A Torn Clevelander - NBADraft.net

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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 6:13am #57149

Andrew1984
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I have watched LeBron James play since the first game of his sophomore year in high school against Benedictine when he put 42 on Rian Powell in front of a crowd of no more than 200 at then Gund Arena. I’m six months older than him and my high school team was a few wins shy of meeting his SVSM squad in Ohio’s Division II state tournament. I celebrated gloriously in May of 2003 when the Cavs’ logo came up for the top pick in that draft, after suffering through the Milt Palaco, Ricky Davis, Sagana Diop year.
When LeBron left after seven years, I was upset with him, but not for the same reasons most Clevelanders were. Most just hated him because No. 1, they felt he was disloyal, and No. 2, the way he left; the public humiliation and self-absorption that was the Decision. As far No. 1, it didn’t bother me because he gave us seven good years and he earned his right to free agency, so he had every right to seek a better opportunity. As to No. 2, while I found it somewhat distasteful, I didn’t dwell on it.
What really bothered me was Game 5 against Boston in 2010. The Cavs had the best record in the league and were hosting Boston. All they needed was a win at home to go up 3-2 and put themselves in a great position to advance. LeBron, for some reason, did not even want to be in the building that night. He was completely mentally disengaged. I watched his body language over and over and was convinced that he would’ve preferred to have been anywhere but where he was. The rumors and speculation ran rampant about personal issues and I have no idea what is true and what isn’t, but he absolutely gave up that night. I honestly felt that was the year the Cavs were going to win an NBA title.
That being said, I also felt that LeBron had walked all over Paul Silas and Mike Brown and had never really submitted himself to a coach. I also felt he was way too reluctant to initiate his offense on the block and overwhelm interior defenses with his physicality and explosiveness. I wanted to see him average 20 points, 11-12 boards, and 8-9 assists and shoot in the mid 60s from the field, whereas he had been averaging 28 points, 6, boards, 6 assists and shooting in the mid to high 40s. I felt he drifted to the perimeter and fell in love with “looking cool” too much and I wanted to see more of a, “I’m about to kick you in the pants” mentality.
But in the four years since, I was impressed with how well he improved in those areas. He didn’t seem to quit at all while playing for Miami the way he did against Boston in 2010. He seemed to at least appear to let Eric Spoelstra coach him. He increased his percentages. He went down to the block more. He became more efficient. As a basketball purist and not so much a “homer,” I didn’t vehemently root against him. I watched with admiration.
Now that the likelihood of him signing with Cleveland is becoming more and more plausible, I’m torn. Not because of the emotional conflict of reversing any vitriol, but because it feels like cheating. Allow me to explain: losing one of the greatest player to ever touch a basketball left the Cavs with a blank canvas of re-building. There is something fun about that. The organization made its mistakes over the past four years, but the current roster is comprised mostly of young players who have not been on any other teams. There would be something so rewarding about building from the ground up, struggling, and then finding success. It would be like a writer who had always used a typewriter, became accurate and proficient, studying to gain a vocabulary and understanding of sentence structure and grammar, and then all of a sudden giving him a laptop with Microsoft Word. Sure, the final product is going to be better, but it’s almost too easy.
I’m not saying that if the Cavs sign LeBron, winning a title will be easy. But it would immediately vault them into relevance and contender status. It’s also not easy to obtain him; that in itself takes work. But part of me really wanted to watch David Blatt create chemistry between Kyrie, Waiters, and Wiggins and to see what he could to turn Anthony Bennett around. But adding LeBron is like handing a ninja a rifle. Yes, he’s now far more potent, but there’s something to be said about doing it the hard way.
On the other hand, a true fan wants his team to be the best it possibly can be, and obviously the Cavs would be better with LeBron than they would be without him, so it is still very enticing. There is so much baggage here for him, but the redemptive aspect of the story would be so satisfying. I think I’ll be content with either scenario. Part of me is silently rooting for him to go elsewhere, but if he announces that he’s coming home, I’d be excited about that too.
You know what would be so Cleveland, though? A scenario in which he signs with Cleveland and then has his first ever season-ending knee injury in the first week of the season, and is never quite the same again. Ah yes, the familiar defeatist mindset of my hometown!
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 6:37am #933154

