Bill Simmons On LeBron & PDX

Please no.

by Nick Van Excellent on Nov 14, 2008 12:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

why?

LeBron is the man.

Boomshakalaka

by jksnake99 on Nov 14, 2008 12:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

your telling me that if we could sign

him as a FA you wouldn’t want him? Give me a break.

by usmcr3049 on Nov 14, 2008 12:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We could try and get Rick Fox to come out of retirement. Maybe the Suns would be willing to deal Shaq. Can Karl Malone still play? If not we could always try and pick up Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, or Carlos Boozer. The Bulls might be willing to deal Drew Gooden. How about Bruce Bowen?

It’s not just about the uniform. If Kobe played for the Blazers I would take a hiatus as a fan. If Lebron played for the Blazers I would begrudgingly accept it. If Rick Fox became head coach I would gouge my eyes out.

It’s just my opinion, but I think Lebron is just about as lame as they come. Look at me! I want to be a billionaire athlete! Look at my stupid hand signs! Look at my contrived marketing tactics! I got money in the bank, what you think about that? I start rap fueds, but I’m not a rapper! I’m a baller, shot caller, twenty inch blades on the Impala! No one better step to King James!

I hate that stuff. I like Roy. I like simple, understated, no big deal kind of guys. Pretty much like everyone on the Blazers roster.

by Nick Van Excellent on Nov 14, 2008 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

So you dont like winning?

LeBron is the best player in the NBA

"Why would we lie to ourselves dude?"
"Be excellent to each other."
"All we are is dust in the wind, dude."
"Strange things are afoot at the Circle K."

The Wisdom of Bill S Preston Esquire and Ted Theodore Logan

by GreatOden'sRaven on Nov 14, 2008 2:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sure, I like winning.

Kobe would probably help us win almost as much as Lebron. He likes to play small forward and is a great defender. It would be perfect., right?

Kobe, Roy, Aldridge, Oden, Fernandez

We would never lose. That’s a great team right there. Roy could run the point full time while Kobe locked down the apposing teams pg with his length and athleticism. It would be amazing. We could retire Kobe’s jersey in the rafters and hold a big parade with Kobe on the main float.

What? You don’t like that idea? Why? Don’t you like winning?

by Nick Van Excellent on Nov 14, 2008 2:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Lebron

Is young. Much younger & would help right now & in the future for years to come.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 14, 2008 9:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i dont want him either

i’d rather win with the guys we have on our team now…or signing players to compliment our core and win the old fashioned way by building a team rather than assembling all stars from other teams like boston did. sure they won a championship, but that kind of a takes away the true spirit of the game i think.

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 15, 2008 12:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Major leage city...

With a minor leage mentality.

I love Portland.

by david1978pdx on Nov 15, 2008 12:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Part of the reason this town has embraced this team

Is that they are character guys, and we’ve seen em grow as players. I would much rather win with our core guys than do what boston did. When we were winning with Rasheed and the others, it didn’t feel nearly as good as it did with Drexler, or even the current team (and we haven’t even had a winning season yet).

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 15, 2008 12:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The difference between the JailBlazers and the 2008 Celtics...

is that Boston bought a championship with character guys.

Previously, PA tried to buy a championship with druggies, rapists and malcontents…

Today, PA is still trying to buy a championship… but with a better GM and excellent scouts who know how to find character guys with talent.

by david1978pdx on Nov 15, 2008 12:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

...

& regarding LeBron I think he fits the “character guys with talent” pretty well.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 15, 2008 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Please yes.

If we somehow pulled LeBron… 82-0? For those against LeBron as a Blazer i’d like to hear your argument. I think he’s a pretty good player.

by BrokeButStoked on Nov 14, 2008 12:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

That would be sweet

82-0 for like 5 years in a row. With rings for every finger.

by tominhawaii on Nov 14, 2008 12:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

That’s really the only time that missing some of your fingers could be viewed positively. Because then you would have, like, extra rings.

The cowards never started
The weak died along the way
Only the strong survived
They were the Trailblazers

by lukeyhere on Nov 14, 2008 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

?

???

by Falcao on Nov 14, 2008 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I am not sure why...

but I laughed hysterically at that comment.

by The Graduate on Nov 14, 2008 3:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

After a few years all the other teams would quit.

instead of playing a season, the Blazers would just do a few exhibitions and then get a ring.

