Lonzo Ball will be a great guard for the Lakers. He will be the leadership factor the Lakers have needed since Bryant was at full strength in 2012-2013.
1
As a Warriors fan for 30 years, I am amazed that individual Dubs' stars can coexist with each other as I watch the impending implosion in Cleveland, The Warriors' front office members, from Larry Riley to Bob Myers, have done a tremendous job in putting together a group of unselfish superstars.
1
Isn't this the same Kyrie Irving who's on record as thinking the world is flat?
3
Hmm. A few thoughts.
First, "The Block" was against an Andre Iguodala who could barely walk because of a back injury. Any fan who watched the last couple of games of the 2016 Finals saw how much pain Iguodala was in. It was a great play by LeBron, but a healthy Iguodala would have been a half step faster and/or dunked it: no "The Block." So we need to stop talking about that like it was one of the best plays in history. It just wasn't. In contrast, Irving's clutch three, in the face of Steph Curry, was as big time as it gets.
Second, LeBron has stacked that team with his guys and his coach. Coach Blatt was arguably much better than Tyronn Lue (and his defensive strategy was the only reason they weren't swept in 2015), but LeBron wanted to call the shots. LeBron makes the coaching decisions, with Lue as mouthpiece. LeBron also makes personnel decisions, hence these old guys who could not contribute in the 2017 playoffs: Chris "Birdman" Andersen, Dahntay Jones, James Jones. These guys were there to make LeBron happy, not to contribute to a championship run.
Third, The Cavs lost their GM, Griffin, right before the draft, and everybody knows that owner Dan Gilbert won't make decisions that LeBron doesn't OK. So now the team fails to draft and trade well in the arms race with Golden State. A stagnant summer, missing Paul George and Butler.
In light of this, and Irving's having proven himself as a legitimate superstar, how can you NOT expect him to want out?
First, "The Block" was against an Andre Iguodala who could barely walk because of a back injury. Any fan who watched the last couple of games of the 2016 Finals saw how much pain Iguodala was in. It was a great play by LeBron, but a healthy Iguodala would have been a half step faster and/or dunked it: no "The Block." So we need to stop talking about that like it was one of the best plays in history. It just wasn't. In contrast, Irving's clutch three, in the face of Steph Curry, was as big time as it gets.
Second, LeBron has stacked that team with his guys and his coach. Coach Blatt was arguably much better than Tyronn Lue (and his defensive strategy was the only reason they weren't swept in 2015), but LeBron wanted to call the shots. LeBron makes the coaching decisions, with Lue as mouthpiece. LeBron also makes personnel decisions, hence these old guys who could not contribute in the 2017 playoffs: Chris "Birdman" Andersen, Dahntay Jones, James Jones. These guys were there to make LeBron happy, not to contribute to a championship run.
Third, The Cavs lost their GM, Griffin, right before the draft, and everybody knows that owner Dan Gilbert won't make decisions that LeBron doesn't OK. So now the team fails to draft and trade well in the arms race with Golden State. A stagnant summer, missing Paul George and Butler.
In light of this, and Irving's having proven himself as a legitimate superstar, how can you NOT expect him to want out?
King James is undoubtedly the best player of this generation. Other great ones are in the annual conversation for MVP (Harden, Westbrook, Durant, Curry, pre-injury Rose) but LeBron is there every year and has been since he entered the league straight out of high school. He's also the most annoying player in the league. The announcement "I'm taking my talents to South Beach" wasn't a singular faux-pas, it reflects who he is. He works damn hard but there's a weird feeling of entitlement, like he deserves championships because he's the best. Other great first ballot HOF players never exhibited that behavior.
How could anyone blame Kyrie? LeBron cries about the presumed deficiencies on the roster but he's the de facto GM. Two players managed by his talent agency were signed to overpriced contracts and the team is well over the salary cap. Cleveland isn't exactly the biggest market in the country, they can't shrug it off knowing the revenue from local cable deals will make the luxury tax seem like spare change. Then LeBron refuses to commit, signing short term deals always with a player option in the last year. If LeBron leaves, why should Kyrie be stuck to clean up the mess? As good as he and other players like Kevin Love are, there's a good chance they don't make the playoffs without LeBron.
One of the greatest of all time but I'll still take personal pleasure in rooting against him every time.
How could anyone blame Kyrie? LeBron cries about the presumed deficiencies on the roster but he's the de facto GM. Two players managed by his talent agency were signed to overpriced contracts and the team is well over the salary cap. Cleveland isn't exactly the biggest market in the country, they can't shrug it off knowing the revenue from local cable deals will make the luxury tax seem like spare change. Then LeBron refuses to commit, signing short term deals always with a player option in the last year. If LeBron leaves, why should Kyrie be stuck to clean up the mess? As good as he and other players like Kevin Love are, there's a good chance they don't make the playoffs without LeBron.
One of the greatest of all time but I'll still take personal pleasure in rooting against him every time.
