*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (4 Viewers)

[GroveDiesel]

I really think people are underestimating the Wiggins factor here. A year ago everyone was drooling over him. If you'd said last year he'd be going to the Cavs with Irving people would have said that was already a solid foundation for a contender in 3-4 seasons. I don't think his one year at Kansas should change that much, it wasn't a Harrison Barnes situation where it quickly becomes clear he has a lower ceiling than people thought. He looked pretty amazing at times.

Agree with this 100%. If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, the Cavs could be in for a DOMINANT run. NBA players are aware of how good Kyrie is - he's banging on the door of the elite club.Imagine if Bennett is actually in shape and shows that last year was just a bad fluke. And the Cavs have Miami's first rounder next year?

Go home LeBron.

If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, he'll do it about the time LeBron starts to decline. I wouldn't feel great about trying to contend with a 20-year-old as a key player.

If they can trade him for Love it would give them a much more solid window.

I think that is perfect for Lebron, actually. Wiggins doesn't need to be a superstar right now. He just needs to be a solid role player and let Lebron and Kyrie (and possibly Love) drive things. Then if Wiggins turns into a superstar, Lebron can watch his minutes and step up his game in the playoffs. A perfect recipe for Lebron to get 3-4 more rings.

How many solid 20-year-old role players have you seen in the NBA? You're going to get a lot of inconsistency and inefficiency from Wiggins for a couple years at least. He's not going to be a mature, polished player just because he's not asked to be a star.

Maybe it works out where they win a bunch of titles and make a seamless transition from LeBron to Wiggins as the top guy, but I think more likely they'd have a bunch of near-misses because they're never both great at the same time.

I don't know, basketball seems like the one sport where guys DO often make a big impact right away.

 

[Abraham]

I really think people are underestimating the Wiggins factor here. A year ago everyone was drooling over him. If you'd said last year he'd be going to the Cavs with Irving people would have said that was already a solid foundation for a contender in 3-4 seasons. I don't think his one year at Kansas should change that much, it wasn't a Harrison Barnes situation where it quickly becomes clear he has a lower ceiling than people thought. He looked pretty amazing at times.

Agree with this 100%. If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, the Cavs could be in for a DOMINANT run. NBA players are aware of how good Kyrie is - he's banging on the door of the elite club.

Imagine if Bennett is actually in shape and shows that last year was just a bad fluke. And the Cavs have Miami's first rounder next year?

Go home LeBron.

If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, he'll do it about the time LeBron starts to decline. I wouldn't feel great about trying to contend with a 20-year-old as a key player.

If they can trade him for Love it would give them a much more solid window.

I think that is perfect for Lebron, actually. Wiggins doesn't need to be a superstar right now. He just needs to be a solid role player and let Lebron and Kyrie (and possibly Love) drive things. Then if Wiggins turns into a superstar, Lebron can watch his minutes and step up his game in the playoffs. A perfect recipe for Lebron to get 3-4 more rings.

How many solid 20-year-old role players have you seen in the NBA? You're going to get a lot of inconsistency and inefficiency from Wiggins for a couple years at least. He's not going to be a mature, polished player just because he's not asked to be a star.

Maybe it works out where they win a bunch of titles and make a seamless transition from LeBron to Wiggins as the top guy, but I think more likely they'd have a bunch of near-misses because they're never both great at the same time.

Lebron was 20/5/5 as a rookie. 27/7/7 in his second year. Yes, Lebron is a once-in-a-lifetime talent, but Wiggins is about as highly rated of a prospect as you can find outside of James, Oden, and Yao.

 

[NutterButter]

nice thing about having someone else to do the heavy lifting on D is that lebron can focus all his energies on the O. That was quite some double duty he had to perform in Miami.

