A Philadelphia-based company purchased billboard space near Quicken Loans Arena pleading for LeBron James to sign with the 76ers in free agency this summer. While some may find the gesture as a distraction, James is flattered that in his 15th season, people are still trying to recruit him, Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor writes.
“You can say it’s a distraction, it’s not. Not a distraction,” James said Tuesday morning. “It is actually very flattering that I’m sitting here at 33 and in my 15th year and teams or guys — I don’t want to say teams because that becomes tampering — but people in their respective city want me to play for them. That’s cool I think. That’s dope.”
James will hit unrestricted free agency for the third time this summer and there has been a lot of talk that he is considering a second departure from Cleveland. For his part, James has downplayed every rumor and report surrounding his future and noted that he will personally address his decision at the appropriate time.
Check out other Atlantic Division notes below:
- The effect of Marcus Smart has been noticeable for the Celtics since the guard’s return to the court. In Boston’s first two victories after the All-Star break, Smart impacted the ball on both sides, prompting Kyrie Irving to acknowledge his teammate’s difference-making abilities, A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston relays. “He just adds a lot of versatility to our offense and our defense,” Irving said. “He has a high awareness on both ends. He’s able to create opportunities for all of us at both ends of the floor and we appreciate that.”
- Daniel Theis has shown improvement all season long and plays the game with maturity beyond his years, Blakely writes in a separate story. “He’s been great,” Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said. “Been what you expect him to be from a skill set standpoint and activity standpoint. But he does it every night. One of the best things you can be called in this league is consistent. And he’s very consistent.”
- The Raptors‘ recent struggles at the small forward spot may pave the way for a lineup change, Michael Grange of Sportsnet writes. OG Anunoby has been a stable defensive presence, but his offensive shortcomings could force a change.
I honestly hope the Celtics can extend Theis this offseason. This guy has been amazing off the bench this season. I absolutely love him in green.
I agree 100% this kid is damn good he reminds me a little of L. Powe but a little mor athletic
To me, Theis has looked fundamentally sound since day 1. He’s never going to be an elite NBA player, but he does everything right, even the little things when called upon. Zero arrogance with a Team first attitude. Hail Theis !!
Not primarily a Celtics fan, but I am a HUGE fan of the way they have built their roster…
They started off by finding their young and upcoming coach of the future. After getting Stevens, they have taken advantage of opportunistic trades, nailing their picks in the draft, and really only going to free agency to build up their core.
They did make a big splash by signing Al Horford, but that was, at the time, primarily to add a veteran to a young team. Horford was seen as a versatile big man, that could help those aroind him get better on and off the court.
Their second big signing was, of course, GH, but that was after they had already built up their roster. GH was signed to be their finishing piece. Although, much like Horford, GH was seen as a player that could thrive in their system, and he’s a player that makes players around him better.
In today’s NBA, or really it should be called the PBA, Player’s Basketball Association, the Celtics are bucking the trend. While most teams are currently in the tanking race or racing to free agency in 2019-2020, to pair together as many max contracts with as many minimim contracts as possible, the Celtics, and really only about 3-4 other contenders, have primarily built their teams the correct way.
They have chosen the correct time to let players go in free agency, that have not gone on to prove the Celtics wrong. Sullinger, Olynyk, Turner, Zeller, Bass, Jerebko, etc.
Monroe – chose Celtics other contenders, and acquired by the buyout process. Celtics could have traded for him earlier, but chose to remain patient and trust their sales pitch to Monroe to grab the extra big they needed.
Kyrie – Their GM traded away a fan favorite, and a vital piece of their core in Thomas, a role player in Crowder, Zizic, and Brooklyn’s 1st rounder, which was acquired in a highway robbery for Boston. Stevens was able to get the most out of Crowder and Thomas, and made both players look more attractive than they really were..All together, Kyrie was acquired for a couple of role players and a 1st rounder.
Hayward – Used his relationship with Brad Stevens, and their winning culture to lure away Hayward from other contenders.
Morris – They traded away a solid role player to acquire amother role player, but at a more pressing need.
Theis – Came over an undrafted player out of Germany, and has proven to be a big steal for the Celtics scouting department. Theis has been a steady force for the Celtics, and has been a key role player for them. As a big man, Theis, has been a pleasant suprise, and his steady energy and growth will be huge for the Celtics come playoff time.
Baynes – An underrated signing as a free agent from Detroit, Baynes is another big that has seen his stock continue to steadily rise under the coaching of Stevens. Baynes has been a Defensive stopper for the Celtics, and he’s been a big reason why the Celtics front court has been so efficient this season. The Celtics guards have no problem funneling their opponents Baynes’ way, and it usually ends in success for the guard and Baynes..
Larkin – Signed as a PG that has traded uniforms seemingly every season, sometimes twice a season. Even so, Larkin has found a role on this team, when he’s needed. In short stints, Larkin has proven to be a viable backup PG, and the Celtics added good depth rounding out their roster with his signing.
Tatum – Celtics drafted Tatum, a player that fits their system and core perfectly, and one that looks like a future stud.
Ojeleye – Celtics drafted a quality reserve and versatile role player in the second round.
Horford – signed the big man as a versatile, key veteran, that could mentor their younger core on and off the court. Over the past 6-7 seasons, Horford has been one of the most underrated All-Stars in the NBA.
J. Brown – Drafted the talented and versatile Brown over other, more highly sought after prospects. Brown has proven to be an excellent choice, and has gotten better and better since being drafted. He’s one of the best two-way, younger players, and it’s only a matter of time before he truly busts out.
Nader – A second round pick that is a quality reserve for a contending team. Any second round pick that can contribute is a big win.
Rozier – Drafted with the 16th pick, and steadily improved his play since being acquired. He’s increased his stock significantly since being drafted, and has proven to be one of the better backup PG’s in the NBA.
Smart – Selected 6th overall, and he’s proven to be one of the more complete combo guards in the East. Either as a 6th man, or a starting 2-guard Smart is an excellent on-ball defender, and he will play a pivotal role in the Celtics success moving forward.
All together, I am very envious of how the Celtics have cleverly put together their roster. This is how a franchise should operate, and I really wished more franchises would follow Boston’s playbook…
as long as LeBron doesn’t come to Toronto, I don’t care.
That team would be nuts
LBJ in Toronto would be amazing. But he would be the most hated guy in the NBA if he came here.
I could see a scenario where Doc comes to the Knicks and Lebron comes and plays for the Knicks. Porzingis is very good but not great enough to carry a team, that is where Lebron steps in. Doc has always been a huge fan of Lebron also and share mutual respect. I could see a scenario where New York brings in Lebron, he loves the bright lights. Lebron and Porzingis would be lethal.
Nah. Lol
Lol keep dreaming. Knicks are probably the most dsyfunctional franchise in basketball and one of the most poorly run ones from an ownership standpoint. Aside from KP, there’s no one else decent on that team. Ntilikina is still a work in progress, Hardaway is a volume scorer, and Noah’s contract is still there. Plus, you have the slight drama/feud between Kanter and LeBron. While both parties might say its nothing or just brush it aside, obviously Kanter and LeBron aren’t very fond of each other.
Marion and Lebron were not fond of each other either yet they played together. The Knicks could move his contract anyways.
Nobody’s coming to that train wreck.
The White Sox have two good players, Moncada and Abreu.
Hate hate hate hate hate.