Will he come back to Cleveland?
Adrian Wojnaroski wrote an article about the end of the super-team, the new salary cap rules, and Lebron’s possible return to the Cavs. Here’s the link. Make of it what you will; the bit about Lebron possibly flip-flopping on the Decision, but choosing to stick with Miami due to the Comic-Sans letter, is hard to believe. For the record, I absolutely dread the return of the King, and I think that Dan Gilbert’s angry letter was a proud moment for Cleveland sports.
Tags: Lebron James
I learned the hard way not to discount anything Wou writes about LBJ…
Gotta say whatever. The biggest thing that stood out to me on that article was the two paragraph snark-fest that Woj unleashed on John Hollinger. Odd. “Cable Sports Company” – reeks of disdain.
I would love it if LeBron comes back. However, I’m betting that Grant and company build the team like he isn’t going to come back. I”m sure they’ll easily have the cap space and money to sign him if need be though.
I know you guys work for espn, but can we please ignore these articles for the next few years? This is not relevant basketball news for the cavs, it is tabloid gossip that serves Lequitters desire to always be in the news and show that Cleveland still wants him like all the other nuthuggers.
I don’t think he’ll come back, but if he did, how would he handle having to give KI the last shot? He’d clearly be the better option.
CTown…I agreed with your first 1.5 sentences. But man you are one bitter little girl. Stop pretending you don’t want Lebron back on your team. Get over it and pray until your hands bleed that he comes back.
Heat fan here. I’d be ok with Lebron going back to Cleveland in 2014 if that’s what he wants to do. Its fun having on the team now but, I won’t have any lingering resentment if he wants to leave in the future. I think he wants settle some unfinished business there now that he knows how to win the big games. Now if he went somewhere besides Cleveland or Miami then, I might not be as pleased.
Agree with 100% with Ctown. The thing that annoys me the most is how much he loves this.
Dtish- sorry I can’t hear you very well. Please remember to remove Mr. 3 quarters’ nuts from the back of your throat before commenting…
If Dan Gilbert’s borderline racist, false bravado letter is a “proud moment” in Cleveland sports than it explains a lot about its bitter history and overall outlook.
Is the guy who takes the last shot a real thing or has it been manufactured by sports journalism? I don’t think where Lebron will play will be dictated by if some other guy on that team might take the last shot. I don’t know if James will come back to Cleveland but I’m confident won’t stay in Miami past 2014.
Well Cory, there is such a thing as being clutch. In fact it’s measurable in today’s NBA. It took a while for LBJ to learn how to be clutch. KI has taken it on immediately and is already one of the best in the league.
Jorts you don’t get to talk he won you a championship. He’s not your hometown hero, he was ours.
I feel like LeBron will come back to Cleveland in 2014. I hope he does. I’ve been a Cavs fan since well before LeBron was even a word in Cavs fans vocabulary. I’ve seen them battle for a playoff spot n I’ve seen them when they we’re on the brink of glory. Maybe he did do all of us Cavs fans horribly wrong, but don’t we deserve a title by now? Honestly, if he does decide to come back to his hometown n try to make things right, wouldn’t people forgive him? I understand why he did what he did, as shady as it was, but Cleveland aches for some sort of winning. And they deserve that. And if that means having the prodigal son return and set things right, would that be so bad? Everyone’s made bad decisions in their lifetime. Just let the man come home and set everything right…Cleveland deserves that.
Why wouldn’t he stay in Miami past 2014? This makes no sense to me. Miami can make its team from scratch. Kevin Love has an opt out that year, among a million other people. The Heat can build another super team in Miami. Another possibility exists too: LeBron to the Lakers. Or the Celtics. It’s going to be another media mess: the decision 2.0. Another possibility looms as well for LeBron. 2017, either the players or the owners may opt out of the CBA. If I was LeBron and wanted to make some real money? I’d convince the players to opt out and make their own league.
Lebron is a grass is greener guy. It’s what led him to SVSM and to Miami. I don’t see this Heat team aging gracefully. In 2014-15 the big three alone with account for $61 million. They’ll probably amnesty Miller by then but they will still have a $4.6 player option on Haslem and a $3.8 million player option on Anthony. I can’t imagine either of them not picking those up. Miami can reload…After two of the collusion three are off their books.
I don’t see Wade opting out because this is his last big contract. Maybe he’ll start drinking deer antler velvet or get the stem cell injections in Germany he’ll last a little longer but it already appears that he’s lost a step. Where will this Heat squad be when Wade isn’t an elite player? Wade’s entire game is based on him beating his man off the dribble and getting to the rack. He’s not a great shooter. Bosh could always be traded or perhaps he’ll grow tired of being third in the pecking order and opt out himself. Even if Bosh opted out and left they’d be around $50 million for four players.
I just see him Lebron looking over the NBA landscape at where he could create another mini-dynasty. The Lakers are definitely a possibility. Maybe the Bulls if they amnesty Boozer. I see Lebron morphing into more of a PF as he ages. Maybe I’m wrong.
Also Love’s opt out isn’t until after the 2014-15 season.
Proudest moment in sports history? Really? I genuinely hope you don’t get paid to publish this nonsense. Being a part of True Hoop, I assume you would approach this subject with at least a smidgen of objectivity. And as an adult, I would hope you’re above this lowbrow demagoguery. Yes, this kind of blind vitriol may be appealing to other scorned Cavs fans, but it just doesn’t play with true fans of the game. There are very few absolutes in sports, but one of those truths is Lebron plays his ass off two ways with unprecedented versatility and, more often than not, plays the game the right way. He seems like a selfish dick in real life, but on the court, he’s the best teammate in the league. Get over yourself and appreciate the game as a whole. He had a right to leave and he had a right to play his cards to whatever advantage he felt he had. Granted, you also have the right to be a petulant ass about it, but I really think it would be in your best interest to let this shit go.
By the way, to the people who say Lebron isn’t clutch, he’s had three serious meltdowns that I can think of and a ton of huge moments in the playoffs. Go back and look at any clutch stat you want, I guarantee that Lebron has excelled in that metric relative to his peers. While we’re on the topic, who gets to define what clutch is? Personally, I don’t think Kobe is particularly clutch. He has had some seriously clutch moments, but I don’t think he’s clutch in the same way as everyone else. Let the clutch argument go unless we’re discussing specific instances. That’s all we can do. There are too many variables and not a large enough sample size for anyone to make any accurate generalizations about intangible things like “clutch.”
He quit. Thats pretty much all that needs to be said.
A proud moment? An angry, myopic and self-serving “open letter” is a proud moment? For who? I don’t understand that in the least. Dan Gilbert was the owner of the team. Lebron was a player. The player made a player-first decision much like the organization makes self-serving decisions all the time. If Dan Gilbert had put so much passion into ensuring that his team was run with a complete attention to detail then we would have been in a much better place even with the biggest FA loss in sports.
That letter was petulance and frustration. Frustration that could have been avoided with any semblance of real management and structure in this organization. Lebron would have left no matter what. People move on and outgrown home all the time. But to act like that letter was the appropriate response is ridiculous.
Josh-
I wouldn’t say that my statements about Gilbert’s letter actually have much to do with Lebron. But Cavs fans were left hanging in the worst way when Lebron left, and that letter was just about the only thing we had to hold onto. Vitriolic? Certainly. Over the top? Probably. I still believe that it was needed.
Oh and the idea of the players opting out and forming their own league is laughable. Good luck finding an appropriate arena to play in or a TV network to negotiate with after you break off from the NBA. Notwithstanding startup costs and the challenges of staffing/infrastructure,
I agree that a players league is a ridiculous idea…
Dan Gilbert’s letter was anything but a proud moment for Cleveland! He is not even a Clevelander, he is from Michigan and has no idea what we have gone though as a sports city. The truth is he is a spoiled petulant brat that isn’t used to people saying no to him. He is the classic rich guy that surounds himself with yes men. Which is ironic because that was Lebron’s entire experience in Cleveland. If there are any Cavs fans that would not want to see Lebron play with Kyrie in 2 years, they don’t deserve a winner. Enjoy draft night being the most exciting evening of the season…
Don’t see it. There are too many options for him. Even LAL can be rebuilt in a year with some smart moves. Let’s have this discussion in 2017.
Dani – Are you really saying that in a few years time when Lebron hypothetically could return to a Cavs team that may be ok or even good (think Atlanta hawks’esqu hovering between the 4th and 8th seed in the Eastern conf) and the addition of the best basketball player in the world puts them immediately in title contention, you wouldn’t add the best basketball player in the world?
I’m born and bred clevelander through and through but the thought of passing on one of the best basketball players in the world to potentially bring a title to CLE because of sour grapes seems illogical. I was angry like everyone else but after a certain point you gain clarity and perspective, you get over yourself, and realize what was was and stop throwing a pity party.
if you blindfolded someone and told them “ok, heres the situation – you have an NBA team that is OK to decent . You have a top 5 PG in the league, a quick scoring 2 guard that can put up 20 any night starting or off the bench (dion), a PF that is a double double every night,(TT), 2013 draft pick (insert prospect), and a 7 footer who is fundamental and can stretch the floor (Tyler), plus a number of filler off the bench, but you have the opportunity to add arguably the #1 ranked player in the league. This player makes you immediately a top 5 team in the league, do you do it?” I guarantee you 10 out of 10 people take it
Kj is right about Adrian Wojnaroski. He’s pretty well connected, and we shouldn’t disregard anything he reports. Also, Brian Windhorst has been saying this since last season. I think the Cavs are in a good position where they can upgrade the roster by making a FA signing this off-season and still have room for LeBron.
