Yi brings China with him, which, in turn brings a lot of money. Keep in mind New York has the biggest Chinese population in the U.S. There is plenty of money to be made overseas in China. Naming rights money, shoe deal money, endorsement deals, suite money for the new arena.
Because of Yi, Nets games will now be seen on 50 plus stations in China. Three hundred million Chinese play basketball and one billion watch NBA games. Some months the NBA brings in more revenue from China than it does in North America.
This move had to be done. The Nets were losing $40 million a year, the heaviest debt-to-assets load of any professional sports team, according to Forbes magazine.
Something needed to be done, especially with the shady arena financing picture for the Barclay’s Center. Richard Jefferson served as the sacrificial lamb in this situation.
Look, it’s all well and good to dream of LeBron’s arrival, but what happens if he doesn’t come? What happens if the Cavs make the right move, bringing LeBron a sidekick to help lead them to the promised land? Is LeBron going to leave a championship team?
Who says LeBron can’t make tons of money and become a global icon in Cleveland? Hasn't he done so already?
As for now, I’m looking at the present, not two years down the line. If the Nets do wind up getting LeBron it would be great. If they don’t, I like the roster and the direction they are headed.
A lot can happen in two years. That being said, a lot can happen in one year, Lakers-Celtics finals? Who thought that was even possible after last season?
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