Lebron about 2010, NY, Duncan and San Antonio [Archive]

biba

11-26-2008, 01:48 AM

LeBron plays to NY crowd with 26 in Cavs rout of Knicks

Associated Press

http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=281125018

James is the biggest. And New York is the biggest stage available, so it would be a natural fit.

But James disagreed that leaving Cleveland is a necessary step to making him a bigger star and giving him a better chance to win championships.

"That's something that's not a factor," James said. "You look at someone like Tim Duncan for instance, who decided to sign short-term deals and decide to take pay cuts to stay in San Antonio to sign guys like Manu [Ginobili] and sign guys like Tony Parker and they won championships. And San Antonio we all know is not a big market at all.

"So for me it's all about winning. It's not about the market that you'd be in, it's all about winning with me and that's what this league has always been about."

So would he take less in Cleveland to help the Cavs bring in another superstar?

"I didn't say that," James joked. "I like the talent part, bringing the talent in, but I didn't say I was taking less."

tp2021

11-26-2008, 01:50 AM

Please, nobody get excited, he isn't coming here. Sure he want to win, but he wants to get paid a lot of money to do it.

DannyT

11-26-2008, 01:51 AM

he's not ready to when championships yet...maybe in three years

J.T.

11-26-2008, 01:51 AM

LeBron James: just another overpaid athlete with a god complex.

tp2021

11-26-2008, 01:52 AM

Tim Duncan for instance, who decided to sign short-term deals and decide to take pay cuts to stay in San Antonio to sign guys like Manu [Ginobili] and sign guys like Tony Parker and they won championships...I like the talent part, bringing the talent in, but I didn't say I was taking less.Timmy FTW (4 times over. :lobt2:)

Slydragon

11-26-2008, 01:53 AM

Trying to make the right pr answers and then screws it up.

Reck

11-26-2008, 01:57 AM

he's not ready to when championships yet...maybe in three years

But I bet George Hill is right?

He's more then ready to not only win 1 but multiple champs. What he needs is teammates who can help him on a daily basis, not just in a game or two.

024

11-26-2008, 01:59 AM

spurs is the best team available in 2010 to win multiple championships. depends how badly he wants to win.

DannyT

11-26-2008, 02:12 AM

you gotta be able to give up money if you want more help sometimes....enough is enough you can only have soooo much money...thats why we are where we are now......everybody wants more but dont wanna give shit

barbacoataco

11-26-2008, 02:14 AM

He admires what Duncan did, but he wouldn't do it himself. At least he admitted it.

MrChug

11-26-2008, 02:16 AM

Please, nobody get excited, he isn't coming here. Sure he want to win, but he wants to get paid a lot of money to do it.

X100000000000000000000000

Well said sir.

duncan228

11-26-2008, 02:16 AM

LeBron and Duncan are nothing alike. Duncan has never displayed the kind of ego LeBron thrives on.

MrChug

11-26-2008, 02:17 AM

He admires what Duncan did, but he wouldn't do it himself. At least he admitted it.

He's as transparent as a stripper's heels.

barbacoataco

11-26-2008, 02:22 AM

Another way to look at it- sometimes when a player gives up money like Duncan to give the team more ability to bring in talent, they make less money in the short term. But if they have more talent, win more games, and have a longer, more successful career, maybe they make the more money in the long run.

Also, when a player attaches themselves to a particular franchise they often get certain benefits after retirement, even part ownership like DRob and some other players. Another benefit of playing your whole career with one team is not having to move, sell your house, change your kids' school, etc. etc. If Lebron stays in Cleveland he will forever be the face of that franchise. If he goes to the Knicks he will be one of many big name athletes in New York facing intense cynical media scrutiny.

I wouldn't be surprised if Lebron stays in Cleveland, but they will have to pay him top dollar.

timtonymanu

11-26-2008, 02:22 AM

i think Lebron is so fake. he tries to act like Tim Duncan. trying to pretend like he's such a team player when really all he cares about are his personal stats and how much endorsements he gets. i get so disgusted everytime i see a Lebron commercial.

in 2010, i rather get Chris Bosh, but i doubt we land any other superstars unless they're already 37 years old.

Allanon

11-26-2008, 02:24 AM

He admires what Duncan did, but he wouldn't do it himself. At least he admitted it.

