Rather than spend my weekly column discussing how the Raps looked impressive in wins against Charlotte and Atlanta (and not too bad for 3 quarters against the 14-1 league best Lakers without JO), or how Sam Mitchell not only reads my column but also does in fact own and use a clipboard (he pulled it out at every time out on Friday), or how Joey Graham and Andrea Bargnani together are looking like the answer to Raps problems on the wings, or how really, as I mentioned last week in my column there is no reason to panic (again, what matters more is whether or not this team is .500 come January)…
Instead, this week, I want to draw your attention to a rather new development in Raptorland and around the NBA… The rumours of Chris Bosh going to the Knicks in 2010.
As I sat in the excellent seats of a good friend Friday evening at the ACC and listened to the chorus of MVP chants for Chris Bosh every time he touched the ball- it became very clear to me that Toronto was in a whole heap of trouble. Bosh is top five in the league in scoring and rebounding averaging 27-11-2 (and shooting close to 50% from the field with close to 10 fts a game) and basically dominating any and all opposing defenders. The bad part is that other people are starting to notice how good this guy really is. Now, coaches have always known how good Bosh is, and have chose to double team him almost every night for the last two years- but now something else is happening- the fans around the league are starting to notice and THAT IS BAD NEWS.
Two years back when all the talk of extending the Lebron, Wade, and Melo was circulating through NBA chat lines, there was very little discussion about the 6-10 PF out of Georgia Tech. Now, however, Bosh’s name and stardom has grown and he is no longer the best kept secret in the NBA. Instead, he will be the most sought after name in the NBA come 2010, since it is Bosh’s decision to stay or go with the Raps that will ultimately decide where Lebron, Wade, and all the rest sign in 2010. I know what you’ are thinking, hold on Dr. Steve, what are you talking about- Why would Lebron leave Cleveland? Isn’t Lebron going to sign in NY or NJ? Why would LeBron come to Toronto.? well, let me explain:
As we prepare for the 2010 free agency season (in a totally unprecedented fashion, with teams trading legitimate starters for pylons in an attempt to be under the cap in 2010) the talk is no longer about who is going to sign Lebron. Instead the talk that is circulating around the NBA is about who is going to sign BOTH Lebron AND Bosh. Former Raptor and now ESPN analyst Jalen Rose broke this story almost a month ago when he said that Bosh and Lebron after watching the “Boston Three Party” dominate the league last year to the tune of 66 wins and championship banner, like many other players in the league, began to recognize that sharing the spotlight and teaming up with other big guys can lead to total league domination. You see, the days of Kobe and TMac (and others) wanting their own team and wanting to be “the guy” are over. Instead, according to Rose, at the Olympics this summer, Lebron and bosh made a pact to hook up in 2010 and work together to win a dynasty full of rings. Think about it- neither one of them will be 25 years old?
From there, guys like Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith on TNT or Steve Smith and CWeb on NBA TV have all acknowledged how Lebron’ silence (ie. By not saying “I am staying in Cleveland no matter what”) basically means he’s leaving town in 2010. In fact, Lebron even went so far as to say this month that his decision in 2010 will be based on his ability to win “many championships” and not just on money. That sounds like code for “I want to play with Bosh.”
When the Knicks were able to deal both Crawford and Randolph last week for expiring contracts the whole playing field for 2010 changed. Chad Ford of ESPN.com mentioned last week that over 15 teams are currently set up to have enough cap space in 2010 to take a run at Lebron and offer him a max contract. But now, NY is actually in a position to make a run at BOTH Bosh and Lebron and if they can find someone to take Eddy Curry’s contract they’ll actually have enough cap space to make a run at DWADE too! This is why all the pundits on all the TV stations are saying that Bosh and Lebron will be Knicks in 2010.
So now here is the real scenario for 2010: only teams with enough $ to make a run at both players will actually be in the bidding for King James’ services in 2010. Bryan Colangelo acknowledged this in December’s ESPN the magazine when he told Ric Bucher that he knows that a lot of teams are out to try and steal Bosh and that it is his job to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Enter the Raptors.
