Mariotti's loathing of all things Chicago continues.
No one should ever play for the Bulls because Jordan did? STFU!
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| Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago https://mail.chicagofanatics.com/viewtopic.php?f=91&t=46400 |
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| Author: | conns7901 [ Sat May 22, 2010 8:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
http://jay-mariotti.fanhouse.com/2010/05/18/my-advice-to-lebron-dont-play-in-chicago/ In Chicago to play golf at a suburban country club -- yes, he still gambles on 10-foot putts -- Michael Jordan was asked The Question by one of the organizers. No, it wasn't whether LeBron James' mother had an affair with loaded-gun-toting teammate Delonte West, a rumor her attorney strongly denies, but, rather, where her precious Bron Bron will play next. Normally, Jordan doesn't speculate on the business of others, but this week, he couldn't resist in opining like everyone else. "Chicago,'' he said. It brought to mind a conversation I had with Jordan after one of James' first NBA appearances in the United Center. LeBron was brilliant that night, and in a corridor by the locker rooms, after Jordan had watched the performance from a suite, I asked him if James ever could match his legacy in sports. "What do you think?'' he shot back, apparently wanting me to answer no. I didn't answer then, needing time to see a body of work. I will answer now. No. Hell, no. Which is why James would be making a gigantic mistake in signing with the Chicago Bulls, an idea gaining momentum with every passing day -- and every painfully off-key note sung by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Cleveland-based celebrities, who are urging James to stay with the Cavaliers in a "We Are The World'' video spoof called "We Are LeBron.'' Why would James want to follow in the mammoth footsteps of Jordan, who won six titles with a supporting cast that succeeded only because of his presence, when LeBron has failed so far with the same task in Cleveland? Even if James meshed with precocious point guard Derrick Rose and maturing post player Joakim Noah and won two or three championships, the accomplishment would fall far short of Jordan's dominant reign in the 1990s. Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook They built a statue of Jordan outside the arena. Since then, the Bulls have stumbled embarrassingly, winning exactly one playoff series in a dozen years and allowing the formerly nondescript Blackhawks to rule the winter and spring. The bronze slab off Madson Street has become a dunking reminder of what Jordan was and what the world never will see again, and if James is a smart entrepreneur, he'll avoid the trap of following a legend whose triumph he can't possibly duplicate. Why would he want every postseason loss to be magnified, every turn of his career compared to that of the greatest player ever? The Bulls are appealing because they offer young, top-level talent when the other LBJ-contending franchises do not. He must resist the urge anyway. Chicago never can be LeBron's town when it always will be Jordan's town. It must have tickled James when President Obama, never reluctant to fire off a sports observation even when his presidential reign lacks significant impact, told his advisers last week that his allegiance to Chicago sports teams still hasn't waned -- and that he wants James to join the Bulls. "He doesn't want to tamper. But as a Chicago fan, the president thinks LeBron would look great in a Bulls uniform,'' senior Obama adviser David Axelrod told ESPN.com. James has bragged about having the president on speed dial. You don't think a 25-year-old who has talked openly about becoming a force in American business and eventually owning a sports team -- he's on pace to become the second billion-dollar athlete, two years behind Tiger Woods -- wants Obama on his side in all matters? Curiously, the president seems to be swayed by what should be trivial matters in this county, and Obama might be the influence that gives Chicago the edge in The LeBron-a-Thon. Share97 But he and his business team must find a destination that doesn't heap more pressure upon James' ever-increasing burden to win championship. The anticipated NBA Finals matchup with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers blew up, with Bryant capable of double-upping James with back-to-back titles. James, meanwhile, took home two straight league MVP trophies that reflect his regular-season mastery but will diminish in meaning if he never wins a championship. At least Chicago, a city comfortable in its skin and capable of moving on quite well if James doesn't come, isn't participating in embarrassing plea campaigns. The New York mayor, Michael Bloomberg, launched a full-blown wooing of James on his radio show. "I think it would be great for New York if he comes here," Bloomberg said. "If he calls me and says, what's it like to live in New York, I'll give him a big sales pitch for New York. I love living in New York. My kids love living in New York. I think LeBron James would love living in New York.'' But the Knicks, who have spent two years compromising their competitiveness and angering their fans to clear salary-cap room for James, have little in the way of quality talent. Sure, it would be crazy to return to Cleveland, where he is expected to be the savior of a town that can't win in sports or life, where he'll almost certainly never claim a championship and thus leave a crater in his ultimate resume. Yet a couple of losing seasons in New York will further sour embittered local fans who have no sense of patience or understanding, even if the King is playing in Madison Square Garden. I would run naked on the beach if he signed with the Clippers, a nonsensical second-rate address for one of sport's biggest attractions. Truth be known, there is no ideal address for James. Chicago has the imposing Jordan shadow. New York has a murky future and a coach, Mike