KC Johnson's Article: James and Calipari

[Fred]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport...cj-on-bulls-chicago--20100516,0,7300558.story

Why do I have the sickening sensation that Bulls management would rather sign their favorite agent Arn Tellan's client, Joe Johnson, and a coach they want instead of LeBron and Calipari.

"League sources said Sunday that noted NBA power broker William Wesley continues to work back channels to sell John Calipari and James as a package deal to franchises such as the Bulls, Nets and Clippers with coaching vacancies and salary cap room."

Again, why did William Wesley contact the Bulls? The Bulls should have had a call into Calipari the minute the Cavs lost to the Celtics.

 

[Bullsman24]

God I hope management doesn't screw this up.

 

[Kush77]

This is on ESPN now

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5194333

The source close to the organization says the Bulls aren't considering Cal-James combo but Broussard said he hears James isn't demanding it.

He might not be demanding it, but I'm sure it wouldn't hurt his feelings.

If signing Cal guarantees you LeBron then you do it. If signing Tim Floyd guaranteed you LBJ you have to do it.

 

[Shakes]

Can someone explain exactly what basis the whole "LeBron wants Calipari" thing has? I just haven't seen anything to suggest it's anything more than speculation that because LeBron likes the guy he wants him as his coach.

 

[Fred]

Shakes wrote:

Can someone explain exactly what basis the whole "LeBron wants Calipari" thing has? I just haven't seen anything to suggest it's anything more than speculation that because LeBron likes the guy he wants him as his coach.

Of course, you won't find that quote anywhere. It would be an incredibly stupid PR move for him to say in public, "I want the Cavs to fire Mike Brown and hire my friend John Calipari." John Calipari wouldn't want that. But I think it would be extremely prudent for the Bulls to aggresively interview Calipari, because it's clear they are friends. And hiring him would make it more likely that he would come here.

2009-2010 Team Top Payroll’s
NBA Payrolls 2009-2010
LA Lakers ~ 91.4
Utah Jazz ~ 84.7
Boston Celtics ~ 82.2
Cleveland Cavaliers ~ 79.9
San Antonio Spurs ~ 78.3
Orlando Magic ~ 77.9
Washington Wizards ~ 77.8
Dallas Mavericks ~ 75.5
Houston Rockets ~ 74.2
New Orleans Hornets ~ 73.8
Miami Heat ~ 73.1
New York Knicks ~ 72.9
Denver Nuggets ~ 69.4
Chicago Bulls ~ 68.9

Does anyone believe that Reinsdorf will be as aggressive as D. Gilbert was?

 

[Shakes]

I don't expect him to outright say it, but I can't find anything that even hints at it. Being friends doesn't mean he wants him as the coach, I have friends that I sure as hell wouldn't want to work with.

 

[J-Mart]

Kush77 wrote:

This is on ESPN now

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5194333

The source close to the organization says the Bulls aren't considering Cal-James combo but Broussard said he hears James isn't demanding it.

He might not be demanding it, but I'm sure it wouldn't hurt his feelings.

If signing Cal guarantees you LeBron then you do it. If signing Tim Floyd guaranteed you LBJ you have to do it.

This scares me a lot. Although I am usually quick to bash management, I am going to wait it out before I make assumptions this time. Reinsdorf would be insane not to looking into Calipari if the rumors are true that they are a package deal. It would make no sense for him to not at least explore the option. It is the best decision financially and for the best chance at winning. Either way I don't care as long as full effort was put into it exploring it and pursuing if true.

I have confidence the Bulls will get something done, which hopefully is not JJ. With all the rumors going around they better get something done, which IMO needs to be Lebron, Bosh, Amare, Wade, Boozer or at worst Lee.

 

[houheffna]

Believe me...if Lebron is really available...they are going after him...believe that.

 

[Diddy1122]

Shakes wrote:

I don't expect him to outright say it, but I can't find anything that even hints at it. Being friends doesn't mean he wants him as the coach, I have friends that I sure as hell wouldn't want to work with.

Agreed. I don't believe Cal is coming to the NBA. This all reeks of PR spin to get him a re-negotiated contract with Kentucky. Add to the fact that the Cavs lost, Cal & LBJ are friends & share the same agent, it's the perfect opportunity for Wesley to get the PR wheels spinning.

Even Wesley himself is denying all of this which makes it seem even more like a played up rumor to get Kentucky talking big bucks. We will pursue Lebron hardcore, Cal or no Cal, preferrably no Cal.