LeBron Free Agency 2010

[thaddeusyoungin]

Alex Jones rips apart Cavs fan who think that LeBron leaving is the end of the world. Start it at 5:35. Remember guys its just a game... basketball doesn't really matter in the big scope of things.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKmvxwr0Tw4&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

[heathmalc]

Just for fun. I know this deal will never happen but

Lakers Bynum, Odom and Artest.
Cleveland Lebron and Mo

Why for the Lakers: Well they are geting a superstar in Lebron and a PG that they need.
Why for Cleveland: Yes they will lose Lebron but they would get a great froncort that know how to win a ring.

Yes this is a trade that favroit the Lakers but i have seen mutch worse trades in here.

Artest is old, Odom is getting old, and Bynum is frail (has he ever played a full season?).

Lakers would need a much better offer than that, because every team in the league will bid on him, and they will DEFINITELY far surpass that offer.

[Triumph36]

He makes some good points...but the sad reality of it is that basketball DOES matter in the big scope of things, at least here in Cleveland. People are leaving. Fast. Nearly half of the city is a shithole and only getting worse while the other half continues to go downhill. The city officials are terrible yet keep getting voted in. Crime is on the rise. It's basically all bad and little to no good.

The Cavs and LeBron are the biggest attraction in the city...both for tourists and for people living just outside of Cleveland. Them being bad - for years - is going to make things even worse. The few people that do come here will stop.

[heathmalc]

He makes some good points...but the sad reality of it is that basketball DOES matter in the big scope of things, at least here in Cleveland. People are leaving. Fast. Nearly half of the city is a **** and only getting worse while the other half continues to go downhill. The city officials are terrible yet keep getting voted in. Crime is on the rise. It's basically all bad and little to no good.

The Cavs and LeBron are the biggest attraction in the city...both for tourists and for people living just outside of Cleveland. Them being bad - for years - is going to make things even worse. The few people that do come here will stop.

Couldn't have said it better myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I used to live in Pepperpike, but left about 18 months ago (approx) to take a similar job here in Indiana. I still root for all Cleveland teams (always will), and I still goto Cavs/Browns games EVERY month of the season... at-least once. However, the reason my family left: We had a 2 and a half yr old boy, and crime was crazy, there was a kidnapping, and not long after, out son managed to get out of the house at 3AM (yes, he manipulated the child safety locks). Everything turned out okay...but it was the "what if" factor that had my wife on edge. So, we moved a few months later.

To me, Ohio and Cleveland will always be home. I was raised there and lived there most of my life. I miss everything...except the way that things seemed to be getting worse... almost like Detroit back in the late 80's, early 90's.

I hope & pray that LeBron stays, and that He and Gilbert can lead the Cavs to multiple titles, and that the Browns will become the team I grew up with and win multiple Super-bowls, and that the Indians are sold to a Gilbert-clone, so they can do what they were doing back in the 90's.

Alas, prayers are not always answered, and I may very well have to watch my favorite pro teams go down the tubes.

[heathmalc]

LeBron to Minnesota?

In what could be the most far-fetched idea I've heard so far -- and that's saying something -- Sam Smith of bulls.com writes about a scenario that could take James to Minnesota. For real.

"The talk is the Timberwolves intend to be very aggressive with their cap space and not accept some veteran or modest talent under the assumption no free agent would go there. As it was pointed out to me, Brett Favre went there because it was a better chance to win. And Favre left New York to go to Minnesota, whose sports teams, including the Twins, have a successful track record and supportive fan base.

"The thinking goes like this: The Timberwolves have three firsts and seem willing to part with Al Jefferson, a post-up inside player, or Kevin Love. Say Jefferson is in greater demand because he is a bigger scorer. They offer Jefferson and their three firsts, including No. 4, to Denver for Carmelo Anthony. Denver has an aging group with Kenyon Martin and Chauncey Billups and likely is headed down. Here's a chance to recoup fast at a time they easily could lose Anthony in a year. So they get a potential star center and a top five pick to build a better core. And maybe pick up something for their veterans as they seem to have peaked.

"And Minnesota has Jonny Flynn, Love, Darko Milicic and Corey Brewer and goes for LeBron and even maybe works a sign and trade by getting Ricky Rubio to the Cavs and also LeBron out of the conference.

"Far fetched? Sure, but you never say never in the NBA, and perhaps more significantly, it suggests the bidding for James is hardly going to be among just the four or five teams who gutted their rosters for cap room."

(Portion of an article @ Cleveland.com)
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf ... ck_ds.html

[Pula_86]

He makes some good points...but the sad reality of it is that basketball DOES matter in the big scope of things, at least here in Cleveland. People are leaving. Fast. Nearly half of the city is a **** and only getting worse while the other half continues to go downhill. The city officials are terrible yet keep getting voted in. Crime is on the rise. It's basically all bad and little to no good.