Memphis Madness
Participant
How many sports greats left their hometown team (essentially) to win titles, then CAME BACK?
A LeBron Comeback Tour would be pretty neat. Especially with Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins as sidekicks. Maybe they also get Kevin Love. If I am Mr. Love I go wherever LeBron goes. Love can help out on the boards and LeBron can get Love some great looks. Andy V can help out with defending guys on the inside, while Wiggins can help defend guys on the perimeter, which would help out LeBron.
I guess LeBron still wants to be the GOAT. To get there he has to WIN. If he goes back to Cleveland and if the Cavs also land Kevin Love then LeBron will have an excellent chance to go to his fifth straight NBA Finals which has only been done by Bill Russell. LeBron would also have an outside shot at going to EIGHT STRAIGHT Finals which would tie Bill Russell’s record.
With Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, and Andrew Wiggins on board, I think LeBron can get to six rings which would tie MJ in the ring count.
Ok, LeBron has been to 4 straight Finals. Four more Finals would tie him with Bill Russell. THEN if he could win a title EVERY one of those years then that would not only put him at 6 rings, but it would ALSO give him a FOUR-PEAT. In four years then, we could be talking about LeBron as the GOAT.
How could you argue with 6 rings, a Four-peat, and EIGHT STRAIGHT Finals?
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 6:37am #933285

Memphis Madness
Participant
How many sports greats left their hometown team (essentially) to win titles, then CAME BACK?
A LeBron Comeback Tour would be pretty neat. Especially with Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins as sidekicks. Maybe they also get Kevin Love. If I am Mr. Love I go wherever LeBron goes. Love can help out on the boards and LeBron can get Love some great looks. Andy V can help out with defending guys on the inside, while Wiggins can help defend guys on the perimeter, which would help out LeBron.
I guess LeBron still wants to be the GOAT. To get there he has to WIN. If he goes back to Cleveland and if the Cavs also land Kevin Love then LeBron will have an excellent chance to go to his fifth straight NBA Finals which has only been done by Bill Russell. LeBron would also have an outside shot at going to EIGHT STRAIGHT Finals which would tie Bill Russell’s record.
With Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, and Andrew Wiggins on board, I think LeBron can get to six rings which would tie MJ in the ring count.
Ok, LeBron has been to 4 straight Finals. Four more Finals would tie him with Bill Russell. THEN if he could win a title EVERY one of those years then that would not only put him at 6 rings, but it would ALSO give him a FOUR-PEAT. In four years then, we could be talking about LeBron as the GOAT.
How could you argue with 6 rings, a Four-peat, and EIGHT STRAIGHT Finals?
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 7:07am #933166

NeggedNoelSaric
everybody says he quit he put up a great state line maybe he lost confidence in his self in team why isn’t the front office held accountable they drafted
luke Jackson, wagner,diop,mihm,trajan, signed no notable free agent lebrons tenure lol allowed young boozer to walk.
hired subpar coaches mike brown is a joke so if cle.
I hope they turn things around I like blatt I have a strong dislike for this organization the way the carry their selves, things they are handed that other teams would love to be handed they always mess up. ppl say its bad luck or a curse no its bad fans- LeBron should have never been treated like that , bad front office , bad ppl in general.
3 first round overall picks since bron left 4 years ago <<<<<
if he leaves the heat ppl will be mad but theirs no hate email or burning of clothes.
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- Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 7:45am #933180
  
  Andrew1984
  Participant
  As to their drafting, yeah, Luke Jackson, Chris Mihm, and Trajan Langdon were terrible draft picks. But most other franchises made several poor draft selections within that timeframe too. It’s not an exact science. Boozer was a great find in the second round and Dajuan Wagner’s injuries weren’t his fault. Who knows how good he could’ve been.
  I agree about the lousy coaching decision with regard to both Mike Brown hired. Byron wasn’t that bad of a hire.
  As to how the Cavaliers’ organization “carry their selves (sic),” I think you’re referring to Dan Gilbert, and yes, he does rub a lot of people the wrong way. But I believe he is committed to winning.
  I was not among those writing hate e-mails and burning jerseys. I do not condone nor endorse this practice. But I believe I’m correct in stating that it has happened other places too. It’s a pretty sorry statement about one’s priorities in life, when this is somehow perceived as the appropriate course of action.
  As to “bad ppl in general,” I’d have to disagree with you there.
  Bad fans? That is simply not true. Clevelanders in general are passionate and knowledgeable.
  So far, the first of the three overall picks has worked out pretty well, as 29 other teams wouldn’t mind having a Kyrie Irving. Wiggins will shine. Bennett will become respectable, and if not, two out of three ain’t bad.
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- Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 7:45am #933311
  
