http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/video/2014/07/11/140711dgforbesmp4-3325077/

cheeky nytimes coverage goes old school style:

 

http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/7/11/5892653/new-york-times-goes-minimalist-to-report-lebron-james-signing-cavaliers

 

 

also, if you didnt have nba cable , here is a brief review i found of the summer league game:

 

Re: the NBA off season never disappoints....

by william67 on Jul 12, 2014 2:03 am

 

william67 wrote:

Wiggins against Jabari Parker in summer league tonight...heard talk about keeping Parker out if they're going to trade him but apparently he will play...and the Cavs have told him he won't be traded..we'll see

 

I don't get NBA TV on my cable though..if anybody checks it out would love to hear your thoughts

 

 

found a stream for the game...both rookies looked very good at times, but also nervous and perhaps a little winded at times too...Wiggins led in scoring but the Greek kid for the Bucks looked to be best player on floor...Bucks are going to be improved greatly too....gym was packed and hot, some people with tickets had to be turned away with a refund,.. oversold, most anticipated Summer League game ever they said

 

Barkley was interviewed yesterday on the topic - http://www.snappytv.com/landing/nbatv?s=259170 - For those who don't know, Barkley for years has been the most outspoken proponent of LBJ returning home.

 

I think what I might love most about this whole story is the affect it will inevitably have on our younger, mostly defeated sports fans.  I was listening to some national sport talk radio show (can't remember which one) last week and they were discussing LeBron's free agency.  They were going through the usual should he stay in Miami?  How about New York?  Could he fit with the Rockets?  Blah blah blah.  Then there was a call from Cleveland.  The host introduced the caller with that customary twinge to his voice when he said 'Cleveland'..... "and now we go to Cleveland".....  It was a kid, probably about 13-14 I'd guess and before he could get out five words, the host interrupted him and said "Now, you know LeBron's not going to Cleveland, right?"  I wanted to jump through the radio and choke the guy, because anyone with the least bit of common sense should've known that, just like LeBron said in his letter, the only way he was going to leave Miami was to come home.  I never had any doubt in that.  But the kid was completely defeated.  You could hear it in his voice when he says, "yeah... yeah, I know."  That kid woke up feeling different today.  I'm most happy for him and all others like him. 

I am so excited he is coming back!  I can't wait!

I am so excited he is coming back!  I can't wait!

 

Right! I'm having a fun time comparing our lineup with either K Love or with Dion. I can see both scenarios working. Bennet is the x factor.

If you are into the Summer League download the NBA Summer League app from the Play Store. Even if you don't buy the package which is only like 15.00 there are tons of videos and stats from the games for free.

 

 

Last night's game between the Bucks and Cavs was great -- even though it was the first game of Summer League so there were a lot of miscues, etc. But it was Parker vs Wiggins with a big crowd, and the first chance to see the new & improved Andy Bennett, who looked pretty good. And we won -- at the same time the Indians won in front of a big crowd, too. It was a pretty good sports day in C-town yesterday.....

Glad King James came to his senses.

 

This always made me laugh:

 

Your downtown's savior is back ;)

This is pretty funny.....

 

Return Of The King Rant

July 12, 2014 12:12 PM

http://cleveland.cbslocal.com/2014/07/12/return-of-the-king-rant/

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c4qBuEYciYc

I have no math or explanation!  Unlike Jesus, Lebron will not be returning to Cleveland.  Perhaps his family is returning to NE Ohio, but he is not returning as a Cavs player!  HUMPH!

 

Just like the RNC wasn't going to pick Cleveland, right?

 

Exactly!  Keep predicting the other way, you're on fire

Mike Cairns ‏@MikeCairns5  37m

Cavs working three team deal w/ Warriors/TWolves. Warriors get multiple 1st rnd picks. Wolves get Klay and Tristan Thompson. Love to Cavs

 

Mike Cairns ‏@MikeCairns5  36m

I am told Flip Saunders Holding it up

 

Mike Cairns ‏@MikeCairns5  20m

More on Cavs/Wolves/Warriors possible trade. Told ALOT of moving Parts still in play.

