Big Moves on the Horizon

November 19, 2010 | From: Wolves Radio

As I was preparing for the Wolves-Miami game a few weeks back, I took some time to go back and watch Lebron James in "The Decision" again.
Call it morbid curiosity or because there has been so much talk lately about his image and whether it was back on track thanks to a slick new spot from Nike.
Like many people I was not a fan of "The Decision."  I thought it was contrived and way to over the top for my tastes.  I was not outraged by it but I really liked the way Kevin Durant handled his business later that summer sending out a simple 'tweet' to say he was staying with OKC for a while longer after signing an extension.
Unlike most people though, I didn't have a problem with Lebron 'Taking his talents to South Beach.' As an NBA player, or professional athlete, there are very few times when you really control your own destiny.  You don't have much control over who drafts you (Unless you pull an Eli Manning or John Elway) or who your teammates are, and while you do have the option of free agency at some point in your career not many have the ability, like James did, to go to a place where they really want to be, and with teammates they really want to play with.  Many have to follow the money and it doesn't always work out to winning championships or great 'work environments.'
There has been a lot of talk recently about how James 'Decision' will affect Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul.  Will they decide to team up in New York with Amare Stoudemire and form their own 'Super Team' next summer?
When I first heard that the Nuggets offered Melo a 3 year deal worth over $60 million I was shocked he didn't jump at the chance to resign.  For me that would be like winning the lottery ten times over.  Getting that kind of money and 'having' to live in Denver, CO?  Where do I sign????
But then I thought more and more about how lucky I am, and many of us are, to be in control of our own destinies more or less.  If we don't like our current work situation we can begin to look for another job, interview with different companies, seek new opportunities.  Professional Athletes don't have that ability, they can end up stuck in dead-end situations if things don't work out, or they make the wrong choice.
I know I once took a job that I realized after a few months, was not what I wanted to be doing. Luckily I was able to get out of it and into something that was much better and put me back on track to pursuing my career goals.
Melo has that chance next summer, now true he is rolling the dice that the money will still be what is on the table now, but if it's not he is still going to survive.  And maybe he feels that a better 'work environment' is worth more than the money the Nuggets have put on the table.
While I don't sympathize with players who don't think $20 million can 'Feed their family' I do understand why players like Lebron, Melo, and Chris Paul would want to test free agency and see what it may hold, and for once take control of their NBA destinies...