You see the Raptors are actually in the best position of any team in the league to sign Lebron James. Before you start laughing and begin to write your “you are an idiot phdsteve” posts in rebuttal, listen up:
First off, the Raps have the one thing Lebron wants- Chris Bosh- and they can offer him more money and more years (under the current CBA) than any other team in the league.
Second, James has said that he want s to win- NOW and OFTEN. The Raps have a pretty solid core around Bosh, so unlike many teams who are gutting their roster to make cap space, the Raps could conceivable have enough cap space in 2010 (when JO and his 23million dollar contract come off the books) to re-up Bosh to the max, sign Lebron to the max, and resign JO to a more modest contract.
The Raps would still have Calderon, Bargnani, and Kapono under contract and would be able to dress a starting 5 of:
Oneal
Bosh
Bargnani
James
Calderon
With a 6th man of Kapono.
Its hard to see a lot of other teams being able to dress a roster that strong in fall 2010.
Third, the Raptors have Colangelo as their GM who is widely regarded around the league as the best GM in the business. If anyone can convince Lebron to come here, its BC.
What is interesting is how hard it appears that BC is pushing right now to try and tweak his roster to bring in a guy (like a Marion as ESPN the Magazine suggests) to make the Raps a legitimate contender NOW and to really work to keep Bosh in Toronto. It’s a fine line for BC to walk: commit to many $ to fixing the roster now and risk losing the cap flexibility necessary to go after a guy like Lebron in 2010 OR/ don’t do anything and risk pissing off Bosh. Either way, it’s a gamble.
So, it appears that the Raps do have a fighters chance at getting Lebron in 2010 but the whole plan revolves around keeping Bosh. If Bosh stays, then the task is simply to convince Bosh to convince Lebron to come here. BUT, don’t be shocked it when you open the newspaper on July 1st 2010 to see Bosh and Lebron holding the same jersey. In fact, I would go as far as to say- its almost a guarantee. The hope for Raptors fans everywhere, is that it’s the purple dinosaur that they are sporting instead of the orange and blue.
As always, standing in the key, I’m the Dr. I’ve got my feet planted and I’m planning on taking a charge.
phdsteve
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December 1st, 2008 at 12:10 pm
dare i dream? i was actually thinking the same thing but with wade as my focus. toronto landing lebron would be a coup unseen in pro sports.
what makes sense here is the raptors will actually have a solid team for lebron/wade to join, that would become instant contenders. the knicks, as glamarous as they are, wont have the supporting cast needed for a lebron/bosh championship calibre team:
- no one is going to take eddy curry off their hands
- they probably wont be able to keep david lee (huge loss)
- chris duhon at point isn’t as good as calderon
walsh has done some amazing things there so far, so its possible he builds a nice team for lebron to steer.
a point of concern for me is the raptors coaching. mitchell will have finished the 3rd year of his contract, so firing him becomes more palatable (only have to pay $4mil in salary for just one season).
December 1st, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I wouldn’t sleep if this happened!
Stop even talking about it, I’m getting excited just thinking about it…. That’s a Dynasty team…. I’d have to buy season tickets and pay a ridiculous price!!!
December 1st, 2008 at 2:01 pm
The idea is grand. If LeBron can take teams to the finals alone, imagine what Bosh, Calderon and JO would add to him? DYNASTY!
I believe that Walsh will find someone dumb enough to take curry, cause the price will be right (packing a 1st rounder and parts and possibly Lee). If its the difference between getting Lebron and Bosh and Wade, I would send Lee somewhere else too.
As much as I dont care for Smitch, we must admit that we are getting closer to hell freezing over. Bargnani rebounds 10 in a game, Joey Graham comes off the bench and scores in double figures twice and while not scoring alot, attacked the Lakers with reckless abandon, and Smitch is calling plays, running picks for Kapono, AND using a clipboard. Something weird is happening here.
