With Jay-Z at the helm, Nets can think Wade, Gay, Durant, and Lebron

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Ford: Jay-Z Could Become One of the NBA’s Most Powerful Owners
May 21, 2008, 10:35 am It was the last line in Chad Ford’s lottery notes: “If I’m Cavs owner Dan Gilbert,” Ford writes, “I’m really sweating losing LeBron James in two years” to Jay-Z and the Nets. And it isn’t just Lebron: “Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant and Rudy Gay were absolutely mesmerized by the guy” at the lottery. Wrote Ford: ”If the Nets can get under the cap and use Jay-Z as a pitch man — he could very well become one of the most powerful owners in the league.” Gilbert says he’s not worried.

Draft lottery reaction: Beasley could fill Chicago's post needs - Chad Ford - ESPN
Cavs' owner on LeBron's future in Cleveland: 'Don't worry about it' - - AP
No "Sidekick" For LeBron James? - Wendell Maxey - HoopsWorld
Posted in Jay-Z; Cavaliers; Marketing | No Comments »</div>


Because it's fun to dream

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga @ May 21 2008, 10:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>


Ford: Jay-Z Could Become One of the NBA’s Most Powerful Owners
May 21, 2008, 10:35 am It was the last line in Chad Ford’s lottery notes: “If I’m Cavs owner Dan Gilbert,” Ford writes, “I’m really sweating losing LeBron James in two years” to Jay-Z and the Nets. And it isn’t just Lebron: “Dwyane Wade, Kevin Durant and Rudy Gay were absolutely mesmerized by the guy” at the lottery. Wrote Ford: ”If the Nets can get under the cap and use Jay-Z as a pitch man — he could very well become one of the most powerful owners in the league.” Gilbert says he’s not worried.

Draft lottery reaction: Beasley could fill Chicago's post needs - Chad Ford - ESPN
Cavs' owner on LeBron's future in Cleveland: 'Don't worry about it' - - AP
No "Sidekick" For LeBron James? - Wendell Maxey - HoopsWorld
Posted in Jay-Z; Cavaliers; Marketing | No Comments »</div>


Because it's fun to dream
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Another reason to get rid of Carter and Jefferson and focus on building a young talented core...with cap space available players will want to sign.

 

This sort of speculation is nothing more than a writer who has run out of stories to write in the off-season and lends itself to sensationalism. I can only wish and dream that Jay-Z had as much influence as Ford asserts. Unfortunately the only thing that should matter to any free agent is ultimately the amount of the contract he can receive.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (razel231 @ May 21 2008, 10:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>This sort of speculation is nothing more than a writer who has run out of stories to write in the off-season and lends itself to sensationalism. I can only wish and dream that Jay-Z had as much influence as Ford asserts. Unfortunately the only thing that should matter to any free agent is ultimately the amount of the contract he can receive.</div>


Well isn't that a given with LBJ and Wade? I guess it will all depend on how the next CBA is structured, does it further want to limit player movement? One of the reasons why the LBJ class took on minimal 4 year deals was to see if the max contracts would increase with the new CBA.......owners can choose to limit FA movement but putting a couple of instruments, for example, max contract becomes 7 years with 15% increases, but if changing teams it can be 5 years with 10% increases. Lots of things can happen between now and LBJ's walk year.

 

maybe these young players are mesmerized instead with beyonce...watch out jay-z!

 

We can only pray.

 

The best free agent Jay-Z has attracted so far has been Eddie House, that's one heck of a talent jump to somehow miraculously get LeBron and DWade, impending move to Brooklyn or no.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (reganomics813 @ May 21 2008, 01:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The best free agent Jay-Z has attracted so far has been Eddie House, that's one heck of a talent jump to somehow miraculously get LeBron and DWade, impending move to Brooklyn or no.</div>

Jay-Z didn't court him, Rod Thorn courted him.

The Nets have not used Jay-Z in any free agent acquisitions yet. This is all speculation on what could happen if they used him for that purpose.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ May 21 2008, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (reganomics813 @ May 21 2008, 01:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The best free agent Jay-Z has attracted so far has been Eddie House, that's one heck of a talent jump to somehow miraculously get LeBron and DWade, impending move to Brooklyn or no.</div>

Jay-Z didn't court him, Rod Thorn courted him.

