The Deuxcision

I'm not just a video game enthusiast, I enjoy watching sports, specifically basketball.  Something that's currently having the basketball world captivated is LeBron James' decision in Miami (or as NeoGaf calls it 'The Deuxcision').  I've been asked by a few people about what I think LeBron should do basketball related.  I can't be critical about his game, the Spurs did a fantastic dismantling the Heat.  It's not a template that many teams can recreate.  After that lose, I can understand why he would have second thoughts about rejoining the Heat.  With some reports of him wanting the maximum amount of money that he wants as a Free Agent.  So what that caveat, there's quite a few teams that can afford his services.

The two frontrunners that most people have been reporting on are the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers.  If the reports are true, they have Cleveland getting LeBron's talents once again.  I was thinking that it would be a good fit, but now I'm not so sure.  I'm a frequent listener of Dan LeBatard's show (Weekdays at 3 p.m. EST/ 2 p.m. CST) .  It's a good show with a unbiased point of view.  The point that Dan makes and I agree with is why would you go back to team, city, and owner that disrespected you, all because 'your boys' don't have the influence they had in Cleveland.  However, I can understand the redemption factor after winning two championships in Miami.  I can see why an individual can be torn (if that were the case, but I don't know).

If I were him, I'd sign with Cleveland with the hope that Dan Gilbert gets Kevin Love (preferably with an extension).  The ceiling for that team is pretty high.  Miami doesn't have that much flexibility.  (They are operating as if they are at the salary cap threshold, meaning some expensive Free Agents would be out of reach, unless the player or players would take a salary cut.   Some are willing to take a salary cut, but others have said they will not take a cut.)  Also, with 3 players taking over (under the assumption) $10 million in restructured salary, the Heat will be perpetually looking for people willing the play in Miami for the veteran's minimum, mid-level exception, or other creative salary cap benefits for teams either reaching the cap.  Here's some links explaining the salary cap situation a bit better and what all options the Heat have.  Wikipedia's Salary Cap Explaination and Salary Cap FAQs

With those restrictions in place, it will be tougher to acquire some of those expensive pieces, but as I mentioned, there will be players who won't mind playing for lower salaries in the hopes of getting a ring.  In 2012, those odds looked very good.  2015, I'm not so sure Miami would be the best place to get a ring, but the odds of getting out the Eastern Conference is very high.

Why Cleveland then, you ask?  The young talent they have can learn from LeBron the sacrifices on what it takes to win a championship.  Younger legs, means LeBron can take a few games off and the team has enough players to win a few games without him.  He has a point guard that can score when necessary and make plays without making too many costly mistakes in key situations.  Assuming the Cavs make the necessary trades to get Kevin Love or not, the team does have enough pieces to make a run in the playoffs (whether they make it to the Conference Finals, even with LeBron, I'm not to sure unless they make a few trades and sign players that fit the new system).

Just a few thoughts about Free Agency.  I've been glued to NBA.com, Reddit, and NeoGaf since Free Agency started.  I can't wait to find out where Carmelo goes, whether the Heat re-up for another Finals runs, or if the dream is done.  Silently, the Spurs have the reassembling their team and if Patty Mills is healthy for the start of the season or around Christmas, I don't see why San Antonio makes another deep run in the Western (barring injury).  Sometime next week I plan on starting something special video game wise involving the previous console generation.  Until then, peace, love, and hugs.