"I saw him in the face." – Sergio, when asked about how the latest Rodriguez-to-Fernandez alley-oop came to be.

by sergioFTW on Nov 14, 2008 12:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

All we'll be able to offer by then

is the MLE….

The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.

by jscot on Nov 14, 2008 1:02 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Why would Lebron want more?

I mean, for the yearly visits to the Nike campus ALONE it would make things easier for him. Because, like, imagine— about once a year when he actually has to appear in person for meetings with Nike people and they can’t go out to whereever he is like normal, it’s really handy to just be able to drive there provided it is during the season and not in the off-season, where Lebron isn’t likely staying in Portland.

It’s just so handy! Nike is right there! No more once a year flights! Goodbye Nike sending a private jet! That’s worth MILLIONS alone, not having to deal with the hassle.

Plus, all Lebron wants to do is win and has made no goals of monetary success known to the media. He’s already rich, right? Why would he need more than the MLE? I don’t make anywhere close to the MLE and I’m happy enough, why wouldn’t Lebron be?

Honestly, I can’t see this NOT happening. All signs point to Lebron in Portland! BOOKMARK IT.

Morty

by Mortimer on Nov 14, 2008 1:36 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

The quickest way to become a billionaire athlete is by playing in Portland.

Everyone knows that.

by Nick Van Excellent on Nov 14, 2008 2:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

...

If Paul Allen wants champioships, he has the money to put the money out to do so WHEN HE PLEASES>

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 14, 2008 9:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

?

Paul Allen can only pay Lebron so much and not a penny more or he violates the leagues collective bargaining agreement .

Lebron’s endorsement contracts have incentives tied to the size of market he plays in. This pretty much guarantees Lebron will only move to a larger market than Cleveland. Portland is out of the question for a guy who wants to be a billionaire.

by Nick Van Excellent on Nov 14, 2008 11:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wrong

Paul Allen can give LeBron as much money he wants VIA a singing bonus, not counting against the cap thus not effect on the CBA.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 14, 2008 11:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What?

I have a hard time believing that. Why would teams even try to get max space under the cap then for 2010?I don’t think it works that way.

by Nick Van Excellent on Nov 14, 2008 11:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

...

There are plenty of ways to circumvent the cap.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 14, 2008 11:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nope, it doesn't work that way.

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#Q62

There’s the real information on this topic.

by AK1984 on Nov 15, 2008 3:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

thats right

Nike head quarter is in Portland too.

And Oden, once again, is a rookie, so non-stop fast break basketball is like fast-forwarding a song while he's trying to learn the lyrics.

by RipCity on Nov 15, 2008 12:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

By 2010?

Depends if we sign anyone this year.. if not, well theres a reason he is mentioning us. We will have a ton of cap space

"Why would we lie to ourselves dude?"
"Be excellent to each other."
"All we are is dust in the wind, dude."
"Strange things are afoot at the Circle K."

The Wisdom of Bill S Preston Esquire and Ted Theodore Logan

by GreatOden'sRaven on Nov 14, 2008 2:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Cap holds and resignings

In 2010 we are signing LMA and Roy, so unless we trade everyone for expiring deals we can’t afford to legally give Lebron a max deal.

That us my understandin’.

Mo’

by Mortimer on Nov 14, 2008 2:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If he wanted to play here

KP would find a way to get him, and I would be all for it.

by ggassen85 on Nov 14, 2008 3:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Cap

You can hide money you give to players, circumventing the cap. If anything Allen & KP will find out how.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 14, 2008 11:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

lets not

why taint our future championships by cheating?

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 15, 2008 12:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's called a loophole

by david1978pdx on Nov 15, 2008 12:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

exactly.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 15, 2008 1:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Again, you don't seem to be too informed on this topic.

I seriously suggest that you skim through the following article.

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm

Anyway, in the summer of 1996, the Miami Heat attempted to circumvent the salary cap rules within the collective bargaining agreement by signing free-agent Juwan Howard to an illegal contract; it was rightfully nullified by the NBA corporate office in a timely manner. Consequently, Howard re-signed with the Washington Bullets to a seven-year, $105 million contract; that was a huge mistake by Wes Unseld, while Pat Riley was let off the hook by an accounting error.