December 1st, 2008 at 2:15 pm
maybe he took the “john wooden: coaching 101 - a crash coarse in basketball coaching fundamentals” weekend seminar?
i will admit it would be a good story if he was to lead this team to a deep playoff run. it would shut me up, that’s for sure.
1st rounder, david lee, parts and curry sounds about right. however, there is something to be said about a team playing with each for a few years, then one thrown together in a 2 week ufa bonanza.
December 1st, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I know it sounds crazy to raptors fans- the idea of Lebron coming here but the bigger point is this: Lebron and Bosh will be together in 2010- the only question left is where will they be playing.
December 1st, 2008 at 3:54 pm
it’s a perfect marriage if you ask me:
lebron: offensive option # 1, ball distribution, penetration, rebounding
bosh: offensive option # 2, rebounding, defense, shot blocking
December 1st, 2008 at 5:25 pm
But where does this marriage take place?
I have all the confidence that Bryco will try to swing this to get Lebron here, but is this more likely than signing and trading Bosh away to NY?
December 1st, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Guys I hate sounding negative…. However, I need to get this out…. How come we never get the trade that turns us around and makes us go on a crazy winning streak. Like Denver got Chauncey Billups now nobody can touch them….. How come every year there is soo much hope but we’re one or two pieces away…. I want to trade for a nobody and a few has beens; for an allstar like Pau Gasol the way the Lakers did it.
Why do other teams get that crazy piece that we’re always looking for and we’re always mediocre year after year.
I’m not blaming anybody. Since everybody can be an armchair GM. However, I asked all those dedicated fans that have wasted their days away hoping, dreaming and writing with the hopes that the Raptors turn into a Juggernut in the league, is it possible…?
Are we all investing our time in dying cause….. ?
December 1st, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I Guess what I want to convey in my negativity is the following:
I WANT a PLAYER THAT IS NOT A POTENTIAL… GIVE ME A 20-10 player guaranteed……. A guy whos coming in and going to just bring 20-10 a night… No more potentials….
That’s it I’m done!
December 1st, 2008 at 6:19 pm
hollywood: contrary to what lebron says, where he plays is just as important than who he plays with. the guy wants to be a global brand, he’s said it lots of times.
with that in mind, if new york can put together a team that he is the last piece for, he is there. if they can’t, and it’s a choice between signing with bosh here, or getting bosh to sign in cleveland, i’d have to go with that one.
ron: remember that denver traded allen iverson to get chauncey billups. it took us tj ford, rasho and the 17th pick to get o’neal; kapono, bargnani, humphries aren’t going to land you that type of player who puts you over the top in a trade, unless there is a firesale, which are few and far between (and usually come with a massive contract attached).
December 1st, 2008 at 10:35 pm
ron, you have that guy, his name is Bosh.
December 2nd, 2008 at 4:39 am
Is this blog for real?
Did a 12 year old write this? Anyone who’s been following basketball for the last 15 years knows that there’s no way……..ever…….that Lebron comes to T.O.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:59 am
unless they give out phds to 12 year olds, the answer to your question is…no.
but seriously, the article is not arguing that Lebron is coming to Toronto but instead that Bosh and Lebron are planning to hook up in 2010 AND THEREFORE if Toronto really wants to keep Bosh it has to find a way to make the impossible happen and somehow convince Lebron to come here- or else Bosh is gone. That makes sense? no?
also, the sources here are legit- real NBA voices- not just kids in the playground: Jalen Rose, Ric Bucher, Marc Stein, Bryan Colangelo, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, etc.
and lastly, I have a bit of reputation for blogging things that people initially think are impossible but later appear more realistic:
- I called for the JO trade more than a month before it happened or before anyone else even had it on their radar
- I called the 76ers overrated in July when most experts had them as the #3 seed in the East
- I forecasted the Pistons trading a core player before Christmas even If yes- where is he going and how is that destination a better fit than after they failed to move anyone in the off season and had started the season with some big wins against top teams
-I picked the Knicks to get the 8 seed in the East this.
so, Karl, enlighten me. Seriously, Im not taking a shot at you, Im just asking: is Lebron leaving Cleveland? If no, why not? Toronto? Whats your real opinion. At least I put mine in print for others to judge- even when they disagree.