The Nets have not used Jay-Z in any free agent acquisitions yet. This is all speculation on what could happen if they used him for that purpose.
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I was trying to make a joke. What's taking him so long to get us decent players?

For the record, the Nets better watch their butts 'using Jay-Z'. The NBA takes tampering very seriously and the last thing we need is a buncha fines or having to forfeit any draft picks.

 

But it isn't like there have been huge names the Nets missed out on in 06 and 07 - Rashard Lewis? Darko Milicic? Ben Wallace? Peja Stojakovic?

 

Luckily the NBA also loves the idea of Lebron playing in New York City (I'm guessing).

 

If Jay-Z can lure good players here that's great but we've had real nice teams that couldn't get free agents to look in our general direction. Wade and LeBron will be leaving some real nice young teams of their own to come here because of someone who's not even suiting up for us? I'm really not seein' it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (reganomics813 @ May 21 2008, 03:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>If Jay-Z can lure good players here that's great but we've had real nice teams that couldn't get free agents to look in our general direction. Wade and LeBron will be leaving some real nice young teams of their own to come here because of someone who's not even suiting up for us? I'm really not seein' it.</div>

The Cavs are a "real nice young team"? Since when? Their GM sucks, their roster doesn't look too pretty right now...Especially with Big Ben and Wally there. Big Z is good for them, but he's obviously not getting it done.

I think going from the Cavs to the Nets would be a definite upgrade for Lebron.

 

I think you've got to take Brooklyn into consideration. Imagine the possibilities by pairing up with Jay-Z in the mecca of urban culture. The Kind of New York? of Brooklyn? there's huge potential there for growing one's legacy off the court. Also consider how Lebron mirrors Jordan: the potential, hype/aura, heck even the number. Michael was great because of what he did on the court but also because of the cultural icon he became. You think Lebron will get that in Cleveland, Ohio or in Brooklyn, NY?

I'll tell you where I'd put my money:

 

Oh yeah, and has anyone wondered why Jay-Z decided to buy into the Nets in the first place?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga @ May 21 2008, 03:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Oh yeah, and has anyone wondered why Jay-Z decided to buy into the Nets in the first place?</div>

I assumed it was because he knew they were being moved to Brooklyn

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (pegs @ May 21 2008, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The Cavs are a "real nice young team"? Since when? Their GM sucks, their roster doesn't look too pretty right now...Especially with Big Ben and Wally there. Big Z is good for them, but he's obviously not getting it done.

I think going from the Cavs to the Nets would be a definite upgrade for Lebron.</div>

I fully expect that team to look very different in the near future but that's as much speculation as is that the Nets will be improved enough to entice him here.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga @ May 21 2008, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I think you've got to take Brooklyn into consideration. Imagine the possibilities by pairing up with Jay-Z in the mecca of urban culture. The Kind of New York? of Brooklyn? there's huge potential there for growing one's legacy off the court. Also consider how Lebron mirrors Jordan: the potential, hype/aura, heck even the number. Michael was great because of what he did on the court but also because of the cultural icon he became. You think Lebron will get that in Cleveland, Ohio or in Brooklyn, NY?</div>

I don't think LeBron's having any problem in the cultural icon department. He's got his own clothing line, endorsements, and is a prominent face of the NBA even if he is holed up in Ohio. No question he'd be a big deal in NY but we're not exactly talking about a guy nobody's heard of.

That being said, if all it will take is a rapper and a move to Brooklyn will bring him to the Nets that's great. I'm just not holding out any hope that it could happen.

 

That's right. There's monetary potential there because he believes the team is going to be successful. While Lebron will earn his salary regardless, this success will transpire in terms of culture, fan base, exposure, etc. I can definitely see Jay-Z selling this vision.



Not that it needs selling...

 

If the Nets don't get Lebron after all these rumors and speculation, I'm going to feel pretty miserable deep down. Durant, Gay, and Wade are all great players, but man Lebron is just a monster. Just thinking about him putting on a Nets uniform makes me giggle like a little girl.