At any rate, the main point here is that you’re flat-out wrong about this stuff.

by AK1984 on Nov 15, 2008 4:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

LeBron already has money

What he lacks is championships.

by david1978pdx on Nov 15, 2008 12:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

lebron is no where close to his financial goal of being a billion/multibillionaire.

it seems like being a billionaire is higher on his priority list than championships.

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 15, 2008 12:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, but wait...

By joining the Portland Trail Blazers Dynasty, this will launch him into billionaire status…

Think of the endoresement deals, the new line of Nike clothing, and the multi-platinum rap albums…

If you might remember… Michael Jordan didn’t make his money playing basketball!

by david1978pdx on Nov 15, 2008 12:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

well if thats the case then

why would any superstar command top pay in the nba if it was that simple to take less pay and win championships?

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 15, 2008 12:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's a matter of perspective

Some get it, some don’t. Some have a chance to win with the team giving them the max contract. Others get weak when they see the money and can’t help themselves.

LeBron has surrounded himself with some very smart people. If he wants to make the leap to basketball immortality, he’ll know what to do. The money part will take care of itself.

by david1978pdx on Nov 15, 2008 12:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i dunno

you could make the argument that if he came here, his stats would decrease since we tend to spread the scoring around. with all of our scoring options i’d doubt he be the nba scoring leader.

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 15, 2008 12:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The only stat that matters is W's

Just ask Kevin Garnett

by david1978pdx on Nov 15, 2008 12:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

well

you could also point at the laker team with 5 all stars as its starting lineup that tried the same thing…back when kobe and shaq were still in their prime.

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 15, 2008 12:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Detroit was the better T-E-A-M

The Lakers had too many I’s. Besides, Karl Malone and Gary Payton were totally washed up by that point. The only way they could play for a contender was to take the minimum salary.

by david1978pdx on Nov 15, 2008 12:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If Kobe and Shaq could carry lesser players

to championships in previous seasons, there was no reason they couldnt have done it that year as well.

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 15, 2008 12:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It was a chemistry issue

Karl Malone and Gary Payton took away from the team chemistry the L-kers had the previous three seasons. They would have been better off signing D-Leaguers.

Detroit played the game the way it was supposed to be played. Great defense, great ball movement and very few mistakes. Nobody on that team averaged over 20 PPG, either.

by david1978pdx on Nov 15, 2008 1:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Celtics or detroit?

I dunno…say what you want about lebron…I still think he is more about money than he is championships. I don’t blame him. Most would do the same in his situation. If he would consider leaving the nba to play in europe for 50 million…then it seems obvious to me that NBA championships are not his highest priority.

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 15, 2008 1:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

...

When did he say he would play abroad for more $$$? I don’t think anyone here has any link to a quote of LeBron saying he is for one thing or another. Whether it be $, Championships, stats or a big media market.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 15, 2008 3:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think what he said...

is that he would have to consider it.

by Nick Van Excellent on Nov 15, 2008 3:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/08/05/report-lebron-james-would-consider-playing-in-europe-for-50-mi/

by Nick Van Excellent on Nov 15, 2008 3:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

IMO

He won’t if he doesn’t win a championship before he become a free agent.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 15, 2008 4:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

...

Not sure about that one. We could easily be scoring enough every night everyone can be happy.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 15, 2008 1:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We'll know at the end of this season

if portland is going to make a run at one of those big time FA’s like Lebron. It will be obvious. We’ll know something is up if we just let Raef’s contract expire without trading him, and don’t resign a player or two, or even make a trade for another expiring contract.

I don’t see it happening still. I don’t think KP will gamble winning right now and next year for a chance at a player that probably wont want to come to rainy and small portland. We already have 4 future all stars I think. Would love to see Lebron here though.

by dario argento on Nov 14, 2008 1:40 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I think we let Raef expire (hehe)

As well as not renew some contracts REGARDLESS if we get LeBron. Its just smart business. Be enough under the cap to offer LMA, Roy and Oden whatever they want as well as chase a big name free agent

"Why would we lie to ourselves dude?"
"Be excellent to each other."
"All we are is dust in the wind, dude."
"Strange things are afoot at the Circle K."

The Wisdom of Bill S Preston Esquire and Ted Theodore Logan

by GreatOden'sRaven on Nov 14, 2008 2:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Funny, suddenly Bill Simmons has credibilty with the people of this blog . . .

