Took a breather after a long NBA season. To sum it up quickly:
- I was right.
- LeBron James may have proved as much in losing as he would if he won.
Somehow we’re already turning the page to next season, and that begins with the Draft and Free Agency. Last week’s draft came and went without my Pistons taking Justice Winslow (infinite sadness) and with the Knicks taking a gamble (infinite lolz).
But the most interesting story in the NBA right now is the decision in front of LaMarcus Aldridge. According to multiple reports, the most likely destinations for Aldridge are the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs; two teams on near opposite ends of the NBA spectrum.
So where will he go?
Let’s go point by point:
Point for the Spurs: Kobe Bryant
For two reasons:
First, when the next season starts, Kobe will be a 37 year-old with a failing body coming off back-to-back-TO-BACK season-ending, career-limiting (hyphens!) injuries.
No matter what, Kobe will continue the undeniable regression we’ve seen the past couple seasons. The problem is he’ll still run the offense and take 20 shots a game. That’s a really horrible combination.
Second, there’s the very real possibility that Kobe will insist on coming back next season, so Aldridge would have to endure that all again. Except this time even worse with (probably) another season-ending, career-limiting injury in his wake.
Point for the Lakers: History
Not because Magic Johnson is walking through that door, but because history has shown the Lakers always seem to bounce back. Maybe D’Angelo Russell is the guy to bring them back. Maybe it’s Julius Randle. Maybe it’s a “twin towers” of Aldridge and [Cousins/Love/DeAndre Jordan]. The point is, any one of those scenarios could play out. You just can’t bet against the Lakers when it comes to stuff like this.
Point for the Spurs: History
The Spurs have some history of their own. They managed to win championships 14 years apart with the same nucleus. That is amazing, and indicative of a system that you’d probably want to join if you were a young superstar trying to join an actual title contender. The problem is…
Point for the Lakers: The Spurs’ Uncertainty
Can’t get enough of this gif.
…Tim Duncan will retire soon. Has to.
While Kobe’s situation has felt like Roy Jones Jr. hanging on a little too long, Duncan’s twilight years have been handled almost perfectly. His numbers have declined gradually…like a smooth plane landing versus Kobe’s…uh…this:
But when he eventually goes, the prevailing thought is that head coach Gregg Popovich goes with him, Manu Ginobili can’t be far behind, and Tony Parker has already started to fall off.
So do you trust Kawhi Leonard to be the running mate with you to a Finals run if you’re Aldridge? I could be talked into a “yes” or “no,” and that uncertainty counts as a point for LA.
You could really do this all day. The deciding vote comes down to this:
Why Aldridge has to sign with the Spurs: Jimmy Buss
The son of famed owner Jerry Buss, Jimmy has managed to put himself in the James Dolan category of NBA owners.
Not a good thing.
He has been so bad that Magic Johnson actually gave a certified opinion on him…if you follow Magic on Twitter you know it takes something truly awful to do this. And for what it’s worth, Magic thinks Buss has been truly awful.
—
So when Aldridge is forced to make a decision, he’ll have to look no further than ownership to make his decision.
Of course he’ll probably sign with Dallas and make this all pointless. Whatever.
What do you think? Where would you sign if you were in Aldrige’s shoes? Where do you think he will sign?
Hit the comments and let me know!
I think a move to San Antonio would be great honestly. I am a Knick fan and hated the Spurs for years after the 99 finals. Truth is that they have garnered my respect. Their ownership has shown a commitment to staying competitive. I trust when Timmy and Pop hang it up they will continue to put working pieces around the organization. Maybe Pop moves into the front office? Who knows. But I see good longevity and relevance that Aldridge can bring to the Spurs.
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http://www.somegif.com/gifs/1383040233498163423.GIF
My bad…meant to add this to the section on the Spurs’ uncertainty in regards to Kobe’s decline.
Not sure if I’d go with the spurs only because people are going to expect him to fill Tim Duncan’s shoes, same thing with when Howard went to the Lakers, However, at least it isn’t like the big major media markets who’ll kill you if you don’t perform. And it’s going to be hard for anyone to go to the Lakers because kobe’s salary handcuffs LA, although it’d be intriguing
opinionatedmale.com
He definitely needs to go to the Spurs. Good coaching, will learn from one of the best (Tim Duncan – who has just as many rings as Kobe with the potential of getting more), and he would be closer to home. Even if he signs a short 3 year deal, I think that would be the better move. LA just has too many issues and Kobe is on the decline.
I am interested where Monroe ends up and what moves will Phil Jackson make considering the CAP Space they now have.
“To sum it up quickly, I was right.”
Um, no, you were not.
http://www.singleblackmale.org/2014/10/28/nba-back-heres-cleveland-2015-champion/
I will give you credit for being close on the Bulls and the Clippers win totals.
LOL! I reserve the right to update predictions based on new information (K. Love injury, then Kyrie injury).
I’m claiming this one. Don’t take this away from me!
Hi, I and my ex boyfriend broke up about 7 weeks now. We’ve been together for 4 years. We had so many issues during in our relationship. We got engaged and eventually he changed his mind not to get married soon and told me he doesn’t want kids. It broke my heart. He also told me that culture differences is another problem between us. When we broke up I beg many times. He told he doesn’t want to go back in to our relationship and he wants us to move on. I stayed another 2 weeks with him while I am looking for a new place. we had sex a couple times. He told me he just want us stay as friends.
When I moved out, he didn’t tbxt or call but when we each other we are fine talking like a friend. Is there anyway that i can win him back? that was the question i asked my sister and she told me he have had an encouter with the famous love doctor and i contacted him and he prayed for my relationship and my boyfriend came back to me and my relationship was restored and now we will be getting married soon. Please get to know him and ask for his help on (prayerstosaverelationship@yahoo.com). The love doctor is the best and will help you 🙂