Topping any Knicks news that could happen tonight in the NBA Draft was a message from ESPN analyst Jalen Rose through his Twitter account yesterday regarding LeBron James’ future.
Rose, a Detroit native who is longtime friends with William Wesley, a James confidant, stated in a series of tweets James is expected to leave Cleveland and mentioned the Bulls, Miami and Clippers as his top three choices. Rose did not mention the Knicks.
An ESPN source confirmed Rose had made the tweets himself. The first tweet read:
“My sources say it is almost certain LeBron James will not be returning to the Cavs (Bulls/Heat/Clips).”
In a subsequent tweet, Rose called the Bulls “having the best chance,” adding Miami “would have to make roster moves.”
Rose tweeted the Clippers have “a puncher’s chance.”
There was no mention of the Knicks or Nets. James did not mention the Knicks during his hour-long Larry King interview.
Rose, who played for the Knicks briefly, added, “If I’m wrong, call me on it this summer.”
Rose, who did not return phone messages, played for Donnie Walsh in Indiana. The Knicks president said he was unaware of Rose’s tweets.
“That’s Jalen,” Walsh said. “I had him as a player. I loved him as a player. He’s a pretty smart guy. Now he’s in the TV world and doing a different thing.”
If the Knicks don’t get the James-Chris Bosh combo, their second scenario is pairing Joe Johnson with Amar’e Stoudemire, former Suns teammates.