Over the next 2 months, the National Basketball Association's next 5 years will be determined by the most talented free agent class since the summer of 2000 when Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan and others were free to choose their future employer. That summer proved anticlimactic as Hill and McGrady signed in Orlando and never contended (due in part to Hill's various ankle injuries) and Duncan stayed put in San Antonio. The other free agents signed deals of little consequence and had no impact on the power structure within the league. However, this year proves to be different with three of the top free agents (LeBron James, Joe Johnson, and Chris Bosh) all being very likely to change teams and conceivably team up in an effort to accumulate titles. Much has been made over this summer (described by some as 'Summer of LeBron') and for good reason. Rarely ever do you see such a talented and deep class of stars entering or in their prime (James, Bosh, Johnson, Dwayne Wade, Carlos Boozer and Amare' Stodamire) players in the twilight of their career (Dirk Nowitzki and Ray Allen) and faded past their prime athletes looking for one more deal (Shaquille O'Neal and Tracy McGrady). It is even more rare to find the cream of the crop players uniting and planning out their future. They no longer approach this as NBA players and now have become businessman and who can blame them? Within our passion and fervor for rooting for teams and player do we forget that these men are professional businessmen who, just like any CEO or owner of an organization, is trying to situate themselves in the best possible position for success. For example, take Chris Bosh. The loyalty and fan in each of us would love for him to stay and be loyal, demonstrating a caring and devotion to the team that drafted him. The CEO in him would catch the next plane outta Toronto and look for a partner to help him reach his potential. the only caveat is that their old teams can resign them for more. but through endorsements, bonuses, and potential championship exposure, that money can be recouped rather easily. We are in a new era of athlete where they no longer view themselves as players only, but mini empires.
