For the last two seasons many of the teams in the NBA have geared their future with one solitary goal in mind; Free Agent Fest 2010. We have heard about the FA Fest as being either the focal point or the undercurrent of every transaction, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant for two years running. Wisely, the Kings have cleared cap space and cut costs but have remained on the sidelines, knowingly out of the running.

The center of this universe is LeBron James. Nearly all consider him the most talented player on the planet. His hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, have tried by hook and by crook to claim a championship. Despite owning the best regular season record for two seasons in a row, the Cavs have fallen short In each playoff run they have made. Failing that goal, the LeBronStakes are underway. Along with the two-time reigning MVP the top unrestricted free agents are Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Carlos Boozer, and David Lee.  Free agents with opt out clauses (ETO) are  headed by Dirk Nowitzki, Amar’e Stoudamire, Paul Pierce and a cast of thousands 

For the next three weeks professional basketball will be overwhelmed with stories concerning these star attractions. Teams clearing cap space, arguments over who will or won’t opt out. I heard a story about Michael Jordan’s waiter at Gibson’s Steak House in Chicago having insider info. The angles and storylines are unending. Franchises futures will be sacrificed and mortaged just to be considered. Deities will be pleaded to and cursed at. If souls could be sold, the Devil would have to outsource to fill the demand.

This is indicative of the insanity of professional sports. No doubt some talking head will be demanding air time to denounce this as (another) “sad commentary of our culture”. Let’s not kid ourselves;  the vast majority of fans have money and vote. The political uproar will be whispered and promptly jeered. Conclusion: Yes, we are all cretins. Yawn.

As a Sacramento Kings fan I can remain ignorant and apathetic. I don’t know and I don’t care. So what if Miami gets LeBron, DWade, Chris Bosh the two guys who were kicked out of rookie camp 2 summers ago and their VSL team?  Cool! I would watch that. America Airlines Arena will too – for about one season, two tops, even if they go 82-0. It’s South Florida. Ask Wayne Huizenga  - Pigskin rules, hightops and mitts drool.

Chicago: Of course this makes sense. Despite that, it may happen. Let’s see: just need to add a SG to go with LeBron and Bosh (or Boozer or Amar’e). Who wants to add a talented SF on their team? Sit down Mr. Khan, please, we are asking nicely. How about the Dubs?  Monta Ellis for Luol Deng – done.

Again, I don’t care. Thank you, Geoff Petrie.  Your timing and planning are impeccable. Sacramento doesn’t have to pretend; this Circus is not coming to town. I can watch safely at a distance as RekeRoy, Big Cuz, SammyD, Landry (Top Hat), Shock,  Donté,  Omri, The Brockness Monster™, Cisco, Beno, and Hassan Upside are playing in the Big Top this season. I’ll sit in the cheap seats as the Knicks,  Nets, Heat, Boston, Clippers, Bulls and Mavs see how many GMs they can fit in a VW Bug. I’ll mime interest if I have to, but truly, I don’t care.  Let the circus begin.