Jerome

James

The demotion could mean millions lost in future earnings for James, who is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

It’s not by having earned it. Vitaly Potapenko’s injury means James will start, though the Sonics have other options in Nick Collison, Danny Fortson, and rookie Robert Swift. They could also make a waiver pickup.

That’s a relief.

James probably won’t play tomorrow or Wednesday.

James, now 36, is best remembered for getting a five-year deal from Isiah Thomas when he was running the show in New York. He has an uphill battle to climb in order to return to the league.

James strained his left hamstring, missing the last half of practice, and also revealed he had a banged-up left thumb, which was wrapped in a brace. James said he pulled ligaments in his thumb late last season and reaggravated it two weeks ago during informal workouts. He’s going to really struggle to have fantasy value this year with Curry around.

The Knicks have acquired Eddy Curry, which means that James is now likely just a backup center, like he should be. Isiah sure isn’t paying him like a backup though.

He won’t have much fantasy value when healthy, at least as long as Eddy Curry can play.

Zero points, 0-of-5 from the floor and two boards. Welcome to New York, Eddy Curry.

“Our big guys, Eddy [Curry] and Jerome, are not in the kind of shape they need to be in to play in the NBA right now,” Larry Brown said. “They still have time.” Um, not much, as the regular season starts in less than two weeks. James can’t be traded until Dec. 15, but with his five-year, $30 million contract, he’s not going anywhere.