The LeBron Sweepstakes & NBA Offseason

[DHSC]

Interesting decision by James.

It will be interesting to see how Miami is going to fill out the rest of its roster, especially with the salary cap at 58m. All 3 of them, if given the max will get 18m x 3= 54m+.

 

[Rosco]

I'm genuinely surprised, all three will have to take less than they could have gotten elsewhere but they all seem prepared to do that.

The Cavs owners seems to be taking the decision well .......

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....

 

[darkstarexodus]

I hope to god that's not actually from the Cavs' owners. That's more than cringeworthy. Is Hicks Jr a board member?

The Cavs loaded up some big contracts trying to convince Lebron that the Cavs were a legitimate title contender and I don't see how they'll have the cap room to make up for his loss. Not that they could anyways.

 

[Rosco]

It's the owner's open letter !

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html

 

[SaintGeorge67]

That letter is embarrassing. I bet the heat don't win anything.

 

[LeTallecWiz]

I think LeBron comes off as a twat because of this, and probably, becomes one of the most hated figures in the NBA ...

As one article says, every NBA 'star' (I still cannot believe Bosh was called a 'star' by LeBron - what exactly has he done in his career?) will be looking at it as a 'challenge'

 

[DHSC]

[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=40809.msg1133222#msg1133222 date=1278657793]
I think LeBron comes off as a twat because of this, and probably, becomes one of the most hated figures in the NBA ...

As one article says, every NBA 'star' (I still cannot believe Bosh was called a 'star' by LeBron - what exactly has he done in his career?) will be looking at it as a 'challenge'
[/quote]

Sportsguy put it rather aptly.

What does James want ?

He stays in Cleveland, he wants to show he's loyal.
He goes to Chicago, he wants to win now.
He goes to New York, he wants to create a legacy.
He goes to Heat, he wants... help.

 

[DHSC]

Another I heard.

James = A Rod
Wade = Jeter.

 

[The Slugmonster]

The heat may not win next season but with the celtics aging they can sure take over in the east! If it doesnt work out with spoelstra as coach then who would say that they wouldnt have a shot the year after if Pat Riley stepped in! The guy has what it takes to coach big players and big egos! I think lebron will get his ring(s) in miami!

 

[LeTallecWiz]

[quote author=DHSC link=topic=40809.msg1133284#msg1133284 date=1278664732]
Another I heard.

James = A Rod
Wade = Jeter.
[/quote]

Aahhhh Horshit. Jeter, though I hate him, is a born winner ... Wade only own his title b/c of Shaq and some horrific calls.

 

[ILD]

Won't Wade and Lebron struggle to share the ball?

I am going to get back into watchin NBA next year to see how this plays out.

 

[dmishra]

You'd have to think that they will win a title with those three. It'll be interesting to see what kind of offence they run and how they share the ball, but it's just not possible to think that in their 4 years together (at least), they won't win a title.

 

[dmishra]

Re: The LeBron Sweepstakes & NBA Offseason?

[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=40809.msg1130769#msg1130769 date=1278239035]
[quote author=dmishra link=topic=40809.msg1130754#msg1130754 date=1278237477]
Suns are screwed 🙁
[/quote]

how on earth do the suns replace amare's offensive stats and defensive presence? maybe they should trade stevie nash and start rebuilding.
[/quote]

The Suns won't trade Nash. Nash is committed and will retire in Phoenix. He's said before that it matters more to him to nurture a young team than go title-chasing with some contender. That's a sort of attitude you don't find too often in pro sports, forget the NBA.

As for replacing Amare, his pick n' roll play will be sorely missed. His defensive presence was mostly negligible, so I'm not worried about that. Suns will continue to play up-tempo and Nash will probably give Warrick a career year. However, I foresee a first round exit if no further changes are made.

The Suns management unfortunately is a joke. They've just not been committed to winning a championship. For some reason, they've always been content with being competitive and making sure fans attend games. That's going to happen as long as Nash remains but a chamionship is a pipe-dream unless some strong moves are made.

Thankfully, Amar'e didn't screw us like LeBron. He ensured we get a 16.5 million TPE in the sign and trade which could be very useful if the Suns decide to use it right. I'm hoping we can add someone like Iguodala/Jefferson and then maybe make a play at Chris Paul in the 2012 free agency when Nash comes off the books.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

The more I think about the letter the more appalled I am at the Cavs owner.

If he was really pissed off he should have stuck t 'blow me fuck face' and left it at that.

The guy's fucking idiot who should be fined.