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
sorry for the typo- the last pgh of the post should read:
- I forecasted the Pistons trading a core player before Christmas even after they failed to move anyone in the off season and had started the season with some big wins against top teams
-I picked the Knicks to get the 8 seed in the East this.
so, Karl, enlighten me. Seriously, Im not taking a shot at you, Im just asking: is Lebron leaving Cleveland? If no, why not? If yes- where is he going and how is that destination a better fit than Toronto? Whats your real opinion. At least I put mine in print for others to judge- even when they disagree.
December 2nd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
This would be sick!! But I feel foolish getting excited right now in a way. We still have one more season to play before we get to that point. So, as the blog points too, I am more interested in what Colangelo is going to try and swing this year when teams are looking to get rid of top tier players to clear their cap space. I just hope we don’t end up taking on a bad contract or something.
Also, I can see why New York would be a great destination for someone looking to increase their international stardom. But I don’t really see why Toronto can’t be considered a fairly close contender. We have already seen that, out of any team in the NBA, Toronto has been one of the leaders in tapping the European market. I would have to double check, but I believe the Raptors have two of the top 10 jersey sellers in Europe on their team- Bargnani, Calderon. The only other team that can say this is the Lakers. It is also interesting to note that Lebron is in the top four of that same list. Europe also accounts for 25% of the NBA’s international merchandise sales. What all of this means for me is that for Lebron to come to Toronto it wouldn’t be that bad of a move from a business perspective, because it is certain that people outside of Canada care about the Raptors, and the addition of a Lebron would only strengthen this following. As a result of this increased attention for Toronto, I am sure Lebron would do nothing but benefit from this situation. That being said, New York is New York, and it will be a tough sell for BC no doubt. But as phdsteve notes, Bosh is a pretty good selling point. Until it happens, however, I can only say that I’m completely on board! It’s about time Toronto make a HUGE move like this if they want to take the next step as a franchise.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:09 pm
This is one of the DUMBEST articles I have ever read. First, it completely ignores the HUGE financial cost for these guys to play in Canada as opposed to somewhere else. Lebron is going to break hearts in Cleveland only to end in Canada. I’m stupider for even having to explain this to you. Second, James and Bosh together would be a powerful enough combo that it would ridiculous for them to choose a location because of where 30-somethings jose calderon and jermaine o’neal might be. Enough guys would jump to take pay cuts to play with them, wherever they end up. Third, you’re stupid and I want these 3 minutes of my life back. That is all.
December 2nd, 2008 at 2:59 pm
hey Josh,
you’re right. Im stupdid, the article is stupidy, and you are stupidido for engaging in this conversation.
Im so sorry to waste your time-
but thanks for taking the time to explain that to us.
you did make one really good point:
“Enough guys would jump to take pay cuts to play with them, wherever they end up.”
that is exactly the reason why BC and the Raps have a seriously uphill climb to try and keep Bosh. I mean, just like you said- why would he stay here when he and Bron (and maybe even Wade too) can pick the city they want to go to and then dominate from there.
and that is the point of the article….ONE MORE TIME FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO ARE MIS-READING THE ARTICLE:
- the point is not to suggest that Lebron is coming here BUT instead to point out that Bron and Bosh are looking to hook up in 2010.
-can the place they hook up in be toronto? sure- after all BC is the GM and he stole Nash from Dallas when everyone said there was no chance of that happening.
-BUT for Bron to come here- a whole lot of things would have to happen first.
-its not impossible BUT its not like its gonna happen either
-the bigger point is - WHAT WILL BC DO IN THE NEXT 18 MONTHS TO KEEP BOSH.
