Because This Game Is for Fans, Lin Should Be All Star

The team he’s joined collapsed beneath injuries and awful defense, but it’s well established that point guard sensation Jeremy Lin has galvanized New York with all the Linsanity sweeping the nation. The spectators, coaches, and team executives are amazed by a miraculous turnaround, with the success of the new rising star.


And nothing is more rewarding than Lin playing in the All-Star Game when, in reality, it’s a weekend virtually for the fans. He is, after all, the game’s attraction, and with that said, folks all over the world are anxious to see him change the dynamics in New York and also entice fanatics. The interesting question today is whether the sensational phenom should be given a spot in next weekend’s NBA All-Star Game. Certainly, he should be honorably added to the all-star roster.

But this confirmed my belief that NBA commissioner David Stern, who is responsible for the globalization of basketball but also doesn’t think Lin should even be participating in the Rising Stars Challenge featuring rookies and sophomore players on Friday night of All-Star weekend – in fairness – is keeping to his standards. There is a general rule for a last-minute invitation for a meaningless event, but every now and then, it’s not bad breaking the rules and adding a player to the event that agog fans are excited to see after watching Lin’s marveled journey.

In fact, when looking at his achievements – which we have often witnessed with all the swirling hype of his overnight sensation, one might argue that Lin definitely belongs in the All-Star game. If anything, he has ripened into a true point guard and fulfilled an NBA spectacle. For what we’ve seen in the past weeks, it’s become a feel-good story in basketball, so he’s worthy of playing in next weekend’s events and should be given the opportunity to step on the court with the best-represented studs in the league.

It’s refreshing to see someone come from out of nowhere and develop into an NBA star, and a selfless individual who deserves every bit of good future. Even if he barely rose to the occasion, Lin continues to prove he is a complete ballplayer with the intangibles of an ideal playmaker, leading the New York Knicks to seven straight victories that have pretty much stunned populace all over. Maybe the folks should realize Lin, which has been the hottest commodity in the NBA as the first Taiwanese American to play in the professional ranks, that he is America’s feel-good story.

It’s not a difficult decision right now, certainly not for Lin and the Knicks – this is the point in time when we should appreciate what he’s brought to the game – providing aspiration and exhilaration. It isn’t quite fair to exclude Lin from the All-Star festivities, but it is nonetheless, the teams have already been selected by the league assistant coaches and, in fairness, Stern probably has no intent in snubbing another player for a burgeoning guard who came out of nowhere in recent weeks. Just as importantly, he is the ultimate dictator, Stern, that is – a man who has full control of the league that almost plunged into a disaster from the prolonged lockout to result in a condensed season. He has ruled an association for quite some time now, and nonetheless, Stern has a strong influence on the NBA under his regime. It wasn’t long ago, for example, that he and the league vetoed a trade to shoot down a blockbuster trade for the Lakers.

And now this … yes, he has the all the power in the world, when it comes to the basketball empire. It’s his call, which means he has the final word on whether or not Lin is deserving to play in the All-Star game and be about of the NBA’s biggest weekend. It would be, in a year that he has absorbed our attention and stunned us with his sudden emergence, a lifelong dream for Lin to play in an exhibition game. This time around, only if Lin plays – of course – the presence of the first ever Asian American could boost TV ratings and the game’s brand.

Ten days until the game in Orlando, an announcement should come no later than Monday on whether he’s an all-star participant. There’s should be no doubt that he deserves to play in it, because in reality, he rightfully so belongs in it – incredibly exceeding his role as a complete point guard to reach this point in his heartwarming career. It took only a week for him to become a superstar in New York, where he is already treated like a celebrity and braced for salvaging an unfulfilled and moribund season.

This wasn’t anticipated from a player cut twice in such an unpredictable career. This wasn’t expected from a player from the Ivy League, an athlete who is probably smart at reading textbooks and studying the concepts of mathematics and law studies, but it happened all so quickly and now he has proven that he deserves a spot in the Feb. 26 All-Star Game. What’s unbelievable about Lin, of course, is he’s done things that’s never, ever been done before in NBA existence. Yeah, we should note he scored more points than any player in NBA history, since the 1976 NBA-ABA merger. Obviously, it feels like a fun-loving tale written each day in the league.

When Lin left us engaged and awed, he scored as many as 89 points in his first three games and immediately was viewed as the savior of the Knicks, but he’s not worthy of the All-Star game. That right there is shocking. When he left he had a shooting spectacle and enticed spectators at Madison Square Garden, as we not only witnessed his utmost performance to prove he’s a scorer with unprecedented accomplishments that can’t be ignored or else consider it an insult. It’s a disappointment, a huge disappointment if he’s not invited to the festivities next weekend when he scored an overwhelming 136 points in his first five games – to be exact.

That’s how well he has played – proving to me he’s a terrific point guard producing the unthinkable of something that’s never been done in league history, which means he’s All-Star material – whether you like it or not. There’s no sugarcoating that he’s 5-0 while scoring 20-plus points in five of those games. This has been a unique story in its own way, partly because Lin is Asian American and has lifted a lackluster franchise midway in the season that now seems hopeful. It’s a reason the Knicks have won all seven games, mind you, without the services of Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire for most of them as well. That’s why you hear all the Linsanity of late.

It’s Lin, folks.

It means we should see Lin next Sunday playing in the exhibition game that no player ever takes seriously.

Jeremy Lin Comes From Out of Nowhere to Jolt NBA

He is absolutely for real. Real as he is advertised by the local media and New York tabloids. By now, the world is glued to Jeremy Lin -- the man of the hour, the latest phenomenon in the NBA -- scoring a career-high 38 points and leading the New York Knicks to a 92-85 victory Friday night.

When he made the grander statement than Kobe Bryant, arguably the greatest ballplayer of our generation, the roars were earsplitting and electrifying in the world's most famous arena -- the Madison Square Garden, of course, where he intrigued the world with a Linsanity masterpiece. The more he smiled and the further I was impressed with Lin's striking performance, I am left to believe that the swirling hype of Linsanity is not a fluke but real after all.

Everyone was standing on their feet in the Garden -- including the celebrities courtside, and witnessed the emergence of the latest commodity in the league. Uh, yeah, a star was born in New York. That star, indeed, was Lin, the first ever Taiwanese American to play in the NBA. If you didn't know Lin, you know him now after last night's surprising shot making and playmaking in front of a national audience to remarkably overawe us under the lights of the world's most renowned venue. But, as hard as it is to believe, Lin is coming into his own, not afraid to step into the spotlight for a demanding sports city that expects much from its star players.

If any superstar underachieves, well, then, the local media won't hesitate to criticize a struggling athlete, which places a tremendous amount of pressure on him as expectations largely are there. Playing in a city where much weight is on athletes' shoulders, the pressure and ridiculous hype has not bothered Lin -- the NBA standout from Harvard University, an Ivy League school best known for the starting point of U.S. presidency, or even the foundation for a career in the law offices of Jacoby & Meyers. The drama on Broadway, also known as Linsanity, is far from over. It's actually about Lin right now, if no one else, appreciated for turning around an underachieving team, doing it without an injured Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, who left the team on Monday after his older brother, Hazell, was tragically killed in a car crash.

Anybody who doesn't believe in Lin, that he's not convincing and nothing but hype because of his ethic background, wasn't watching him in the fast break or him burying mid-range shots Friday night. This is what I call his breakout performance, coming against a winning franchise with one of the all-time greats, the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe. Tempted as you are to doubt him, refusing to refer to him as a superstar or an authentic hero who could possibly save the Knicks disastrous season from suffocating, Lin is now everyone's new talking point. He deserves credit for 28.5 points and 8.3 assists during the Knicks current four-game winning streak, essentially doing it without Anthony and Stoudemire in three games.

He wanted to play in the NBA -- very, very much, obviously, and now he is soaring after he was given an opportunity in New York, where he's found a home and has been welcomed. So now, here is Lin, an Asian-American, who couldn't find a role in the league and had been cut twice before the Knicks picked him up. What Lin has done the past few weeks is unbelievable, which makes this such a sweet NBA novelty, capturing everyone's attention, seizing the fame on Broadway. When the suitors came calling -- and his services were useful to the Knicks as a fruitless team trying to find ways to reduce the misery and win games -- Lin was the kid, living the NBA dream. It's the best fit for him, able to start at point guard and prove to us nationally that he's an NBA star on the rise.

There's no doubt in our minds his Harvard classmates are studying the complex academic work in law school, but Lin is soaring in the NBA -- providing hope and much promise for the Knicks as we, by now, believe in the best story happening in basketball. All of a sudden, the Knicks are optimistic they can dismiss a bleak season of injuries and inconsistencies on defense, with the aid of Lin, who is now running the back court, setting up plays for his Knicks' teammates in which everyone around him is more efficient and better in coach Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo offense.