5
Kyrie is a lot like James Harden, a great offensive player who don't play a lick of defense. You can't lead a team to a championship as its best player when you can't defend. See Harden's career. Kyrie is a spoiled little twerp who's to dumb to realize you can never lose by playing with the best player in the game who's also unselfish, and willing to let you shine. Giving up the chance to be in at least one more championship series, assuming Lebron leaves after next season, is just plain dumb. I knew Kyrie was a young fool when he declared himself better than Kobe... before he'd played an NBA game. If he really wants to go then good riddance.
5
It is sadly comical to see Cleveland "fans" suddenly start to criticize or downplay Kyrie's game.... when Kyrie announces that he wants to play elsewhere. He is one of the top players in the game and at age 25 can be the centerpiece of a championship team. Lebron will be gone after next year and Cleveland isn't ever going to beat the Warriors again for the title. Irving is doing what's best for himself moving forward. Being stuck in Cleveland with a lame duck Lebron and an ownership that has not a clue is not something a star player like Kyrie wants for his future. Good for him!
4
Irving is biting the hand that is feeding him, pure and simple, selfishness or stupidity it does not really matter. LBJ made him 1000 times better player (all things considered) and Kyrie is not happy to play with him?! Rubbish. Trade him to BKN or PHI (unfortunately he will not end up at either), he can start from the very bottom over there and have 'his' team all the way to the title, since that is how good he is, in his eyes.
2
Irving delivers greatness on the court; Off the court he's the man who believes (literally) that the Earth is flat.
3
I don't have a problem with Kyrie stepping out in search of greener pastures--if it exists. My question for him is "are you ready?" He is known to be stubborn with an ego. Doesn't take well to advice. He plays little defense. He doesn't pass the ball relative to other PGs. I just think that he is inflating his image of himself. Nonetheless, he has every right to try and fail and Lebron is doing the right thing by staying out of it.
2
Irving to Boston for Thomas!
5
We know the Patriots' coach and Kyrie Irving is no Bill Belichick.
1
I've been a Knick fan since players like Richie Guerin, Jphnny Green, Kenny Sears and Willie Naulls - in other words, I'm old. While, in theory, I liked Phil Jackson's much-ridiculed Triangle dream for the Knicks - it's clear that such a rigidly defined approach to offense can no longer thrive in the NBA. Nonetheless, I still have SOME standards that support the idea of a kind fundamental basketball.
The Knicks, as currently "constructed," are a pathetic and unispiring bunch. We are now in the 4th or 10th iteration of "leadership" over several decades of mediocrity, buffoonery and Dolan-era (endless, it appears) ownership.
On my Knicks "dream" (maybe, delusion) team, Kyrie Irving would be a nice fit, (even Melo can be on that team, if he wants to) but to have Kyrie come here and be the man - be the leader - be the model of well-roundedness - that's just not feasible. He's a spectacular offensive player, but his defense is noteworthy for it's invisibility. Also, there wouldn't be a Lebron to pass to and get the ball from.
Like in baseball, there's the NO DOUBLES defense, I am a proponent of the NO DRAFT PICKS deal (can you say: Andrea Bargnani?). I'm chanting: 'KEEP THE PICKS - KEEP THE PICKS.' If there's any hope (and that's emphatically debatable) for the Knicks to ever evolve into a contender, it will be though the draft - through patience - through player development - through establishing a culture (Hi, Phil) of evolutionary basketball.
Say No to Kyrie.
The Knicks, as currently "constructed," are a pathetic and unispiring bunch. We are now in the 4th or 10th iteration of "leadership" over several decades of mediocrity, buffoonery and Dolan-era (endless, it appears) ownership.
On my Knicks "dream" (maybe, delusion) team, Kyrie Irving would be a nice fit, (even Melo can be on that team, if he wants to) but to have Kyrie come here and be the man - be the leader - be the model of well-roundedness - that's just not feasible. He's a spectacular offensive player, but his defense is noteworthy for it's invisibility. Also, there wouldn't be a Lebron to pass to and get the ball from.
Like in baseball, there's the NO DOUBLES defense, I am a proponent of the NO DRAFT PICKS deal (can you say: Andrea Bargnani?). I'm chanting: 'KEEP THE PICKS - KEEP THE PICKS.' If there's any hope (and that's emphatically debatable) for the Knicks to ever evolve into a contender, it will be though the draft - through patience - through player development - through establishing a culture (Hi, Phil) of evolutionary basketball.
Say No to Kyrie.
2
Should James have taken his game down a noche to please Kyrie? If Kyrie moves to another team he will still be the guy who was second fiddle in Cleveland to the best player in the league.
Irving's desired trade destinations all (with the likely exception of the Knicks!) seem intended to position him to contend for NBA championships.
Why shouldn't he manage his career in this manner? If James is leaving, why shouldn't Irving position himself in the best way possible for himself? Years of playing with strong teammates and a competitive team, would seem what any NBA superstar would want.
James has the right to write his own destiny. So does Irving. James likely doesn't discuss his next steps with Irving. Why should Irving do so with James?