WHERE WAS THIS HEAVY LIFTING AGAINST DALLAS? OR THE CLANK OFF THE RIM, REBOUND BY BOSH, MIRACLE 3 BY ALLEN GAME 6?! HE'S NO MJ! #hedgingincaseheleaves

The man is human. And I thought the heaters didn't think that was a miracle 3? Had a big debate about that early in the finals this year before the spurs ran away with it. You guys need to get together at todem's place and working on delivering a consistent message.

 

[Freelove]

I really think people are underestimating the Wiggins factor here. A year ago everyone was drooling over him. If you'd said last year he'd be going to the Cavs with Irving people would have said that was already a solid foundation for a contender in 3-4 seasons. I don't think his one year at Kansas should change that much, it wasn't a Harrison Barnes situation where it quickly becomes clear he has a lower ceiling than people thought. He looked pretty amazing at times.

Agree with this 100%. If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, the Cavs could be in for a DOMINANT run. NBA players are aware of how good Kyrie is - he's banging on the door of the elite club.Imagine if Bennett is actually in shape and shows that last year was just a bad fluke. And the Cavs have Miami's first rounder next year?

Go home LeBron.

If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, he'll do it about the time LeBron starts to decline. I wouldn't feel great about trying to contend with a 20-year-old as a key player.

If they can trade him for Love it would give them a much more solid window.

I think that is perfect for Lebron, actually. Wiggins doesn't need to be a superstar right now. He just needs to be a solid role player and let Lebron and Kyrie (and possibly Love) drive things. Then if Wiggins turns into a superstar, Lebron can watch his minutes and step up his game in the playoffs. A perfect recipe for Lebron to get 3-4 more rings.

How many solid 20-year-old role players have you seen in the NBA? You're going to get a lot of inconsistency and inefficiency from Wiggins for a couple years at least. He's not going to be a mature, polished player just because he's not asked to be a star.

Maybe it works out where they win a bunch of titles and make a seamless transition from LeBron to Wiggins as the top guy, but I think more likely they'd have a bunch of near-misses because they're never both great at the same time.

I don't know, basketball seems like the one sport where guys DO often make a big impact right away.

At 21, Paul George was almost single-handedly making MVP-level Derrick Rose's playoffs life a living hell using nothing but freakishly tenacious defense. If the Cavs could get anything like that kind of effort/result out of a young Wiggins, he could lay off the O enough to make any inefficiencies irrelevant.

Not that he's necessarily going to bring that kind of D ability, but it's his major selling point, and there's at least that one relatively recent, relatively relevant comparison.

 

[Don Quixote]

I really think people are underestimating the Wiggins factor here. A year ago everyone was drooling over him. If you'd said last year he'd be going to the Cavs with Irving people would have said that was already a solid foundation for a contender in 3-4 seasons. I don't think his one year at Kansas should change that much, it wasn't a Harrison Barnes situation where it quickly becomes clear he has a lower ceiling than people thought. He looked pretty amazing at times.

Agree with this 100%. If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, the Cavs could be in for a DOMINANT run. NBA players are aware of how good Kyrie is - he's banging on the door of the elite club.

Imagine if Bennett is actually in shape and shows that last year was just a bad fluke. And the Cavs have Miami's first rounder next year?

Go home LeBron.

If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, he'll do it about the time LeBron starts to decline. I wouldn't feel great about trying to contend with a 20-year-old as a key player.

If they can trade him for Love it would give them a much more solid window.

I think that is perfect for Lebron, actually. Wiggins doesn't need to be a superstar right now. He just needs to be a solid role player and let Lebron and Kyrie (and possibly Love) drive things. Then if Wiggins turns into a superstar, Lebron can watch his minutes and step up his game in the playoffs. A perfect recipe for Lebron to get 3-4 more rings.

How many solid 20-year-old role players have you seen in the NBA? You're going to get a lot of inconsistency and inefficiency from Wiggins for a couple years at least. He's not going to be a mature, polished player just because he's not asked to be a star.

Maybe it works out where they win a bunch of titles and make a seamless transition from LeBron to Wiggins as the top guy, but I think more likely they'd have a bunch of near-misses because they're never both great at the same time.