For those of you saying you won’t welcome him back, I believe you will change your minds. You’re not going to boo him if he’s playing well and helping the team win. You may take longer to warm up to him, but you will…and there’s nothing wrong with that.
I can’t give you an entirely rational explanation for my dislike of the idea of Lebron coming back to Cleveland. Basketball-wise it’s a no-brainer, obviously. But don’t you remember what it was like? The entirely city of Cleveland bent on their knees, literally begging Lebron to stay in Cleveland. People sang, wrote letters, dedicated art to him. This city loved Lebron James, and for a few months after that loss to th Celtics, this city gave all it had in an attempt to hold on to the best player in the world. I grew up with the Lebron-era Cavs. He was the reason I became a basketball fan. That summer, he looked at what Cleveland had to offer- we put it all on the table- and decided it wasn’t enough. In doing so, he spat on the city, he spat on the Cavs, and he spat on all the fans who adored like him no one else. Next time Lebron becomes a free agent, he will weigh his options as carefully as before. Is Cleveland really willing to do it again? Are we going to hamstring flexibility and success for the next two years just for another shot at Lebron? It seems to me like once is enough. I don’t believe that Lebron deserves to be a Cavalier again. He had that once, and threw it away. Maybe that’s petty, but that’s how I feel.
here’s the way I look at the whole Lebron coming back thing. I don’t blame Lebron, I don’t hate him and if he came back, like an ex girlfriend who left you for someone else and then came back, I’d still welcome him back, I just wouldn’t trust him, and alot of the crap him pulled before, (The Cowboys and Yankees fan BS) wouldn’t fly anymore for me. But we’d also win like 70 gajillion NBA championship with Lebron added to the young core we have, so I think I’d get over it fast. I’m only against it for two reasons 1)The media field day. After the desicion we were the laughing stock of sports for two years, and the city I love became a joke. So much so that I haven’t watched Sportscenter on nearly two years. The Lebron gracing poor , pathetic Cleveland storylines would make me sick. I’d have to watch all games on mute. 2) I’m really, really enjoying this being Kyrie Irving’s team. He’s embraced the role in a fun, and enthusiatic manner that Lebron never did. I kinda don’t want that dynamic to end
It is absolutely mind-boggling to me that anyone could consider Dan Gilbert’s letter a “proud moment”. How about a championship? I’m pretty sure the first championship in Cavaliers history would trump that. The effort by Cavaliers fans to minimize LeBron’s accomplishments and rationalize not wanting him back is totally absurd. Having him back, along with the dynamic young core in place (as well as future pieces – another lottery pick, another FA acquisition aside from LeBron) would instantly catapult the Cavs to championship contention. And I hope it happens. Put me in the camp that values “actually winning” over “doing as best as we can without LeBron”.
Awhile back, I was surprised to learn that many of the commenters and posters here were not raised in Cleveland. I never thought people outside of Cleveland could be diehard Cavs fans. But I think the LeBron Era changed that. Cleveland gained more of a national fanbase.
I am curious if the people who were offended by Gilbert’s letter were raised in Cleveland. I think it makes a difference. I loved the letter. Still do. He was honest about how he felt, and it was precisely the way I felt. But I am from Cleveland, so the emotions I have surrounding LeBron are tied very powerfully to my sense of pride in Cleveland, and the feeling that LeBron was “one of us.” I imagine those emotions are less strong for non-Clevelanders who became fans of the Cavs via LeBron, which likely impacts the way their perceive DG’s letter.
Lebron is more mature as a person and as a basketball player since he left. Maybe the whole situation helped his development.
Either way, he is the best basketball player on the planet and I would welcome him back to the team. I can only hold a grudge for so long and Lebron clearly regrets the way things transpired and has probably matured as a result.
Seriously, if you enjoy watching the Cavaliers win basketball games, you should welcome the idea also.
Not to mention that Lebron is even better(!) now than he was when he was winning MVPs here. Seeing him and Kyrie playing together in the All-Star game should be a delicious taste of the future.
Hot Sauce- I was born in California, but I’ve been in Cleveland since I was 4.
Damn look at all of the trolls on the site? If u aren’t from here, u don’t get it. Dan Gilbert has done more for this city than most even realize and his letter was the right thing to do. And “borderline racist”? I’m black. The idea that that letter was racist was absurd. To the idiot that said that, kick rocks.
