Sonny Vaccaro: “You Don’t Get To Mount Rushmore From Cleveland”
With LeBron James playing in New Jersey tonight and in New York next week, the chatter is nonstop about The King’s impending departure from Cleveland in 2010.
While you’ve already heard Spike Lee’s take on it, you just knew that the Sonny Vaccaro was bound to put in his two sense: LeBron James will end up with the Knicks.
“LeBron’s relationship with Jay-Z will go on regardless,” Vaccaro said. “He’ll be an international celebrity in New York. If the Nets aren’t in Brooklyn, he’s not going over there for even $200 million. They’re putting pieces together. They’re doing the right things. They’re just living in the wrong building.”
We talked earlier about the Nets’ move being sidetracked by delays, the faltering economy and legal challenges at Atlantic Yards. But no matter what the efforts of other suitors, Vaccaro said he thought James was destined to leave Cleveland.
“LeBron is this generation’s personality,” said Vaccaro, not one to shy away from hyperbole. “Even though Cleveland has done everything right, you don’t get to Mount Rushmore from Cleveland. He has to go to New York or Los Angeles. There’s no question. The money will be available anywhere. But this is about his persona.”
Where do you see LeBron playing in 2010?
Source: New York Times
November 18th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Mr. K1X says:
does soes sonny v do anything besides peddle b-ball flesh? haha does he coach, scout, anything???? lol
November 18th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Pioneer says:
Hmm. Interesting question, I’ll have to think about this one since its so original.
November 18th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Mamba says:
I do see LeBron in New York,
Although you cant rule out LA depending on what happens with Kobe,
Of course there is the looming spector of offers that could be made from Europe as well,
Bottom Line I think LeBron does end up in New York, but I dont think it will be an easy transition,
I do agree with Sonny though that LeBron is an icon and needs the limelight of that marquee market, and I have to believe that LeBron sees himself in this light as well
November 18th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
goonther says:
Can you get to mount Rushmore from Chicago?????
MJ seemed to do so …. Why are these people wasting time to discuss what’s going to happen – in two years!?!??!
i am a lebron homer though, and dont really think he’ll leave ohio. if he goes to NY, LB will be the next A-ROD
for some good perspective check out the cavs blog cavalier attitude – biased, yes – but good and well researched writing on there
November 18th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
JCARR says:
Nets for sure… if they end up in Brooklyn. He mos def. wants the NY spotlight.
November 18th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
rocky lobsterghini says:
lol nigs be blatant with the nj hate. bron is jesus even if he went to sacramento.
November 18th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
blah says:
y’know what would be cold? if LA gets kobe to re-sign this summer and take out that no trade clause, then trades him for lebron during the 09-10 season.
November 18th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
B Court says:
I don’t understand what more he will get in New York. Like what endorsements are specific only to New York? In basketball you’re only they’re 41 times a year, and then hardly the rest of the time? So just because New Yorks a big city he’ll go there? No one has ever explained what more you get when you go to a “Big Market” city, and with basketball that might be the least important. Seriously, someone, perhaps from Dime, really needs to explain that to everyone. Like he’ll be on more billboards or something if he’s in new york? Or just do more shitty appearances or something? Please explain…
November 18th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Ashlov says:
NY still has to find the capspace. Good luck. Any of the major cities, i.e. NY, Chicago, Miami, etc. I’d lose my mind if I ever saw Wade and Lebron in the same uni…considering how close those two are, it’s not impossible.
November 18th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Dont Put Em Up on a Pedestal says:
Lebron ain’t Jesus… dont be overexaggerting the man.. granted he can ball like few can (once in a generation talent) but dont be playing like he can perform miracles, heal the sick, and grant you salvation. I would love to see a Kobe-Lebron tandem (never gonna happen) but that would be sick as AIDS!
November 18th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
vinny says:
sonny v.-the ultimate flesh peddler-who always makes it sound like he only has the kids best intrests at heart-how much money has he made off of young basketball players!!
be careful who you quote on here dime or you lose credibility!!
November 18th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
chrisGO says:
post#8 some of lebrons endorsement contracts have clauses they specify he’ll get more money by moving to a bigger market (ie NY, LA, etc)
November 18th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
karizmatic says:
Cleveland (yeah I said it). lol
November 18th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
karizmatic says:
Oh yeah but if he does move I’m saying him and Wade end up on the same team, probably New York.
November 18th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
rocky lobsterghini says:
“Dont Put Em Up on a Pedestal says:
Lebron ain’t Jesus… dont be overexaggerting the man.. granted he can ball like few can (once in a generation talent) but dont be playing like he can perform miracles, heal the sick, and grant you salvation. I would love to see a Kobe-Lebron tandem (never gonna happen) but that would be sick as AIDS!”
(nods slowly and condescendingly)
and those were my exact thoughts @ B Court . maybe we’ll get lebron performing the color purple on broadway. or he’ll prolly get a syndicated talk show like marbury. then the ny heads will act like they knew about lebron before everyone else and hate him when they lose in the 1st round of the playoffs for 3 yrs straight.
-_-
November 18th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Big Shot BOB says:
Are ya’ll crazy Lebrons coming to the Bay Area…Were a way better market than NY. The number one tourist destination and our homes cost more so fuck New York and L.A. You guys act like ya’ll the biggest markets in the world. Lebron about to don that gold and blue GSW jersey.
November 18th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Mr. Right says:
@12
If lebron reeeaallly wanted to stay in Cleveland, his Nike deal expires at the end of either this season or next, I forget which.
Therefore, when he renegotiates that, he can specify terms to benefit him whereever he goes – LA, NY, Miami, Detroit, Sacramento, Cleveland – whereever. Make sure you know what you’re talking about- you might lose credibility
November 18th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Casey Lee says:
For the last time, the Nets are staying in Jersey and not moving to BK. Lebron will don one of the following jerseys:
1) Chicago Bulls (note Michael)
2) LA Lakers (note Magic)
3) NY Knicks (note Frazier)
It’s all about tradition!!
November 18th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
heckler...formerly 'yallallreadyknow' says:
this dude wanna be a billionaire athlete.
he aint concerned with nothing else.
so…..if ya wanna be a billionaire, homey gonna go to ny.
LA might be a backup
November 18th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Michorizo says:
He won’t go to L.A. Los Angeles already has Cutino Mobley!
November 18th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
Apparently you can get to Mount Rushmore from Cleveland!
Cleveland, OH
1. Head southeast on OH-14/OH-43/OH-8/Ontario St/US-20/US-422 toward W Superior Ave/US-20/US-42/US-6
Continue to follow OH-14/OH-43/OH-8/Ontario St/US-422 0.6 mi
2. Merge onto I-90 W via the ramp to I-71 1.1 mi
3. Take the exit onto I-90 W toward Toledo
Partial toll road
Passing through Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota
Entering South Dakota 1,247 mi
4. Take exit 61 for Elk Vale Rd 0.3 mi
5. Turn left at Elk Creek Rd S/N Elk Vale Rd
Continue to follow N Elk Vale Rd 5.4 mi
6. Continue on E Catron Blvd 3.5 mi
7. Turn left at SD-16 13.2 mi
8. Take the ramp on the left onto SD-16A/US-16 3.7 mi
9. Continue on SD-244 2.1 mi
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Ste 8113000 SD Hwy 244, Keystone, SD 57751
November 18th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
vinny says:
very good S2ML
November 18th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
Lebron is already universal. If he does choose to go to NY or NJ it’s not because of endorement opportunities or the chance to win a title. Both those teams will break the bank for him and that will leave little funds to build a team around him. The Cavs already have a more talented team than either NY or NJ unless those franchises make some more moves before 2010.
November 18th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
TJ says:
I think this big market shit is oversold. Being in New York or LA matters if you’re Jamal Crawford, a nice player but not a star. Superstars are going to be international no matter where they play. Lebron is arguably the most famous athlete in the world right now in Cleveland.
Really, NY is a garbage organization which isn’t going to win anything for the forseeable future and the Lakers won’t have any cap space to sign him. In my opinion, the most likely situation for Lebron leaving is if he can get paired up with DWade or Bosh somewhere. If there isn’t a better winning situation, Lebron will stay in Ohio.
November 18th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Big Sia says:
VC + LBJ = CHIPS A HOY
November 18th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
heckler...formerly 'yallallreadyknow' says:
DIME….
as of now, who will be the free agents for the 2010 class? restricted and unrestricted…
…also, which teams (as of now) will have cap space to make a run at some star talent?
c’mon DIME crew….get on your job(s) and get us this information
November 18th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
Sonny is the pioneer of AAU basketball… Back in the day, he held summer camps in PA, then he went to work for Nike, who do you think got Jordan to sign? He knows what he has helped make basketball into, but colleges making a lot of money off kids right now. Do you think CBS would have a billion dollar contract with NCAA if it weren’t for the players they showcase? C-Webb said it best ” I will sign with Nike and pay my own tuition, you just let me play”
November 18th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
tl says:
lebron looks like he’s in a fat suit while wearing a hoodie
November 18th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Mr. K1X says:
sonny aint the pioneer of ish but using talented BLACK kids to make cake.
i know i know hate the game not the player, but lets keep it real. he’s vampire, and his name is Sonny, hahah, how shady (and ironic) is that!
November 18th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
BEdger says:
Well I guess I could listen to Sonny or Spike, but I think I’ll listen to…..LeBron. He says he’s staying in Cleveland and that’s good enough for me
November 18th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
eddy says:
whether you guys want to admit or not, because you are proud of where you’re from, and nobody can blame you… new york is the mecca of basketball… im from new york but ive lived in many places in the u.s and nobody eats and breathes like n.y….just ask reggie and jordan why they made sure to give their best performances when they came to m.s.g….lebron will come here because if he plays like he does now and gets a chip to n.y he will be the greatest of all time… everything here is under a microscope, look at all the press time the knicks get and they haven’t won in so long….lebron will be a knick or something to do with n.y….cmon, he’s already dropping new york editions to his signature shoe!
November 18th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
eddy says:
*basketball
November 18th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Michorizo says:
EDDY…you are correct…i have never lived or been to NY, but just the intrigue of the city is hype!
November 18th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
JCARR says:
@rocky lobsterghini
Bron’ is Jesus?!?!?!? Are you out of your mind. He’s not mankinds salvation, not even the NBA salvation (yet?) . You need some theology classes and you need to rethink what you say before you write them!
November 18th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Mr. Right says:
@Mr. K1X
Really?
Really?!
REALLY?!
It’s an outrage because the children are black, and not because they’re, oh sayyy… CHILDREN!?
Grow up dude. The man would be shready as fuck whether the children he “preys” on were white. That’s the problem with America, and a surefire reason why MLK’s “Dream” will never be accomplished. Because so-called “minorities” will ALWAYS play the race card. Find some evidence to prove me wrong, and I’ll eat my foot. I’m not being racist, mind you, as I am African American. Rather, I’m just being a realist.
November 19th, 2008 at 3:01 am
bob says:
Mr. Right is absolutely correct.
Playing the victim gets you no where.
The president-elect is black – no more excuses.