Hold on, the T'Wolves would get Klay Thompson (whom they really wanted I believe) AND Tristan Thompson, yet Saunders is still holding up the trade?  If anything I would think that it would be the Warriors who would be balking.  Apparently they had wanted Love and didn't want to give up Klay Thompson, but now are willing to settle for "multiple" first round picks?

 

I like Tristan and really think he could thrive next to LeBron, but I would take this deal in a heartbeat if it means the Cavs get to keep Wiggins.

Yep, there's rumblings that the Warriors are holding it up. They may want more #1 draft picks than the Cavs are willing to give.

 

BTW. This is why dude is a billionaire....

 

darren rovell ‏@darrenrovell  9m

NBA team executives I've spoken with estimate that for the $42.2M Dan Gilbert will pay LeBron, he will return $120M+

 

EDIT: Interesting.......

 

Kari Van Horn ‏@KariVanHorn  28m

Kevin Love wallpaper removed at Target Center. (Via @SamuelEGordon) #Timberwolves

john telich ‏@JohnTelich8  11s

"I definitely have to look into some real estate in Cleveland and spend some months of the year out there.” @Drake  re: LBJ , Johnny, etc

Why LeBron Can’t Go Home Again

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar @kaj33  1:49 PM ET July 12, 2014

 

LeBron can never really go home to the Cleveland he once knew

 

In his essay in Sports Illustrated about his return to play for Cleveland, LeBron James announced, “I’m coming home.” And, while his very personal and emotional explanation will resonate with many, others will find it disingenuous and self-serving. Because the awful truth is, as Thomas Wolfe titled one of his most well-known novels, “You can’t go home again.”

 

Wolfe, who took that title with permission from writer Ella Winter, used it to mean that once we leave home and are battered about by our adventures in life, we become changed. And in our disillusioned minds our “home” becomes a romanticized symbol of our innocence where we dreamed limitlessly and were loved unconditionally. But that home, too, has changed because of our absence. The residents are more wary.

 

So it is with LeBron and Cleveland.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://time.com/2977353/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers/

Wow, interesting take from KAJ. Opening the piece I thought he was going to be critical of the fans, but he was really laying the burden on LeBron to prove his sincerity. Well it seems to me that a huge chunk of the fanbase is more than ready to forgive and move on, and I suspect that many of the rest will be on board when the success comes. 

 

For me, I've tried to distance myself from the personal side of the situation and focus on the fact that the Cavaliers are on the verge of perhaps having their best shot at a title in franchise history. However there are still moments when I get caught up in the "home" narrative even though I don't really buy it entirely.

There is no doubt that he won't be embraced in quite the same way as he was before he left.  Fans want a winner and he patched things up quite a bit with his letter, but he'll have to earn real adoration again.

I don't care for the premise.  You can ALWAYS come home.  At least that is the way it should be in my mind. 

 

I have no math or explanation!  Unlike Jesus, Lebron will not be returning to Cleveland.  Perhaps his family is returning to NE Ohio, but he is not returning as a Cavs player!  HUMPH!

 

Just like the RNC wasn't going to pick Cleveland, right?

 

Exactly!  Keep predicting the other way, you're on fire

 

I think the issue was that MTS never took the time to put on his "professional hat" ;) with this one.  On a personal level, this was about coming home.  But on a business level, this was about brand repair more than anything else.  It offers a nice opportunity for success on the basketball court.  No doubt about that.  An undeniably talented young team loaded with assets, including an owner willing to spend, to wheel and deal for more established talent.  Yet it offers no guarantees of competing for a championship.  Four years ago, LeBron thought his brand would be maximized by trying to eclipse Jordan and Kobe in the number of rings.  Miami offered a great opportunity for that.  But, on the balance, his brand took a hit.  It was in the tank in 2010 and then slowly rose over the next 3 years. But it never fully regained the same level of marketability.  He never completely shook the role of villain, as much in the eyes of outsiders as in the opinion of Cleveland fans.  Live on the air yesterday, after the letter was released, Broussard read a text he received from who he called a high powered league Executive (i.e. G.M.) -- "Wow, I like him again."  He's back to being the good guy.  He desperately wants that role.  The Golden Boy who first stormed onto the basketball scene through none other than a Sports Illustrated exclusive (coincidence?).  The NBA will push this story with all of its might.  The league is loving the brands that guys like LeBron and Durant, whose MVP speech was epic, are creating as the faces of the league.     