I don’t want Lebron. I want to beat Lebron. Our team feels organic and natural and adding a big time “superstar” free agent isn’t the way I want to win a championship. Would I cry if Lebron signed with the Blazers? No. Would I be so giddy with excitement and anticiaption after hearing the news that I wouldn’t sleep for a week? Yes. That’s not the point. Before we had the number 1 draft pick, I couldn’t stand Greg Oden, and I thought he was going to be a total bust. Obviously, that changed when he joined “our” team. The same would be true of Lebron, but until it actually happens, I don’t want it to happen.

by Over Analysis on Nov 14, 2008 3:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

actually,

I think you have to be out of your mind to think cleveland is just going to let Bron Bron go. If they can work out a sign and trade, you can bet they’re going to do it next season if he’s not going to stick around.

by premthegrem on Nov 14, 2008 3:21 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Lebron is an awsome player

But he has way to much of a pimp mentality to want to play here,I hope he never gets a ring unless it deprives the Lackers of one in which case I could choke it down.

by southern oregon on Nov 14, 2008 4:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

LeBron

He could easily fit in. He is a practice monger, he is a leader who raises everyones level around him.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 14, 2008 11:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

so if he is the leader

than what is roy gonna be?

Honor Terry Porter

by Philthyanimal on Nov 15, 2008 12:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

LeBron will be a leader

And so will B-Roy… See how the Big 3 in Boston co-exist? Something like that.

by david1978pdx on Nov 15, 2008 12:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Roy + LeBron

Will not be an issue. Its not like LeBron has ever been nuisance to a team like a Carmello or TO in football. He would only help us on & off the court. He has never in his career had a strong supporting cast… Going to a team like Portland would be the perfect opportunity for him to go sign a large multi year contract & maybe win a few championships along the way.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 15, 2008 3:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I POSTED IT HERE FIRST!!!

Remember my “LeBron: Come to PDX” fanpost from a couple weeks back? You stole that, you hack, Bill Simmons!

First, the “I hate Portland for stealing Greg Oden from the Celts” diatribe…
Then the “Greg Oden is Sam Bowie Jr.” rant
Now, you stoop so low as to steal ideas from small time bloggers and claim it as your own.

Take a flying leap, Simmons! And take the Sox, Pats and Celts with you!!!

by david1978pdx on Nov 15, 2008 12:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Don't get too excited about Lebron in Portland.

There is zero chance it happen.

by Nick Van Excellent on Nov 15, 2008 3:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

?

The question is why are you so against it. Portland could easily offer him just as much as any team in the NBA & the opportunity is there since Allen has such deep pockets. If he goes over seas… I would be disgusted & lose all respect for him. But until he does it I am not counting on it.

The whole media market thing is really based on winning. Just look at San Diego, its growth since the Chargers started emerging ever since AJ Smith took over the team. It has been growing at a rapid rate. With some success our team could literally build a media market here in Oregon. There are plenty of examples of that happening. Franchises success can grow media markets. Green Bay is the prime example.

Zero Chance? I think not.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 15, 2008 4:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Not only that.

But Portland as an franchise is in a unique opportunity to have as much free cap space as any team in the league at that point in time.

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 15, 2008 4:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sign him

And I will get the Blazer logo tattooed on my chest.

by Garces on Nov 15, 2008 12:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Bonus

What is the “luxury tax?” Why does it exist? How is it determined? Who pays it?

The luxury tax is a mechanism that helps control team spending. While it is commonly referred to as a “luxury tax,” the CBA simply calls it a “tax” or a “team payment.” It is paid by high spending teams — teams whose payroll exceeds a predetermined tax level. These teams pay one dollar for each dollar their payroll (with a few exceptions, see below) exceeds the tax level The tax level is determined prior to the season, and is computed by taking 61% of projected BRI, subtracting projected benefits ($112 million in 2005-06), and adjusting for whether the previous season’s BRI was above or below projections. They then divide by the number of teams (except expansion teams in their first two seasons) to arrive at the tax level. Here are the tax levels in each season, and the teams that paid the tax:

Portland does not fall into this category. Resulting in him not having to pay the NBA luxery tax :)

"I just know that I can't get big, I can't eat whatever I want to. I have to eat healthy, I have to stay right, I have to stay involved and ... I have to be here at practice because you know what? I can play pretty quick."

by TheGreatDane17 on Nov 15, 2008 4:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs