Fragen&Probleme » it was an emotional day with Russell, but

As the theatre and drama of the NBA Free Agency Season unfolds with LeBron James Decision 2.0, TSN Radio 1050s hosts of #1On1 with Will & Duane, Will Strickland and Duane Watson incorporate the help of long-suffering Cleveland sports fan and a host of TSN 1050s Game Night and Game Day, Andy McNamara to sort out where the dominoes fall for the rest of the NBA and its prime free agents. What does LeBron Jamess return to Cleveland mean to that city and the league? Strickland: It would seem that Ohios Prodigal Son returning to the place where his professional success began would be a significant part of his career narrative. The legend grows even more so if James is able to unite and sow the seeds of ultimate glory in the game with his new teammates to lead them to a title. LeBron exhibited how he could lord his power over the NBA with this decision and create semi-seismic ripples in leagues landscape. But the deeper, more meaningful aspect of this all is LeBron Raymone James had to leave, grow, learn to understand what may be his greater purpose in life. In his own words: "My relationship with Northeast Ohio is bigger than basketball. I didnt realize that four years ago. I do now." McNamara: For the City of Cleveland LeBrons return means everything. The city nearly shut down on Friday to celebrate. Billboards were raised and t-shirts were released. It means a return to legitimacy, not just in the NBA, but in the North American sports scene. When LeBron left bars, restaurants and tourism suffered. LeBrons letter provides commitment and hope to a struggling region and erases the pain of the last four years. For the NBA LeBrons return provides a phenomenal feel good story and gives hope to an underdog franchise. Its great for the league and freshens up a stale Eastern Conference scene. Watson: It allows James to make a return home, make peace with the City of Cleveland and makes them viable contenders in the Eastern Conference. Its a storybook ending, really, and a chance for James to cement his legacy if he brings a championship to Cleveland. Oh, and more jersey sales for the league as its rumoured he will change his number to 32. In LeBrons open letter to the NBA in Sports Illustrated, he mentions several of his Cleveland teammates, but not Andrew Wiggins. Cause for alarm? Strickland: No. Alarm for whom? Canadian hoops fans who would like to see the four Canucks on that team, especially Wiggins, be integral parts of aiding the Cavaliers in their NBA title quest. Understandable. But, this is a business. And this is a business that requires deft asset management skills, those often lacking in the front office decision making in Cleveland. So, do the Cavs move Andrew Wiggins, an unproven commodity on the finest of hardwood courts in The Association as yet, but with an absolutely meteoric upside for a highly coveted three-time All-Star, 3-point shooting, voracious rebounding Olympic Gold Medalist entering his prime who accelerates your teams championship aspirations? McNamara: I dont believe the exclusions of those names was a secret message or hint of things to come. It was definitely interesting that the #1 overall draft pick was left out though. Maybe LeBron doesnt know Wiggins and mentioned people with whom he was more familiar. Watson: No. Despite his talent, Wiggins is a rookie and still has to prove his worth in the NBA. The balance of power shifted in the Eastern Conference. Who prevails ad why? Strickland: While Cleveland automatically becomes a prohibitive favourite with That Guy on their roster, consider Washingtons impressive showing in the playoffs as well as retaining centre Marcin Gortat in free agency, note that Miamis not completely dead and the Toronto Raptors wont creep up on anyone next season. However, after "meditating it", the Chicago Bulls hold the most intrigue. Pau Gasol may still be the most all-around skilled big on the planet, even at 34. Teamed with 2014 Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah, they could be the best passing bigs in the league. Rookie Doug McDermott, the solid Jimmy Butler & the emerging Taj Gibson all help Coach Tom Thibodeaus plans of Eastern Conference supremacy. A healthy Derrick Rose makes this close to a forgone conclusion. McNamara: As it stands now the East is completely wide open, which makes for real interesting storylines that dont involve who will lose to Miami in the Eastern Conference. As it stands now, the major players have to include Cleveland (obviously), Indiana and Chicago. Free agency moves and trades can alter this of course. Right now I give the nod to the Cavaliers as favorites, but that takes into account a lot of assumptions that include whether Wiggins stays, if Wiggins can step in and contribute day one, how Bennett bounces back, and what trades or signings still take place. Watson: I dont necessarily know if it has shifted, I think it is just far more open and even overall. Every year the Heat were the dominant force to beat and now there isnt an overwhelming favourite. Teams have improved, (Bulls, Cavaliers), while others have are looking to take the next step after last years success (Raptors, Wizards), if some teams can figure it out, they can be dangerous (Pistons, Heat) and some have regressed (Heat, Pacers). The landscape has balanced out and its not as easy to call, with some free agents still unsigned, and moves to be made, its too early to call. Which player won the most this free agency period? Strickland: With spirited nods to the Madison Square Gardener, Carmelo Anthony (five years/$130M), Chris Bosh (five years/ $118M), Gordon Hayward (four years/$63M) and Chandler Parsons (three years/$46M), who all cashed out in dramatic fashion, LeBron James reigns here. The King didnt max out as he could have at two years/$42.1M. But the social/community currency, along with his personal peace of mind, may have the longest lasting impact and value. McNamara: No doubt LeBron. He looks like a superhero returning home and is savior to a city and region. Plus he goes to a team with assets to trade for a proven vet or just grow a stable of young studs. Watson: Chandler Parsons was a second round pick that earned $926,500 this past season with the Houston Rockets. Now the Dallas Mavericks are paying him $12 million a season on a three-year near max contract, talk about a pay day! Hes the Mavs highest player, but hes not the key to taking the Mavericks to the next level. Mark Cuban overpaid to stick it to his cross-state rival. Parsons is good, but not near-max money good. Youre the real MVP Chandler Parsons. Which player lost the most this free agency period? Strickland: Luol Deng, hands down. After dismissing several deals at $10M per year, which he felt were too low considering his stature and value, the oft-injured 29-year-old former All-Star signed a two year/$20M deal to "replace" LeBron James in Miami. More potentially lucrative offers existed with the Rockets, Mavericks, Hawks and Wizards. Negotiation is an art. Deng and his agents seem to be finger painting. And, as hard as it is to call $10 million per year "finger painting", tough to find kinder words for how this all shook out for Deng. McNamara: Chris Bosh. Why, Oh Why would he go back to Miami? There is no possible way he will be seen as anything other than a complete failure if he doesnt lead the Heat back to the Finals. Bosh going to Houston made much more sense since he would get a fresh start and different expectations on him. The only positive for CB about returning to South Beach is the extra year he gets on his contract. Watson: Chris Bosh signed a max contract with the wrong team, electing to sign a five-year $118 million to return to the Miami Heat (sans LeBron James). The Houston Rockets offered the power forward a four-year deal for $88 million to play alongside Dwight Howard and James Harden and stretch the floor and play defence in his home state, but he passed. Now he will have to work twice as hard, with Dwyane Wade on part-time duty and carry the Heat, as James made it easier for everyone on the team. He will effectively have to earn that salary, and bring his level of play back to what he did in Toronto. The Three-Man Weave contributors are co-hosts of TSN Radio 1050s 1-on-1 with Will and Duane, Will Strickland (@WallStrizzle1) and Duane Watson (@byDuaneWatson) and guest Pancakkon King (The second "k" is silent) Andy McNamara (@AndyMc81). Sebastian Janikowski Seahawks Jersey . - Even with a new coach, the Denver Nuggets still love to push the basketball. Rasheem Green Jersey . This weeks Raptors Report puts a bow on Gays brief, 10-month tenure in Toronto and ponders how his absence will affect the teams offence. Are they a better team without him? In addition to acquiring some valuable cap flexibility, what impact will the four incoming players have this season and beyond? Click here for the Dec. http://www.seahawksfansofficial.com/sebastian-janikowski-jersey/ . He is nigh unstoppable against the leagues worst. The 31-year-old dangerman set up two goals and scored two himself as Toronto FC rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the slumping Houston Dynamo 4-2 on Saturday night. Jaron Brown Jersey .S. international midfielder Michael Bradley is complete. Shaquem Griffin Jersey . Shot outdoors against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alta., the networks 30-minute