I agree It was an interesting take by Kareem. Personally, I'll  welcome him back and embrace him but until the Cavs win it all (and possibly afterwards) I am going to keep my distance emotionally and keep one eye on the door waiting for him to bolt. What was unfathomable before the decision is now lurking under the surface of everything. Of course if we win on HOB trophy, I'll love the guy forever, because it bigger than the NBA, it will be about breaking the curse and opening the floodgates of championships (I am hoping)!

it will be about breaking the curse and opening the floodgates of championships (I am hoping)!

 

Read this regarding "the curse" http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/god-doesnt-hate-cleveland/

This whole week has certainly been an emotional rollercoaster in our city. And although I am a huge sports fan with basketball most likely my favorite, I have to remind myself that just because my city hasn't reached that championship level that I in someway feel like a loser as those in the national media portray me. Sports doesn't define my city or my region. But perception wise that has become our narrative as presented by those who judge us. Because I know if there was a 24 hour ESPN channel devoted to arts and culture or medicine or philanthropic efforts my city would always be in the finals, always a winner. With that-Welcome Home Lebron.

A city defines itself. We haven't won and in fact we have lost in some of the craziest ways imaginable. But when you start to win, and this week we had two big wins, you cause outsiders to take notice. That's what has occurred thus far. If we keep winning, then we write a new narrative for ourselves. Until then, the old stereotypes will remain.

Define this....

 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/dGv1KusolyA

i will be lobbing a call to a radio program at some point this week.  After a couple days of thinking about the essay and his decision...ive formed an opinion about the whole thing and i think the message that Lebrons relationship with NE Ohio is bigger than basketball, but his return also needs to be perceived as bigger than basketball from the fans.  Im a huge CLE sports fan and am very excited for his return, but if the end result of this journey is that NE Ohio just gets to see better basketball, then this whole thing was a failure.  He wants to lead, he wants to inspire.  He is trying to kick our region in the butt and get the very best out of us so NE Ohio has a long, sustainable future.  There are 3 Million people in the region, and if everyone of used our brain to its maximum extent, we can be a force nationally and globally.  I think thats ultimately what he wants to achieve.  He doesnt love the cavs, he doesnt care about the cavs.  he cares about the region and us. 

 

I think that how NE Ohio reacts to the letter is more important to him that how loud we can be at basketball games or how many games they win. Im very hopeful that people are inspired to wake up in the morniing and ask themselves how they can be better.  Better for their jobs, better for their families, better for the City and region.

 

Lebrons tenure will come and go, if all we do is root for him and his greatness, we will have failed him.

Anthony Bennett with a double double today, but best of all no fouls and 14 boards. Wiggins looking for his shot yet but was very active defensively and got to the line with 6/8. Cavs win v Spurs.

Anthony Bennett with a double double today, but best of all no fouls and 14 boards. Wiggins looking for his shot yet but was very active defensively and got to the line with 6/8. Cavs win v Spurs.

 

I saw the second-half and apparently I missed even better things in the first half. Even so, I was impressed with what I saw. Wiggins will get his shot. The commentators believed that would happen as he gets stronger and can hit more step-back shots. When he does, he's going to be damn near unstoppable. Bennett looked good but still needs lots of polishing. I like what I see in that raw product though. Do NOT trade these kids!

i will be lobbing a call to a radio program at some point this week.  After a couple days of thinking about the essay and his decision...ive formed an opinion about the whole thing and i think the message that Lebrons relationship with NE Ohio is bigger than basketball, but his return also needs to be perceived as bigger than basketball from the fans.  Im a huge CLE sports fan and am very excited for his return, but if the end result of this journey is that NE Ohio just gets to see better basketball, then this whole thing was a failure.  He wants to lead, he wants to inspire.  He is trying to kick our region in the butt and get the very best out of us so NE Ohio has a long, sustainable future.  There are 3 Million people in the region, and if everyone of used our brain to its maximum extent, we can be a force nationally and globally.  I think thats ultimately what he wants to achieve.  He doesnt love the cavs, he doesnt care about the cavs.  he cares about the region and us. 

