The countdown is on in several NBA cities as free agency begins at the stroke of midnight Wednesday.  The New York Post has a countdown clock on its Sports Page, with daily articles regarding the meetings LeBron James is set to take Thursday, first meeting with the Knicks and then the Nets in Ohio.

Hate to tell it to the Knicks, but if there is a betting line in Vegas (and you know there is one), they are a 1,000 - 1 shot at landing James despite clearing enough cap room to get him a playmate superstar.  Its not their fault.  They have done everything within their power and scope.  Only they do not have any present players on their roster that will assist James in his pursuit of a championship.  Their are some nice pieces, but just that, nice pieces.

Truth is, across the river the Nets are better situated with Brook Lopez and company to entice James.  But they are at least two years away from moving to Brooklyn and a marketing dream.  If James re-ups with the Cav's for only 3 years, you and everyone else will know that it is with an eye to leave Cleveland after the term is up to go play in JZ's playhouse on Atlantic Ave.

Smart play for James is either going to Chicago or Miami where there are players that are of talent and room to bring along additional talent with James.

We will see GM's sweat on Thursday and teams come up short, having to explain to an angry fan base why they were not a target of the free agent's affection.  For the Knick's, its nothing they did wrong, they just don't have enough ammunition.