Aren't there a lot of examples of this? Bradley Beal was 20 years old for the Wizards this year, and he played that role pretty well (if not already turning into a star player). And Wiggins is considered a much better prospect than Beal was.

 

[NutterButter]

I really think people are underestimating the Wiggins factor here. A year ago everyone was drooling over him. If you'd said last year he'd be going to the Cavs with Irving people would have said that was already a solid foundation for a contender in 3-4 seasons. I don't think his one year at Kansas should change that much, it wasn't a Harrison Barnes situation where it quickly becomes clear he has a lower ceiling than people thought. He looked pretty amazing at times.

Agree with this 100%. If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, the Cavs could be in for a DOMINANT run. NBA players are aware of how good Kyrie is - he's banging on the door of the elite club.

Imagine if Bennett is actually in shape and shows that last year was just a bad fluke. And the Cavs have Miami's first rounder next year?

Go home LeBron.

If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, he'll do it about the time LeBron starts to decline. I wouldn't feel great about trying to contend with a 20-year-old as a key player.

If they can trade him for Love it would give them a much more solid window.

I think that is perfect for Lebron, actually. Wiggins doesn't need to be a superstar right now. He just needs to be a solid role player and let Lebron and Kyrie (and possibly Love) drive things. Then if Wiggins turns into a superstar, Lebron can watch his minutes and step up his game in the playoffs. A perfect recipe for Lebron to get 3-4 more rings.

How many solid 20-year-old role players have you seen in the NBA? You're going to get a lot of inconsistency and inefficiency from Wiggins for a couple years at least. He's not going to be a mature, polished player just because he's not asked to be a star.

Maybe it works out where they win a bunch of titles and make a seamless transition from LeBron to Wiggins as the top guy, but I think more likely they'd have a bunch of near-misses because they're never both great at the same time.

Lebron was 20/5/5 as a rookie. 27/7/7 in his second year. Yes, Lebron is a once-in-a-lifetime talent, but Wiggins is about as highly rated of a prospect as you can find outside of James, Oden, and Yao.

And he didn't have another in prime lebron to play with.

 

[pollardsvision]

Speaking of Wiggins and how fast he develops, LeBron pretty much needs Wiggins to be Kawhi Leonard and do it a year ahead of schedule. It's a tall task, but certainly doable for a great prospect.

It seems very unlikely that Wiggins could become a 3P threat as quickly as Kawhi did, but I don't think anybody would've guessed Kawhi would've either He was a 25% 3P shooter in college (Wiggins 34%).

You put a smart, athletic wing in a situation where they'll get open looks and good things happen quickly.

 

[randall146]

If you don't need an ocean, mountains, or to legally smoke up to be happy there's just about everything you'd want.

Does Cleveland offer anything every other NBA city doesn't have?

 

[got_nugs]

nice thing about having someone else to do the heavy lifting on D is that lebron can focus all his energies on the O. That was quite some double duty he had to perform in Miami.

WHERE WAS THIS HEAVY LIFTING AGAINST DALLAS? OR THE CLANK OFF THE RIM, REBOUND BY BOSH, MIRACLE 3 BY ALLEN GAME 6?! HE'S NO MJ! #hedgingincaseheleaves

The man is human. And I thought the heaters didn't think that was a miracle 3? Had a big debate about that early in the finals this year before the spurs ran away with it. You guys need to get together at todem's place and working on delivering a consistent message.

If you haven't read what i've been posting for...like 4 years...i'm joking. I've defended the guy forever. Just schtick today bud. I'd never actually believe or seriously suggest what I posted. All in fun.

 

[WetDream]

an in prime lebron to play with.

So jealous

 

[sporthenry]

Aren't there a lot of examples of this? Bradley Beal was 20 years old for the Wizards this year, and he played that role pretty well (if not already turning into a star player). And Wiggins is considered a much better prospect than Beal was.