The Cavs and LeBron are the biggest attraction in the city...both for tourists and for people living just outside of Cleveland. Them being bad - for years - is going to make things even worse. The few people that do come here will stop.

I completely disagree with you take on Cleveland. The problems with this city go beyond basketball and Lebron has had zero impact. Is it more important for Lebron to stay or Cleveland to have competent leadership? Without a doubt it is competent leadership that can push the Cleveland economy forward. Not too long ago Pittsburgh was a dying city with many moving away. Since that time they have gotten competent leadership that has cleaned up the city and reshaped their economy. Cleveland has the resources to succeed along that model. Of course the the voters in Cleveland deserve the blame for continuing to put politicians in office largely based on race and nothing else.

This is not to say that Cleveland is devoid of all good leadership. For years, Dennis Kucinich has done an amazing job for the people in his district (Lakewood). Stephanie Tubbs-Jones is another example of a great leader who unfortunately tragically passed away in 2008. Behind the scenes, there are a lot of passionate individuals who care about the city, but we need more of these people in prominent positions.

For all this negative talk about Cleveland, the city still has a rich sports history between the Cavs, Browns, and Indians. The Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the best in the U.S. and the Cleveland Orchestra is considered one of the best, if not the best in the world. Cleveland is till one of the top 50 cities in terms of population and has a rich history.

All these aspects of Cleveland will be intact with or without Lebron. Lebron is in no way and proven commodity and it is not guaranteed that wherever he goes he will win a championship. The most important person in the Cavs organization is Dan Gilbert who has shown his commitment to winning. Regardless of what he does, the Cavs have been here before and they will be here after. I believe in this city and this organization and could care less is prima donna Lebron comes back or not. I root for the city on the front of the jersey and not the megalomaniac on the back.

[Tekkenlaw]

LeBron to Minnesota?

In what could be the most far-fetched idea I've heard so far -- and that's saying something -- Sam Smith of bulls.com writes about a scenario that could take James to Minnesota. For real.

"The talk is the Timberwolves intend to be very aggressive with their cap space and not accept some veteran or modest talent under the assumption no free agent would go there. As it was pointed out to me, Brett Favre went there because it was a better chance to win. And Favre left New York to go to Minnesota, whose sports teams, including the Twins, have a successful track record and supportive fan base.

"The thinking goes like this: The Timberwolves have three firsts and seem willing to part with Al Jefferson, a post-up inside player, or Kevin Love. Say Jefferson is in greater demand because he is a bigger scorer. They offer Jefferson and their three firsts, including No. 4, to Denver for Carmelo Anthony. Denver has an aging group with Kenyon Martin and Chauncey Billups and likely is headed down. Here's a chance to recoup fast at a time they easily could lose Anthony in a year. So they get a potential star center and a top five pick to build a better core. And maybe pick up something for their veterans as they seem to have peaked.

"And Minnesota has Jonny Flynn, Love, Darko Milicic and Corey Brewer and goes for LeBron and even maybe works a sign and trade by getting Ricky Rubio to the Cavs and also LeBron out of the conference.

"Far fetched? Sure, but you never say never in the NBA, and perhaps more significantly, it suggests the bidding for James is hardly going to be among just the four or five teams who gutted their rosters for cap room."

(Portion of an article @ Cleveland.com)
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf ... ck_ds.html

Haha it would never happen but I would be ecstatic if it did.

[Triumph36]

You seem to be misunderstanding my point. Either that or you're putting words in my mouth.

The problems obviously go beyond basketball, but I strongly disagree with you saying LeBron has had zero impact. And I never said LeBron was more important than leadership or any of that. Like I mentioned above, he's our biggest attraction. Sure, we have the Rock Hall, Orchestra, and Art Museum...but those aren't exactly hotspots. Most people come to Cleveland to see LeBron and the Cavs. The attractions listed above are nice to see on the side, but they come for basketball. And our rich sports history? Uhh...it's not anything that spectacular. When's the last time the city of Cleveland actually won something, again? The "history" you claim certainly isn't selling any Indians tickets, we're second to last in attendance in the entire league! The Browns were 25th this past season!

Again, I want to reiterate that I do NOT think LeBron is at fault for our problems, OR he is our lone savior. But I do think he has been one of the reasons why our city isn't declining faster, and if he does leave that faster decline might become a reality.

But let me expand on my points mentioned above. First, population. Cleveland lost 10% of its population in this past decade! That's higher than every major city except New Orleans, and that city is excluded for obvious reasons. Further, out of the 20 major metropolitan areas with three or more major sports franchises, the Cleveland metro area is ranked 20th! Those are not statistics you want to brag about.