In recent weeks, he has taken the whole world by surprise, no doubt, the center of attention in New York, particularly after Friday night when he climbed from anonymity to stardom. What's not to love about Lin -- an exceptional player with finesse and a gift to play basketball? His presence alone, being that he's the first Asian American to play professionally, can inspire many Asian Americans to chase a lifelong dream in the NBA. For most cultures, as is always the case, it normally influence more kids to participate and become involve with the sport by sticking with it and never giving up.


It's been fun to watch Lin emerge in a game where many Asians haven't gained significant prosperity, but as we know now, he may have changed it for the better. There is not much talent in New York, without Carmelo or Amar'e, but Lin has brought energy and aspiration that was missing for the depleted Knicks, who were having an awful season until Lin arrived to rescue them from absolute destruction. Lin, ladies and gentlemen, is more than just a sensation and could very well be the next valuable point guard in the Knicks future, if he continues his impressive scoring and abilities to dominate flawlessly as the team's floor general.

This is all from a guy who was waived twice after the enduring lockout. This is all from a guy who came from nowhere and was in the fourth spot on the Knicks' point guard depth chart, but always refused to quit and found a home on the East Coast. The sudden rise has captivated Asian Americans and the NBA in general, the one player featured in headlines across the country for making the claim that he is worthy of establishing a foundation in the competitive market of pro basketball. He's dribbling the ball, shooting the ball, creating scoring opportunities, and before you know it, he'll be seen on the next label of an endorsement deal -- whether it's Nike or McDonald's.

And if he continues to play impressively, he could even be noticed globally and outside of America where he is now the talk all over, not only in New York but also nationally. What a night in the Garden, as roaring fans raised signs of him, quickly becoming obsess with the humbled 23-year-old guard, making a vintage Lin feel right at home. The noise of thunderous roars echoed through the building and fans shouted MVP chants, while he gave the spectators something to watch, something to be amazed by, something to cheer for when New Yorkers witnessed a revolutionary ballplayer, an assassin stunningly outscoring Kobe in a surprising duel. He finished the night -- and you can shake your head and blink your eyes in disbelief -- with 38 points and seven assists in a statement game.

This was supposed to be the night that Bryant have a shooting display at the Garden, where he once settled for 61 points to break Bernard King's scoring record for the most points ever scored by a player in that arena. This was supposed to be the night that Bryant outduel Lin. But on this evening, Lin exceeded all the hype on national television, averaging 76 points in his previous three games before meeting the Lakers. The Knicks, after winning four straight games, improved to 12-15 and certainly are in the playoff picture, as long as they keep climbing with Lin largely leading the team. All of this happened when he saw action against the New Jersey Nets on Feb. for which the Knicks had ran out of options at the point guard position.

And, indeed, Lin made the best of that opportunity, by scoring 25 points and amassing seven assists and responded rather strikingly that earned him a spot in the starting lineup. It's amazing to have to admit that he has scored 89 points, the most points among any NBA player in his first three starts since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976-77. Although he's an NBA player working hard of late, he spends most of his nights on the couch of his brother's, a graduate dental student at New York University, but if he keeps delivering soft jump shots, spinning drives and skilled passes, Lin could potentially be signed to a long-term, million-dollar deal.

What we have seen is Linsane, a Lin-ing streak that has the New York folks buzzing in this empire state of excitement and surprises. There's so much hype, and buzz, the kind of attention surrounding a player for drilling 13 of 23 field goals Friday, including 2 of 4 from three point range. It's suddenly a good vibe at the Madison Square Garden, as Lin, the league's sensation who came out of nowhere, stunned Bryant on a night he finished with 34 points, hitting just 11 of 29 shots.

"I think it's a great story," Bryant said. "It's a testament to perseverance, hard work, and I think it's a good example for kids everywhere. I'm sure he's certainly put a great deal of work in. He's always had that belief in himself, and he just now has the opportunity to do it. I think it'll be fun for the city here, obviously. Once they get Melo back and Amar'e back, it should be a lot of fun here."

This is a great story, a tale of superstardom.

Early on, Lin scored nine of the Knicks' first 13 points, either scoring or passing on their first 15. As we've seen so often from the Lakers, they can't defend the pick-and-roll. The Lakers tried everything to disrupt him, but couldn't stop Lin's hot shooting in the Garden, bringing much fun to the spectators -- including director Spike Lee sitting courtside. By the fourth quarter, Bryant started to find his swagger and hit jumpers from every angle on the floor, but it wasn't enough to slow down Lin. He wasn't given a chance with the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets, but was given that chance with the Knicks, coming from out of nowhere to excite us, alarm us, and entertain us. The Rockets and Warriors now realize they both made bad moves by cutting Lin loose.

"He's not a fluke," Knicks center Tyson Chandler said.

No, he's not. He's on the rise. That's for damn sure.

When it was a bit too late, Bryant buried a double-clutch fallaway jumper and was foul for a three-point play that reduced the lead to 86-78 with four minutes left, but then came Lin attacking like a wild animal on the prowl.

After the Lakers had beaten the Celtics in overtime, Bryant said, "no idea what you guys are talking about" referring to Lin, who he played against last night.

I'm sure Bryant, including the whole world, knows who the hell Lin is now.

Camelo Anthony Scorches in Brilliant Masterpiece, but It Wasn't Enough

He walked off the floor with a feeling of displeasure, mourning over the resemblance of an absolute collapse in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series the other night, bothered with the sudden tottering in the postseason by falling short in the final minutes.

He slowly proceeded into the tunnel, gazed in disgust and tiredness, shock his head in disbelief, then screamed in frustration that suddenly hinders the New York Knicks of occupying improbability for an association with the slogan, "Where Amazing Happens!!!" Although Carmelo Anthony is satisfied to be a resident of New York, where he declared his citizenship and resides these days growing up in a place that culturally is attached to street hoops, he's not too upbeat with the fatality shown against Boston.

Wearing a white towel around his waist, he laid flat on his back on a table in the somber locker room attended to by two physical trainers. After a painful loss, tired by the anxiety of aloneness without forming a bona fide trio alongside an inactive Amar'e Stoudemire and the veteran Chauncey Billups, he was treated as the trainers soothed his muscles

The virulent twist, coming in the aftermath of the Knicks hurtful 96-93 loss trailing the series 2-0 in the playoff series against the Boston Celtics, is dictated after New York plunged in a less competitive and off balanced series of stunning events Tuesday night. For one of the richest franchises on the planet that resides in the Big Apple, as Knicks owner James Dolan invests in his enormous payroll, New York has been in for a rude awakening when it became apparent that the Bockers were no match for the well-experienced and tenacious Celtics.

Business is earnest, especially for the talented forward, a fixture for the Knicks' future as he evolves into a superstar and the beloved celebrity in New York, welcomed home with open arms for uplifting an unstable franchise out of clutters. Yet he carries a group of castoffs single-handedly in a lopsided heavyweight match against a much stronger and talented opponent, putting on a spectacular shooting display, burying shots from every angle and pounding the glass skillfully entangled in a flurry of anguish, the Knicks stood aghast on the floor in the deafening TD Garden worried in a panic mode.

As the shaky Knicks are fading in the Celtics' shadows, defenseless and disarmed from ripening with Stoudemire limited with a sore back and Billups sidelined because of a knee injury, Anthony delivered in one of the breathless postseason performances even after New York had fallen short by the lack of effort from an inefficient supporting cast. That in turn assures an early exit for the Knicks -- although the development of Anthony reinserted a factual psyche within a franchise familiar with playoff deeds and the posture of cultivating excellence in essence of producing an agenda for putting together a mental state.

When he transformed instantly into a megastar who built stardom in one of his theatrical nights, presenting an unreal scenario and unleashing another side of his transcendent performance, he earned regards. Before tip off, no one ever imagined Anthony putting on a shooting clinic in the decisive game of the series, no one ever imagined 'Melo shining as the franchise star that nearly demolished the Celtics. The monstrous shooting, from everywhere on the floor after dropping in difficult and abnormal attempts, was almost the turning point in the Knicks rebuilding process.

But when the subtle night revolves around one player to lead the Knicks in the brightest series of these playoffs, brightening much of the odds in pulling off the grander upset with a workable plot done by Anthony, then it seems anything is bound to happen on Broadway this season. And really, who knows if the Knicks have enough to match the Celtics' energy and swagger, bullying 'Melo and company by their experience and veteran know-how? It is well established, by his all-time statistical results, that Anthony is the primary star and ripened into a team leader, one who can implement the collectivity of gusto, soul and chemistry.

By scoring a mere 42 points, accompany with 17 rebounds and six assists, Anthony madly played a brand of productive basketball but his teammates were absent and lacked existence on the parquet floor and inside a building with countless championship banners. So clearly in the aftermath of another outrageous collapse, a mesmerizing breakthrough for 'Melo, wasn't enough to garner a must-needed victory. In the midst of the Knicks magical apex, yearning for a chance at a slew of fineness in the postseason by pulling off an upset in the first round to defeat the defending Eastern Conference champs, a creative and prolific style of subtlety was ousted ever since Mike D'Antoni became the head coach in New York.

