2010 NBA free agent prediction thread......

[Coach McGuirk]

If the Cavs lose this series, I would not be surprised to see Mike Brown gone. Then what does Brawny do, stick or move? If he sticks, he could probably chose his coach, which could be bad.

[falafel]

Gross you are hanging out with Laker fans?

More like feeding the homeless.

[Surfah]

If the Cavs lose this series, I would not be surprised to see Mike Brown gone. Then what does Brawny do, stick or move? If he sticks, he could probably chose his coach, which could be bad.

I could see this as well unless Bron wants him to stay. Something there has to give because they have spent a ton of money and brought in everyone to surround Bron. Fair or not, that's usually the coach. And to be honest Mike Brown probably deserves a big chunk of that criticism. He's a Pop guy so he's defense first. His offense has been horrible at times. Do they even run sets besides LeBron on 5?

[Color Me Badd Fan]

Cleveland lost 1 game and they are "going down in flames again". You are the sky is falling BYU fan aren't you.

They almost lost Game 1. Even if they get past Boston, they won't get past Orlando (and even if they get past Orlando the Lakers will kick their asses). Boston has already exposed Cleveland in the same way Orlando exposed them last year. Get Cleveland to run the LeBron vs. 5 offense (not hard to do) and then watch as LeBron starts forcing bad shots. Short of landing a true second banana for LeBron, either Mike Brown or LeBron (probably a combination of both) has severe offensive problems when they're pushed. LeBron can create, but no one can create for LeBron. The Lakers were either out of the playoffs or making routine first round exits until Gasol came. Kobe and Gasol create for each other, Gasol's the perfect second banana for Kobe.

Reportedly Garnett and Perkins weren't able to practice yesterday, so there's some hope for Cleveland in its series against Boston.

In order, here's where I place the remaining teams chances at the championship:

1. Lakers
2. Magic
3. Celtics
4. Spurs
5. Cavs
6. Suns

I still think the Spurs have a great shot at winning the series against the Suns (Joey Crawford was the ref last night and I just don't see the Suns winning a game in San Antonio,). If the series were tied, I would place them ahead of the Celtics. The reason I place them ahead of the Suns despite the deficit is that I have almost no faith in the Suns being able to beat the Lakers, Magic or Celtics. I think the Spurs could potentially beat any of those teams. While the Cavs may still beat the Celtics, they have no shot against the Lakers, Magic or Spurs.

[Surfah]

With Bron fishing the FA season has officially kicked off.

So where does he go?

I still think there is 90% chance he stays in Cleveland. I think Mike Brown is good as gone. I wouldn't be surprised to see them let Bron hand pick the next coach. The Cavs have done more and are willing to do the most to retain him. Bron won't find that in any other city. He is the franchise in Cleveland. I am not sure that he can or wants to be somewhere bigger than he is, like....

New York. MSG is hallowed ground. They may not have the banners that hang in LA or the Garden, but they have a handful with plenty of pride and tradition. I am not sure Bron is big enough to transcend all of that. And the way he has taken it on the chin these past couple of days will only get worse in NYC (those Celtics fans were clever with their NY Knicks chants). Especially because that team still won't be any good. Even if they were to land a Bosh or Wade to go along with him. The Knicks have too many FAs and too many holes to fill to take on two stars and max deals. I could see something like LBJ, and then maybe Joe Johnson taking a smaller deal with some change to sign a few decent support pieces. But that is still a long shot. That's why I think...

The Brooklyn Nets is intriguing because of Lopez, Harris, and the #1 pick. Think of their new owner and this deserves even more consideration. Bron would have to stick out another horrible year or two in Newark. But he could possibly get his cake and eat it too in a few years. He can be bigger than the Nets. Does he have that kind of patience though? Even if they land John Wall does this team make it past the 1st or 2nd round let alone the playoffs? What if they could they land Bron and a lesser star like Lee? Wall, Bron, Lee, and Lopez sounds pretty damn good. But they won't have much of a bench with 7 FAs (6 unrestricted). And their coaching and front office situation is a mess. Kiki is not inspiring in either role. Likewise...

