There are just as many reasons why he should sign with the Knicks. Still, I'm not as confident as other Knicks fans about him coming.
Like what? Endorsements? Fame? The top 10 athlete earners are all non-New Yorkers according to Forbes. LeBron is going to get his money regardless of where he plays. D'Antoni's system is exciting, but not ideal for playoff basketball or winning a Championship as exhibited by the failures in Phoenix. I think NY has a better shot at signing DWade.
If LeBron were to sign with NY he would be an international icon. I don't think he's quite on that level yet. He would be the biggest athlete in the world, bar none. Now, he's arguably not more recognizable than Kobe. There is just so much more opportunity for fame. Winning a championship at the Garden. I disagree with D'Antoni's system. It turned Steve Nash into a two-time HOF player and it definitely maximized the Suns offense. Remember, they were in a good position to beat the Spurs after the Amare suspension in, I believe 2006. Also, management made some very crucial errors such as: a) losing Joe Johnson b) passing up on excellent draft choices (Rondo, Nate, Deng, Iguodala, Rudy Fernandez, Brooks) in order to save a few dollars c) not doing enough to acquire better defensive players. The Suns also play in the West and always managed to make it to the WCF. Had they played in the East they would have easily have gone to the Finals and maybe have won depending on the WCF match up. And I'm not too sure about the Forbes list. A-Rod has to be up in the top 10 somewhere. But even if he isn't, that probably has something to do with the fact NY sports is on the decline recently. Knicks haven't been good for several years. Jets haven't made the playoffs in a while and the Giants were quickly eliminated. The Mets and Yankees both haven't made the playoffs. I'm not too sure about the Rangers, but I'm pretty sure they weren't anything to write home about. If LeBron comes to NY and they start winning he will be in the category as some of the greats. The NBA would be salivating over a potential LA/NY Finals. Ratings would go through the roof. I do, however, recognize that there are many reasons for him to stay in Cleveland and it's probably best for him basketball-wise. NY is just a great opportunity though.
Top 10 Earners are... 1. Tiger Woods 2. De La Hoya 3. Phil Mickelson 4. Kimi Raikkonen 5. Michael Schumacher 6. David Beckham 7. Kobe Bryant 8. Shaquille O'Neal 9.(tie) Michael Jordan 9.(tie) Ronaldinho A-Rod is 12th on the list As far as LeBron being an International Icon I think he's doing just fine building his brand. His appearance at the Olympics, being the main basketball player endorsed by Nike, and all the media coverage he receives. Ultimately it's going to come down to winning titles for him to reach icon status and not where he plays. Comparing the Cavs to the Knicks, his best chance to win a title is in Cleveland.
