Although many people are ruling out the possibility of LeBron coming to the Knicks, Mr. Sheridan provides a compelling case for why the Knicks' baskteball pitch might have been as powerful as the financial pitch.
Apparently, the Knicks stressed two things: 1) how their current crop of players are a much better fit for LeBron than any other team can offer, and 2) how much more financial flexibility the Knicks have going forward to add more players around him.
The first argument is an interesting one, because it goes along with something I've said before, the biggest rivals, the Chicago Bulls, have been completely overhyped in what they have to offer. Derrick Rose, while a great penetrator and passer, is an abysmal 24% from 3-point range. On the other hand, Toney Douglas, who does need the ball in his hands to be effective, shoots 39% from behind the arc, while Mo Williams, LeBron's PG last year, shot 43%. Sheridan goes on to point out how the Knicks have many more shooters, while the Bulls have nobody who is great from behind the line.
(Personal Note: I also laugh when I hear that Joakim Noah is considered a selling point to LeBron. He is only a more glorified version of Anderson Varejao, and I think LeBron is probably a little tired of kicking the ball out to him. Okay, sorry guys, had to get that off my chest. It's been there for a while.)
The second argument is a very underrated angle that is often overlooked by people, myself included. With so many teams clearing cap room in order to sign to Max free agents, there has been the perception that if a team scores two big free agents, they will be set up perfectly to win a title. However, since all these teams are so heavily gutted, financial flexibility going forward will be crucial to putting the right players around these superstars. While the Heat will have no way to maneuver their cap space next summer unless they give up Michael Beasley, and the Bulls will need to give extensions of Noah and Rose in the coming years, the Knicks instead will have a valuable trading chip in Eddy Curry's expiring contract (Thank You Eddy!) or they could choose to let the contract run out and make a push for another Max player next Free Agency, when Carmelo Anthony might be available.
In conclusion, while the first point has been harped on heavily before and it might impact LeBron's decision making, the second point is where the Knicks might have a chance in winning him over.
Building a team is something that will take time, even if you land two Max free agents. The fact that the Knicks have maneuverability in the near future makes their outlook even brighter if things fall into place this summer.
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