2014-2015 NBA regular season thread.

[Al Bundy]

I will update this when the schedule is announced in a couple of weeks, but I will open with the new uniforms for the Charlotte Hornets below.

Introducing the brand new Charlotte #HornetsUnis! http://t.co/MgHy2DcOTX pic.twitter.com/w59MlUvRgd

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) June 19, 2014

[kcxiv]

Originally Posted by KevB

Or in 3 years he's in the middle of a D. Wade decline and the extra year is huge, as he'd never get that much as a free agent. That fifth year in New York would be his age 35 season....of course that fifth year on the contract at max money matters.

if he's still playing at a high level, he will get another 2-3 year extension that brings good money. Also, his wife is from L.A used to do radio in Los Angeles. There's alot of plus's for L.A as well. Not to mention Kobe is one of his best friends.

[KevB]

Originally Posted by Fruit Ninja

if he's still playing at a high level, he will get another 2-3 year extension that brings good money. Also, his wife is from L.A used to do radio in Los Angeles. There's alot of plus's for L.A as well. Not to mention Kobe is one of his best friends.

Yes, there are other reasons to go to LA....I obviously kept my list short. There are other reasons to stay in NY or go to Chicago as well. IF he's still playing at a high level, sure, he could make yet more money. I'm sure Wade was thinking the same thing two years ago when he was 30.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by KevB

The rumors are inevitable, nothing he could do about it. And if he's not entirely sure about his decision, how could he "shoosh" the rumors? He's doing what he should do in his position ---- wait patiently for a few things to shake out before making a final decision. He's in a position of power while an unrestricted FA, I don't blame him for taking great care before making a decision.

I am talking about Chiefscountry's point that he's insistent that Lebron never had any interest in Cleveland. If he never had any interest, then it was a dick move to drag them into the negotiation and let rumors stir up given what happened the first time.

And yes, with every passing day, I'm sure he knows that he's building up more and more fan anticipation from Cleveland. I don't think he's handled it badly. But it's something to keep in mind. I think Cleveland has always had a more than legitimate shot at winning. I'm not going to pretend to predict where he's going to go.

[KevB]

Originally Posted by KevB

Charlotte Observer reporting Gordon Hayward has agreed to major offer sheet from the Hornets. I'd guess Utah will match, but interesting fit in Charlotte.

4 year, $63M max offer to Hayward. Charlotte had to come strong if they really wanted him, but Utah will likely match. Should they? Is he really a max guy? If they're confident Utah will match, it's a nice PR move for Charlotte ---- "hey fans, look, we're trying to get better"

[KevB]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I am talking about Chiefscountry's point that he's insistent that Lebron never had any interest in Cleveland. If he never had any interest, then it was a dick move to drag them into the negotiation and let rumors stir up given what happened the first time.

And yes, with every passing day, I'm sure he knows that he's building up more and more fan anticipation from Cleveland. I don't think he's handled it badly. But it's something to keep in mind. I think Cleveland has always had a more than legitimate shot at winning. I'm not going to pretend to predict where he's going to go.

Leverage, whether he was really interested in coming home or not

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by KevB

Leverage, whether he was really interested in coming home or not

When your brand is more expensive than your contract, your reputation is more important than your contract. I am sure he, his agent, Nike, and all other sponsors don't want this to turn into the Decision 2.0.

I highly doubt Lebron would use Cleveland as leverage after what happened last time. I am guessing he's seriously thinking about Cleveland and if he's taken it this far, they're still at least in the mix. Again, not going to pretend to know which way he's actually leaning.

[KevB]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

When your brand is more expensive than your contract, your reputation is more important than your contract. I am sure he, his agent, Nike, and all other sponsors don't want this to turn into the Decision 2.0.

I highly doubt Lebron would use Cleveland as leverage after what happened last time. I am guessing he's seriously thinking about Cleveland and if he's taken it this far, they're still at least in the mix. Again, not going to pretend to know which way he's actually leaning.