Irving is not being selfish. He is not being a prima donna. He's just being sensible. Good for you Kyrie. Hope you land in a good spot. And hope James dumps the Cavs too. He brought glory to the franchise and owner who publicly attacked him on an interminable basis (until he returned.). He's done more than enough for them. Go Lakers! And go join 'em James!
Why shouldn't he manage his career in this manner? If James is leaving, why shouldn't Irving position himself in the best way possible for himself? Years of playing with strong teammates and a competitive team, would seem what any NBA superstar would want.
James has the right to write his own destiny. So does Irving. James likely doesn't discuss his next steps with Irving. Why should Irving do so with James?
Irving is not being selfish. He is not being a prima donna. He's just being sensible. Good for you Kyrie. Hope you land in a good spot. And hope James dumps the Cavs too. He brought glory to the franchise and owner who publicly attacked him on an interminable basis (until he returned.). He's done more than enough for them. Go Lakers! And go join 'em James!
4
Harvey, there can be no question that Lebron is controlling and perhaps even obnoxious.
However, Irving strikes as yet another of these NBA celebrity types - my term for a one-dimensional player who does not significantly alter the trajectory of his team, despite his gaudy numbers, due to failings in other areas (like defense, playmaking, health, etc.).
Thus, the alarming component of this story for me was the report that Steve Mills has already approached Cleveland and offered multiple future #1 picks - as if Irving were an actual franchise talent (or a player capable carrying his team on his back, like a Lebron or Magic or Kareem) - and is thus seeking to repeat the mistakes of previous Knick GMs in acquiring faux franchise talents, like Marbury, Anthony, Curry, etc.
When will Knick management develop the insight to look beyond the hype surrounding a player, and instead on focus on their global impact on team performance? If a player doesn't consistently defend, then they are likely to be giving up nearly as many points as they score on most nights. It would one thing to acquire such a player on the cheap; but to offer multiple valuable future assets years in advance for such a player is madness - especially when that player has an opt out in his contract two years from now, and could conceivably leave you in the lurch (like Anthony threatened to do before Phil forked over that no trade clause).
Harvey, will Knick management ever learn?
However, Irving strikes as yet another of these NBA celebrity types - my term for a one-dimensional player who does not significantly alter the trajectory of his team, despite his gaudy numbers, due to failings in other areas (like defense, playmaking, health, etc.).
Thus, the alarming component of this story for me was the report that Steve Mills has already approached Cleveland and offered multiple future #1 picks - as if Irving were an actual franchise talent (or a player capable carrying his team on his back, like a Lebron or Magic or Kareem) - and is thus seeking to repeat the mistakes of previous Knick GMs in acquiring faux franchise talents, like Marbury, Anthony, Curry, etc.
When will Knick management develop the insight to look beyond the hype surrounding a player, and instead on focus on their global impact on team performance? If a player doesn't consistently defend, then they are likely to be giving up nearly as many points as they score on most nights. It would one thing to acquire such a player on the cheap; but to offer multiple valuable future assets years in advance for such a player is madness - especially when that player has an opt out in his contract two years from now, and could conceivably leave you in the lurch (like Anthony threatened to do before Phil forked over that no trade clause).
Harvey, will Knick management ever learn?
18
I agree with the Knicks analysis. They dumped all this cash on THJ, who has admitted management expects him to significantly improve his defense. Cost of the #1 picks notwithstanding, how can THJ seriously sustain motivation to improve defense if the star is coasting?
1
I whole-heartedly agree with you Matthew. I am from Cleveland and have watched Kyrie develop. He is an amazing finisher, with amazing moves...sometimes. Other times he gets trapped in corners, falls down , or just gets the ball stripped away from himself because of defensive pressure. He generally will pass to his teammates only when he has to-and usually way too late for his teammate to be able to do something with his pass(and then gives his teammate a look of disgust for not taking care of the ball). He is a very weak defender-despite his innate quickness(which to me speaks to a disinterest in playing defense). When LeBron sat out games last season, I believe the Cavaliers were 3 and 13. Not stellar numbers to claim that you are ready to carry the team on your back(as LeBron does with 100% effort every game). He is talented but as you say does not yet have the ability to suppress his ego, and help and allow his teammates to shine too. Perhaps in time, he will be able to master his ego to become a team player-but he is far from there right now. As a Cavs fan, though, I am happy to see him go if teams(like the knicks....) are going with the PR and not the reality of who he really is as a player. I will be happy to see this one dimensional, selfish player go if we get a solid team player plus a few other pieces in return. LeBron is amazing and makes everyone on the Cavs better-including Kyrie.
8
Matt, Unfortunately, the Knicks will not learn until they get rid of Steve Mills, who is the one constant in the decade of disaster that started with Isiah Thomas. Dolan should have cleaned house when he fired Phil; instead we are mired in the same dysfunction.
1
Well, "Little Bill" has far surpassed "Big Bill" for number of Super Bowl championships (all won legally), so take that Mr. Araton.