San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Start of next quest
Offseason plans: Pursuit of James key to pursuit of Golden State
As it turns out, LeBron James is not indestructible — as long as he does the damage himself. In his frustration over the Warriors’ Game 1 escape against the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena, James punched a whiteboard in the visitors’ locker room and fractured a bone in his right hand.
Call it a symbolic if painful gesture. James spoke for the entire NBA with that temper tantrum.
Who’s going to challenge the Warriors next season? It’s a question that will pervade every conversation among coaches, executives and free agents this summer, with ev-
eryone waiting on the great James. So many options lie in front of him, including staying home in Cleveland.
With that in mind, a look at the contenders:
Houston: Setting aside any notion of foresight, the Rockets traded for Chris Paul last summer with hopes for an immediate reward. They knew that Paul was about to become expensive for a long time; as a free agent, he is now eligible to sign a “max” deal for five years at $205 million. The way it’s structured, in the final year of this arrangement Houston would pay $47 million for a 37-yearold player with a history of injuries — including the hamstring tear that sidelined him for Games 6 and 7 of this year’s Western Conference finals.
As president of the players’ union, it’s Paul’s job to oppose management concerns and advise players to take the absolute maximum salary available. He’s not about to accept a cheap restructuring himself. With free agency at hand, perhaps he will consult with James, one of his closest friends, and figure out a way for them to join the Lakers together. Maybe he imagines luring James into the Rockets’ fold. But the addition of James would be costly. The Rockets have minimal cap space, and if they intend to keep center Clint Capela, a restricted free agent, they would have to give up Trevor Ariza, PJ Tucker and Eric Gordon, among others, to make room for James.
It all sounds terribly creaky. The Warriors are a prime-time outfit with years of sovereignty in their plans. You wonder how James would fit into a stagnant offense run by ball-dominant James Harden and the equally headstrong Paul. In any case, the Rockets figure to remain Golden State’s biggest concern in the West. It says here, though, that they’ll never come closer than they did this past season.
Boston: It’s the Celtics’ time to take over the East. They’ll have Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward back and (presumably) healthy, plus rising stars Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Terry Rozier. Coach Brad Stevens is one of the three or four best in the business, and the players are in awe of his lategame strategy. They could have as many as four first-round picks in the 2019 draft. With all of those assets, they probably have the best shot at Anthony Davis if things go sour for the talented big man in New Orleans.
Adding to the intrigue: Some sources think that James has his eye on Boston. That would change everything, starting with trades involving Irving and/or Hayward. But it wouldn’t alter the Celtics’ status as the East’s No. 1 challenger. They’re smart, they play the game the right way, and they are coming fast.
Philadelphia: Here’s a fun thought: Forget Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith and the rest of that tired Cleveland outfit — and plug in Philly. Imagine the Warriors taking on Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and a wildly entertaining team that will only get better. That’s going to happen whether James goes to the 76ers, although few observers see James as a great fit with Simmons, who would have to become a shooter (awkward) while losing his role as a physically intimidating orchestrator.
The 76ers are reeling just now, in the wake of general manager Bryan Colangelo’s resignation (after his wife admitted to operating Twitter accounts designed to criticize 76ers players and others while heralding her husband’s talents). That’s unfortunate timing, with the draft coming up. Look for this futuristic machine to regenerate at full speed by autumn.
Cleveland: Good heavens, no. Maybe James stays, to honor the desires of his wife and kids. But the Cavaliers are so done. Worse yet, James isn’t likely to have made up his mind by draft day ( June 21), leaving the future blueprint about as secure as a barge adrift. San Antonio: Only if the Spurs get James while managing to retain Kawhi Leonard. With coach Gregg Popovich in charge? Fascinating. But it seems a long shot.
Lakers: The Hollywood fantasy finds L.A. bringing in James and Paul George, and trading for Leonard. That’s as nutty as an old Jerry Lewis film. Should it happen? Very cool.
Toronto, and the rest of the West: Out on the street, gazing toward the top floor of a 78story building.
In summary: It’s your move, LeBron. And stay away from those annoying whiteboards.
Bruce Jenkins is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: bjenkins@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Bruce_Jenkins1