D'Antoni, who emphasizes mad offense when James is a stickler for defense and rush-back blocks. The New Jersey Nets have a new Russian owner ready to spend big money, along with a quality young big man in Brook Lopez, but James wants no part of playing in downtown Newark for a losing team for two or three years until the new Brooklyn arena is ready. When the Washington Wizards won the No. 1 pick Tuesday night in the draft lottery -- much-needed good luck for a franchise that suffered the death of owner Abe Pollin, endured the Gilbert Arenas firearms debacle and deserves better for new owner Ted Leonsis -- the Nets likely were knocked out of the running for point guard John Wall, in whom James has taken a strong interest off the court. Picking third, the Nets might end up with Wall's Kentucky teammate, big man DeMarcus Cousins, which won't be nearly enough to lure LeBron to the swamps. I would run naked on the beach if he signed with the Clippers, a nonsensical second-rate address for one of sport's biggest attractions. Clippers fans are throwing a parade to support James' candidacy, begging the question of how 20 or 30 people can throw a parade. The Lakers can't make it happen under the cap without dismantling a team that could win multiple titles. It leaves, as the most practical destination, a city where he'd have sun and warmth in the winter, possibly a Hall of Fame coach after the buffoonery of Mike Brown and, in Dwyane Wade, an explosive colleague and close friend who has won a championship. Welcome to Miami, LeBron, where Pat Riley has the rings and the every Heat game might be televised nationally in one of the biggest collaborations in sports history. That's where you play the next four or five years, big guy. The Heat are beckoning Wade to re-sign with a campaign on the team's Web site, but to date, there is no such effort for James. Maybe the marketing people might want to start ramping that up, because the pairing is more possible than anyone seems to think. And maybe Riley, still gooing up his hair after all these years, might want to promise James he'll shift to the sideline for a bit. While James hasn't ruled out Cleveland, seemingly everyone else has. "It's all about winning for me and I think the Cavs are committed to doing that, but at the same time I've given myself options to this point," he said. The Cleveland fans don't want to hear about option. Near Quicken Loans Arena, they've hung a banner that says of the hometown kid: "Born Here. Raised Here. Plays Here. Stays Here." A 74-year-old woman wrote him a letter on behalf of the LeBron James Grandmothers Fan Club, 212 members strong. "That little town truly and deeply loves you, win or lose, for the fine person you are and the kindness you have shown to Akron," wrote Ruth Wine, like James an Akron native. The Cleveland Orchestra has put together a classy, stay-put video on You Tube. Then there's the governor and the celebs in their goof spoof. "Please stay, LeBron. We really need you,'' they sing to the "We Are The World'' chorus. "No bigger market's gonna love you half as much as we do." Another verse: "Just tell us, King, what changes we must make. We'll name a street LeBron, if that's what it takes.'' It's called the Road out of Hell. And if it leads to Chicago, the heat just might turn unbearable for a legend suddenly in limbo. |
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| Author: | HOVA [ Sat May 22, 2010 8:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
Love Jay but I couldn't disagree more. |
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| Author: | Brick [ Sat May 22, 2010 8:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
The problem is that if Lebron never wins a title it won't matter where he didn't do it. He has to win at least one, and probably at least two, to not be considered a complete failure. That's kind of a dumb column especially since most of the other mentioned teams besides Cleveland have a legacy of great players or have fans who are demanding jerks who will be ruthless on someone who doesn't win(like A-Rod). |
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| Author: | HOVA [ Sat May 22, 2010 8:41 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
No matter what LeBron or Kobe does for the rest of their careers it will be compared to Jordan. Doesn't matter where they play. I'm sure LeBron knows this. On another note why are the Lakers only offering Phil $5M to coach next season? Talk about a big FUCK YOU. If I were Phil I would leave. He may have 11 coaching championships after this season and they are offering Doug Collins money. Show him the money Jerry. |
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| Author: | Mr. Hernandez [ Sat May 22, 2010 8:54 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
Theres absolutely no doubt that the best situation for any free agent to go to is Chicago. I think the shadow of Jordan is way overplayed here. Its already been 12 years and I think James could thrive here and carve out his own niche if he wins at least a championship or 2. I don't think there should be any pressure to live up to MJ level expectations since its damn near impossible. Also 5 mil for Phil is outright disrespect of the highest degree. Your gonna offer the greatest coach in NBA history who will most likely get his 11th ring chump change? I'm gonna guess that he'll laugh at the offer and leave |
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| Author: | Bucky Chris [ Sat May 22, 2010 8:55 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
Agreed, I think worrying about the shadow of MJ is stupid, especially for Lebron. No matter where he goes, or what he does, he will get compared to MJ. It won't be any different in Chicago. |
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| Author: | Don Tiny [ Sat May 22, 2010 9:19 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