  Andrew1984
  Participant
  As to their drafting, yeah, Luke Jackson, Chris Mihm, and Trajan Langdon were terrible draft picks. But most other franchises made several poor draft selections within that timeframe too. It’s not an exact science. Boozer was a great find in the second round and Dajuan Wagner’s injuries weren’t his fault. Who knows how good he could’ve been.
  I agree about the lousy coaching decision with regard to both Mike Brown hired. Byron wasn’t that bad of a hire.
  As to how the Cavaliers’ organization “carry their selves (sic),” I think you’re referring to Dan Gilbert, and yes, he does rub a lot of people the wrong way. But I believe he is committed to winning.
  I was not among those writing hate e-mails and burning jerseys. I do not condone nor endorse this practice. But I believe I’m correct in stating that it has happened other places too. It’s a pretty sorry statement about one’s priorities in life, when this is somehow perceived as the appropriate course of action.
  As to “bad ppl in general,” I’d have to disagree with you there.
  Bad fans? That is simply not true. Clevelanders in general are passionate and knowledgeable.
  So far, the first of the three overall picks has worked out pretty well, as 29 other teams wouldn’t mind having a Kyrie Irving. Wiggins will shine. Bennett will become respectable, and if not, two out of three ain’t bad.
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- Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 10:10am #933224
  
  Andrew1984
  Participant
  And when you say, “he put up a great stat line,” I hope you’re talking about Game 5 in 2014 against San Antonio, not Game 5 in 2010 against Boston, the game I mentioned in my post. Because in that game, he was 3-of-14 from the field and only managed 15 points and six rebounds in 41 minutes.
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- Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 10:10am #933355
  
  Andrew1984
  Participant
  And when you say, “he put up a great stat line,” I hope you’re talking about Game 5 in 2014 against San Antonio, not Game 5 in 2010 against Boston, the game I mentioned in my post. Because in that game, he was 3-of-14 from the field and only managed 15 points and six rebounds in 41 minutes.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 7:07am #933297

NeggedNoelSaric
everybody says he quit he put up a great state line maybe he lost confidence in his self in team why isn’t the front office held accountable they drafted
luke Jackson, wagner,diop,mihm,trajan, signed no notable free agent lebrons tenure lol allowed young boozer to walk.
hired subpar coaches mike brown is a joke so if cle.
I hope they turn things around I like blatt I have a strong dislike for this organization the way the carry their selves, things they are handed that other teams would love to be handed they always mess up. ppl say its bad luck or a curse no its bad fans- LeBron should have never been treated like that , bad front office , bad ppl in general.
3 first round overall picks since bron left 4 years ago <<<<<
if he leaves the heat ppl will be mad but theirs no hate email or burning of clothes.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 8:04am #933188

WITNESS2014
Participant
Man I know how you feel. Seeing him in high school he was instantly my favorite player. Watching him on Fox Sports Ohio every game, those were our glory days as Cavs fans. The thought of having them back gives me goosebumps. If he doesnt come back they shouldnt dwell on it but go after some other players.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 8:04am #933319

WITNESS2014
Participant
Man I know how you feel. Seeing him in high school he was instantly my favorite player. Watching him on Fox Sports Ohio every game, those were our glory days as Cavs fans. The thought of having them back gives me goosebumps. If he doesnt come back they shouldnt dwell on it but go after some other players.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 8:38am #933198

slash787
Participant
Let’s be real. Anyone in Cleveland that says they do not want LeBron back is full of SH!!@#. All the people that burned their LeBron Cavs jersey would go out and buy another one.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 8:38am #933329

slash787
Participant
Let’s be real. Anyone in Cleveland that says they do not want LeBron back is full of SH!!@#. All the people that burned their LeBron Cavs jersey would go out and buy another one.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 9:08am #933206

SeattleSuperChronics
Participant
I hope he comes back and wins 4 more championships
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 9:08am #933337

SeattleSuperChronics
Participant
I hope he comes back and wins 4 more championships
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 9:21am #933214

NeggedNoelSaric
I thought it would be a great end but I would hate for him to go back now that I look at it so much hate so much scandal so many poor choices…then all the fans who did all of the hate will cheer him on? that’s what you call fake.
I don’t know any player who has ever got treated like LeBron entering free agency boo’ing understandable but come on
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 9:21am #933345

NeggedNoelSaric
I thought it would be a great end but I would hate for him to go back now that I look at it so much hate so much scandal so many poor choices…then all the fans who did all of the hate will cheer him on? that’s what you call fake.
I don’t know any player who has ever got treated like LeBron entering free agency boo’ing understandable but come on
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 10:47am #933234

