Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711418]Cavs' owner showing true class

[url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html]Cavaliers: Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert[/url][/quote]

As I've stated in the ESPN chat, if they had put as much of an effort to put a strong supporting cast around James as they did into this letter, maybe tonight would not have happened.

This is probably a way to distract the fans from realizing that the ownership is as much at fault as James is for leaving.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

what a butthurt statement from him

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711400]Cleveland fans need to get over it. Yeah, I feel bad for them. But this is LeBron's career. Many of us have had to make the decision to leave home in deference to what's best for our career. The Cavs also could have gotten Amare last year if they had just been willing to part with JJ Hixon. Apparently he was too valuable to trade, but not too valuable to take off the bench during the playoffs. And they should feel fortunate that he was even there for 7 years? How often does that happen these days where a local prep star plays (at least some of) his prime years in his hometown? It was the luck of the ping pong ball bounce (and the Cavs tanking to get a better shot at the #1 pick) that even put LeBron there in the first place.[/quote]

seriously.. they act like they made him and did him the honor of keeping him around

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=Ruhskins;711420]As I've stated in the ESPN chat, if they had put as much of an effort to put a strong supporting cast around James as they did into this letter, maybe tonight would not have happened.

This is probably a way to distract the fans from realizing that the ownership is as much at fault as James is for leaving.[/quote]

Agreed. Heard the original letter was a lot more vicious, wonder what else it said

In the meantime, Heat clearing room by trading Beasley to the T-Wolves. If he can keep his head straight that's not a bad frontcourt the T-Wolves are building (plus Sessions, Flynn, and potentially one day Rubio in the backcourt)

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711423]
In the meantime, Heat clearing room by trading Beasley to the T-Wolves. If he can keep his head straight that's not a bad frontcourt the T-Wolves are building (plus Sessions, Flynn, and potentially one day Rubio in the backcourt)[/quote]

Damn kid, you're quick!

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711423]Agreed. Heard the original letter was a lot more vicious, wonder what else it said

In the meantime, Heat clearing room by trading Beasley to the T-Wolves. If he can keep his head straight that's not a bad frontcourt the T-Wolves are building (plus Sessions, Flynn, and potentially one day Rubio in the backcourt)[/quote]

SS, what are the Heat getting from the Beasley trade?

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=Ruhskins;711425]SS, what are the Heat getting from the Beasley trade?[/quote]

2nd round pick in 2011, and Minnesota absorbs Beasley's contract

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=Ruhskins;711425]SS, what are the Heat getting from the Beasley trade?[/quote]

[URL="http://twitter.com/stein_line_HQ"]Stein Twitter[/URL]

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711423]Agreed. Heard the original letter was a lot more vicious, wonder what else it said

In the meantime, Heat clearing room by trading Beasley to the T-Wolves. If he can keep his head straight that's not a bad frontcourt the T-Wolves are building (plus Sessions, Flynn, and potentially one day Rubio in the backcourt)[/quote]
hell hath no fury like an owner scorned?

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711423]Agreed. Heard the original letter was a lot more vicious, wonder what else it said

In the meantime, Heat clearing room by trading Beasley to the T-Wolves. If he can keep his head straight that's not a bad frontcourt the T-Wolves are building (plus Sessions, Flynn, and potentially one day Rubio in the backcourt)[/quote]

I imagine that if Lebron has skeletons in his closet that the people of Cleveland were aware of (ie Mistresses) they'll come out now. Won't be as big as Tiger Woods since Lebron isn't exactly married but it would make some noise for a month or two.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711418]Cavs' owner showing true class

[url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html]Cavaliers: Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert[/url][/quote]

Wow, he's really bitter. I hope the Cavs win one before the self-titled King wins one but I doubt it's going to happen.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;711430]I imagine that if Lebron has skeletons in his closet that the people of Cleveland were aware of (ie Mistresses) they'll come out now. Won't be as big as Tiger Woods since Lebron isn't exactly married but it would make some noise for a month or two.[/quote]

Most of the alleged skeletons seem to do with his mom...but that would be completely classless for Dan Gilbert to expose that

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711432]Most of the alleged skeletons seem to do with his mom...but that would be completely classless for Dan Gilbert to expose that[/quote]

Lol, Delonte West. Actually if you want to blame anyone for Lebron leaving Cleveland blame Delonte West. Still itwouldn't be Dan Gilbert who would leak the information.

[YT]QgdTymCZowU[/YT]

This commercial reminds me of this whole fiasco. Pat Riley is the adult and the kid represents Cleveland.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

I don't even think the Delonte West story is one of them. If it was, Delonte would have been sent packing right away.

Either way, I don't think Gilbert is handling this well at all

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711418]Cavs' owner showing true class

[URL="http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html"]Cavaliers: Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert[/URL][/quote]

LOL. The silly font he typed it in makes it seem even more childish. But I don't and never have liked LeBron. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it if Cleveland wins a championship before LeBron does, but I think the chances of that are .00001%.

Cleveland is officially non-existent as a sports town. And LeBron is a prince not a king.

How good is the Southeast Division now? LeBron, D-Wade, Bosh, Dwight Howard... John Wall....

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

Apparently LeBron's mother told him to do what was gonna make him happy. I guess that's what she does. Delonte makes her real happy. ;)

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=GMScud;711435]LOL. The silly font he typed it in makes it seem even more childish. But I don't and never have liked LeBron. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE it if Cleveland wins a championship before LeBron does, but I think the chances of that are .00001%.

Cleveland is officially non-existent as a sports town. And LeBron is a prince not a king.

How good is the Southeast Division now? LeBron, D-Wade, Bosh, Dwight Howard... John Wall....[/quote]

I'm indifferent to LeBron quite honestly. But I thought coming out of high school he was more suited to be a Magic Johnson type player, 6'9" floor general. And it seemed like early one he was heading in that direction with DaJuan Wagner as his wingman. Unfortunately, illness and injuries cut Wagner's NBA career short and James' game changed.

Maybe he'll recapture that early "magic" in Miami with Wade (in my opinion, a better player than James and perhaps just as good as Kobe). Still, no matter how titles James wins in Miami, Wade will always have one more.

As for the Southeast...don't forget about Joe Johnson, and the Bobcats were a playoff team last year

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711438]I'm indifferent to LeBron quite honestly. But I thought coming out of high school he was more suited to be a Magic Johnson type player, 6'9" floor general. And it seemed like early one he was heading in that direction with DaJuan Wagner as his wingman. Unfortunately, illness and injuries cut Wagner's NBA career short and James' game changed.

Maybe he'll recapture that early "magic" in Miami with Wade (in my opinion, a better player than James and perhaps just as good as Kobe). Still, no matter how titles James wins in Miami, Wade will always have one more.

As for the Southeast...don't forget about Joe Johnson, and the Bobcats were a playoff team last year[/quote]

Yeah, the Southeast is now pretty loaded up. But I don't agree with LeBron's decision at all. I think he could have serviced both his goal of winning and his goal of building a personal legacy best in Chicago. He would have been numero uno on that team, and could have built his brand a lot better than playing second fiddle on D-Wade's team. Plus he could have gotten more money. And who could have challenged that Bulls squad in their division? Cleveland without LBJ? Detroit? Indiana? Milwaukee? Child please. They would win that division by a dozen games for the next 5 years.

I just have this feeling that something is gonna blow up on them in Miami. They will be so limited in what they can do as far as complimentary players to "The Three."

As a Wizards fan in the Southeast Division, I wish them nothing but the worst.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

Mike Miller to the Heat, 5 years, $30M

[url=http://www.ksfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=12778542]Mike Miller to sign with Miami Heat - KSFY Action News: Breaking News, Weather and Community |[/url]

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

I think he should have gone to Chicago as well (don't sleep on the Bucks though)

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=GMScud;711442]Mike Miller to the Heat, 5 years, $30M

[url=http://www.ksfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=12778542]Mike Miller to sign with Miami Heat - KSFY Action News: Breaking News, Weather and Community |[/url][/quote]

How did they find that money? And how will Miller fit in? I guess he'll just come off the bench and fire off 3s.

They're saying the Heat may also sign Brad Miller or Juwan Howard.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711444]How did they find that money? And how will Miller fit in? I guess he'll just come off the bench and fire off 3s.

They're saying the Heat may also sign Brad Miller or Juwan Howard.[/quote]

Well didn't the Beasley trade free up the loot to sign Miller? Regardless I would assume The Heat could give a crap about paying luxury tax at this point.

Like I said, I just feel like something will fall apart here. Maybe LeBron's inner circle falls apart? Mav Carter and WW Wes wouldn't be doing their job if they didn't try to make LBJ the biggest and best in Miami. But that won't sit well with D-Wade. And then maybe LeBron has different ideas with what direction his "brand" should heading (sacrificing some degree of fame/fortune for winning). I dunno. Something about this just has implosion written all over it.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

I don't think World Wide Wes is as connected to LeBron as believed.

Do you believe there will be an implosion, or are you hoping? Or is it a little from column A, a little from column B

And yeah I guess you're right about Beasley's deal freeing up cap space. I wonder if Riley will actually let Spoelstra coach or will he work his way down to the bench.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711446]I don't think World Wide Wes is as connected to LeBron as believed.

Do you believe there will be an implosion, or are you hoping? Or is it a little from column A, a little from column B

And yeah I guess you're right about Beasley's deal freeing up cap space. I wonder if Riley will actually let Spoelstra coach or will he work his way down to the bench.[/quote]

WHO THE F**K IS WORLD WIDE WES AND WHAT DOES HE DO??!?!?!?!?!? I'm sorry for some reason the whole deal with world wide Wes stresses me out. He doesn't have a specific role yet he's one of the most powerful men in sports? Basically the way I understand it, Wesly is a mortgage broker who's friends with NBA players and Jimmy Johnson.

In other news I kind of feel like I'm pulling a Lebron with my plan to move back to Maryland. Actually it's more like a reverse Lebron because I'm going back to the area I grew up in. After I told my friends my plans they started burning pictures of me and wrote a note with one paragraph being in all caps.

[quote=SmootSmack;711434]I don't even think the Delonte West story is one of them. If it was, Delonte would have been sent packing right away.

Either way, I don't think Gilbert is handling this well at all[/quote]

Actually if they traded or released Delonte it would have only served to validate the rumors in the court of public opinion.

Either way I'm probably going to start looking to college basketball for my fix. Maryland just brought in a great recruiting class so hopefully that'll serve to make them a threat once again in the ACC.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=GMScud;711441]Yeah, the Southeast is now pretty loaded up. But I don't agree with LeBron's decision at all. I think he could have serviced both his goal of winning and his goal of building a personal legacy best in Chicago. He would have been numero uno on that team, and could have built his brand a lot better than playing second fiddle on D-Wade's team. Plus he could have gotten more money. And who could have challenged that Bulls squad in their division? Cleveland without LBJ? Detroit? Indiana? Milwaukee? Child please. They would win that division by a dozen games for the next 5 years.

I just have this feeling that something is gonna blow up on them in Miami. They will be so limited in what they can do as far as complimentary players to "The Three."

As a Wizards fan in the Southeast Division, I wish them nothing but the worst.[/quote]

There only one Mr. Bull and his last name 'J' but doesn't end with an 'S'. James brand has definitly taken a hit becuse of this move. It's the path of least resistance to a championship

Clearly it wasn't about the money. No one cares about the division...if Miami doesn't win a championship year in year out the whole thing is a failure.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

They may cut West anyway

As for William Wesley here's a good read on a guy who has lost a bit of shine off his luster in the past couple of weeks

[url=http://www.gq.com/sports/profiles/200706/william-wesley-worldwide-wes-nba-basketball]Is This the Most Powerful Man in Sports?: Profiles: GQ[/url]

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[U]NBA greats who won with the team that drafted them:[/U]
Kobe Bryant (Draft Day Deal with Hornets)
Kareem (Bucks)
Jordan
Pippen
Hakeem
Duncan
Robinson
Wade (ironic)
Isiah Thomas
Joe Dumars
Bill Walton
Magic
Bird
McHale
Bill Russell

Lebron will have to win an insane amount of titles to be worthy of being compared to the players on this list. And by insane I mean a decades worth. There's something that should be said for Quality rather then quantity.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

Should be an interesting season next year, very interesting. They are all in their mid-20's in Miami that is pretty impressive. Most feel great to be a Heat fan, their bandwagon is filling up fast so get on board.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=mredskins;711456]Should be an interesting season next year, very interesting. They are all in their mid-20's in Miami that is pretty impressive. Most feel great to be a Heat fan, their bandwagon is filling up fast so get on board.[/quote]

I think it's great for a year or two. However if they start raking in titles like no one's business the NBA will be ruined. NBA is easily the worst league in terms of parity in fact it's unfortunate that the NBA has a system where a team like this is even possible.

[quote=Dan Gilbert;711456]"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"
[/quote]

Thats a stock I'm staying far way from.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;711460]I think it's great for a year or two. However if they start raking in titles like no one's business the NBA will be ruined. NBA is [B]easily the worst league in terms of parity[/B] in fact it's unfortunate that the NBA has a system where a team like this is even possible.



Thats a stock I'm staying far way from.[/quote]


I argue MLB but what do I know.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=mredskins;711461]I argue MLB but what do I know.[/quote]

Obviously nothing, because if you knew anything you would agree with me on this :D

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Dan Gilbert is still going off on LeBron, in my opinion he's being childish about all this. I know he's frustrated but this is ridiculous. Give it a rest already

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

what's he saying now?

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

The NBA more than any league is one based on dynasties. If the Heat win a few I think the league will survive just fine.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711465]Dan Gilbert is still going off on LeBron, in my opinion he's being childish about all this. I know he's frustrated but this is ridiculous. Give it a rest already[/quote]

He's looking like a clown now. Just shut up and start working on winning that title before James does.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=SmootSmack;711465]Dan Gilbert is still going off on LeBron, in my opinion he's being childish about all this. I know he's frustrated but this is ridiculous. Give it a rest already[/quote]What a piece of work. Just read the letter, BTW isn't nor NEVER a double negative?

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=Mattyk;711479]The NBA more than any league is one based on dynasties. If the Heat win a few I think the league will survive just fine.[/quote]

Yep. The people who like the NBA like the fact that it's a superstar sport, and they like the fact that a few teams are head and shoulders above the others.

Of course, those are also some of the biggest reasons the NBA takes a back seat to the NFL and MLB in terms of popularity. While the NBA will get along just fine and retain the support of its current fan base, it will not grow its popularity significantly.

In the end, more sports fans prefer a league with some parity, where team concepts are important, and where anything can happen any given season. This Heat situation ensures the league will perpetuate the superstar-driven landscape.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

I use to love the NBA when I was growing up. I have noticed, at least in the circles I associate with, the older we got the less and less we enjoyed the NBA.

NBA to me is so boring, especially as I got older and starting to crave team sports which are more competitive and level.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

[quote=Schneed10;711498]Yep. The people who like the NBA like the fact that it's a superstar sport, and they like the fact that a few teams are head and shoulders above the others.

Of course, those are also some of the biggest reasons the NBA takes a back seat to the NFL and MLB in terms of popularity. While the NBA will get along just fine and retain the support of its current fan base, it will not grow its popularity significantly.

In the end, more sports fans prefer a league with some parity, where team concepts are important, and where anything can happen any given season. This Heat situation ensures the league will perpetuate the superstar-driven landscape.[/quote]


My gut says the NBA is more popular than the MLB, how to prove it I don't know.

Re: NBA Screwed?: James Leaning Towards Heat
 

Gilbert's response was very unprofessional. He didn't have to wish LeBron well, but he could have said we are very disappointed he didn't return to Cleavland and displayed his decision the way he did(national tv, etc.). Cavs will always be competitive, etc etc etc.

No need to come off as childish and emotional. I understand where he is coming from and the frustration is something I would have too if I were a fan(especially the way Lebron has gone about this). I am only 23, but I have learned not to go on the record and say something in the professional world, when I am upset, emotional, etc. Got to take a step back, think about the implications of what you are saying, and wait before you say something.