Either Lebron James will be the worst tease since Phil Jackson in 1999, or the headlines will trumpet his arrival with more bold type than the 2008 presidential election. That much is certain.
The pivotal player in this melodrama is Donnie Walsh, who never promised a long term stay. In his seventies, Donnie probably offered Dolan a three-year gentleman's agreement (with David Stern lending a nudge) to lend his reputation. Donnie was desperately needed to mend the image of the NY franchise. There is one other thing that is certain, On March 1 Donnie will turn 70.
This Summer will be his final series of executive decisions in the New York hot seat. If it is Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson or Walt Frazier - the General Managers seat will have another occupant after next season.
Of course, Lebron would add to the "Wow" factor and Cablevision would be jumping for joy with their shiny new toy. Court side seats at The Garden return to the Patrick Ewing price structure, with a new surcharge for participation in choreographed pre game huddle rituals. But everyone knows what the MSG usher I met during the 1999 Playoffs knows,
"dese guys don't do nuttin' da easy way."
Worst case, David Lee and his agent, still feeling slighted from last Summer's negotiations, take a walk. Chris Bosh stays in Toronto, Joe Johnson stays in Atlanta and Dwayne Wade stays in South Beach. Carlos Boozer says , "no thanks."
In late October, just as training camp is winding up, Donnie Walsh issues the following statement statement, "I did the best I could, given the circumstances. I enjoyed my time in New York but I must move on with my life."
"Money Won't Change You, But Time Will Take You On!"
- James Brown