So openly, for a head coach who is a former Italian basketball star, known for his expertise in instituting an up-tempo offense, D'Antoni was responsible for the mental lapse the other night when he designed a play that wasn't executed properly and went to Anthony's hands after shooting merely 1-for-11 in the second half of the first game of the series. This time, his heroic deeds were needed thrust in the position to play like a superstar, including a charismatic leader that reduces the vein of disenchantment among supporters of a passionate sports community, suddenly panicking as the Knicks fight for survival.

In the town of his birthplace, he is regarded as one of the epic superstars for a town where the folks witnessed Bernard King and Patrick Ewing, not only Spike Lee sitting courtside either petrified or emotionally excited over the Knicks. There is strong evidence that he's having lots of fun in this series, a vintage player for the Knicks as Anthony has carried the weight on his shoulders. This is what he wanted all along, an opportunity to migrate in New York, where basketball is played religiously at Rucker Park for street basketball events.

This is where he calls home, and ever since he made the transition to New York, he took accountability for the leadership role and grown mightily into a superstar. This is where he wanted to play, for a highly marketed franchise and claim the spotlight in a Bockers uniform. But what comes with joining a professional franchise in the Big Apple are the ramifications of getting lambasted in local tabloids for such a paltry shooting performance or dropping down 2-0 in the series.

His plans were to arrive in New York and compile championships in the near future, uttering that he desires to be a winner but also wants to play for a well-known franchise in the NBA and reside at home. While it's ultimately evident that he is trying to reach a global pinnacle in basketball, similar to LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, he is insisting that he is craving to resuscitate life for a community awed in witnessing his impact on the Knicks' recent prosperity.

As it turns out, no star earned more praise than Anthony for playing so splendidly with a lethargic supporting cast. The series is far from over, but if the Knicks wish to survive, they'll need contributions from Jared Jeffries, Roger Mason and Landry Fields particularly. It's too bad that Toney Douglas is inexperience, not really groomed to provide inspirational messages or act like a floor general. It's too bad that Anthony Carter isn't a great point guard.

There's no way the Knicks can continue to depend on Anthony by himself, who is handling the heavy task alone without reinforcements from his role players or fellow megastars. So here was Anthony channeling his Bernard King, a resemblance of Kings epic Game 5 against the Pistons in 1984, but it is vital that he nails the game-winner at the end of the game and take matters into his own hands if he wants to be the superstar fond of playing on the biggest stage. The chorus of criticism is now being heard after Anthony mistakenly threw a pass to his teammate Jeffries, without attempting the final shot in hopes it would have fallen in for the game-winning shot.

But in a way, this was the Celtics' defensive toughness that Doc Rivers emphasizes so cleverly, hindering Anthony from launching a jump shot in the final minutes when Celtics head coach sent Glen Davis over to work with a pesky Paul Pierce and double-teamed Anthony for which he was unstoppable in a one-on-one battle. With the usual execution defensively, the Celtics pestered Anthony and forced him to pass the ball and, out of all people, he found Jeffries for the shot. And with only 19.3 seconds remaining, he drove and rose in traffic to lay it in and gave the Knicks a one-point advantage. But the Celtics wasted no time in answering back, when Kevin Garnett capitalized on a jump hook in the paint six seconds later, a momentum boost that suddenly shifted the complexion for the Knicks.

It was all Anthony, until he decided to pass the ball, in the finest moment of his career when he should have actually shot it. This time, he was unwilling to fire the biggest shot by playing selflessly in the highly critical game of the series as the stakes were higher than ever. Perhaps, he was too selfless in a game he displayed a masterful performance. This was his to take over, for what was another missed opportunity. It could have been one of the greatest nights, a point in time when 'Melo capped one of those brilliant showpieces of the ages. In other news, his incredible masterpiece reminded us of Clyde Frazier, Willis Reed and, um, King.

"I kind of had it going tonight," Anthony said.

He had it going, but it's too bad he couldn't win it.

Even If Knicks Gave Away Promising Talent, Carmelo Anthony Installs Prominence

For now, anyway, it's about survival for the New York Knicks, an urban community that can finally sigh relief with the Carmelo Anthony acquisition to significantly cease the perpetual drama in the Big Apple, to diminish the mystery of uncertainty amidst the melodrama and even to abate prolonged and strange rumors which had been fueled by the over-hyped business issues.

This isn't the same team that we saw at the beginning of the season, not after the Knicks wisely chose to upgrade its roster, not after the Knickerbockers pulled off a massive deal, probably one of the most blockbuster deals in franchise history, for an opportunity, a chance to contend in the Eastern Conference.

All of a sudden, as the NBA advances near the midway point, the Knicks resurrected, and for once, aren't a mortal franchise deprived of talent or a shot to rise to preeminence or even into top-notch contention, maybe not this season, but a couple of seasons from now, if the Knicks manufacture talented role players to supplement in the company of a legit superstar tandem.

It's as if a party visited Broadway for a celebration to welcome the Knicks newest addition, and as it all ended so sweetly for New York; owner James Dolan finally relaxed after he won the Anthony sweepstakes over the Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov and his cryptic Nets. Tens of thousands of New Yorkers poured onto the streets, perhaps to crowd the busiest location in the urban town, thrilled over the business deal that sent Anthony to the Knicks, tempted to dispatch a horrid era of woes and heartaches when traditionally the franchise was once well-known in the NBA.

It was all done by Dolan, one of the richest owners in the league, when he moved late Monday night to put a halt to the drama that lingered forever it seemed. That's how the Knicks were brilliant buyers and also granted Anthony his wish to play in New York, a place that will uplift his professional status. It's the opposite of Denver, a place he called home, but he truly had the enthusiasm to join the Knicks and had regularly begged to migrate to the East Coast.

Thing is, if he had never pulled the trigger and traded for 'Melo, Dolan would have clearly been lambasted for turning down a proposed deal from the Denver Nuggets in hopes to obtain Anthony. Point is, if he had never aggressively invited in offers for the availability of the targeted star on the market, Dolan would have obviously been labeled a moron for not constructing a deal to lure Anthony to Broadway, where he'll be a primary asset for a revitalized basketball team that obliges fans.

There's no doubt that the Knicks needed Anthony, just as much as he really wanted to wear a Knicks uniform, that fans implored for him and he wanted to form a sturdy nucleus with Stoudemire. All along, the Knicks were one player away from climbing into contention, and with Anthony, a clutch superstar and one of the centerpieces to the recreation of a championship-caliber team, New York has reclaimed relevancy and ended abysmal disasters.


The reality is that the mediocrity has faded away, as the Knicks are at long last, relevant by the creation of strong talent to frighten its opponents if they dominate at will. What could be a way to bolster the likelihood of a championship, is clearly the main attraction on Broadway, particularly if he delivers the prize to New York. The fear of gambling a promising lineup wasn't a problem for Dolan, a brave chairman who decided to trade his stars in the future in exchange for Anthony, the Brooklyn-born All-Star forward and former Syracuse star.

When he chose to send his promising stars elsewhere, mostly anxious to win a title sooner than later, the Knicks theoretically vaulted to the top of a premier franchise. For months, as we know already, Anthony had aimed to be a resident of the Knicks, and indeed, his dream came true after all. Growing up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, he was optimistic that he'd suddenly land with the Knicks as they plan to retool in what has been a rebuilding mode.

It's apparent that the Knicks ambitious plan to likely bring in either Chris Paul or Deron Williams next season is the next priority, when Dolan was dauntless to do away with point guard Raymond Felton, 26, although he averaged 17 points and 9.0 assists. That is, of course, only a bit of the nucleus lost. The price for Anthony was steep, but the Knicks are winners after all and benefited in the end.

This forced Dolan to make drastic maneuvers in which he traded his two talented forwards. He shipped off Danilo Gallinari, a sharpshooter who had posted nearly 16 points a game, and he sent away Wilson Chandler in that deal also, a shooter who was having a breakthrough season. Throw in his rookie center Timofey Mozgov, who was sent to the Nuggets.

So mostly, the Knicks mortgaged the team's future to take a gamble on 'Melo, daring enough to threw in his club's 2014 first-round pick, two second-round picks it possessed next year and in 2013 from the Warriors, $3 million in cash. Alas, he could have sadly ruined his relationship with veteran general manager Donnie Walsh, a mastermind who may opt to leave after he had disapproved of selling much of its current roster.

Was Dolan listening to Isiah Thomas, the juvenile manipulator and instigator? Maybe he took advice from a former NBA personality with no coaching personality whatsoever. Maybe he's close to rehiring Thomas, coach of Florida International University, a mediocre basketball program with no driven mindset or spirit.

If he does rehire Thomas, we can imagine the dispirited souls of basketball fans in Time Square and the local tabloids ridiculing the outrageous decisions. Meanwhile, the Knicks received Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Renaldo Balkman and Anthony Carter. In a three-way deal, obviously, the Knicks traded Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry to the Minnesota T-Wolves and will reportedly send Corey Brewer in return.