 

[Rosco]

[quote author=dmishra link=topic=40809.msg1133957#msg1133957 date=1278791288]
You'd have to think that they will win a title with those three. It'll be interesting to see what kind of offence they run and how they share the ball, but it's just not possible to think that in their 4 years together (at least), they won't win a title.
[/quote]

They definitely will, but I'd still back the Lakers for next season.

 

[MaBigTip]

You can add me to the list of people who hate LBJ now. Everything he;s said since thursday has made me cringe uncontrollably. Their shear cockiness and attitude that bringing them three together is a guaranteed win of the ring is pissing me off. I really wish he hadn;t of led so many people on and flirted like such a slut. That Miami Cuntasuaras Rex will never be close to an NBA legend anymore. He's probably wont even be the reason they win if they can do that with the far superior Lakers, the better balanced Bulls, Jermaine O'neal> Rasheed Wallace 4 the Celtics and Superman in Orlando in his way. I reckon they'll each have to take a salary hit of 6 mill to be able to develop a good enough supporting cast to get them there. Fuck You Lebron. I'll be happier if A'mare. Melo, and Paul happens anyway.

-fanhood hasn't gone well for me since a certain miraculous Super Bowl win

 

[darkstarexodus]

[quote author=SaintGeorge67 link=topic=40809.msg1134002#msg1134002 date=1278802673]
The more I think about the letter the more appalled I am at the Cavs owner.

If he was really pissed off he should have stuck t 'blow me fuck face' and left it at that.

The guy's fucking idiot who should be fined.
[/quote]

Agreed completely. I thought it was a pisstake or a fake. Completely disgraceful.

 

[darkstarexodus]

[quote author=Assulin link=topic=40809.msg1134044#msg1134044 date=1278821919]
You can add me to the list of people who hate LBJ now. Everything he;s said since thursday has made me cringe uncontrollably. Their shear cockiness and attitude that bringing them three together is a guaranteed win of the ring is pissing me off. I really wish he hadn;t of led so many people on and flirted like such a slut. That Miami Cuntasuaras Rex will never be close to an NBA legend anymore. He's probably wont even be the reason they win if they can do that with the far superior Lakers, the better balanced Bulls, Jermaine O'neal> Rasheed Wallace 4 the Celtics and Superman in Orlando in his way. I reckon they'll each have to take a salary hit of 6 mill to be able to develop a good enough supporting cast to get them there. Fuck You Lebron. I'll be happier if A'mare. Melo, and Paul happens anyway.

-fanhood hasn't gone well for me since a certain miraculous Super Bowl win
[/quote]

I personally thought LBJ handled things much better than, for example, Bosh (who I now consider a twit). Lebron is also quite a good speaker for an athlete his age and was a strange blend of humble and arrogant during his interview special. I thought he said all the right things for the first half, but then he repeatedly stated how much he had done for the franchise and the city. When he repeated that point several more times I began to get turned off, which is a shame because he had seemed very grateful and made the point of stating it wasn't what Cleveland didn't offer so much as what Miami did have to offer that swayed him.

I also thought the burning of his jersey shown during the special was a bit classless as well and probably didn't need to be shown during the broadcast.

Anyways, go Lakers. (If Nash can't get his ring, I wouldn't mind seeing Kobe deny the Heat for four straight years.)

 

[peekay]

[quote author=darkstarexodus link=topic=40809.msg1134052#msg1134052 date=1278826787]
[quote author=Assulin link=topic=40809.msg1134044#msg1134044 date=1278821919]
You can add me to the list of people who hate LBJ now. Everything he;s said since thursday has made me cringe uncontrollably. Their shear cockiness and attitude that bringing them three together is a guaranteed win of the ring is pissing me off. I really wish he hadn;t of led so many people on and flirted like such a slut. That Miami Cuntasuaras Rex will never be close to an NBA legend anymore. He's probably wont even be the reason they win if they can do that with the far superior Lakers, the better balanced Bulls, Jermaine O'neal> Rasheed Wallace 4 the Celtics and Superman in Orlando in his way. I reckon they'll each have to take a salary hit of 6 mill to be able to develop a good enough supporting cast to get them there. Fuck You Lebron. I'll be happier if A'mare. Melo, and Paul happens anyway.

-fanhood hasn't gone well for me since a certain miraculous Super Bowl win
[/quote]

I personally thought LBJ handled things much better than, for example, Bosh (who I now consider a twit). Lebron is also quite a good speaker for an athlete his age and was a strange blend of humble and arrogant during his interview special. I thought he said all the right things for the first half, but then he repeatedly stated how much he had done for the franchise and the city. When he repeated that point several more times I began to get turned off, which is a shame because he had seemed very grateful and made the point of stating it wasn't what Cleveland didn't offer so much as what Miami did have to offer that swayed him.