original production airs Friday at 8 p.m. ET on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will play for $100,000 in prize money during TSNs annual skins game, airing live this weekend on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre.CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Kevin Durant insists he cant do it alone. The Oklahoma City forward said hes going to need help picking up the slack, with running mate Russell Westbrook out until after the All-Star break following knee surgery Friday. "I need Reggie Jackson. I need Serge Ibaka. I need Kendrick Perkins. Im not afraid to say that," Durant said. "I need to lean on those guys, just like we need to lean on each other. That is what team is about. So through adversity we just have to lean on each other." But at least on this night, the Thunder leaned heavily on Durant, especially down the stretch. Durant scored 14 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter and finished with 12 rebounds as the Thunder held on to defeat the Charlotte Bobcats 89-85 Friday night. The team announced before the game that Westbrook will miss at least 27 games after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in Los Angeles. Durant did get some help. Ibaka had 12 points and nine rebounds and Thabo Sefolosha had 12 points and a pair of free throws with 3.5 seconds left to seal the victory for the Thunder, who have won seven straight road games and 11 of 12 overall. But Jackson, who started in place of Westbrook, was only 4 of 19 from the floor and Perkins failed to score despite playing more than 25 minutes. "Obviously, it was an emotional day with Russell, but I thought we did a good job of handling that," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. "Now weve got to work and improve the rest of the season." As for Jackson, Brooks said he has confidence that "hell get better. Hell challenge himself to shoot better and he will." Kemba Walker led the Bobcats with 18 points and seven assists. Al Jefferson added 16 points and 11 rebounds. This one came right down to the wire. After tailing most of the game, Charlotte had a chance to steal the win with 3.9 seconds left but Josh McRoberts missed a wide-open 3-pointer from the left wing. Sefolosha was fouled and clinched it with two foul shots on the other end. Bobcats coach Steve Clifford wasnt satisfied with his team taking one of the leagues best teams to the wire. "This may surprise you, but I didnt like at all the way we played," Clifford said.dddddddddddd"I didnt like our defence. Our attention to detail was not good at all. The things we talked about this morning that we had to do, we did a poor job with. We gave them baskets. Our effort on the glass was not anywhere it needs to be." The Thunder led 76-74 with 5 minutes remaining when Durant knocked down a pair of 3s to give Oklahoma City the momentum. He added a step-back jumper and a driving layup to push the advantage to 86-78. But Anthony Tolliver hit a 3-pointer and Walker converted a breakaway layup to cut the lead to three with 49 seconds left. Durant left the door open when he missed a pull-up jumper with 25 seconds left, and the Bobcats grabbed the rebound. Instead of going for a 3-pointer to tie, Walker drove the lane and scored on a layup that cut the deficit to one. Jackson was fouled on the inbounds pass and hit one of two free throws with 10.7 seconds to go, setting up a chance for McRoberts. "I think Ibaka ran down there to cover Kemba and I got a wide-open look at it," McRoberts said. "Ill take that shot every time. Were frustrated we lost. There are no moral victories." The surprising news on Westbrook came just two days after he had a triple-double against the New York Knicks. General manager Sam Presti said in a news release that Westbrook has been playing pain-free, but "recently had experienced increased swelling" in his right knee. Westbrooks knee problems began in April when he tore his meniscus in the second game of the Western Conference playoffs. He had a second arthroscopic surgery before training camp. Oklahoma City is 21-3 with Westbrook in the starting lineup and 3-2 without him. "He was playing great basketball, probably some of the best basketball in the entire league," Brooks said. "Were looking forward to him coming back and getting back to the level that he has played at -- and he will." NOTES: The Bobcats embark on a five-game road trip beginning Saturday night in Atlanta. ... Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and wide receivers Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr. attended the game. ... The Thunder are 11-1 in their last 12 games against the Bobcats. 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