Money, Money, Money
By Jake Bailey, TheSportsStand.com
The three
standout stars from the 2003 NBA Draft will continue to be with their
respective teams. Dwyane Wade,
LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony have all been shining stars since
coming into the NBA.
Wade and James opted for shorter contracts with three years, while Carmelo
decided to go with a 5 year deal.
Dwyane Wade signed a 3-year contract as well as a fourth-year option, although the precise value of his contract won't be known until the new salary cap. Some have projected that it is in the $63 million range. Wade is, "excited" about the deal. Wade has become one of the NBA's top stars. He has the ability to single-handedly take over a game. He took the Miami Heat on his shoulders in the NBA Finals, helping them to win, while earning himself Finals MVP honors. Wade coming back ensures the Heat as contenders next year.
LeBron Ja
mes signed a similar deal to Wade. It
is also 3-years with a fourth-year option worth about $60 million.
King James, who came directly out of High School, has earned the respect
of his peers with his amazing play. He has drawn comparisons
to the great Michael Jordan and proved many critics wrong. Critics
called out James for his inability to come through in the clutch. He
did. He came through multiple times during the season and in the
playoffs. King James' conquest of the Eastern Conference came to a
halt when they faced the Detroit Pistons in the playoffs. James will
continue to improve.
Carmelo Anthony's deal was for 5 years and 8
0 million
dollars. If he wishes, in the fourth year of his contract, he can
terminate it. Carmelo has been a key part of the Denver Nuggets in
recent years, with 22.8 points per game in his career. Last year
proved to be the best year of his career. Anthony will need a better
supporting cast, however, if he wants to win a championship.
Each of the three stars are key components of the team, and ironically, they're all from the same draft class, 2003. There are other stars from that draft, but these are the most prominent. Many will always compare the three to see who the best. We will see, in time, who will be the best of the 3 of '03.
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