But it is a bit different b/c Beal came in more refined on offense and regarded as a better shooter (although he actually shot worse from 3 in college than Wiggins).

Wiggins is in an extremely unique situation b/c most rookies of his stature play on really bad teams which inflate their stats. Someone brought up LeBron's stats but he did that on a 35 and 42 win team. Even MCW can put up gaudy stats in the NBA. On the flip side, even guys like Leonard who came in and helped almost right away were aided by the fact they weren't expected to do a ton. Cleveland's roster as it stands now, would probably require Wiggins to be a fairly significant part of the team.

 

[Thunderlips]

I agree on the "it's Cleveland" part, but not for the city. For the inept management.

Yep. This city is awesome.

how u mean?

Probably better for a different thread.I kinda giggle when people not from around here talk down about this city. If you don't need an ocean, mountains, or to legally smoke up to be happy there's just about everything you'd want. Unless you're mormon. Then just move to Salt Lake City and enjoy inland paradise. It all comes down to would you rather deal with winter or horrendously hot summer's. I prefer the former.

I'm from Ohio, have some friends from Cleveland, and have spent some time there. I think the city kind of sucks though i have limited exposure to it. My friends who are from there agree it sucks. I've never actually encountered someone from Cleveland who wouldn't admit it sucks. This is pretty incredible.

Cleveland has actually improved a ton in just the last 2-3 years. The healthcare industry has grown a ton there and revitalized the economy quite a bit. It's much cleaner and brighter downtown now and the restaurant scene has gotten pretty decent headlined by Michael Symon.

It will never compete with NYC, Miami, or San Diego, but there are definitely argument for why it's better than cities like Philly, Chicago, Boston and even LA IMO.

Sure you don't mean like Buffalo, Gary, Poughkeepsie and even Saginaw?

 

[Spartans Rule]

Lebron was 20/5/5 as a rookie. 27/7/7 in his second year. Yes, Lebron is a once-in-a-lifetime talent, but Wiggins is about as highly rated of a prospect as you can find outside of James, Oden, and Yao.

As a rookie, he had a .488 true shooting percentage, which is horrible, and he didn't play defense.

Lots of young guys put up counting stats. Very few are intelligent, efficient players right off the bat.

 

[Abraham]

If you don't need an ocean, mountains, or to legally smoke up to be happy there's just about everything you'd want.

Does Cleveland offer anything every other NBA city doesn't have?

Sure, it's the only city in the nation where every road out of town leads away from Cleveland. That counts for something.

 

[pollardsvision]

If you don't need an ocean, mountains, or to legally smoke up to be happy there's just about everything you'd want.

Does Cleveland offer anything every other NBA city doesn't have?

LeBron

 

[MAC_32]

I agree on the "it's Cleveland" part, but not for the city. For the inept management.

Yep. This city is awesome.

how u mean?

Probably better for a different thread.I kinda giggle when people not from around here talk down about this city. If you don't need an ocean, mountains, or to legally smoke up to be happy there's just about everything you'd want. Unless you're mormon. Then just move to Salt Lake City and enjoy inland paradise. It all comes down to would you rather deal with winter or horrendously hot summer's. I prefer the former.

I'm from Ohio, have some friends from Cleveland, and have spent some time there. I think the city kind of sucks though i have limited exposure to it. My friends who are from there agree it sucks. I've never actually encountered someone from Cleveland who wouldn't admit it sucks. This is pretty incredible.

Cleveland has actually improved a ton in just the last 2-3 years. The healthcare industry has grown a ton there and revitalized the economy quite a bit. It's much cleaner and brighter downtown now and the restaurant scene has gotten pretty decent headlined by Michael Symon.

It will never compete with NYC, Miami, or San Diego, but there are definitely argument for why it's better than cities like Philly, Chicago, Boston and even LA IMO.

Sure you don't mean like Buffalo, Gary, Poughkeepsie and even Saginaw?