Then lets look at crime, which is increasing as well. A noteworthy stat is the murder rate per 100k people. In 1999 it was 15.3. Wanna know what it was in 2008? 23.5! Robberies, burglaries, and arson increased as well while rapes, assaults, and thefts continued to hover around the same number. Again, more statistics you do not want to brag about.

Look, I'm not some arrogant New Yorker trying to rip on the city. I've lived here my entire (albeit short) life. But it's been bad, and there are few signs of it getting better. I'd like to live here for many, many more years. Yes, there are a few good things happening...like the casino and medical mart. Those are a start, but they won't turn the city around alone and it will require a lot more work. But those are slated to open in 2013, and that's barring any major setbacks. If LeBron leaves...what happens in the meantime? How bad will the city get? I don't want to find out.

ETA: and Gilbert can be committed to winning all he wants...but if LeBron leaves, winning won't be happening anytime soon.

[B Mac]

People say he would leave Cleveland because the market is too small, but then write an article about him going to Minny?

I mean I get the talent part of it, but really? Minnesota?

[Pula_86]

You seem to be misunderstanding my point. Either that or you're putting words in my mouth.

The problems obviously go beyond basketball, but I strongly disagree with you saying LeBron has had zero impact. And I never said LeBron was more important than leadership or any of that. Like I mentioned above, he's our biggest attraction. Sure, we have the Rock Hall, Orchestra, and Art Museum...but those aren't exactly hotspots. Most people come to Cleveland to see LeBron and the Cavs. The attractions listed above are nice to see on the side, but they come for basketball. And our rich sports history? Uhh...it's not anything that spectacular. When's the last time the city of Cleveland actually won something, again? The "history" you claim certainly isn't selling any Indians tickets, we're second to last in attendance in the entire league! The Browns were 25th this past season!

Again, I want to reiterate that I do NOT think LeBron is at fault for our problems, OR he is our lone savior. But I do think he has been one of the reasons why our city isn't declining faster, and if he does leave that faster decline might become a reality.

But let me expand on my points mentioned above. First, population. Cleveland lost 10% of its population in this past decade! That's higher than every major city except New Orleans, and that city is excluded for obvious reasons. Further, out of the 20 major metropolitan areas with three or more major sports franchises, the Cleveland metro area is ranked 20th! Those are not statistics you want to brag about.

Then lets look at crime, which is increasing as well. A noteworthy stat is the murder rate per 100k people. In 1999 it was 15.3. Wanna know what it was in 2008? 23.5! Robberies, burglaries, and arson increased as well while rapes, assaults, and thefts continued to hover around the same number. Again, more statistics you do not want to brag about.

Look, I'm not some arrogant New Yorker trying to rip on the city. I've lived here my entire (albeit short) life. But it's been bad, and there are few signs of it getting better. I'd like to live here for many, many more years. Yes, there are a few good things happening...like the casino and medical mart. Those are a start, but they won't turn the city around alone and it will require a lot more work. But those are slated to open in 2013, and that's barring any major setbacks. If LeBron leaves...what happens in the meantime? How bad will the city get? I don't want to find out.

ETA: and Gilbert can be committed to winning all he wants...but if LeBron leaves, winning won't be happening anytime soon.

Your premise is that everyone comes to Cleveland for basketball. I'm sorry, but you are thinking too much from the perspective of a basketball fan. There is a world outside of basketball. Before Lebron was drafted, the city was doing better than it is right now. If we are to believe your premise that Lebron is such a draw and has such an impact than the city should be doing better not worse since Lebron. The truth is that the problems extend beyond Lebron and will need to be dealt with regardles of where Lebron ends up. It is a naive narrative that the media has crafted that Cleveland is a city built on one basketball player.

Also, why so little faith in the Gilbert and the Cavs organization? I think that Gilbert has done a remarkable job and proven that he will do all he can to put forth a winning product. If Lebron leaves, it may mean this team takes a step back, but it does not mean that a winner cannot be built. As I look around the league, I see a lot of teams that are winning without the "great" Lebron. The most important people in an organization are the owner and the GM. I can find plenty of NBA superstars who don't win NBA titles, but only well run organizations win NBA championships.

[Mr_wonka]

why don't they change the name from Cleveland Cavaliers to the Ohio Cavaliers?

[gflem]

Or maybe the Akron Cavaliers of Cleveland? Or how about Lebron's Akron/Cleveland King James travelling circus? I could go on, but I think you were being sincere about a name change. Changing the name would have no effect on the Lebron front.