Chicago has to replace Del Negro who got a bit of raw deal. I think that was more of a clash between Pax and him rather than unrealized expectations. What did Pax think he was going to get when he traded away Gordon and Salmons? Teams could pack the paint because there was absolute zero threat from outside. Defenders would sag 5 feet beneath the three point line. That Rose could still get to the rim is a testament to how good he is. However, this is a good a defensive team. With some outside game they could be winners. But they need a coach, a star to pair with Rose, and replace their entire bench. Calipari? I think that in the end Chicago has a better chance at landing Wade than Bron. And I think that is who they will go after. That's a nasty backcourt. But they still need some shooters, size (to match up with Orlando) and replace 9 FAs. Chicago also is a big market, with history, and I am not sure LBJ wants to step into MJ's shoes there. Which only leaves one other option in...

Los Angeles. Doesn't it seem destined? Unfortunately (fortunate for the rest of the NBA), this means red, white, and blue and not purple and gold. I am not hearing much chatter about the Clippers. But they got the cap space. They have the #8 pick. Wes Johson? Alrdich? Monroe? Add that to B Diddy, Eric Gordon, Griffin, and Kaman. Throw LBJ into that too? Is that a playoff team? That sure looks damn good on paper. The downside? They'll need to replace a bunch of FAs. The coaching situation is another question mark. But Sterling spends money. And I know he'd love to pull something like this off after missing on Kobe and getting spurned by Brand. The downside? He moves from the East to the West right into the Lakers division. He's also not going to get a break from the media in LA. Though they're much softer on little brother. And that's the biggest problem. The Clippers share the floor with the Lakers. Now Bron could be everything he wants to be with the Clippers, but he'll be doing it in someone else's house in the shade of banners and retired jerseys. Can he get over that?

I think in the end he stays in Cleveland. But he has to take a long, hard look at the Clippers. That has some serious potential.

[Flystripper]

Chicago has to replace Del Negro who got a bit of raw deal. I think that was more of a clash between Pax and him rather than unrealized expectations. What did Pax think he was going to get when he traded away Gordon and Salmons? Teams could pack the paint because there was absolute zero threat from outside. Defenders would sag 5 feet beneath the three point line. That Rose could still get to the rim is a testament to how good he is. However, this is a good a defensive team. With some outside game they could be winners. But they need a coach, a star to pair with Rose, and replace their entire bench. Calipari? I think that in the end Chicago has a better chance at landing Wade than Bron. And I think that is who they will go after. That's a nasty backcourt. But they still need some shooters, size (to match up with Orlando) and replace 9 FAs. Chicago also is a big market, with history, and I am not sure LBJ wants to step into MJ's shoes there. Which only leaves one other option in...

All the sports guys in Chicago are starting to feel pretty confident that Bron will end up in Chi-town. It is probably his best option other than staying in Cleveland. I think Bron leaves the Cavs more because he will want to get the taste of his past failures out of his mouth. I really only see staying put or Chicago as his best two options tbh.

[Donuthole]

But for Donald Sterling, I think he'd end up in LAC. But he's not going to play for Sterling. No way.

[Surfah]

All the sports guys in Chicago are starting to feel pretty confident that Bron will end up in Chi-town. It is probably his best option other than staying in Cleveland. I think Bron leaves the Cavs more because he will want to get the taste of his past failures out of his mouth. I really only see staying put or Chicago as his best two options tbh.

I think it's pretty much down to these two also. It's still close enough to home and as one of the pundits I was listening to argued, MJ is far enough removed that his shadow might not be that long there anymore. Not sure if I buy that but I think Bron could be sold on it.

His postgame comments were interesting. His team. Their gameplan. Who knows what that means. It does seem Worldwide Wes will have the most influence. Whether or not he helps lure Cal away from Kentucky is another thing. And if he ends up in Chicago or Cleveland. The only reason I can see Cal leaving is because he's going to be coaching Bron. And given what the Cavs were able to accomplish, Chicago seems like the safer bet.

Another team I didn't mention was Miami. They have 4 picks (3 2nd rd.) in this draft. But they have some holes to fill and will need those 4 picks. I don't think they're a player for LBJ.

I still think this FA season will be much ado about nothing. But I could be wrong. And I think Bron should look at the Clippers. For real.

I just hope the Lakers can find something at the point. Fisher is a FA and Farnar I think is restricted. If both didn't come back I wouldn't be upset. But I feel that Fisher at the very least will be back and wouldn't be surprised to see both come back.