The awful thought of it is the Knicks gave up all of this for Anthony, and in all honesty, the Nuggets amazingly earned more in return, although the Knicks win the 'Melo sweepstakes. So this deal won't be a waste by the offseason, Anthony is expected to be given a three-year, $65 million extension. The addition of Billups is useful for the fact that he provides veteran leadership, but at the age 34, he is well past his prime.

The folks on Seventh Avenue will still celebrate for, surprisingly, the stud Landry Fields, an impressive rookie, who wasn't part of such a colossal package. Although he's the star player everybody in New York longed for, Walsh had not expressed interest in Anthony and didn't envision him in the future plans.

Whatever anybody believes, the Knicks improves greatly, without question.

Carmelo Anthony Rumors Spoils NBA All-Star Party

LOS ANGELES—Not often that a party for the NBA shines in downtown Los Angeles for an entire weekend, unless of course the Lakers are celebrate a championship with another glorified victory parade. Other than that, there's rarely a moment when the devoted big city host a party so exciting like this one.

Los Angeles is at a cultural standpoint for embracing the sport if nothing else; Staples Center has been the origin to host the NBA All-Star festivities in a city of mural arts in which many tourists flock to visit famous landmarks in Hollywood.

The NBA All-Star game has stolen the landscape this weekend, well to some extent, but nonetheless not as much as anticipated. If no one realizes what has been taken place of late, weary of hearing the insanity with the Carmelo Anthony rumors swirling around the league faster than a buzzer-beater dropping through the net, the buzz has reached a point of silliness as the NBA season has advanced near the midway point and it seems the New York Knicks and the New Jersey Nets are undecided to exercise in proposed deals.

It's a no-brainer to grasp that such a glamorous event, almost coincidentally, is veiling amidst the facades of the melodrama and endless rumors of the Melo trade talks. Even more so, it's also a notion that the Knicks are leaning towards the realm of his availability, earnest to acquire Anthony and truly are ready to break away from the mediocrity and revamp the promising franchise around Amar'e Stoudemire.

So now, waiting calmly to see where he lands before the trade deadline comes to a close, we are brainwashed by the chatter. It's said that he'll join the Knicks, once a mortal franchise, by the end of this weekend. With any luck on a new team, it would be no surprise to see Anthony in a Knicks uniform, affiliated with a wealthy organization surrounded by gifted stars. It's obvious, for sure, now justified as prime contenders in the league, that the Knicks are aiming for Anthony to form a fearsome tandem, one of the best in the Eastern Conference.

When it comes to drama of potential transitions in the NBA, it features Anthony and the Nets, even if the Knicks always have been a perfect suitor for the coveted forward. The fuss has drawn much controversy lately, and now, he is clearly the one player discussed in the news. All along, he has desired to play for the Knicks, but from the scheme of things, it seems as if he's on his way to the New Jersey Nets when the Denver Nuggets reached a tentative agreement on Friday to send Anthony to the Nets.

Evidently, as he has the leverage in this delirium, he'd be pressured to agree to sign a $65 million contract extension with the Nets. Over the weekend, hopefully a sense of relief to tone down the volume a bit, he is expected to meet with Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov here in Los Angeles during the All-Star weekend. Keep in mind, there's another team anxious to bring aboard Carmelo. And once before, if you can recall, he has shown much passion in joining the Knicks, no longer a receded franchise owned by the billionaire Dolan, optimistic he could rejuvenate life inside the Madison Square Garden.

The most respected venue in the world craves for thrills and infinite zeal from potentially the Knicks talented stars, but much of the talent must be dealt in exchange for the top superstar on the market possibly. The fact of the matter is that, particularly at the point when the Knicks have excelled with the likes of Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari and even Landry Fields, the team fears losing out on tremendous star power for one player and has been unsuccessful in constructing a deal.

With such magical endowment, the Knicks aren't sabotaged finally and their personality illustrates they are in contention in which a well-known celebrity by the name of Spike Lee owns courtside seats, elated for the resurrection of his favorite ball team in the NBA. Besides a trade in the next 24 hours, if it ever does happen, it's hard to believe anything. Rumor has it, this is nothing but a draining rumor, exhaustion that has lasted eternally to peeve our minds, having us wonder what team he'll eventually call home for the rest of the season.

This is a topic that everyone has blabbered about, guessing repeatedly on where he'll wind up, again if he is ever placed on the market. The Nets are clearly in the Melo sweepstakes and appear to be the frontrunners, desperately wanted in New Jersey, not only to transform the identity but to improve the Nets and inflate ticket sells with the attraction of a superstar capable of epically putting on a display. The behind-the-scene business is hazy for this All-Star weekend, and all of us are sick and tired of hearing the rumors, the nonsense and the absurdity.

As a writer, it's difficult for any reporter to turn down useful specifics, but believing all things has caused a national disturbance in the NBA, and Anthony owns the limelight this weekend. Pretty soon, if the Knicks or Nets are quick in putting together a reasonable deal for Anthony, the obnoxious storyline will fade out of the equation by Feb. 24. The theory is, every team interested is unsure about the potential acquisition, but the Knicks essentially begs for Anthony in the middle of negotiations allegedly.

This is a city still mourning the sadness of losing on LeBron James last summer when he became a free agent and bailed on Cleveland to take his talents to South Beach. This is a city that has witnessed a gloomy era, worthless of woeful troubles and had been painfully disrespected for years, but so were the Nets after returning from a disillusioned season a year ago, suddenly rebuilt with a phenomenal nucleus. It's even better that he can play with Brook Lopez, the seven-footer on the Nets roster and work as a cohesive group under first-year head coach Avery Johnson.

The framework of a blockbuster package for Anthony is close to getting done, a deal that sends him, Chauncey Billups, Melvin Ely, Renaldo Balkman and Shelden Williams to the Nets for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, Troy Murphy, Ben Uzoh and four first-round draft picks, according to sources. For whatever reason, the Eastern Conference GM believes honestly the Nuggets might as well hold on to Anthony instead of accepting a below-value offer.

"I don't understand why Denver would take any offer from Knicks relative to just keeping him," the GM said. "The Nets deal at least gives them something. I think it's the Nets deal, or Denver keeps him."

What he'll bring to either team, quite simply, is symbolic goodness in a league that prefers a competitive nature of the sphere of pro basketball. Whether he was vilified after he had been too wishy-washy on his trade status, but now willing to leave the Nuggets. Whether it was his constant suggestions on where he'll like to finish out his career or play in the near future, he'll be welcomed immediately and be an asset of the inner city.

There is a certain belief, on the verge of another flashy generation for a league built on star power and the imagery of superstars, that Knicks president Donnie Walsh badly would like to trade for Anthony. That's how much experience he has in the league, rightfully so, in which he could coax Anthony to join the next generation in New York. Better yet, which perhaps has defined his legacy as a team executive, for years of course, he's been creative in pulling the trigger and owns a gratifying resume of maintenance and conservation, but deprived of an NBA championship. Maybe, probably, Carmelo is his guy.

Please let him be someone's guy.

Just so we can move on, trade for him already.

Patrick Ewing Jr. Signs with Knicks: Can It Really Be Like Father Like Son?

NEW YORK—The New York Knicks signed a familiar face and a face that brought back memories a decade ago. They signed Patrick Ewing Jr., again. As a start out of Georgetown, the Knicks signed him to a deal. Terms of the deal were not announced, according to the reports.

Ewing Jr. was drafted by the Sacramento Kings as the 43rd overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft. After a series of transactions, Ewing Jr. was acquired by a team where his father became a star: The New York Knicks. However, he would play in the Development League and he missed all of last season due to injuries.

During this year's Summer League with New York, Ewing Jr. averaged 4.8 points per game. The Knicks look to give him another shot and hope to develop him into a hopeful star like his father once was, who is now an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic and making Dwight Howard into a star.

The more elder Ewing would have a Hall-of-Fame career, most notably with the Knicks and ended his career with the Seattle SuperSonics and the Magic. He would also be elected as an eleven-time All-Star. In my opinion, Ewing stands as one of the Top 20 players in the history of the National Basketball Association. I also rank him the number one player to never win a ring.

The signing of Ewing Jr. brings the Knicks' roster to 15 players, which is the maximum. With this, New York's roster is all set and ready for the regular season on paper.

But it brings to a prediction: Can the Knicks make Ewing Jr. develop like his father? Can the "Father Like Son" scenario really work here in Madison Square Garden Arena? It's a really good possibility. Ewing Jr. is raw and has only been in the NBA for two years. For real, he is actually entering his second year of professional basketball.

Playing with the Knicks is a great way to start off. The 26-year-old can make a difference, despite his small size at power forward: 6'8" and 240 pounds. He has great athleticism. Now it most probably will be for sure that he won't be a Hall-of-Famer and not develop into what his father was, unless if there was some sudden miracle. But he can be an important contributor and maybe one of the best bench players. A Sixth Man of the Year award sometime in his career could definitely be in the making.

Who knows? Maybe he can be one of the Top 100 players of all-time. Maybe he can go as far as Top-50. Ewing Jr. really does bring a lot of hope, however. When he played the D-League Knicks' affiliate, the Reno Bighorns, Ewing Jr. flourished with 16.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 30 games playing with them.