Status Quo
Participant
I remember that game clearly. Lebron was all the things you described, one thing that may or may not have happened around the time of the game was the infamous Delonte West/Lebron’s mom rumor. Not saying it was true because it’s never been acknowledged by anyone but talking internet heads, but that Game 5 always made me wonder if the rumor alone affected Lebron. I remember the camera following him into the tunnel and taking off his jersey and thinking that’s his last game as a Cav.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 10:47am #933365

Status Quo
Participant
I remember that game clearly. Lebron was all the things you described, one thing that may or may not have happened around the time of the game was the infamous Delonte West/Lebron’s mom rumor. Not saying it was true because it’s never been acknowledged by anyone but talking internet heads, but that Game 5 always made me wonder if the rumor alone affected Lebron. I remember the camera following him into the tunnel and taking off his jersey and thinking that’s his last game as a Cav.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 10:55am #933236

NeggedNoelSaric
I mean carring a team nite in and night out and being the focus of d on a team lacking talent like the Celtics what do you expect and ppl keep bringing up game 5 lol.
the last game was game 6 am I wrong
tired most of the game I thought LeBron had
27 points
1 block
3 steals
10 assit
19 reb
12 fta
8-24 shooting
seems to me he went out in a blaze of glory
its never enough for you Cleveland fans is it?
for once can you thank hwo LeBron feels to never have been surrounded by other great players from his gen
he played with an old shaq you cant build a dynasty with someone who is damn near about to retire !!?
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 10:55am #933367

NeggedNoelSaric
I mean carring a team nite in and night out and being the focus of d on a team lacking talent like the Celtics what do you expect and ppl keep bringing up game 5 lol.
the last game was game 6 am I wrong
tired most of the game I thought LeBron had
27 points
1 block
3 steals
10 assit
19 reb
12 fta
8-24 shooting
seems to me he went out in a blaze of glory
its never enough for you Cleveland fans is it?
for once can you thank hwo LeBron feels to never have been surrounded by other great players from his gen
he played with an old shaq you cant build a dynasty with someone who is damn near about to retire !!?
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 10:56am #933237

NeggedNoelSaric
46 mins of play also lol
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 10:56am #933369

NeggedNoelSaric
46 mins of play also lol
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 11:31am #933243

JCliff24
Participant
As a Cleveland fan I hated him when he left, but im committed to Jessica Alba or Brooklyn Decker and they cheated on me, you know I’m taking them back. Lebron, will you be my Brooklyn Decker?
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 11:31am #933375

JCliff24
Participant
As a Cleveland fan I hated him when he left, but im committed to Jessica Alba or Brooklyn Decker and they cheated on me, you know I’m taking them back. Lebron, will you be my Brooklyn Decker?
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 12:54pm #933406

hbomb3300
Participant
I think everyone can agree that a championship in Cleveland would mean a lot more than most titles. The team in Miami put together just felt kind of wrong… like they got the first 3 picks in a game of pick up basketball. Also, Miami just won a championship in 2006, and we all know how weak their fan base is compared to most. Cleveland hasn’t won in any sport in over 50 years, is his home team, and just adding the drama of leaving and coming back would just make it that much more epic.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 12:54pm #933276

hbomb3300
Participant
I think everyone can agree that a championship in Cleveland would mean a lot more than most titles. The team in Miami put together just felt kind of wrong… like they got the first 3 picks in a game of pick up basketball. Also, Miami just won a championship in 2006, and we all know how weak their fan base is compared to most. Cleveland hasn’t won in any sport in over 50 years, is his home team, and just adding the drama of leaving and coming back would just make it that much more epic.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 1:51pm #933431

burgessfour
Participant
comes back to Cleveland everyone should just sweep the past under the carpet. Even as a Sixers fan I think it would be great. I’ll bet it bothers Lebron to no end they didn’t win a title while he was there. If he returns they will win a title, maybe multiple titles.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 1:51pm #933302

burgessfour
Participant
comes back to Cleveland everyone should just sweep the past under the carpet. Even as a Sixers fan I think it would be great. I’ll bet it bothers Lebron to no end they didn’t win a title while he was there. If he returns they will win a title, maybe multiple titles.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 5:48pm #933386

jtthebrick
Participant
As the fan of a small market NBA team, I hope to see my franchise win a championship JUST ONCE in my lifetime. Building a team from scratch in Cleveland probably isn’t going to get you there. Signing LeBron is your best chance, and you should want them to take it.
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Posted on: Tue, 07/08/2014 - 5:48pm #933515

jtthebrick
Participant
As the fan of a small market NBA team, I hope to see my franchise win a championship JUST ONCE in my lifetime. Building a team from scratch in Cleveland probably isn’t going to get you there. Signing LeBron is your best chance, and you should want them to take it.
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