It's fine if LeBron wants the money but oftentimes, getting that ring takes sacrifices.

This is why Duncan has 4 rings and I doubt that LeBron will get his anytime soon.

DannyT

11-26-2008, 02:28 AM

kids got to get his mind right....he got talent like a mug...but he will get it one day....they all do....I just hope it doesnt take him as long as it did the real kid....KG, fucking crybaby ass

FromWayDowntown

11-26-2008, 02:28 AM

I don't think this has anything to do with any possibility of Lebron coming to San Antonio; it's about the difference between staying in Cleveland (like Duncan did -- perhaps even taking less money to build a consistent winner in a smaller market) or moving to the mega-market of New York.

In the end, he's going to New York because that's where the money is; and that's a fundamental difference between Duncan and James.

Obstructed_View

11-26-2008, 07:53 AM

Basically what he said is that you have to take less money to win in a small market, and that he wants to win and isn't taking less. The characterization that his quote somehow disagreed with the concept that he has to leave was incorrect. He's going to either LA or New York. I'd say he could go to Chicago but he can't have the number.

BTW, if Lebron wanted to go to Miami, anyone think they'd "un-retire" 23 for him? :lol

spursfan09

11-26-2008, 08:13 AM

Just reminds me how lucky we are to have Tim Duncan. An unselfish superstar who just cares about winning.

exstatic

11-26-2008, 10:00 AM

He admires what Duncan did, but he wouldn't do it himself. At least he admitted it.

To be fair to LeBron, the first time Duncan actually "took less" will be in two years, when he'll be 34. LeBron's currently 23, and will be 25 when he hits the market. I wouldn't take less than a MAX deal either. Those are the key earning years.

lefty

11-26-2008, 10:20 AM

I like Lebron

wijayas

11-26-2008, 10:24 AM

Isn't the case that LeBron wants to be the first billionaire athlete?
He needs to win championship(s) to even sniff that number... And he can't do it all by himself.

kskonn

11-26-2008, 10:46 AM

Isn't the case that LeBron wants to be the first billionaire athlete?
He needs to win championship(s) to even sniff that number... And he can't do it all by himself.

it won't matter, he still will not get to a billion before Tiger.

m33p0

11-26-2008, 10:47 AM

Basically what he said is that you have to take less money to win in a small market, and that he wants to win and isn't taking less...Magic himself took a pay cut to keep the showtime lakers intact. so his way of thinking is way wrong. it's all about greed with bronbron.

SenorSpur

11-26-2008, 11:36 AM

The mantra for most pro athletes is pay me first, worry about winning later. See Gilibert Arenas. It's not that there's anything wrong with that thinking. After all, self-preservation is the basic law of nature. It's just that, at times, a player can't always have both.

Jayem

11-26-2008, 12:13 PM

VIDEO:
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2008/11/25/nba_cle_20081125_lebron_presser.nba/index.html?player=nba_tv

DPG21920

11-26-2008, 02:38 PM

Why does everyone give Lebron a hard time? Tim Duncan makes tons of money. So it is not like he gave up his money to win. Tim had his cake and ate it to. Lebron should do the same.

Plus Lebron is coming off of his rookie scale contract. He has yet to be maxed out. Tim, is on his second "max" contract.

duncan228

11-26-2008, 02:42 PM

DPG21920

11-26-2008, 02:44 PM

Duncan left 11 million on the table with this contract. He did 'give up' money, regardless of how much he makes.

He "gave up" money now, after he had already made a ton of money and won titles. Lebron is coming off his rookie scale contract. What Duncan did is nice, but people act like he is a saint when it comes to business. He wanted and got his money. He just did not get over greedy.

Galileo

11-26-2008, 02:47 PM

Duncan left 11 million on the table with this contract. He did 'give up' money, regardless of how much he makes.

LeBron James is a great player, but he is no Tim Duncan.

mrspurs

11-26-2008, 02:59 PM

Before this kid retires he will get a ring. He wont be a Karl Malone or Charles Barkley.

Anti.Hero

11-26-2008, 02:59 PM

I couldn't care less where Lebron ends up.

duncan228

11-26-2008, 03:12 PM

He "gave up" money now, after he had already made a ton of money and won titles. Lebron is coming off his rookie scale contract. What Duncan did is nice, but people act like he is a saint when it comes to business. He wanted and got his money. He just did not get over greedy.

