Turn the calendar back a month, before any deals were made and speculation ran rampant. With every potential free agent, there were always destinations that made the most sense financially and systematically fit their abilities. Quietly something brewed, a wicked concoction of doubt and regularity. Too often lurking in the shadows loomed the two largest markets in the NBA, talons clenched with the tautness of every available tendon stretched to it’s final elasticity. They lay in wait, prepared to fulfill their destiny and shred hearts and beliefs of every small market fan in their path. Salivating as they remained in readiness, desperately craving to strike, sinking their razor-sharp fangs into the flesh of their desired free agent, claiming their prey and returning to their den.
Then the strength of the 2015 NBA free agent class turned their collective backs on New York and Los Angeles. They opted for deals that fit for what is now referred to as “basketball sense.” “Basketball sense” really could be replaced with common sense. In a modern professional sports landscape, where athletes ply their trade in Oklahoma and take residence in Malibu, the draw of the bright lights and big city just ain’t what it used to be. The Knicks and the Lakers were supposed to be the favorites, not even the dark horse candidates, to land numerous top free agents. And why not, they always are. Until recently they’ve had the best of luck, but unwarranted success, if not recognized, ends in sloth and misunderstanding of self. When you remove the facades of the two franchises, little remains of merit and inclination to join. Were franchises capable of roping in potential suitors purely based upon regality of lineage, everyone would be shipping up to Boston. That clearly isn’t happening.
Lamarcus Aldridge chose San Antonio over LA, after granting them a second meeting, as they fumbled their first. He will be joined by the resigned Kawhi Leonard. Kevin Love remains in Cleveland as Tristan Thompson (A player with a breakout Playoffs) likely does as well. Lebron James, unless he really feels like destroying any shred of good will he has left in Ohio, will remain there as well. Mark Gasol, the best center on the market refused to meet with anyone other than Memphis. Monte Ellis to Indiana, Draymond Green stays in Golden State, Greg Monroe to Milwaukee, Deandre Jordan is leaving LA for Dallas! What this shows is that marketing, social media and salary restrictions have enabled players to make their decisions based solely upon preference of destination, never risking loss of popularity. Besides, it’s not like the Lakers or the Knicks are respectively defying you to reject them.
The Lakers are a severely flawed team, built around an all time great player in the latest stages of his career, coming off his second major injury, with a bloated contract and is supposedly not the most fun guy to be around. Don’t worry, at least he’ll hold you fully accountable for any of your faults. They’re led by an unbelievably still employed, stone age coach with little regard for analytics and current trends, and a spoiled ownership group comprised of rich offspring. The brightest of which handles the WNBA franchise.
The Knicks are an equally flawed team, whose one dimensional star is at least in the prime of his career, if not headed towards the back nine. They feature a rookie head coach whose expertise is seemingly below where it should reside, paired with a rookie GM whose basketball decision making leaves much to be desired. Rest assured the Knicks too possess a feeble owner.
New York and Los Angeles, you’re not really forcing free agents hands here. In today’s market, if it is competitiveness you seek, understand that laurels rested upon will reap you no rewards. There are simply better basketball environments, of which players are aware. Throw a rock and you’ll find superior coaches, management and ownership. Banners and a history of excellence (take a step back Knicks, this doesn’t apply to you) are the icing on the cake, the sweetener on top of the deal, not the driving force behind free agency decision making.