Ewing Jr. could really be something special in my opinion. I like his chances. But right now, it's too early to tell and I am getting ahead of myself.

But there is hope. And a lot of it.

Knicks Could Implode With Isiah Thomas Rehiring, James Dolan Is to Fault

There is, no doubt, a dumbfounded surprise immensely is purging the feasibility of the recovery on a wealthy franchise. But with impetuously pulling off bad choices to solidify an uncompetitive texture, the New York Knicks, a team tormented of Isiah Thomas’ acquisitions and lawsuit in his regime as an executive running a mediocre organization, is constantly punctuated by troubles or afflictions that dismantle hopefulness.

In retrospect, the return of Thomas is utterly repulsive and risky as the Knicks are seeking to rebuild as a prime contender and escape the disastrous letdowns. With any improvement in a doomed culture, the daunting assignment of revamping an unfavorable team is to assign someone other than Thomas the consultant role.

But evidently, however, the Knicks are foolishly trusting in a heedless and insidious man who stifled the Knicks on the possibilities of rising as a flourishing contender in the Eastern Conference. So often it’s the devastating egos that threatens, and then suddenly ruptures a developing team with all the drama.

He is, without debate, a consultant for the Knicks, but could potentially sabotage the pursuit of a reconstructed organization and could malign the team’s image. The most impressive thing about this confusing hiring, though, is what was on the mind of owner James Dolan, who wrongly allowed Thomas to rejoin the Knicks and employed an embattled executive to endure in making all the drastic advancements and decision-making. That’s genuinely not such an exceptional idea when he is reputed to be the next general manager and demand much credit in the front office, despite that he is disapproved and chastised for greatly embarrassing and slaughtering the Knicks.

If ever there were a less stubborn and inattentive ownership, the reunion with Thomas would have never happened. By reputation, he wouldn’t have qualified, and shouldn’t have been hired in the first place for leaving behind stains and heavy burdens when his successor, Donnie Walsh, arrived to eradicate destruction that had poisoned and hindered the persistent vanity of reaching unbelievable heights.

Therefore, the truth is that Thomas is ultimately justified as someone who arrogantly initiates confrontation and divides a unified core, even though he assembled a fairly reliable team, but in the end, it collapsed as players abruptly left to avoid the discontent and verbal feuds. Why must the Knicks, as one of the wealthiest enterprises with an intellectual chairman, bring aboard the instigating and adolescent Thomas, who rapidly dragged down the assurance?


Consider it a misfortune, at a time the Knicks were looking to rise on the NBA scene as a growing and young core, that they chose to rehire Thomas to be affiliated with the team he badly mishandled and let down time and time again. Instead of curing mediocrity and restoring a sense of righteousness, the maniacal feuds between him and former point guard Stephen Marbury delayed the Knicks progress of sprouting as typical opponents.

It’s amazing how no one took notice of the time when a federal court jury found Thomas’ employer, Madison Square Garden and Dolan guilty on a sexual harassment lawsuit. And nonetheless, the Knicks are giving a troubled Thomas a second chance, unwilling to quit on him even when he cost the team $11 million in a shameful lawsuit, and even when he traded the No. 9 pick overall in the 2010 draft to Phoenix in the Marbury deal.

It’s too bad Knicks fans cannot fire Dolan. It’s impossible to fire the chairman of the team, when he possibly wouldn’t fire himself until he sells the team. But as long as Dolan is the owner of the Knicks, the disoriented and bombastic franchise will topple. A few days ago, Dolan announced that he allowed Thomas to return, perturbing fans awaiting a postseason appearance, and better yet, a championship appearance.

But none of that is happening anytime soon, and as long as Thomas is voicing the calls, the Knicks fans are faced with sadness, anguish and hopelessness, while anxious to figure out why Dolan is fascinated with Thomas. He’s fortunate the Knicks have handed the general manager gig to him, arguably the most powerful assignment as Dolan continuously engages in pampering Thomas, even when he underachieved and failed constructing a productive team or installing urgency of managing the most dysfunctional team in the NBA.

For nine consecutive seasons, it has been painful to watch and endure the disappointing losses, but now it should be more hurtful to hear the Knicks hand the hardest task and heavy responsibilities to Thomas. In every way, he hadn’t delivered a winning or an efficient team and was unsuccessful in overhauling a lousy team, but was always in disputes with Marbury and unwisely demolished the Knicks when he overpaid Jerome James. It’s still really bonkers that he tossed out unproven money to Eddy Curry. In other words, Dolan is rehiring a fool, a fool, I tell you.

For all the damage he caused, there’s no way in my mind I would have brought back Thomas. Outside of the world’s famous venue, the Madison Square Garden, that is, they should have hung a sign on the door or placed a billboard on a ten-story building nearby that said “NO THOMAS ALLOW, NO BRAIN DEAD IDIOT ALLOW!”

But this hiring is enough to make me nauseated and disgusted, with the Knicks refusing to understand that he didn’t only destroy New York, but the Continental Basketball Association as well. There are red flags, Dolan. However, you ignored everyone. You rehired him. Without reflecting back on the misery, he desperately gave the duties to Thomas, ignoring the availability of Golden State’s GM Chris Mullin, a familiar name that Walsh requested Dolan to hire.

Now that Dolan has similar habits as the Oakland Raiders sullied owner Al Davis, he’s watching a promising franchise attenuate completely by refusing to listen to Walsh demands after he pledged that he would be able to voice all the personnel decisions. Well, he lied. And he whispered sweet things in his hear, and as usual, Walsh fell for it.

It was an elementary strategy for alluring the masterminded architect, but according to reports he is distraught with Thomas rejoining and threatened to quit. In a matter of time, the local tabloids in New York will likely ridicule the Knicks and Dolan for making the dumbest choice by giving Thomas the duties of recruiting and assisting the franchise, as the newspaper stands may become the hottest spot in the urban communities.

There were, however, other candidates more worthy, such as Mullin, Kevin Pritchard or Mark Warkentien, but out of all the potential candidates to fill in the vacancy, he was aroused with Thomas, something I never understood. To put it into perspective, it was a very faulty choice, a regrettable decision that wasn’t worth the hassle.

So now Dolan has confidence that he’ll be a brilliant recruiter, meaning Thomas can talk Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul into joining forces with Amar’e Stoudimire in New York, and eventually he’ll become the general manager. But as we know, Thomas is inept. Dolan is a fool. And I am his worst critic. This is a disadvantage and a downfall, but we can enjoy it before it shrinks greatly. And perhaps, it won’t be very long before it happens.

Good luck.

Knicks Gets Stoudemire Amid Rebuilding Stage, but Need LeBron at Garden

It’s a no-brainer within a doleful sporting community that the biggest and cleverest makeover happening on Fifth Avenue is the New York Knicks, reducing all the ridiculous signings and additions that tragically dragged down the richest franchise for all the ill-advised upgrades.

There’s a brighter chance the Knicks will intensify the volume in New York, louder than the typical opera heard daily on Broadway -- the active location in an urban environment that will soon welcome Amar’e Stoudemire, an aspired superstar ready to contend in a high-market business and hoist a champion. It’s virtually clear that he’s a needful prize amidst a free-agency frenzy, when all the focus swirls around the recruiting bid revolving LeBron James -- the more attractive megastar during the most anticipated free-agent class in NBA history.

And while it’s the biggest class for sale in the market, not to mention the most hype generating mysteries and speculations, the Knicks cleared a bundle of salary-cap space last winter and intended to reach an agreement with James. But it figured that New York was more intrigued in signing a big man to mend the interior game and build a massive post game.

For a very long time, the Knicks lacked a powerful roster and haven't been thrilled by much success since the 1990s era, when they were deeply artistic and effectual and when they had the beneficial pieces such as Patrick Ewing, Allen Houston and John Starks. The local residents in the Big Apple are gushing over Stoudemire, who can sign an enormous contract for five years and worth $100 million no later than Thursday, breathing a sign of relief and having much gratitude in the recent upgrading.

He delivered remarkable dunks in the desert, aggressively ran the floor and had self-awareness, an energized and useful necessity formerly uplifting the Phoenix Suns when he was a resident in the desert the last eight seasons. For those of you not familiar with his productivity and scoring ratio over the last eight years, he had polishing numbers and averaged a staggering 21.4 points per game with a 54.4 field-goal percentage, though he had an easier task sharing the ball with an elite point guard, Steve Nash, who dishes off quality passes and stockpiles assists.

While some are worried whether his prosperous post presence and scoring would descend, Stoudemire can rise and be a remedy on an unlucky franchise that had issues and were delayed by draining misfortunes. Surely, he heightens the chances in Madison Square Garden, despite that he’s not the captivating attraction all New Yorkers admire watching in the world’s most famous venue.

It’s unveiling that he will draw a national audience and expand ticket sales for a depleted crowd within a high-market region, a location where temptations and expectations are immense. No disrespect to Amar’e, but he’s not King James. However, he’s the new addition and a marquee player to earn significant stardom without even officially signing his signature on documents.