As far as Lebron is concerned, I don’t want him back either. But if he wants to come back, u do it. No ifs ands or nuts about it. I respect Gbert’s business acumen. He’d be a bad businessman if he DIDNT bring Lebron back. Let’s face it, it’s gonna hurt a little bit, but the championship will be worth it. AND since Kyrie will likely be here over the long haul and he’s much younger than Lebron, if we win a title with Lebron and he later leaves, Kyrie will go through the same “Can Kobe win a title without Shaq” thing and that may motivate Kyrie even more and we could get another title out of the deal later. So as much as it painstaking to say it, if Lebron wants to come back, let him
Pains me* not painstaking
D- I’m on board with most of what you’re saying here. I don’t know what that guy meant when he said the Letter was racist.
I’ve been a cavs fans since I immigrated to this country in 1987. Barely spoke English, but I knew the CAVS were my team. So almost 30 years. Graduate and law school, too many ex- GFS to name (I essentially lost a relationship, because I chose to watch a playoff game, instead), and a move to California. I’m still a CAVS fan. Why do I share those details? What I’m getting to is this… the last remnants of my 8 year old self died the night of the decision. But, I’d welcome back LeBron, because our chances of finally winning a championship rise automatically. I’m a CAVS fan, from Darnell Valentine to Anderson V.
He can come back only if he signs for the league minimum. That’ll show if your sorry or have unfinished business.
@Hot Sauce – Born and raised in Cleveland – Loved the Letter. Not sure I’d say it was a “proud” moment. But I’ll defend that letter forever – could give 2 you know whats about what “true fans” of the game think or whatever.
You can say what you want about Gilbert and speculate on his intentions or talk about the casinos or dislike him because he’s wealthy or outspoken. Fine. You cannot deny that he is EXACTLY the kind of owner that any city, but particularly Cleveland needs. The guy spends tens of millions on DRAFT PICKS. Kyrie Irving is dazzling us today because Gilbert threw tens of millions at a 2% chance at the number 1 pick. While LeBron was here? He poured 25 million into a world class practice facility, he pimped out the locker rooms/facilities at the Q. He moved QLs offices to Cleveland – and he broke EVEN on teams with deep playoff runs because he was so far into the luxury tax.
Yeah, I loved that letter. I don’t know Gilbert at all, but I can’t think of a better owner for a pro sports team. He wrote that letter because despite his billions, he GETS what it means to have pride in your city when others mock it.
Also, this whole “LeBron can do anything he wants”. Yeah, sure. Fans can DISLIKE a player for “doing whatever he wants”. And they can write about it – and hope he doesn’t come back.
The decision was too much for me. Draw the whole world in to take a dump on Cleveland? Weeks after free agency started?
I’ll take beating LeBron en route to a title. He’s sports enemy #1.
That being said – if LeBron calls up Chris Grant/Dan Gilbert and says “I talked to Alonzo Gee, he’s cool sharing minutes – mind if I come home?” I’d talk myself into it. (It’s a gift)
Darnell Valentine! I have his rookie card. Now I can give my wife a Valentine’s card!
I agree with Versus. I think the backlash helped Lebron mature. Him failing in the finals after getting what he wanted helped him take that last step. It was no longer Gilbert or Mike Browns fault. It was no longer the city of Cleveland’s fault for not appealing to free agents. It was no longer Mo WIlliams fault. The sole responsibility for the Heat losing to the Mavs was Lebron. If he would have hit his averages they probably would have beaten Dallas. He needed to accept the responsibility of failure. It made him a better player and probably a better person too.
I don’t expect him to return, because anything could happen. He could reup with Miami in 2014 and stay for another year. I do think he’ll leave Miami when he realizes they can’t win the title there. It could be 2014 or 15 depending on how much Wade regresses. I can’t imagine them winning a title without Wade being an elite player. Not a pretty good player but an elite player. Once Wade can’t beat his man off the dribble and get to the rack his elite status will be over. No one on Miami will be better in two years than they are now other than possibly Norris Cole (who really couldn’t get much worse). I can’t think of an NBA player who doesn’t play for the Cavs who lives in North Eastern Ohio in the offseason. It’s possible. Not counting on it. I’m a Cavs fan first and foremost. Players come and players go. I’d be open to them returning if it’s good for the Cavs.
Ok, it’s like this. You had this really hot girlfriend for 7 years. She was the hottest girl out there and you loved her. You made her the center of your world and the two of you would talk about a long term commitment, even marriage. But, in those 7 years you were never able to give her the “big O”. Admittedly that’s partly your fault because in that time you probably should have figured something out. She got frustrated and left you for a better looking man. A couple years later she says “Now that I’ve been able to climax, I’ll consider coming back to you”. Do you take her back?
Personally, I would say something to the effect of “Sorry, even though you’re really hot and we shared something special, you gave up on me. I’ll get over your decision to leave eventually, but right now I’m going to focus on my new girlfriend. She isn’t as pretty, but she’s trying her hardest to make this thing work, and she was there for me when you left”.