YOUNG LEBRON ON THE BIG SCREEN

The ultimate, prototypical Nelli-baller hits the big screen when a documentary featuring Lebron's high school years will make it's debut in the Toronto International Film Festival this month - "More Than A Game" directed by Kristopher Belman.

Belman hit the jackpot in his hometown of Akron Ohio by lucking out in choosing a subject that could very well end up being the greatest to ever play the game when it's all said and done. The hoops pheonom, LeBron James, was anointed 'The Chosen One' as a young teen, but in a world where hype falls short in reality all too often, not many could have predicted the amount of success Lebron has had thus far in his young career.

Several years ago, first-time director Kristopher Belman decided to follow a high-school basketball team in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Its core group of players were four African-American youth from varying backgrounds, playing for the elite, predominantly white school St. Vincent-St. Mary. The boys had played together with the same coach since they were in grade school, developing an unusual chemistry. Hollywood should be so lucky to find such a script about family, redemption and what it takes to win. And as if that was not enough, one of the players went on to become an NBA superstar.

More Than A Game
Kristopher Belman
Country: USA
Year: 2008
Language: English
Runtime: 105 minutes
Format: Colour/HDCAM
Rating: PG

Production Company: Harvey Mason Media/ St. V, LLC./ Spring Hill Productions
Executive Producer: Maverick Carter, LeBron James
Producer: Harvey Mason, Kris Belman, Matthew Perniciaro, Kevin Mann
Written By: Brad Hogan, Kristopher Belman
Cinematographer: Kristopher Belman
Editor: V. Scott Balcerek
Sound: Scott A. Hecker
Music: Harvey Mason
Principal Cast: LeBron James, Dru Joyce, Romeo Travis, Sian Cotton, Willie McGee

International Sales Agent: Endeavor Independent


As a huge fan of basketball, film, and documentaries in general, I can't wait to watch this one when it comes to town. This film serves as a chronicle of greatness in its incubation stage. Basketball fans everywhere should feel fortunate to be able to get a glimpse of life on and off the court of a superstar in-the-making.

TIFF 2008 - One on One with LeBron James



Also see:

Hoop Dreams




The Heart of the Game




Gunnin' for That #1 Spot




Through the Fire

MAX DEAL OPTIONS IN 2010

If the Golden State Warriors want to sign a superstar like LeBron James, they'll have to renounce ALL of their Free Agents and Team Option players (except Randolph) unless they could trade Maggette (difficult) and Azubuike (easier). That's also if Mullin only commits to low, short term signings for the next 2 years (minimum salaries, 1-year, not guaranteed, and draft picks only).


Estimated Max Salary for 2010 - based on estimated Salary Cap of $62.5M.

$15.63M (25% of cap) for player with 6 or less years in the NBA

$18.75M (30% of cap) for player with 7 to 9 years in the NBA (LeBron = 7 years by Summer 2010)

$21.88M (35% of cap) for player with 10+ years in the NBA


Option 1 - Hypothetical roster achieved by only renouncing players:

PG: Monta Ellis / Brandon Williams (2009 1st)
SG: LeBron James / Kelenna Azubuike
SF: Corey Maggette
PF: Anthony Randolph / DeMarcus Cousins (2010 1st)
C: Andris Biedrins / Ronny Turiaf

Assets renounced or traded for expiring deals, cash or picks: Brandan Wright, Marco Belinelli, Marcus Williams, Richard Hendrix, and Anthony Morrow. That's a lot of 'wasted' assets (including the 1st Rounder traded in Marcus Williams deal)...but it's worth it if they are sacrificed for a player like LeBron. However, there are better ways to go about landing a Max player.


Option 2 - Roster achieved by trading Corey Maggette, renouncing Anthony Morrow and trading 2010 2nd Round Pick:

PG: Monta Ellis / Marcus Williams (re-signed starting at $5M)
SG: LeBron James / Kelenna Azubuike / Marco Belinelli
SF: Anthony Randolph / Earl Clark (2009 1st)
PF: Brandan Wright / Richard Hendrix / DeMarcus Cousins (2010 1st)
C: Andris Biedrins / Ronny Turiaf

Loaded. I could also see a version of this scenario where Brandan Wright is traded for a high future draft pick resulting in a starting lineup of Williams, Ellis, James, Randolph, and Biedrins. The Warriors could use that future pick to land a defensive-minded backcourt player or additional help at Center.


By trading Maggette, the Warriors would be able to keep most of their young core and put together a formidable roster that adds a superstar talent. Option 2 would be a very attractive situation to any free agent that is looking for the maximum salary and a team that will have the talent to compete for a title right away.

The likelihood of landing LeBron is very small considering his apparent desire to play in New York, but this exercise should give you an idea of what sort of decisions Mullin will have to make if he wants to put together a team that could contend and not just hover around the late-lottery / 1-and-done playoff team, no-man's land.