It was only a matter of time before the Knicks and Stoudemire reached an agreement, when executives were leaning towards grabbing the 27-year-old center/forward during his tour in the lively town and after spending hours at owner James Dolan’s party last night, all indicators that he was close to finalizing a deal with the Knicks.

As the basketball lords wait anxiously for James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh to decide their futures, Stoudemire toured the sites of the Big Apple and began his pleasant afternoon having brunch with Mike D’Antoni and then glanced at fireworks at Dolan’s summer estate. It was clear that if he had attended a Yankees game, he would have been implored and pampered at the colossal palace where the enthusiastic fans gulp on expensive ribs and purchase a glass of beer, becoming intoxicated before the seventh inning stretch comes.

My guess is that he felt welcomed, sitting behind home plate with his agent, hearing the warm receptions and amiable chants. What’s interesting to see now is whether the Knicks could woo James, who might be willing to join Stoudemire and elevate his legacy in a city where the fans have tampered and recruited for the premier prizes in free agency, realizing Amar'e somewhat has an interior presence and if James does come to New York he can be a counterpart -- but a missing piece that could dismay Cleveland.


While the presence of a global megastar would build a foundation and be an increase in revenue, based on his enthralling accomplishments and proficient traits on the court, he’ll wait until after a three day Nike camp in Akron is over, a festivity he’s hosting for the top high-school recruits.

Realizing that it would be awkward to participate with his native town and work with growing prospects outside of Cleveland, James is expected to make an announcement and sign by the end of the week, whether his new address is at South Beach, at his rocking town, at Brooklyn, or even at Madison Square Garden.

But as of now, the Knicks formally met with Stoudemire to organize a deal that will benefit his living arrangements and solidify his chances to winning a championship. It’s obvious that his presence will make an immediate impact, but it may take a few seasons before the Knicks contend on the grandest platform.

“I feel great about being a pioneer and showing my leadership,” Stoudemire told reporters at Madison Square Garden.

But sometimes there are hidden flaws when you wonder about his blemishes, of course, when it involves Stoudemire, a 6-foot-11 forward who has battled with ailments and defensive inefficiencies. Remember, he had four knee surgeries and microfracture surgery, but played at an all-star level in the postseason as the Suns benefited by his physicality and effort.

Not long ago, they advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time under D’Antoni in Phoenix. With a much-improved Stoudemire, maybe he will tighten the fragile defense and help the Knicks erase their bungles. Last season, the Knicks failed miserably in stopping penetration and defending the perimeter, allowing opponents to shoot a league-best 48.6 percent, the obvious evidence that D’Antoni is best known for his up-tempo style offense.

Some will consider it a risky and ill-advised move by guaranteeing Stoudemire with a max offer. In this situation, it’s not bad to take such a risk, given all the helpless travails and what he can bring to the table, with his incredible size advantage and instrumental force in the middle. If the Suns would have offered him a max contract for five years, and if he was assured a profitable paycheck and more minutes, he may have considered staying in the desert instead of departing elsewhere.

This offseason, the rebuilding project has been done brilliantly, following the clever business plans by president Donnie Walsh and D’Antoni, who both brought much hope to the town two years ago and gave reason for Spike Lee to believe in the rebirth of the Knicks. As for the troubling nonsense in Phoenix, you wonder if Stoudemire can monitor his self-control and attend all team meetings, unlike a few years ago when he was dispirited about undergoing rehab and was careless about his teammates and coaching staff.

There were moments when he felt disengaged and worthless, distancing himself from his teammates and became a cancer within a diverse organization that was bothered by an uproar. But even though he was a saboteur, Stoudemire is solely appreciated and admired heavily for his assurance and energy.

If he wanted, he could be a general manager today, following his announcement that his motive was to persuade San Antonio’s Tony Parker and Denver’s Carmelo Anthony, who are both confident of building a Superteam in New York and playing with Stoudemire -- aiming to win his first title and obtain eminence in a new environment.

His self-proclaimed nickname is STAT—it’s not representing statistics—but signifies how to “Stand Tall and Talented.” At least we know he has matured and mellowed as a reliable teammate, a commodity missing at times in Phoenix and caused much disappointment for his underperformance.

But now, he’s the biggest building block for the Knicks, a gigantic man joining a franchise with a sturdy front-court if the Knicks re-sign center David Lee and hold on to forward Danilo Gallinari. Meanwhile, there are enduring questions whether James will join forces with him and dish off passes, playing alongside Stoudemire, a post-present and pick-and-roll player.

For now, he gives us something to gush over.

LeBron Will Be Free To Move Around The Country, But Where Will He Land?

By midnight, the general public will gather collectively, speculating LeBron James next destination during his free-agency journey as a multitude of franchises implores for his availability and services. Last we heard there were speculations of James signing with the Chicago Bulls, when reportedly sources divulged that a deal was finalized.

Eventually, all of us become curious, even anticipating James to reach a deal in a high-market and valuable franchise in a common town. He downplayed questions regarding his free-agency status and focused on strictly leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA’s biggest spotlight.

It was difficult to tamper against his hometown and a franchise, of course that he deeply supported as a teenager who fostered him as a prominent superstar in the NBA, becoming a hometown savior within an environment that has suffered from grievance and miserable sporting indignities.

With the lingering LeBron-Watch, a fascinating free agent marathon this summer centering all the attention and shining the limelight over James, who is greatly targeted by the Miami Heat in a potential deal, has the potential of building a legitimate powerhouse in South Beach if he mingles with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. It’s quite possible an intelligent deal could transpire when the clock hits midnight, especially when a business is operated aggressively and brilliantly.

The greatest star wants to shine and hoist up multiple championships in the next few year. He’s an essential fragment to the Heat’s rebuilding project in a bottomless free-agency market. Where he plays next season is mysteriously anonymous and unpredictable, but he is theorized to be lured in by architect Pat Riley, the Heat’s general manager who is very optimistic in overhauling futility that has inhibited much realization.

Whatever decision James chooses, he controls the leverage as the attractive megastar in a plentiful free-agent class. As it stands this summer, his next landing-place dictates where an abundant of megastars verbally agrees and eventually finalizes a deal. How people view James, is as a savior when the NBA is entertaining a renaissance age.

In the end, once he becomes a free-agent, all the nonsensical rumors and assumptions will downsize to a minimal. For all the publicity and hearsay, he’ll finally test the market and accept the biggest offer in the making, to silence all the hoopla swirling in the newspaper, on the front page of Internet sites and on the nearest television screen.

There’s one town, in reality, begging for King James—it’s not New York or New Jersey—but it’s Chicago. A city with a gorgeous landscape and passionate sports fanatics waiting for an authentic savior who is priceless in rescuing a perturbed location. At the moment, it’s sensible and benefits in a way, healing the bleak faces and reducing much despair in a community that has seen misfortune over the years, witnessing the biggest sporting travesties the last decade.

Since the end of Michael Jordan’s reign, the Chicago Bulls have diminished miserably, under a turbulent general manager in John Paxson, winning merely one playoff series in 12 years. Every Chicagoan knows the Cubs are an overpaid organization and reeks. Every resident knows the White Sox need to fire the psychotic imbecile Ozzie Guillen. Every local knows the Bears foolishly gambled on a futile Jay Cutler, who's throws into double-coverage raises the tension of the locals willing to sit at Solider Field in the frigid months, witnessing a losing cause.

With all the epic assumptions, he’s the blockbuster name with all teams attempting to bid in the sweepstakes, doing anything possible to improve their franchises. But this is the Bulls sole possession, seemingly a place where he’ll be surrounded with a reliable supporting cast, a blueprint for prevailing in the upcoming seasons and an immense core that he lacked in Cleveland.

After bailing out on James in the postseason, he was driven and had the toughest task, having to conduct the Cavs in a one-sided contest, without getting enough contributions from his grueling teammates. In the meantime, fans are nervously waiting back home, terrified of an emotional departure, abruptly ending the happiest stint that brought bliss to a town the local residents fell in love with for uplifting pertinence. Is he hanging up the FOR SALE SIGN? Absolutely!


He wants to win and other teams want to win. It’s a rarity that a player remains on one team for his entire career because of money and frequent transitions with all the talent exposing terrific balance and resiliency. Wherever he lands, they’ll have to be willing to compromise by given an enormous deal and assembling a solid supporting cast.

If James does leave, he wouldn’t be a traitor or turning against a town that elevated his ego, but the value will decrease and the state will lose tremendous profit. The Cavs ownership will have trouble selling out seats at Quicken Loans Arena and will have difficulty marketing merchandise and player's apparel. Considerably, he’s not selfish or an egomaniac by walking out on his town when he has done all he practically can, and doesn’t owe his hometown residents anything, but is worthy of a championship elsewhere.

These days, a downtown banner in Cleveland overlooks the horizon of the city and reads “Born Here. Raised Here. Plays Here. Stays Here.” The 10-foot story billboard still reads “We Are All Witnesses” a Nike campaign that has apparently been advertised since his grandest arrival. Momentarily, there is silence in a town that has dealt with enough uncertainty and disappointment, witnessing a video that featured Michael Bloomberg pleading heavily for LeBron to come to New York, another potential landing spot in the upcoming weeks.


