Tuesday, June 24, 2014

LeBron to Charlotte? Hornets must try

I do not expect LeBron James will end up anywhere besides Miami. But this is a chase the Charlotte Hornets absolutely have to join, just in case.

And they will. The Hornets and general manager Rich Cho are not dumb. They will get in line as a suitor for James -- who has opted out of his contract with the Heat -- just like everyone else in the NBA will. And Michael Jordan should be part of this recruitment process.

And while LeBron's landing spots certainly would seem to be more likely in Miami, L.A. (with either team), or Cleveland, it is a tribute to the Hornets that they at least are in this conversation. A column in Yahoo! Sports recently was headlined: "LeBron James Could Be The Superstar Michael Jordan Is Looking For" and contained the sentence: "The Hornets can make a solid case they are in better standing than the Heat if James is removed from the equation."

Ultimately, I cannot imagine LeBron coming to Charlotte. But that's the way the biggest dreams sometimes are -- unimaginable until they actually happen. If you are the Hornets, you never know on this one until you try.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hornets fans should petition for LBJ to become a Hornet. Show him that we could handle him here. I believe the City would rally behind him and there is no doubt in my mind he could sell just as many Jerseys in Charlotte as any where else. LBJ COME TO CLT!!!

NODOOKIES said...

Deal that slug Hendo, give all our picks this season and our #1 next. Give him a two year at the highest rate. We will instantly be a contender for the title.

Anonymous said...

Exactly. We can sell him on the world’s best player as the owner, the world’s best fans, and a supporting cast where he would fit in perfectly. Getting him here with Hornets name and Charlotte will be rocking in a way that will put OKC or any other loud stadium to shame. Al and Lebron will be like LJ and ‘Zo all over again.

Anonymous said...

Would LOVE to see LeBron in purple and teal, but it won't happen. Doesn't hurt to ask though. I'd like to see him go somewhere else just so we can see that Miami Heat bandwagon fall off a cliff.

Anonymous said...

NODOOKIES: You don't trade for free agents. If LeBron comes here it will be because he and his agent think it would be a good deal. We'd still have our other contracts and draft picks.

Mike W said...

Hornets don't have enough All-Stars for LBJ to come play here. He's chasing rings. It's fun to dream though...

Anonymous said...

Signing Lebron from the Hornets perspective is a no-brainer, but it actually makes a lot of sense of for Lebron. He'd be joining a young team that can be competitive for a long time. Plus, with a talented pg (Walker), post player (Jefferson), and defender (MKG), Lebron wouldn't have to do all the dirty work, extending his career. On top of this, the Hornets could use their two draft picks to surround James with three point shooters, but the best thing about joining the Hornets would be cementing Lebron's legacy. He'd get all the credit for subsequent championships, and in doing so, he'd have his best chance of gaining the vocal support from Jordan deferring greatest of all time status to James. Other than by joining the Hornets, I don't see Lebron ever reaching the pinnacle of G.O.A.T. after losing multiple Finals, something Jordan never suffered.

Anonymous said...

Hornets do not have the money and Charlotte not a marque market.

Anonymous said...

Why would we Deal our picks for LBJ? Deal Hendo for some more cap room but not the picks unless we move up in the draft.

Anonymous said...

Why does it always seem like Charlotte sports writers always seem Charlotte has no chance on anything? We have some of the biggest corporations along with a recovery economy yet they say we can't LBJ or a Superbowl. How can Jacksonville, Fl host a SB but yet we can't, and yes I've lived and have family in Jacksonville and it's not even close to being as prepared or clean as Charlotte. So for once can the writers be positive to at least make our fans have some optimism for once, SMH?

Anonymous said...

it's the NBA and no one cares ...

Anonymous said...

I'll bet my house that Hornets can land LJ. What you guys smokin'?

Anonymous said...

If James is looking for a city to raise his children in away from the distractions of Miami, LA, NYC, etc Charlotte is a good option. He wants to be a contender for the best player ever and working for MJ would probably help his case. The Hornets happen to have $ this year and could pay him a lot more than he earned in Miami. I very long shot, but it could happen

Anonymous said...

It would be a cold day u know where, before Jordan would come off of that kind of money. Not going to happen.