[PhillyFan]

Just read from the wiretap, Jalen Rose is claiming his sources infored him LeBron is leaving for sure. Even though I am not a Cavs fan, I hope he stays.

[Triumph36]

Your premise is that everyone comes to Cleveland for basketball. I'm sorry, but you are thinking too much from the perspective of a basketball fan. There is a world outside of basketball. Before Lebron was drafted, the city was doing better than it is right now. If we are to believe your premise that Lebron is such a draw and has such an impact than the city should be doing better not worse since Lebron. The truth is that the problems extend beyond Lebron and will need to be dealt with regardles of where Lebron ends up. It is a naive narrative that the media has crafted that Cleveland is a city built on one basketball player.

Also, why so little faith in the Gilbert and the Cavs organization? I think that Gilbert has done a remarkable job and proven that he will do all he can to put forth a winning product. If Lebron leaves, it may mean this team takes a step back, but it does not mean that a winner cannot be built. As I look around the league, I see a lot of teams that are winning without the "great" Lebron. The most important people in an organization are the owner and the GM. I can find plenty of NBA superstars who don't win NBA titles, but only well run organizations win NBA championships.

The city was technically doing better, but it was still on the decline. My point was that I think LeBron and basketball helped revitalize the city to an extent and slowed that decline. I don't think the city is "built on" him necessarily. But do you really think he's not the biggest attraction in the city? Does anything else bring 20k+ people downtown regularly?

I definitely acknowledge that the problems exist beyond LeBron. But I do think we have a much better chance of rebuilding this city with LeBron than without him.

I have nothing against Gilbert. In fact, thus far he's done everything he could possibly do. However, I'm terribly afraid he will refuse to rebuild, and try to still compete immediately after LBJ's departure. If he does that, the team will fail hard and continue to fail for a long, long time. If he opts to rebuild, that will also take years. Whichever way you slice it, this team won't be competitors for another 3-5 years if LeBron leaves, and even that estimate is on the low end.

Just read from the wiretap, Jalen Rose is claiming his sources infored him LeBron is leaving for sure. Even though I am not a Cavs fan, I hope he stays.

Jalen Rose isn't known for breaking stories so I'm taking this with a very, very big grain of salt.

Not saying he won't leave, because he might (esp if we don't make any big moves), but it's far from decided IMO.

[gflem]

Triumph, you have hit on the problem. IF this team makes big moves and Lebron doesnt re-sign, we will be stuck with whoever the team gets. Do we go after someone to entice Lebron to stay, take on huge salary and end up like the Knicks if he leaves, or do we try to get younger and picks to just rebuild.
This draft is supposed to be deep with serviceable big men into the late first round, and we have a real need for a young Center to develop. If we are rebuilding we need picks now or it delays the rebuild one year. If we wait for Lebron obviously our draft plans are altered, or non-existant in regards to moving players for picks if possible.
This is the only problem I have with Lebron not coming out and saying whether or not he is staying. JUST SAY IT LEBRON. At least then the team will know what direction to go in regards to players and a head coach.

[Rise Against]

Just read from the wiretap, Jalen Rose is claiming his sources infored him LeBron is leaving for sure. Even though I am not a Cavs fan, I hope he stays.

I was just wondering... Since when did Jalen Rose have any sources and when was the last time he broke any story?

[PhillyFan]

Just read from the wiretap, Jalen Rose is claiming his sources infored him LeBron is leaving for sure. Even though I am not a Cavs fan, I hope he stays.

I was just wondering... Since when did Jalen Rose have any sources and when was the last time he broke any story?

not saying i believe it 100%, but since he rarely come out and say something like this, maybe he has something he believes is real?

anyway, i'm not hoping LeBron to jet. you guys gave him so much support over the years, it will suck to see him leave for nothing.

[SOUP]

Guys, please do everything possible as Cleveland fans to make LeBron stay. I know he´s not coming to the Nets so I would HATE..... HAAAATE it if he went to the Knicks to pair up with Bosh.

LBJ this is your home, they love you!

[heathmalc]

Guys, please do everything possible as Cleveland fans to make LeBron stay. I know he´s not coming to the Nets so I would HATE..... HAAAATE it if he went to the Knicks to pair up with Bosh.

LBJ this is your home, they love you!

There is nothing the fans can do that they haven't done already. We all hope he stays in Cleveland...but it's his choice.

[richboy]

Rose is close friends with World wide Wes. He is the guy that gave him the nickname. Wes is obviously one of the big players behind Lebron. If Rose says Lebron is gone he no question got that from Wes. No question that the fact that Rose was the one that said he is gone was the reason why they felt they had to say something. Rose isn't in Lebron's inner circle but he is pretty close.