I have no problem with LeBron getting max money. His game, and the future potential he has, deserve it.

Duncan has always been a team player and as selfless as they come. I'm not calling him a saint, but he could have taken the max again and I don't think most of us would have thought less of him. He's still a max player, and taking less simply demonstrates, once again, the kind of ego he doesn't display.

LeBron wants to win, but we haven't seen what price he's willing to pay to do that. I guess we'll know in 2010.

DPG21920

11-26-2008, 03:12 PM

duncan228

11-26-2008, 03:26 PM

Was Tim's first contract after his rookie contract a max deal?

I think so. I don't have it handy, I'll try to find it.

I don't know too much about the money side of the game. I'm sure someone here can answer better.

DPG21920

11-26-2008, 03:36 PM

I think it was, I looked up his career salaries. That is all I am saying. Tim did get a full max contract when he could, so he did not leave money on the table to win at that point. He did it when he already was paid for his basketball worth and had won. He wants to keep getting titles now so he knows he can leave some on the table to help him out as he closes out his career.

This is not a shot at Tim, but more so a realistic defense of Lebron bashing by most.

Spurs Brazil

11-26-2008, 03:41 PM

I think so. I don't have it handy, I'll try to find it.

I don't know too much about the money side of the game. I'm sure someone here can answer better.

It was a max deal for 3 years with a player option for the 4th

JamStone

11-26-2008, 03:43 PM

In 2000 when Orlando tried to sign Duncan, yes, following contract was a max deal.

And, this $11 million he left on the table is a little exaggerated by some Duncan fans. He didn't sign an extension for the absolute maximum he could have made, but it was still basically a "max" amount. He's still getting paid among the top 5-10 highest paid NBA players even with the extension he took. And, he had already signed two max deals and made well over $100 million before leaving this $11 million on the table. It's not like Duncan decided to take the MLE for his extension.

So especially as it pertains to LeBron, it's not a fair criticism to point out how Duncan took "less" money to stay with the Spurs. Different situations, different points in their respective careers.

duncan228

11-26-2008, 03:46 PM

Thanks for the salary info guys.

DMX7

11-26-2008, 04:40 PM

He's maturing a little bit.

spurs50_

11-26-2008, 05:09 PM

I know no one in here thinks we have a chance to sign lebron...i remember aikman restructuring his contract in order to keep players, i hope lebron never wins a ring...we need to go after bosh, save the jet fuel and don't bother courting the "chosen ego"
The mantra for most pro athletes is pay me first, worry about winning later. See Gilibert Arenas. It's not that there's anything wrong with that thinking. After all, self-preservation is the basic law of nature. It's just that, at times, a player can't always have both.

Spur-Addict

11-26-2008, 05:15 PM

I have no problem with LeBron getting max money. His game, and the future potential he has, deserve it.

Duncan has always been a team player and as selfless as they come. I'm not calling him a saint, but he could have taken the max again and I don't think most of us would have thought less of him. He's still a max player, and taking less simply demonstrates, once again, the kind of ego he doesn't display.
LeBron wants to win, but we haven't seen what price he's willing to pay to do that. I guess we'll know in 2010.

He already has his money, it's about winning only at this point. Correlating ego and money is a bit off as many older players who have egos take less money later in their years to win. As we know, that ego still remains. I'm not saying Tim has an ego, but your explanation doesn't seem right. Lebron could take less money now, but that doesn't mean his ego has shrunk, lets get real here.

DPG21920

11-26-2008, 05:30 PM

He already has his money, it's about winning only at this point. Correlating ego and money is a bit off as many older players who have egos take less money later in their years to win. As we know, that ego still remains. I'm not saying Tim has an ego, but your explanation doesn't seem right. Lebron could take less money now, but that doesn't mean his ego has shrunk, lets get real here.

She is saying that Tim could still get more money. She is right. What Tim did was fantastic (11M is still 11M no matter how much you make). We were just saying people bash Lebron and say he is all about the money, which is untrue. He is a max player and deserves it, especially because he has been so UNDERPAID on the rookie scale contract. It does not mean he does not care about winning.

It is funny, because to Lebron it is not all about the money in a round-about way. He is going to get max dollars no matter where he goes, so since the money is going to be the same (except if he leaves Cleveland because they can offer him the most), it will come down to where he can win as well.

Spur-Addict

11-26-2008, 05:38 PM

She is saying that Tim could still get more money. She is right. What Tim did was fantastic (11M is still 11M no matter how much you make). We were just saying people bash Lebron and say he is all about the money, which is untrue. He is a max player and deserves it, especially because he has been so UNDERPAID on the rookie scale contract. It does not mean he does not care about winning.

It is funny, because to Lebron it is not all about the money in a round-about way. He is going to get max dollars no matter where he goes, so since the money is going to be the same (except if he leaves Cleveland because they can offer him the most), it will come down to where he can win as well.

Yeah, I understand that. But what i'm saying is that correlating money (or the sacrifice of it) with not displaying an ego with older players can be a bit of a stretch. Or even players in general. Even with those who demand max dollars in their thirties.

Why? Because players who are older sacrifice money for winning, that's what happens. Now there are others who do not, but that's an indication of choosing money over winning, not an issue on the ego of a player. Money isn't something always used to measure the ego of a person. Especially when they have alot already.

DPG21920

11-26-2008, 05:42 PM

I agree to a certain extent, but usually players who sacrifice money to win are at the point where they can no longer demand max dollars. Lets see what Allen Iverson does.

JamStone

11-26-2008, 06:06 PM

She is saying that Tim could still get more money. She is right. What Tim did was fantastic (11M is still 11M no matter how much you make).

Do you seriously praise Gilbert Arenas and think he was fantastic for taking $111 million instead of the $127 million the Wizards initially offered? He left more on the table than Duncan did. Does that make Gilbert Arenas a selfless, financial saint?

Taking less should only really be used as an example of unselfishness when it's significant. If Duncan signed a two year extension for the MLE, then that's something to talk about. He signed a two year extension for still over $33+ million. Duncan is great and all, but I really laugh when I hear the argument of how great and unselfish Duncan is for taking less money on his extension.

exstatic

11-26-2008, 06:17 PM

I love all the LeBron hate. I don't think he's coming, but if he signs, I'm going to need a change of undies because I'm going to spooge the ones I have on if I hear such an announcement.

Yes, he hasn't led a team to the promised land yet. Then again, the teams that Cleveland is throwing out there around him remind me of the DRob squads, pre-Duncan. He's only 23, and I would argue that Tim didn't lead the Spurs to a title until he was 27 (2003). Tim was a big part of 99, but still a follower and learner of the existing Spurs culture.

DPG21920

11-26-2008, 06:26 PM

He "gave up" money now, after he had already made a ton of money and won titles. Lebron is coming off his rookie scale contract. What Duncan did is nice, but people act like he is a saint when it comes to business. He wanted and got his money. He just did not get over greedy.

Do you seriously praise Gilbert Arenas and think he was fantastic for taking $111 million instead of the $127 million the Wizards initially offered? He left more on the table than Duncan did. Does that make Gilbert Arenas a selfless, financial saint?

Taking less should only really be used as an example of unselfishness when it's significant. If Duncan signed a two year extension for the MLE, then that's something to talk about. He signed a two year extension for still over $33+ million. Duncan is great and all, but I really laugh when I hear the argument of how great and unselfish Duncan is for taking less money on his extension.

I laugh when people do not read what I say

JamStone

11-26-2008, 06:56 PM

Not "only" directed at you, and you're right, I didn't read the entire thread. However, there are plenty of other fans that do say what I criticized.

MrChug

11-27-2008, 12:47 AM

I like Lebron

http://images.cafepress.com/product/33661763v5_350x350_Front.jpg

Thomas82

11-27-2008, 07:50 AM

He admires what Duncan did, but he wouldn't do it himself. At least he admitted it.

He says that he wants to be the first billion-dollar athlete.

Allanon

11-27-2008, 11:57 AM

LeBron is already making Max money consumate with his years in the NBA. He's getting $14 Million this year and $15 million next year. My numbers might be a bit off...

At his next stop, I believe he can get a $105 million deal from any other team. Cavs can offer him the most at $130 million.

His choice will be an interesting one.

If he stays and takes $130 million from the Cavs, that's alot of money

Or does he go to a mega market like the Knicks where he'll still be a couple years away from a championship contender

Or does he go to a team like the Rockets/Spurs where there isn't a whole lot of money but there's enough talent to make a run for the title right away?