HOVA wrote: Love Jay but I couldn't disagree more. Hate Jay and couldn't disagree with him more. One of his more disingenuously-written articles, and for him that's saying something. You could hear the axe grinding the whole time reading his crap. |
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| Author: | conns7901 [ Sat May 22, 2010 9:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
Also if he goes to Miami he could only win with Wade is what people will say. Plus the ehat will never be his team. |
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| Author: | Aggravated Sox Fan Bob [ Sun May 23, 2010 8:01 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
HOVA wrote: Love Jay but I couldn't disagree more. +1......this column is garbage. |
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| Author: | A7X [ Sun May 23, 2010 9:51 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
Mariotti's loathing of all things Chicago continues. No one should ever play for the Bulls because Jordan did? STFU! |
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| Author: | FavreFan [ Sun May 23, 2010 5:47 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
conns7901 wrote: Chicago never can be LeBron's town when it always will be Jordan's town. [/i] Sounds right. |
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| Author: | FavreFan [ Sun May 23, 2010 5:48 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
Don Tiny wrote: HOVA wrote: Love Jay but I couldn't disagree more. Hate Jay and couldn't disagree with him more. Hate Jay and couldnt agree more. |
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| Author: | rogers park bryan [ Sun May 23, 2010 6:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
If I were LBJ, I wouldnt wanna play where Michael played. Maybe its the best situation, maybe there are other players for other teams, maybe maybe maybe I wouldnt do it. The thing is ya dont expect to have only 3 legitimate choices. Id go to Miami and win multiple titles. |
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| Author: | FavreFan [ Sun May 23, 2010 6:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
rogers park bryan wrote: If I were LBJ, I wouldnt wanna play where Michael played. Maybe its the best situation, maybe there are other players for other teams, maybe maybe maybe I wouldnt do it. The thing is ya dont expect to have only 3 legitimate choices. Id go to Miami and win multiple titles. He'd be a good Robin to Wade's Batman. |
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| Author: | conns7901 [ Sun May 23, 2010 6:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
FavreFan wrote: rogers park bryan wrote: If I were LBJ, I wouldnt wanna play where Michael played. Maybe its the best situation, maybe there are other players for other teams, maybe maybe maybe I wouldnt do it. The thing is ya dont expect to have only 3 legitimate choices. Id go to Miami and win multiple titles. He'd be a good Robin to Wade's Batman. Lebron will never go somewhere he is not the number one option. |
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| Author: | FavreFan [ Sun May 23, 2010 7:04 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
I agree |
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| Author: | Mr. Hernandez [ Sun May 23, 2010 7:27 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
Yea Miami is Wade's team. Imo he'd be the #1 option even if James is there. Wade is by far the better and more proven clutch performer of the 2. However I do think they could coexist on the same team |
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| Author: | rogers park bryan [ Sun May 23, 2010 7:30 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
I disagree with all of you. I agree its Wade's team now. I think it would be LeBrons eventually. Especially since Wade has has so many injuries already. It works for both of them. I think Wade helps LeBron win now and LeBron helps Wade down the line. Im following the logic that LeBron will be an elite healthy player longer. |
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| Author: | Mr. Reason [ Sun May 23, 2010 7:37 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
rogers park bryan wrote: I disagree with all of you. I agree its Wade's team now. I think it would be LeBrons eventually. Especially since Wade has has so many injuries already. It works for both of them. I think Wade helps LeBron win now and LeBron helps Wade down the line. Im following the logic that LeBron will be an elite healthy player longer. What if Wade decides to schtup LeBron's Mom? She is known to toss it around, you know. |
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| Author: | FavreFan [ Sun May 23, 2010 8:00 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
rogers park bryan wrote: I disagree with all of you. I agree its Wade's team now. I think it would be LeBrons eventually. Especially since Wade has has so many injuries already. It works for both of them. I think Wade helps LeBron win now and LeBron helps Wade down the line. Im following the logic that LeBron will be an elite healthy player longer. They could coexist. LeBron might be able to take the team but it would take alot of work and alot of time. Wade already has shown he can lead them to a title. If Wade stays healthy and plays at the same level as the past two years he will still be too big a part of them for LeBron to claim he led them to the title. Wade is also going to be reminding alot of people of what they seem to have forgotten when he gets someone or two to take a little of the burden off on both sides of the court. |
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| Author: | SHARK [ Sun May 23, 2010 8:31 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Mariotti: Dear LeBron: Don't Go to Chicago |
If LeBron James came to Chicago, he has the best chance of winning an NBA Championship if he doesn't stay in Cleveland. If he went to New York, New Jersey, Brooklyn, or the Los Angeles Clippers, forget it. You can book it right now... |
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