He's not "using" them necessarily....he's simply not saying anything at all and people are trying to draw their own conclusions. When I say leverage, I mean why would he publicly exclude any team at this point? Hold your cards close. If Cleveland feels as if they're being led on, it's their own hope that driving that perception/emotion.

I tend to agree that they're the next option if things don't work out in Miami. But that was a logical conclusion that's been neither confirmed nor denied by LeBron.

[The Bad Guy]

Originally Posted by KevB

4 year, $63M max offer to Hayward. Charlotte had to come strong if they really wanted him, but Utah will likely match. Should they? Is he really a max guy? If they're confident Utah will match, it's a nice PR move for Charlotte ---- "hey fans, look, we're trying to get better"

There's no way Utah should match that contract.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by KevB

He's not "using" them necessarily....he's simply not saying anything at all and people are trying to draw their own conclusions. When I say leverage, I mean why would he publicly exclude any team at this point? Hold your cards close. If Cleveland feels as if they're being led on, it's their own hope that driving that perception/emotion.

I tend to agree that they're the next option if things don't work out in Miami. But that was a logical conclusion that's been neither confirmed nor denied by LeBron.

His agent talked to Lebron. Lebron is planning a visit to Cleveland. That is as public as you can get that both the agent and Lebron are expressing interest. They could both easily say no. There have been lots of teams they have taken off his short list.

I don't think Lebron is using Cleveland. I think he has legitimate interest. Again, I am not saying he's decided on Miami or Cleveland. I am saying that he wouldn't dangle Cleveland out there unless there was an actual strong interest. We are not just talking about Lebron. We are talking about Nike, who had to spend a gazillion dollar campaign just to fix Lebron's image. And Lebron's agent. They all know there is nothing to be gained by teasing a city like Cleveland after what happened the first time. Again, the reputational damage is not worth the extra few million dollars you might squeeze out of a contract because of leverage.

[KevB]

Originally Posted by The Bad Guy

There's no way Utah should match that contract.

Jazz prepared for possibility of max sheet for Hayward and remain unwavering about revelation it's coming: They plan to match and keep him.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 9, 2014

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by lcarus

You know what else was a twitter fairy tale? Dwight staying with Orlando...right before he said he wanted out of there and wanted to be a Laker. A lot of it was brought on by local Orlando writers and Magic teammates on twitter. So you never know. My money has been on Cleveland since the start. Lebrons too much of an egomaniac to not wanna play hero to the home state he ditched for a couple buy-a-rings.

First, LeBron was an egomaniac for leaving Cleveland to try to win. Now he'd be one for returning to a young Cleveland team? No matter what he does, it will be spun the wrong way. The guy just can't win.

[KC_Connection]

Originally Posted by okcchief

I just wish these bitches would make up their minds. I really don't see a end in sight.

LeBron is likely the first major domino. But with him going to the WC final Sunday, it may still be a while yet.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by KevB

Or in 3 years he's in the middle of a D. Wade decline and the extra year is huge, as he'd never get that much as a free agent. That fifth year in New York would be his age 35 season....of course that fifth year on the contract at max money matters.

Neither LeBron nor Melo should sign contracts longer than 2yrs or at least without an opt-out in 2 years. When the new NBA TV contract gets set and the cap goes up by a lot of $$ both will want to be free agents so they can ca$h in again.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by KC_Connection

LeBron is likely the first major domino. But with him going to the WC final Sunday, it may still be a while yet.

I don't know - I think we find out by the end of the week. He's meeting with Riley today. I'm assuming Riley will get an answer one way or the other and then will proceed to fill out the Heat roster. Players can sign starting tomorrow.

[dirk digler]

Today Adidas is going to sign Wiggins close to a $100 million dollar shoe contract.

Also the Heat are officially worried. For the meeting today along with Riley being present, Arison, Spoelstra and Wade are also going to be there to put the full court pressure on Lebron.

One last thing, these guys need to shit or get off the pot. DHoward was bitched at last year for taking too long and he signed on July 5th. This is getting ridiculous just make a ****ing decision.