December 2nd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Josh,
Had you read the article properly, you would not have made such a stupid comment nor proved how stupid you really are. You did prove that you are “stupider” by having to explain it to “us” the financial burden. Thanks for reminding everyone that being paid in American dollars in Canada is not the same as being paid in American Dollars in the US. It cheaper to live in Canada now that the Loonie is 80 cents US.
LeBron is also in year 5 of a 7 year 90 mil Nike deal and year 5 of a 6 year Coca-colo deal, among others. You’re saying that playing in Canada for Toronto, who plays against an American team EVERYTIME it takes that floor, will not sign either him or Bosh to endorsement deals as they win title after title?
December 2nd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
guys…lol…everyone needs to relax. lets try to keep things civil.
fact is, toronto is a top 5 market in north america, with a foot hold into europe/asia that not many other teams have. the cost of getting lebron would be more then recouped with the revenues he would bring in (ticket sales, tv distribution, merchandising, etc). and like hollywood says, making american and spending canadian (80 cents on the dollar) would leave even more money in his pocket.
as far as breaking hearts in cleveland, that’s a cost of business. to date, the only thing comparable was shaq up and leaving orlando for los angeles, and look what that did for the guy (3 championships). sure lebron has a larger vested interest, but he’s trying to do things that would be harder to achieve in cleveland then in new york and toronto.
December 2nd, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I apologise to josh (and Raps fan) for the tone of my post and for name-calling.
I do not agree with you Josh nor like the attitude you have brought to this discussion. My evidence wtill stands that LeBron would in fact make more money in Toronto, based on the dollar and that Cleveland isnt exactly the centre of the media universe.
That being said, What are the odds that the Dr. gets called “stupid” twice in one day?
I propose a rule that in order to call phdsteve “stupid” or “12 years old” or “wasting people’s time” that that person must have at least 2 phd’s of their own.
December 2nd, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Although this idea makes logical sense, even financial sense (speaking as a Canadian of course), there’s a huge stigma for American players playing in Canada. We’re the butt of jokes from an American perspective and there’s nothing we can do about it.
The sad part is, the Raps being Canada’s ONLY TEAM should automatically be a huge marketing wet dream for most people. Why do you think Toronto’s RealGM board has the highest user activity? ‘Cuz basketball is pretty popular up here and people across the country only have 1 team to cheer for.
How sweet would that be though? NY goes overboard doing everything they can to lure Lebron only to lose him to a division rival and watch the Raps own them 4 times a year?
December 2nd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
cant we all just get along?
I dont mind the disagreements or the passion (after all its the passion that unites us all).
All Im saying is- if you want to shoot down my ideas- go ahead- but at the very least say something else. Provide an alternative story. Say something other than calling me a moron (even if you do have 2 phds).
I write these articles to generate discussion. So that fans can get around a topic and talk.
so one more time Ill put it out there:
if the world of the internet doesnt think Lebron would come to Toronto then provide another destination with a good reason- like for example, my buddy Bondo who said the other night why wouldnt Bosh and Lebron just go to Dallas? Its home for Bosh, you’d get to play for Cuban, they have a ton of cap space with Kidd coming off the books this season and Dirk next- and still have some decent pieces like Howard and Terry.
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:19 pm
agreed, no name calling, diss the idea, not the person!
i hope to the good Lord that bosh doesn’t end up in dallas, i hate that team with a passion.
redon is right, canada has a serious passion for ball, as much as i hate realgm (not the site, just how some of the post degenerate rapidly), the raptors have the largest segment there.
steve, as the summer of 2010 comes, maybe you need to re-examine that ‘trade bosh now’ piece you did earlier. losing him without any compensation would be a disaster.
on another note, i don’t know why a player would rather play in say…minnesota, oklahoma, or to a lesser extent utah (the coaching, management and ownership there are primo, but the city sucks) over toronto…makes zero sense to me. ive been to all those places, they don’t offer any toronto does 10 times better aside from the fact that they are in the US.
December 4th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Well, phd, here’s something else for you to consider.
