Amar'e Stoudemire and his big-time agreement to play with the New York Knicks should give Knicks fans hope that things will turn around for the franchise.  Of course, the drought of playoff appearances and periods of respectability, was self-inflicted with horrible trades to clear cap space (Tracy McGrady for one) and bad draft picks (Jordan Hill who was eventually traded for McGrady, instead of Brandon Jennings or Ty Lawson in a point guard-rich draft). All of this was done with the promise of a plan that would bring LeBron James to New York City in the summer of 2010.  Now that we're here and the Knicks acquired one of the top three free agent power forwards depending on who you talk to, will LeBron James indeed come to the Knicks now?

By all accounts at this time, no one knows which way LeBron is leaning, although it is generally thought from many writers with sources that LeBron is seriously considering his hometown and incumbent Cleveland Cavaliers, joining Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah with the Chicago Bulls, or deepening his relationship with Jay-Z and lead the young core of Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, Courtney Lee, Terrence Williams, and Derrick Favors and becoming a part of the new New Jersey Nets. The Miami Heat may also be a consideration if Dwyane Wade re-signs and possibly Chris Bosh joins the duo as well. 

 

The Knicks, although having the promise of being the greatest city in the world and offering James many avenues to become a billionaire and world-wide brand, were afterthoughts.  Why?  Danilo Gallinari was arguably their greatest argument for whom LeBron could team up with to win titles.  Gallinari is a great shooter and could open up space for James to work, as well as finish on kickouts.  Wilson Chandler would be another argument here.  However, neither are up to snuff for the "Scottie Pippen" role.  But, things have changed for the Knicks now that Amar'e is on the squad.  However, I don't know if even this agreement with Stoudemire (contracts cannot become official until July 8th) will guarantee that the King will enter Madison Square Garden.  It surely increases the chances and perhaps James chooses the bright lights, but with LeBron keeping his choice (if he in fact has chosen) so close to the vest, we won't know until he announces his selection later this week, reportedly sometime after his Nike-sponsored high school camp.  Expect a decision by Thursday.

 

Personally, I think LeBron stays home as the Cavaliers knocked it out with their laid-back presentation filled with personal touches this past Saturday.  Plus, the Cavs can offer James the most money with a longer contract (six years as opposed to the five years other teams can offer).  And it seems that his entourage, specifically Maverick Carter, will be the main influence for James, if anyone, and that would keep him in Cleveland.  The (in)famous William Wesley AKA "Worldwide Wes" who was speaking with other teams such as the Bulls and Knicks to help funnel James away from Cleveland has been publicly outed by Carter as not having anything to do with LeBron's decision. 

 

Stoudemire hopes he himself can become a point of influence and get LeBron playing by his side in the mecca of basketball for years to come.  But, unlike Stoudemire who has mentioned Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker as running mates, Knicks fans won't settle without having LeBron on their team.  It's almost as if it's LeBron or bust after suffering a decade of futility, even under the new regime of Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni, and not just Isiah Thomas.  Are Knicks fans ready to live without LeBron wearing the team's blue and orange?  It's a possibility, but at the very least, with Amar'e in the fold, the Knicks are going in the right direction... as long as Stoudemire can remain as healthy as Knicks fans' desire for James to join Stoudemire later this week.