 

I think that how NE Ohio reacts to the letter is more important to him that how loud we can be at basketball games or how many games they win. Im very hopeful that people are inspired to wake up in the morniing and ask themselves how they can be better.  Better for their jobs, better for their families, better for the City and region.

 

Lebrons tenure will come and go, if all we do is root for him and his greatness, we will have failed him.

 

If you believe all of this (and I do as well to a large degree), then it would be hard to believe that after LeBron's career he's simply going to fade off into the sunset.  I see big things for him including being very active in local philanthropy and perhaps even running for some sort of a political office.  Brad Sellers is the mayor of Warrensville Heights, what might LeBron have in his future?

i will be lobbing a call to a radio program at some point this week.  After a couple days of thinking about the essay and his decision...ive formed an opinion about the whole thing and i think the message that Lebrons relationship with NE Ohio is bigger than basketball, but his return also needs to be perceived as bigger than basketball from the fans.  Im a huge CLE sports fan and am very excited for his return, but if the end result of this journey is that NE Ohio just gets to see better basketball, then this whole thing was a failure.  He wants to lead, he wants to inspire.  He is trying to kick our region in the butt and get the very best out of us so NE Ohio has a long, sustainable future.  There are 3 Million people in the region, and if everyone of used our brain to its maximum extent, we can be a force nationally and globally.  I think thats ultimately what he wants to achieve.  He doesnt love the cavs, he doesnt care about the cavs.  he cares about the region and us. 

 

I think that how NE Ohio reacts to the letter is more important to him that how loud we can be at basketball games or how many games they win. Im very hopeful that people are inspired to wake up in the morniing and ask themselves how they can be better.  Better for their jobs, better for their families, better for the City and region.

 

Lebrons tenure will come and go, if all we do is root for him and his greatness, we will have failed him.

 

If you believe all of this (and I do as well to a large degree), then it would be hard to believe that after LeBron's career he's simply going to fade off into the sunset.  I see big things for him including being very active in local philanthropy and perhaps even running for some sort of a political office.  Brad Sellers is the mayor of Warrensville Heights, what might LeBron have in his future?

 

Sellers went to Ohio State and I believe graduated.

 

As for LeBron, he's been doing the things he talked about all along.  The last four years, they have been focused on Akron and he's kept a low profile for obvious reasons.

of course he left, who wouldn't? and it was good for him to do so. professionally, in four years away he got same as he got with the cavs for two of them, one authentic ring and one half-season asterisk season ring as far as i am concerned. and yeah, cast as a villain outside of miami proper. so miami vice turned out to be not all that he hoped it would be, no surprise there either. and now he's come home. he always kept a hand in back in the area, so again no surprises with that. you know what, marketing and image and cynicism aside, what if it really is about home? could be true just as well as not. just look at the guy all along. look at his instagram if you want to stalk a bit, its mostly family stuff. pure homeboy through and through. so i'd rather just ride that optimistic vibe for now. anyway, my biggest hope for success outside of the arena is that this will get more former ne ohioans to follow his lead and come home. i bet for sure it will at least get some of the younger people who have recently left thinking hard.

It really was about home. Genuinely. The brand repair was a monumental bonus, but just a bonus. The young talent on the roster (something he never had before on any team), the 'diminishing skills' on Miamis roster, and an avalanche of other factors making a return justifiable from a basketball perspective allowed it to happen THIS year. But it was always about coming home.  He had decided that shortly after he left.

of course he left, who wouldn't? and it was good for him to do so. professionally, in four years away he got same as he got with the cavs for two of them, one authentic ring and one half-season asterisk season ring as far as i am concerned. and yeah, cast as a villain outside of miami proper. so miami vice turned out to be not all that he hoped it would be, no surprise there either. and now he's come home. he always kept a hand in back in the area, so again no surprises with that. you know what, marketing and image and cynicism aside, what if it really is about home? could be true just as well as not. just look at the guy all along. look at his instagram if you want to stalk a bit, its mostly family stuff. pure homeboy through and through. so i'd rather just ride that optimistic vibe for now. anyway, my biggest hope for success outside of the arena is that this will get more former ne ohioans to follow his lead and come home. i bet for sure it will at least get some of the younger people who have recently left thinking hard.