I also thought the burning of his jersey shown during the special was a bit classless as well and probably didn't need to be shown during the broadcast.

Anyways, go Lakers. (If Nash can't get his ring, I wouldn't mind seeing Kobe deny the Heat for four straight years.)
[/quote]

I thought he came across well for a superstar on the show. But I do think he was badly advised. He should never have done a show to announce his decision. Imagine Stevie G announcing he is going to Chelsea on a one hour ESPN special in 2004.
Another reason for the outrage is that Lebron has used the "I am a local Ohio boy" line number of times in the past. He has actively promoted himself as the symbol of the Cavs both on and off the pitch. I do understand his decision from a sporting perspective, but I really think he should have handled it better.

 

[LeTallecWiz]

“Jackson His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality. He sees LeBron as a runaway slave. This is an owner employee relationship -- between business partners -- and LeBron honored his contract.â€
Rev. Jesse Jackson on Cavs owner Dan Gilbert's comments about LeBron James

 

[darkstarexodus]

[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=40809.msg1134583#msg1134583 date=1278912087]
“Jackson His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality. He sees LeBron as a runaway slave. This is an owner employee relationship -- between business partners -- and LeBron honored his contract.â€
Rev. Jesse Jackson on Cavs owner Dan Gilbert's comments about LeBron James
[/quote]

Well, just when you think an act of jackassery can't be one-upped...

 

[The Slugmonster]

[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=40809.msg1134583#msg1134583 date=1278912087]
“Jackson His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality. He sees LeBron as a runaway slave. This is an owner employee relationship -- between business partners -- and LeBron honored his contract.â€
Rev. Jesse Jackson on Cavs owner Dan Gilbert's comments about LeBron James
[/quote]


Jesse Jackson loves sticking his nose in where its not needed! If this was a situation where both men were of the same race he wouldn't have uttered a word! And comparing it to a slave master relationship is ridiculous.....but he gets away with it because he's 'a civil rights activist'! It sickens me because if someone else said this they'd be lynched!

 

[LeTallecWiz]

[quote author=The Slugmonster link=topic=40809.msg1136136#msg1136136 date=1279186135]
[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=40809.msg1134583#msg1134583 date=1278912087]
“Jackson His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality. He sees LeBron as a runaway slave. This is an owner employee relationship -- between business partners -- and LeBron honored his contract.â€
Rev. Jesse Jackson on Cavs owner Dan Gilbert's comments about LeBron James
[/quote]


Jesse Jackson loves sticking his nose in where its not needed! If this was a situation where both men were of the same race he wouldn't have uttered a word! And comparing it to a slave master relationship is ridiculous.....but he gets away with it because he's 'a civil rights activist'! It sickens me because if someone else said this they'd be lynched!
[/quote]

I've quite a few articles from African-American journalists who have ripped into him for the comment ... quite a few have insinuated it is b/c Gilbert is Jewish that he made those comments ...

He, like Sharpton, run their mouth quite a lot ... and no one will do anything.

 

[Whaddapie]

[quote author=The Slugmonster link=topic=40809.msg1136136#msg1136136 date=1279186135]
[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=40809.msg1134583#msg1134583 date=1278912087]
“Jackson His feelings of betrayal personify a slave master mentality. He sees LeBron as a runaway slave. This is an owner employee relationship -- between business partners -- and LeBron honored his contract.â€
Rev. Jesse Jackson on Cavs owner Dan Gilbert's comments about LeBron James
[/quote]


Jesse Jackson loves sticking his nose in where its not needed! If this was a situation where both men were of the same race he wouldn't have uttered a word! And comparing it to a slave master relationship is ridiculous.....but he gets away with it because he's 'a civil rights activist'! It sickens me because if someone else said this they'd be lynched!
[/quote]

He actually admitted that if LeBron had been white he'd not have said a thing about it...

And the Slave Owner is a poor analogy - It's more like a pimp and his ho'.

 

[LeTallecWiz]

NEW ORLEANS (AP)—Chris Paul(notes) has requested to be traded and the New Orleans Hornets have scheduled a meeting with the star guard on Monday, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Paul will sit down with new head coach Monty Williams, new general manager Dell Demps and team president Hugh Weber in New Orleans, the person told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not made plans to meet with Paul public, and because Paul has not publicly demanded a trade.

The person also said that Paul, through his representatives, has told the Hornets he would prefer to be dealt to one of only a handful of teams, including the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic.