The San Antonio Spurs still have the means to add LeBron James in free agency, even if it's a long shot. One of his former Miami Heat teammates thinks it would be better for the Spurs to pass on him, even if he would be one of the better players on the roster.
Even after the San Antonio Spurs signed Tobias Harris to a two-year deal, they are still in the running to land LeBron James. Granted, they would have to sign him to a low-value contract, although James has expressed interest in taking less if it means having a big role on a good team.
By all accounts, the Spurs fit the bill, but they seem to be distant contenders to land James. Teams like the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers all seem to have a leg up on the Spurs.
While James' fit in San Antonio is apparent on the court, one of his former teammates worries that "The King" would step on the toes of the youth and development the Spurs are prioritizing.
Spurs Told to Avoid Adding LeBron James
Before signing Harris, the Spurs needed a physical forward who could shoot the ball, distribute, and defend. James can certainly shoot and pass, and while his defense has taken a back seat later in his career, he's no slouch on that end.
Even as he approaches 42 years old, James would immediately be the best forward on the Spurs' roster, usurping both Harris and Julian Champagnie.
"Tobias Harris was a great pickup for the Spurs, just because he and Champagnie are kind of the same player, and they kind of bring the same thing to the floor, so you really don’t lose anything with either one," prefaced Mario Chalmers in an interview with DJ Siddiqi. "I’ll never pick Champagnie or Tobias Harris over LeBron James. But LeBron with the Spurs, I don’t necessarily like it because they’re a young, fast team, and they’re still learning. When LeBron’s IQ is sometimes more than the coach’s, it will tend those young players to listen more to LeBron than the coach, and not on purpose, but just the IQ would be kind of different."
Chalmers played four seasons on the Miami Heat with James, winning two titles.
While James can still play fast and loose, the offense would probably flow through him, ending the Spurs' freestyle offense. Of course, to add a player of his ilk and with his knowledge, it could be worth it, even if James would overrule Mitch Johnson at points.
After the NBA Finals, maybe having another voice next to Johnson's would be a good thing, especially with Sean Sweeney gone.
Chalmers is not convinced that James is right for the job.
"I think that’d be kind of a bad pickup in that regard."
Of course, the Spurs are on the outside looking in on the James free agency sweepstakes, so at this point, it would be surprising if they made a move for him.