 

If the CCVB/Positively Cleveland had a clue, they would get him to do PSA about his love for NE Ohio.  They could also reach out to other stars as well, to do an audio and print campaign in Taxis; at Hopkins; CBS, PHS, Gateway, UNIV Circle, RTA Buses & trains and stations, iconic place in NE Ohio and major points in States that border Ohio.

It really was about home. Genuinely. The brand repair was a monumental bonus, but just a bonus. The young talent on the roster (something he never had before on any team), the 'diminishing skills' on Miamis roster, and an avalanche of other factors making a return justifiable from a basketball perspective allowed it to happen THIS year. But it was always about coming home.  He had decided that shortly after he left.

Reading what I read, NOT in the SI article and seeing what I saw in meetings.  It was about "home" and righting a wrong.  People like Magic, Bird, Jordan who played in one location and made it work, that was also a factor.  His team has really only made one bad faux pas and that was The Decision.  Since then he has uped his philanthropy in Akron and to at risk children of color, yet very quietly and strategically.  His endorsements have been global brands like Piguet watches deal is amazing.  A deal like that separates him from sports related items.

The more i consider the Kevin Love trade scenarios, the more conflicted I am. I'd really love to see what LBJ can do with both Dion and Kyrie on the court together. Actually, it's interesting to see what the lineup options are with and without K Love on the roster, so far I haven't seen any articles on this specifically.

 

Anyone care to project what Love's ppg/rpg look like while sharing the ball with Varejao, Kyrie and James?

 

Without Love, which starter on the Cavs can be counted on to hit the outside shot?

 

Also, I don't trust Kyrie to make it a full season without injury. Do we need Dion as backup PG?

 

Finally, in this running system does Tristan Thompson take his game to that next level?

Keep Wiggins. Love doesn't even necessarily make sense on this roster. He's obviously a net plus, but his value might be diluted slightly because both LeBron and Kyrie need to have the ball a lot, as surf mentioned. Also, Wiggins gives us the value of his rookie contract; Love will be another max or near-max.

 

If we can get Love without trading Wiggins, great, but what we really need is someone to help Varejao on defense. Wiggins does that, but he's a rookie.

I would be ready to jump if all we had to give up is Wiggins.  But even if that was all Minny was demanding, we'd still need to match salaries to do a sign and trade. We are going to lose more talent than I would prefer. The question is whether all that talent and potential is on par with the best PF in the league who is only 25. As to the question of whether  Love could share the ball with Kyrie and LeBron, that is the least of my concerns. Love is probably the best passing big in the league, especially outlet passes off rebounds. I'm concerned more about his defense and durability. Also, I'm actually not All that crazy about positioning ourselves as the favorites to win it all in year 1 of the return.  The hype and glare will be big enough as is

I would not trade Wiggins for Love.  I'd like to trade Bennett or Waiters for Love but do believe both will be much better with LeBron. 

Okay I just heard a replay of the Chris Broussard interview with Tony Rizzo. I'm back on the Love bandwagon - even if it means giving up Wiggins.

 

Chris reasoned that LeBron in his prime is a special case; that normally you would build for the future but not in this instance. Cavs have enough of the inexperienced youth movement already. And it's not like K Love is over the hill. Love is still young and a proven commodity. He said Wiggins could be [gasp] four years away from being the player that Love is now...and that's not a certainty he'll ever put up those numbers.

 

I want to that Cavs championship next year.