If he accepts a huge salary, based on whatever team invests the huge bucks, James will likely wind up signing with the franchise that offers the riches. For all we know, as of now, he could very well join with Wade and Bosh in Miami and assemble a singular dynasty or he could establish a career in New York. Keep in mind, his legacy is endangered depending upon where he signs this summer with a franchise that finishes win less in the next few years, while playing in his prime.

Of all the possible candidates he may wear a Bulls uniform and dazzle with a relevant tandem alongside Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, he may storm from the tunnels wearing a Miami uniform to stand as a forceful duo with Wade and he may look stylish in a Knicks uniform and rejuvenate a lackluster organization in Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo offense, while sharing the wealth with David Lee and Danilo Gallinari.

But as a proven megastar, James is worthy of earning millions after he’s endorsed and embraced by the league, regularly unleashing Nike commercial ads whether he’s a puppet or Wise LeBron sitting at the dinner table talking with his cones. When he leaves Cleveland, James will definitely become a part of another team's framework and heighten ticket sales for elevating his legacy and mellowing as the global superstar with his unforeseen attributes and mesmerizing talent.

Sure enough, the Ohio native has emotional afterthoughts about departing from his hometown, but the league is a business and the league is his livelihood, which tells us it’s not time to ponder or feel sympathy about leaving his town and supporters behind. If he goes to the Knicks, they’ll have to negotiate and offer James with the richest deal, unless clearing salary cap space was wasteful.

But for some reason, the Knicks have expressed interest in Hawks shooting guard Joe Johnson, despite knowing that James blends in with a fast-pace offense. After all, Donnie Walsh, the Knicks president of basketball operations, intent was to aggressively bid for James in the summer of 2010. There’s an estimated $34.5 million of salary cap space. It was proposed that the Knicks would offer a max contract to James.

As a way to bribe LeBron to stay in Cleveland, the team has erected its facilities and canned Mike Brown, whose peculiar coaching method didn’t reach James’ criteria, crippled the Cavs of advancing pass the Celtics in the postseason.

And not long ago, Danny Ferry resigned as general manager after five seasons, a stunning development to many. To their advantage, of course, owner Dan Gilbert is a smart businessman who is upgrading and revamping the identity in an underachieving franchise, now persuading the King to stay at home.

As it looks, by far, it wouldn’t be a surprise seeing him contend elsewhere.

LeBron Owes Nothing to Cleveland, But Is Deserving of Title Elsewhere

Every time a big-name free agent is available to test the market or when his season ends woefully and agonizingly, he becomes the biggest curiosity in sports.

There has been much dialogue about Cleveland Cavaliers' star LeBron James, who becomes a free agent July 1. He'll test the market and negotiate with franchises willing to offer riches and more importantly a supporting cast.

If he leaves his hometown and departs to another city, it’s obvious that he desired a change of scenery, riches and/or fame. But understand that James doesn’t owe Cleveland or its fans anything, and has every right to leave his hometown for an opportunity to contend for a title.

By now, you’ve heard all the speculations and possibilities of James becoming a resident in South Beach or Chicago, a pair of high-market cities with flourishing star players.

When a superstar fails to win for a franchise where he posed as an endearing icon and savior, he’ll desperately flee to have an opportunity of winning a title in a town that is equipped to extend greatness. If he has played his final game with the Cavs, the LeBron sweepstakes draws all the attention as he becomes the blockbuster name in the free-agency watch. As the fans wonder where he’ll wind up in the future, Cleveland supporters are pleading for James to stay in a tribute video called “We Are LeBron,” a film produced by Mike Polk, a lifelong Cavs' fan.

Polk amazingly convinced Break Media to reach an agreement on a unique idea.

When the Cavs were eliminated from the postseason by Boston, the video featuring Cleveland celebrities and Ohio Governor Ted Strickland launched on websites.

It’s hard to imagine him returning to his native state this summer after such a collapse. The blow only adds to the devastating crisis that has dismantled a city devoid of celebrating a major championship for over 40 years.

The demise of the Cavaliers may have decided James’ future after the club's inabilities doomed a franchise that never endured triumph.

Because he’s from Akron, Ohio, a community near Cleveland, Lebron’s a hometown hero. Since he bypassed college for the NBA after graduating from high school, James dilated stardom.

In a fan-driven city, where supporters were keen to embrace a noble superstar, a supreme athlete who could excite and amuse a downcast city, LeBron was recognized and valuable in Cleveland. He brought the Cavs optimism, and erased the horrid memories of failures. But now, he could be departing to once again leave agony on the faces of devastated fans who have long-awaited a major championship.

His departure will expand the dismal, making the people weary and disgusted. He’s not only playing the game for the welfare of fans, but for the welfare of occupying a profession in pro sports and capturing multiple titles elsewhere. If he’s serious about winning, he’ll sign with either the Heat or Bulls, two teams that seem coherent. There are many superstars he can possibly unite with, become a local resident and win multiple titles.

It only makes sense if he lands in Miami and declares his citizenship in South Beach, where he’ll be noticed as the top superstar alongside Dwyane Wade, who is an explosive guard with the ability to create in transition and set up plays for James. For years, Heat president Pat Riley has been interested in big-name stars and rebuilding a dynamic team.

There’s no doubt that Riley will enter in the LeBron sweepstakes to negotiate a long-term deal and lure him in. It’s a potential building block by signing James and forms a forceful tandem, probably what would be the greatest guard-forward combination in a long time.

Earlier in the year, there was more speculation that he’ll sign with New York, a franchise in need of a valuable star player. The Knicks president of basketball operations, Donnie Walsh, cleared a large amount of salary cap space to sign a compelling free agent this summer. It’s a waste if the Knicks fail to please LeBron-lovers in New York without wooing or signing him to a huge contract. On Broadway, his legacy will elevate as the fans are excited to sell out Madison Square Garden.

More fittingly, the Bulls are surrounded with young and flourishing stars in Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah—and if you believe in every headline developing in the news, John Calipari could be hired as the next coach to work under turbulent general manager John Paxson.

You cannot count out the New Jersey Nets, a team with emerging talent but very little structure and discipline. It’s a dysfunctional franchise, but his good-friend Jay-Z may toss out the big bucks and convince him to contribute in refurbishing his depleted franchise.

In his effulgent career, he has been compared to Michael Jordan. Yes, the man with six rings and all the expensive and stylish shoes, and the man who led a powerful dynasty by producing triumphant achievements, all with the Bulls during his memorable reign. It’s easy to grasp a sense that he’ll migrate to Chicago and play in the shadows of Jordan, a player he idolized while growing up and develop a unique brand. There’s no question that James is a talented superstar, but has yet ascended his legacy, still empty-handed of a title.

He has all the individual accolades, such as two NBA Most Valuable Player awards, triple-doubles and double-doubles, postseason wins, a lone Finals appearance, but no championships. He has a horrible postseason track record, which is hard to imagine. He’s 2-5 in elimination games, 0-4 on the road and lost in the conference semifinals, and has yet to capitalize on the NBA’s monumental platform with a decisive win.

If he does decide to turn down the Cavs and leave his hometown for the betterment of winning, much nod to James, who‘s more concerned and vehement about protecting his legacy and reputation with a stable franchise and win a long-awaited championship.

For all the significant upgrades, the Cavs still shied from the biggest win in franchise history. LeBron was the savior in a town that believed in the improbable, but was perceived as the probable, until the aging Celtics embarrassed the Cavs by thrashing James and his lethargic and absent-minded supporting cast. It’s quite agonizing that it ended badly, after general manager Danny Ferry assembled a talented unit and owner Dan Gilbert cashed the checks.

He paid Mo Williams, a good shooting guard, Antawn Jamison, who was acquired in a trade, and Shaquille O’Neal, but all stumbled at critical moments in the postseason, putting tremendous pressure on LeBron. For seven years, customers, markers, and fans have created ego and elevated James’ fame, from the brainwashing of Nike puppet ads to the shoes all fans endorses.

As measured and compared to the legendary Jordan, he’s a resemblance of his size, strength and emotional leadership. But he still doesn’t have a ring to relate to Jordan on what it tastes like to win a championship. Apparently, James has to find it elsewhere by emotionally leaving home.

He doesn’t owe the fans anything. He owes himself a championship.

If All Else Fails

The Cavaliers now have gotten everything LeBron wants…pretty much. LeBron wanted Amare Stoudemire in the trade deadline. The Cavs were close to getting him, but they got someone who is better and would not want to call for the ball and just play basketball. He’ll be assigned of what he’s asked. That’s Antwan Jamison.

Now let’s go back further. LeBron needed a sidekick. Neither Delonte West or Mo Williams were working out well to his suiting. Ben Wallace was playing like his age. It was just horrible. Wally Sczerbiak was struggling. In the offseason, the Cavs made many changes and acquired Shaquille O’Neal. They also brought in former Harlem Globetrotter, JaMario Moon.