[Color Me Badd Fan]

Charles Oakley, who's supposedly close to LeBron, told one of the New York newspapers that LeBron won't end up in New York or Cleveland. Oak says that LeBron wants to win and he'll go either to Chicago or Miami.

I doubt that Miami will be the destination. First of all, there would be the sense that he's gravy-training off Wade who's already won a championship. Second, Chicago eclipses Miami as far as endorsements, media exposure, fan dedication, etc. But the problem with Chicago is Joachim Noah. I can't get my head around James and Noah playing together after all the crap that Noah called James on (this actually made me start liking Noah a lot more). If Rodman and Jordan could play together given their history, I guess James could play with Noah.

The other thing I wonder about is whether Chicago could sign two of the big free agents. Chicago has plenty of trade pieces and I wonder if they could pick up James and do a sign and trade for Bosh.

[Donuthole]

Charles Oakley, who's supposedly close to LeBron, told one of the New York newspapers that LeBron won't end up in New York or Cleveland. Oak says that LeBron wants to win and he'll go either to Chicago or Miami.

I doubt that Miami will be the destination. First of all, there would be the sense that he's gravy-training off Wade who's already won a championship. Second, Chicago eclipses Miami as far as endorsements, media exposure, fan dedication, etc. But the problem with Chicago is Joachim Noah. I can't get my head around James and Noah playing together after all the crap that Noah called James on (this actually made me start liking Noah a lot more). If Rodman and Jordan could play together given their history, I guess James could play with Noah.

The other thing I wonder about is whether Chicago could sign two of the big free agents. Chicago has plenty of trade pieces and I wonder if they could pick up James and do a sign and trade for Bosh.

Chicago wouldn't need to add another FA to be automatically dominant. The trio of James, Rose, and Noah would be an awesome trio to compliment with role players. If they did somehow manage to land two of the big FAs, they would be nigh unstoppable.

[Color Me Badd Fan]

Chicago wouldn't need to add another FA to be automatically dominant. The trio of James, Rose, and Noah would be an awesome trio to compliment with role players. If they did somehow manage to land two of the big FAs, they would be nigh unstoppable.

Chris Broussard also thinks LeBron is going back to Chicago. He then said that Chicago would also try to lure Phil Jackson back to coach. Given the fact that Kobe is just finishing up his 14th season and has a ton of miles on him, I wouldn't be surprised if Phil Jackson calls it quits after this season. But I would be surprised if he immediately made the lateral move to the Bulls. I also don't think Jackson would be a good fit in Chicago. Does a great PG like Rose fit into the triangle offense?

[Surfah]

Chicago wouldn't need to add another FA to be automatically dominant. The trio of James, Rose, and Noah would be an awesome trio to compliment with role players. If they did somehow manage to land two of the big FAs, they would be nigh unstoppable.

Jeff Van Gundy who has been linked as Chicago's next coach in some rumors said that Lebron on the Bulls doesn't make them a contender and I agree. They have a solid base. But they still have no bench. And they have no outside shooting.

[Surfah]

Chris Broussard also thinks LeBron is going back to Chicago. He then said that Chicago would also try to lure Phil Jackson back to coach. Given the fact that Kobe is just finishing up his 14th season and has a ton of miles on him, I wouldn't be surprised if Phil Jackson calls it quits after this season. But I would be surprised if he immediately made the lateral move to the Bulls. I also don't think Jackson would be a good fit in Chicago. Does a great PG like Rose fit into the triangle offense?

I'd be surprised if Phil coached anywhere but LA next year. I also won't be surprised if he hangs it up after this season. He said he's leaning that way today on Money and Petros. I doubt he goes to coach anywhere else.

[Donuthole]

Jeff Van Gundy who has been linked as Chicago's next coach in some rumors said that Lebron on the Bulls doesn't make them a contender and I agree. They have a solid base. But they still have no bench. And they have no outside shooting.

LA has no outside shooting, but that hasn't stopped them from contending. As far as depth goes,The Bulls have Hinrich, Deng and Gibson, which are some fairly nice complimentary players. Also, there will be no shortage of players wanting to sign up to play with LBJ (I've already predicted Ray Allen to land in Chicago if LBJ goes there). They're a couple role players away from a really good 9-man rotation.