 

 

I've really enjoyed watching all the young players the last 3 years. I'd like to continue watching their development. I'm not really into the winning at all costs thing, which I believe a Love trade would represent.

im on the Wiggins train.  I dont believe or care about what anyone from ESPN has to say right now.  Windhorst is losing his mind, he just said today Lebron signed a two year deal in order to keep Gilbert in line.  He also wanted to ask Lebron why he is giving up on chasing MJ for rings??  Partner that with him being shut out by Lebron and his people, it seems like the players dont like ESPN as much as the rest of us.  Broussard whiffed on multiple things during last week...so the chatter boxes will still blow their opinions, but i dont buy it.  I think Lebron will play about 7 or 8 more years and mentor these young guys.  I think he will retire a cav and take part ownership and convince his young teammates (kyrie, wiggins, bennet) that this is the place to play and spend their career.  We are talking 15-20 years of good, sustainable basketball.  Those young minds can be molded and fall in love with CLE.  Kevin Love will go back to Cali the second it doesnt make sense to be here.  Who knows what can  happen if Lebron can take a piece of the cavs pie and foster young talent to the Cavs and make Cleveland an NBA destination. You never know...someday we could be looking up the rafters and seeing James, Irving, Wiggins...(me daydreaming).  I would suspect if they got Love, him and Kyrie would be gone the second Lebron retires

this nba offseason really highlighted how far journalism has slid.

^Double plus agree. Outside of the baseless rumor-mongering, the "basketball player as regional economic panacea" supremely aggravates me.

I've really enjoyed watching all the young players the last 3 years. I'd like to continue watching their development. I'm not really into the winning at all costs thing, which I believe a Love trade would represent.

 

Man, I don't know....the last three years of Cavs basketball still haunt me. They quit last year; or maybe I was just unfortunate enough to watch every game where they played heartless basketball (with Anderson V. injured) for most of the game.

 

I'm concerned that without Love that defenses won't respect our outside shooting enough. I mean, we don't want to see LBJ on the perimeter all game. With Anderson, Thompson, Wiggs, Bennett and Dion that's potentially a lot of mess under the basket. 

 

Could a Mike Miller or Ray Allen play enough minutes to spread the floor?

 

 

I've really enjoyed watching all the young players the last 3 years. I'd like to continue watching their development. I'm not really into the winning at all costs thing, which I believe a Love trade would represent.

 

Man, I don't know....the last three years of Cavs basketball still haunt me. They quit last year; or maybe I was just unfortunate enough to watch every game where they played heartless basketball (with Anderson V. injured) for most of the game.

 

I'm concerned that without Love that defenses won't respect our outside shooting enough. I mean, we don't want to see LBJ on the perimeter all game. With Anderson, Thompson, Wiggs, Bennett and Dion that's potentially a lot of mess under the basket. 

 

Could a Mike Miller or Ray Allen play enough minutes to spread the floor?

We definitely need to add a veteran shooter or two. At this point I really believe a few complimentary pieces will just about get the Cavs to where they need to be. Lost in the wreckage of last year and the excitement over Lebron is the fact that this squad showed genuine improvement. Add another year of seasoning (and Wiggins), and you've got a team that can win now and stay intact.

Well whatever happens, if we don't get Love we need 'bigs' in a hurry. We lost Hawes and Zeller, and I really thought Zeller was coming on in the last half of the season. Can't count on Anderson for the whole season.

Well whatever happens, if we don't get Love we need 'bigs' in a hurry. We lost Hawes and Zeller, and I really thought Zeller was coming on in the last half of the season. Can't count on Anderson for the whole season.

 

We have Brendan Haywood as a big for this season at least.  Next year I'm sure we'll want to use his big contract to trade for cap space.

For as much hype as Wiggims is getting in Vegas, Bennett is having the better summer league. But the best player on our squad hands down has been Delly.  Grant Hill was on the broadcast for tonight's game, his first ever stab at that role by chance, and he was raving about Delly's play

I've been impressed by both Wiggins (for his quickness and range in making steals and blocks) and Bennett (for his strength in the paint). I've also enjoyed Dellavedova's running of the offense and the occasional brilliance of Will Cherry.

 

Funny part of tonight's summer league game vs. Philadelphia.... Minutes before the game, the arena announced tried to fire up the crowd so he called out "Who's a Philadelphia fan out there?" He was greeted by near-silence. Perhaps to redeem himself, he called out "Who's a Cleveland fan?" The sold-out arena erupted in cheers.

Wiggins sic summer league move.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0gx7RjNg4E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

The latest cover of SI