IMO …
TORONTO with - Calderon, Lebron, Bargnani, Bosh & O’Neal + Kapono
doesn’t ever win a NBA Title against:
BOSTON with - Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Perkins & Garnett + House, Pruitt, Allen-T, Walker, Davis, Powe & O’Bryant
PORTLAND with - Roy, Webster, Fernandez, Aldridge & Oden + Rodriguez, Bayless, Batum, Outlaw & Przybilla
or
the LAKERS with - Fisher, Kobe, Radmanovic, Gasol & Bynum + Farmar, Vujacic, Ariza, Odom, Mihm, Walton & Powell [Mbenga or Yue].
Building a NBA championship winning team involves a lot more than having a collection of three top notch players on the roster.
December 4th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
khandor, in all fairness, you would have to round out the roster. a 6 man rotation wont win a championship.
add a couple savvy veterans (like boston did with cassell/brown) and you have a tight rotation that gets rounded out by humphries and joey graham, it would compete.
Raps Fans last blog post..You Are Running Out of Chips Mr. Colangelo
December 4th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Raps Fan,
In all fairness … would MLSE ever be prepared to exceed the Luxury Tax Threshold by apprximately $20 Million dollars, like the Celtics did last season, in an effort to win the NBA chanpionship with the team listed here by phd + the roster adds you’ve just alluded to?
If so … then that proposition might have a leg to stand on.
If not, however, then …
what I wrote still stands, as is.
December 11th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
First off, kudos to phdsteve for trying to maintain a civil conversation, and for putting his thoughts out clearly. Far as I can tell, those thoughts are plausible and somewhat logical; that is: a) according to sources, Bosh and LeBron want to play together come 2010. b). if that is true, than naturally, Toronto is somewhere in that discussion, if only a second or third choice. The Raps have been good to Bosh, and though that only counts for a little in business, there is a solid relationship there.
Now, if Jalen had said its a DWade-LeBron package, we would not even be talking. But once you include Bosh, Toronto is somewhere in the picture. That’s a no brainer. As to nasty comments, personally, I hate to see it. This is a lot of fun, kicking this stuff around. My recommendation is to completely ignore any nasty comments: dont defend, dont explain, dont reply, total blacklist. Just ignore and go on talking with folks who are able to be civil, even in disagreement. Then those comments will be like the momentary appearance of mosquitoes, and they will go away. Dare to dream. R
December 16th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
amen.
December 16th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Let me just say first that if Lebron came to TO I would love it, Im not a resident of TO but I do support the raps for being the only Canadian team in an American dominated market. That being said why wouldnt anyone think to add Bosh or Lebron to the lakers.
Phil jackson is one of the best coaches in the game, you already have a powerful starting line up so why not make it better by dropping some players to add these power pieces. But most importantly these guys would get to play with the best player in the game since Jordan, the one and only Kobe Bryant. Any player would be willing to do what it takes to play with him, and whats more you create a force that counters perhaps even surpasses what they have in Boston. Bosh, Lebron, Kobe, Gausol, Bynum/Odom. I mean seriously who would consider the knicks? They might be heading towards better things but there’s a taint to the name. But the Lakers have a legacy and a pedigree that few teams can match and it scratches all the right itches.
Want that endorsement money, your in LA. Want to be famous and well known, your in LA. Want to win championships with a team that can pretty much assure it, welcome to LA.
It’s a dominant team year after year and the atmosphere is exactly what a young players wants. I could say more but I think it would be a waste of words.
December 17th, 2008 at 10:49 am
and it would give me one more reason to hate the lakers! lol
if something like that were too happen, it would be ridiculous. doesn’t matter who else is on that team, it would be a dynasty. man i hope that never happens…
January 5th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
i duno about this
March 12th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Great chat! And I can see the basketball connoisseur opinion here. As much as when an entire ACC was chanting MVP to Bosh…
…But with such highly basketball educated crowds I can accept what made Carter laugh: Bosh MVP and yeah…maybe Raptors to beat the…out of Lakers in the NBA final….