Pic from the 2010-2011 NBA season?
Profilic blog poster Chris Hall and I have been arguing this point for some time now, and our arguments have spilled over to the point where I feel like I should blog about this topic to see what the general public thinks.
(Side note: I used the word "arguing" versus "discussing" because as anybody who has discussed something with Chris can attest to, it is hard to discuss things without them developing into all-out wars. Anybody remember, as kids, when Chris and MMG would discuss points in the MMG/Side Bar basement, and neither one would concede any points by the other, nor let any other bystanders into the discussion? Sorry, I digress.)
So here's the question: As all of us know, for some time now there has been much discussion about LeBron James coming to the Knicks next season. Clearly it would make the Knicks immediately much better, and depending on the cast around him, possibly a playoff team.
(Side note 2: If the Knicks make it into the playoffs this year, the NBA should re-do divisions because that's how inferior the East is.)
(Side note 3: Gilbert Arenas is a cocksucker and I'm glad he's gone from the NBA. He's been a cocksucker for some time now, and it's cocksucker karma.)
(Side note 4: If LeBron comes to the Knicks next year, I'm going to conveniently forget that I lost my Knicks allegiance for 4 years ago and be a die-hard Knicks bitch again in 2010.)
So here's the question: How would LeBron's legacy be affected by playing in NYC versus playing in Cleveland?
My contention, basically, is that in today's world, it makes little difference what market somebody plays in, as NBC and ESPN cover the best teams with their star athletes. That's why Cleveland and Miami and Los Angeles and Phoenix are always on the nationally featured games, as opposed to New York and Chicago. LeBron can also get endorsement deals regardless of what city he's in. Therefore, his legacy / status is largely independent of his home city.
Chris' contention, basically, is the opposite - that playing in NYC adds a level of allure and je ne sais quoi which will ultimately raise LeBron's status as a global icon and consequently will add to his legacy in a way that having the same on-the-court success in Cleveland would not afford him. (Chris, correct me or elaborate if desired.)
We've reached an impasse in our discussions. Any thoughts?
