn down an offer from the Cavs if he's under the impression James will sign with another team.
"I don't think he would take it," Heathcote said. "That's just my gut feeling."