Excluding the three championship parades down Biscayne Blvd., Thursday marked one of the biggest days in (recent) Miami Heat history.
The organization introduced Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the city for the first time since their late June blockbuster with the Milwaukee Bucks. But from one multi-time MVP to another, Heat president Pat Riley is still trying to land “another plane,” with free agent LeBron James, after landing a “747,” with Antetokounmpo.
After Antetokounmpo’s introductory presser, Riley was asked about James’ pursuit, which is well documented at this point. The longtime executive wasn’t able to disclose much detail, but did confirm they were playing the waiting game.
“To be transparent about it, we’ve had discussions over a week ago,” Riley said. “But right now, I think we’re like everybody else: Just waiting to see what he does.”
Nobody knows what LeBron James is thinking:
James is one of the most recognizable and popular sports figures in history. But while that’s the case, during his past free agencies, James and his camp (Klutch Sports) have done an incredibly good job keeping their cards tight to their chest.
Klutch founder and CEO Rich Paul has disclosed potential destinations for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Yet, it appears nobody else knows what he’s thinking as his decision puts the league on hold.
“There’s been no information coming from LeBron or Rich Paul about what he’s thinking,” ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst said this week. “And not so much what he’s picking, but what is important to him — whether it’s style of play be important, role, certain limitation on his minutes or games.
“Those are things that teams would — if they had the information — they could improve their ability, improve their hand. And I expect that to happen after he selects a team.”
James’ fit with the Heat would be evident.
Flanked by Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, James would immediately become the Heat’s best ballhandler and passer. He would have enough artillery behind him defensively while immediately becoming one of their foremost engines offensively.
James is a cyborg — in the most complimentary way possible.
He may be 41, but he’s ageless. He’s still an outstanding athlete, and still averaged 20.9 points on 51.5 percent shooting and 59.4 percent true shooting. James also averaged 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game last year.
The clock ticks. I’ve had (and still have) my doubts that he chooses Miami. But the pitch is simple: If you want to win, Miami is, truthfully, your best bet.
They also have plenty of golf courses, too!
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With 98% certainty, I can say that LeBron James is coming to Miami. When I head him speak at the Fanatics Fest in New York, it seems like I was listening to Coach Spo……”You have to trust the process”. I will be surprised if he does not come to Miami.
He’s chasing a ring, despite what Rich Paul says about his decision. He can’t get one in Cleveland, the Knicks aren’t the right fit and they would offer him the minimum, no team in the West can beat the Spurs even with him, the Spurs is a maybe but I don’t think they’re aggressively pursuing him. Miami is his best chance of winning and they can offer him the MLE.
“I said not just 1 or 2. Here comes 3 and 4.”
Documentary becomes scintallating.