Ric Bucher of ESPN has a report today including information from a source discussing LeBron James and the 2010 Free Agency Summer of Doom. The source contends that Hawks guard Joe Johnson may be the King’s preferred partner in crime if he heads beyond the sunny gates of Cleveland.
Bucher outlines how Johnson would absorb less of the spotlight than Dwyane Wade, and he’s a better proven closer than Chris Bosh (despite Bosh’s critical three looooong two against the Hawks the other night). A true dynamite two-guard would seem to be a great compliment for LeBron with the ability to spread the floor.
Whenever we discuss rumors of this type, it’s important to outline a few things, even though we do it every time. One, this is just speculation. The reason it’s relevant is it outlines possibilities and contributing factors from a respected source.
But at the end of the day, the throngs of folks that say “No one has any idea what he’ll do” regarding James are most likely correct. There are just too many factors to predict. Two, it is supremely far from a sure thing that the Cavs won’t be able to re-ink the Savior. If they walk away with a ring this year, that’s going to be near-impossible to walk away from.
And this possibility makes a lot of sense, but has some issues as well. Johnson is a high-usage player looking at his thirties. The King gets the ball first, second, and third. Johnson can act as a catch and shoot or cutting finisher, but he’s at his best when he’s breaking ankles and nailing floaters over three defenders. T
hose same abilities that make him special not only may make the idea of giving the ball up to LeBron 80% of the possessions unfavorable, but are the same skills that will face decline with age.
I spoke with Johnson at All-Star Weekend and asked him if remaining in the south was a favorable idea like it was when he departed Phoenix for Atlanta. He rebuffed that, saying he was older now and locale wouldn’t make an impact on his decision. So clearly New York is going to be on the board (the most likely destination of a LeBron-Johnson team-up). But making all the pieces fit will be a puzzle for GM’s with a lot on the line.