Now LeBron has everything he wants. He has a good lineup and along with that, he has guys stepping up this year. J.J. Hickson has been a powerful contributor at forward and has been in many dunk highlights. Daniel Gibson is looking good, too, along with his streaky shooting from behind the three-point line.

With all this, the Cavs are destined for the NBA Finals. They are destined to be champions. For so many years, the city of Cleveland has suffered pain, annoyance, and frustration. Browns can’t win, Indians can but they suck in the playoffs. And they’re the Cavs. They’ve been playing some good ball since LeBron came and have been to the Finals, but got their butts kicked by San Antonio there. Cleveland has a curse. LeBron is the sports hero of this place. In fact, the messiah. Everyone counts on him for him to win. This may be the year.

But hey, we all don’t know that. In my opinion, I think the Cavs will make it to the Finals. They have to. This is their year. LeBron deserves his first ring. He’s been playing too hard to have this deserved to him. Heck, now you got people hating on him, making all this stupid stuff up about him being Satanic and all that. None of it’s true. People want him to win the Finals.

LeBron has everything. He has a big guy that can easily rebound and everyone afraid to try to fight against him (enter Shaq). They have a guy who’s not selfish, can shoot from three, and can take advantage of his big size (enter Antwan Jamison), and LeBron is the biggest piece to the puzzle.

But, what if nothing is destined for Cleveland. What if they turn out to be a first-round exit? What if they fail in the semifinals? Conference finals? Heck, if they make it to the Finals, what if they lose there? LeBron can’t go through another loss in the NBA Finals. 0-2 with Cleveland there? No, no, it can’t be. But hey, it can happen easily.The Cavs were the number one team last year and they lost to the Magic in the Conference Finals. Look what has happened to other teams like the Mavericks who were a number one team. How about those Pacers in like 2003?

It is possible. All of you have heard those rumors about LeBron going to teams like the Knicks, Nets, Clippers, Heat, etc. in 2010 Free Agency. If all else fails this year, these rumors will be heating up and could eventually turn out to be true. Why? LeBron has been here since 2003. He has brought everything. With all the weapons this season, he has to win the Finals. And if not, it’s over with him in Cleveland in my opinion. The Cavs could give LeBron all the cash, but then some weapons on the Cleveland squad may go away. That can be the problem.

Yes, yes, the Knicks have gone through some problems. But what makes us know that he will even go to the Knicks. He can. The Knicks can pay LeBron all sorts of money and LeBron may accept. Al Harrington might stay, and so can Tracy McGrady. David Lee can stay also, I can see. The Knicks did better than expected this year. They can go beyond that next season if they acquired a player such as LeBron.

I can see the Nets. LeBron has been linked with Jay-Z and with the star rapper owning a part of the Nets franchise, I won’t be surprised seeing a jersey being stitched out “James” on the back with a front side that says “New Jersey.” Represent. With Chris Douglas-Roberts, Brook Lopez, and Devin Harris, it’ll all be good. And they can get LeBron in a trade, too. They can use their first-round draft-pick and maybe a player or two for LeBron. I wouldn’t be surprised if this came out true.

The Clippers can also be an idea. Eric Gordon is a good weapon along with Chris Kaman and others. Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw were recently added to the team. LeBron can be the centerpiece. The Heat was another thing I’ve seen, too. But the Heat was will be more of less chance of landing. Two megastars sharing the ball on the same court? They have to be able to share the ball a lot, share minutes. It’ll all be hectic.

The Knicks, Clippers, and Nets are all good options. But hey, that’s if the Cavs won’t make it to the championship. Who knows what will happen?

But if all else fails, don’t be too surprised of a Knicks, Nets, Clippers, or any other team uniform having a LeBron James jersey ready for him coming the 2010 season.

For LeBron, Flight No. 23 Next Destination Is New York

Considering the NBA has turned into an entertaining site, rather than an average basketball contest, LeBron James is globally admired across the world and emerged into the worldwide leader in basketball. If he migrated to Europe, the Euroleague would grasp our attention and routinely become an organic site for entertainment I suspect.

The entertainment capital of the world doesn’t reside in Los Angeles, Chicago, or even Cleveland; the town where amusement precisely rocks. The famous rock band, the Beatles, might have rocked the town of Cleveland, aggrandizing the music industry of course.

But not since 1969 has sporting supremacy rocked staining a starved sports town, cursed with sporting indignities. The Shot, The Fumble, The Drive and The Choke are features of the hapless town’s debacles, which held an entire community under affliction until James engendered and rejuvenated greatness in Cleveland

Calmly, a flustered fan base waited and welcomed in the arrival of a newborn superstar, James, to overhaul a renaissance era. Greeted with open arms, James emerged into a global superstar and franchise icon, showcasing high-flying dunks and unprecedented up-tempo style, which no other athlete could imitate.

Lately, observers are curious and speculating on LeBron’s next destination. A departure from Ohio to a new state is crestfallen for average Ohio natives, but the Ohio native himself, cannot appear anywhere without been pestered with endless questioning, regarding his next home when he’ll become a free agent in 2010.

Guessing with all the idolatry and praise he offers to the Big Apple, it delivers unanimous vibes to overjoyed Knicks fans that King James’ next flight is a one-way ticket to New York. In addition, James is a popular superstar and suitable for playing in publicized state.

He fits in well, given the enthusiastic reception shown proudly to the New York Yankees in recent memory. Remember, James made his presents at the American League playoff game in Cleveland a few years ago, and elicited controversy for wearing a Yankees’ cap when the Indians hosted New York.

That’s not all.

He co-hosted the NBA All-Star Weekend party last February with good friend and Nets co-owner Jay-Z. But what bothered Cleveland fans the most, was the promotion of his shoe when Nike announced the introduction of a new shoe endorsed by LeBron containing pinstripes and Yankees' colors, specifically created to produce revenue in New York. From all the chronicles, it is logical to forecast where Flight No.23 will wind up come next summer.

LeBron’s lifestyle will drastically relocate from the rock and roll site to the biggest stage on America at Madison Avenue. A Night on Broadway will transform into A Night on LeBron’s Stage, and longing fans will suddenly get their wishes. At the world’s most famous arena, each time the King enters the building, an energetic crowd goes nuts.

In a celeb atmosphere, fans share their appreciation for LeBron in an entertaining contest where all eyes anxiously stare at the league’s most entertaining guard, waiting for the next breathtaking moment to turn it into a Kodak moment. On Seventh Avenue, the communities' love for LeBron is obvious with the advertisement of a 10-story billboard, attempting everything to persuade the league’s most admired star.

If so, they’ll become the next witnesses of the high-flying, action-packed intensity. Whenever LeBron showcase an epic masterpiece at the Madison Square Garden, fans lobbies for his assistance in the 2010 season. Turns out, fans are thrilled watching and worshiping James more than the Knicks as a team. The sporting scene alters an entertaining and intense show, erupting a screaming party among celebs and non-celebs.

In the course of a century, players have elevated to an apex, posting high-scoring stats, dazzling observers who stares onto the hardwood from inside the world’s most notable arena. Before LeBron even came along, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan dazzled and finished nights off in an epic theater. A year from now, LeBron’s legacy might live on at New York, where he can rejuvenate a downcast town and uplift the Knicks as he has done for the Cavs for the entire decade.

Immediately, his presence will produce ticket sales, television ratings and apparel as LeBron gradually emerges into a role model and celeb. The Knicks are willing to pay a stud as dominant and famous as the King, which explains their reason for clearing salary space. President of basketball operations, Donnie Walsh, clearly knows what type of superstar fans is pleading for in renewing aspiration.

And the Knicks as an organization knows a superstar is important if seeking to regain spotlight and return to championship favorites. Fittingly, LeBron is coach Mike D’Antoni’s guy mainly for the up-tempo offensive system he’s committed to running, and with LeBron’s sterling playmaking it can bring memories back to MSG. His ability to drive in traffic and find open shooters is helpful to an undefined team.

In Cleveland, LeBron is fantastic at expanding the floor and racing up and down the court to create peerless plays. Being an unselfish superstar who believes in passing the ball first and getting teammates involved reminds us he’s the reigning NBA’s Most Valuable Player, after stockpiling the most votes last season. He’s also one of the richest athletes in salary and endorsements, and an idol for children globally at the age of 24, which are admirable honors.

It remains uncertain if LeBron will actually take his next flight to New York, though I personally believe all the speculations and predictions on that his next flight is to the Big Apple. On July 1, the entire world is going to be on LeBron Watch, trying to figure out his next destination.

As of now, we are curious to see where he lands, counting down each day and wondering if he’ll abandon his native town. One thing left on his agenda is winning his first championship, following multiple titles elsewhere if he decides to migrate elsewhere. Amid the season, LeBron is focus on winning a title with Cleveland and ignores everlasting speculations, pondering every NBA free agent rumor.

He’ll, indeed, be free to move across country next summer. If he leaves, it probably will be for NY.