 

[Spartans Rule]

Aren't there a lot of examples of this? Bradley Beal was 20 years old for the Wizards this year, and he played that role pretty well (if not already turning into a star player). And Wiggins is considered a much better prospect than Beal was.

Beal averaged 17 points per game, did it inefficiently (.507 TS%), and didn't contribute much outside of scoring. He had a 14.3 PER which is below league average.

 

[CurlyNight]

I love the headline on nba.com. Seems everything is at a standstill right now until Le B makes his decision.

I am so happy Pop has signed a multi year contract and doesn't consider the Spurs the end of the road!

 

[Spartans Rule]

Speaking of Wiggins and how fast he develops, LeBron pretty much needs Wiggins to be Kawhi Leonard and do it a year ahead of schedule. It's a tall task, but certainly doable for a great prospect.

It seems very unlikely that Wiggins could become a 3P threat as quickly as Kawhi did, but I don't think anybody would've guessed Kawhi would've either He was a 25% 3P shooter in college (Wiggins 34%).

You put a smart, athletic wing in a situation where they'll get open looks and good things happen quickly.

Leonard is a good reference point. He is a pretty rare example of a young player stepping right in to a championship team and playing like a veteran. Obviously being a Spur helped his efficiency as compared to some of the trainwrecks these other rookies walk into.

I'm sure Wiggins is physically capable of replicating Leonard. Mentally, that's the hard part.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Lots of people going out on a limb here. Looking more and more likely that he's going to Cleveland. Seems like a big mistake to me, but I don't know the man.

Seems pretty awesome to almost everybody but you and Heat fans.

For me personally, it would be awesome. Not as good as him going to the Lakers (my secret dream) but awesome all the same- you're wrong about that. I was just trying to look at it from his perspective.

going back home and leading Cleveland to a tltle would be legendary.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I agree on the "it's Cleveland" part, but not for the city. For the inept management.

Yep. This city is awesome.

how u mean?

Probably better for a different thread.I kinda giggle when people not from around here talk down about this city. If you don't need an ocean, mountains, or to legally smoke up to be happy there's just about everything you'd want. Unless you're mormon. Then just move to Salt Lake City and enjoy inland paradise. It all comes down to would you rather deal with winter or horrendously hot summer's. I prefer the former.

I'm from Ohio, have some friends from Cleveland, and have spent some time there. I think the city kind of sucks though i have limited exposure to it. My friends who are from there agree it sucks. I've never actually encountered someone from Cleveland who wouldn't admit it sucks. This is pretty incredible.

Cleveland has actually improved a ton in just the last 2-3 years. The healthcare industry has grown a ton there and revitalized the economy quite a bit. It's much cleaner and brighter downtown now and the restaurant scene has gotten pretty decent headlined by Michael Symon.

It will never compete with NYC, Miami, or San Diego, but there are definitely argument for why it's better than cities like Philly, Chicago, Boston and even LA IMO.

Clev > Chicago, Boston, and LA? LOL

 

[Hang 10]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysmLA5TqbIY

 

[NutterButter]

nice thing about having someone else to do the heavy lifting on D is that lebron can focus all his energies on the O. That was quite some double duty he had to perform in Miami.

WHERE WAS THIS HEAVY LIFTING AGAINST DALLAS? OR THE CLANK OFF THE RIM, REBOUND BY BOSH, MIRACLE 3 BY ALLEN GAME 6?! HE'S NO MJ! #hedgingincaseheleaves

The man is human. And I thought the heaters didn't think that was a miracle 3? Had a big debate about that early in the finals this year before the spurs ran away with it. You guys need to get together at todem's place and working on delivering a consistent message.

If you haven't read what i've been posting for...like 4 years...i'm joking. I've defended the guy forever. Just schtick today bud. I'd never actually believe or seriously suggest what I posted. All in fun.

I know. Just kidding myself. The tension is high these days.

 

[MAC_32]

I agree on the "it's Cleveland" part, but not for the city. For the inept management.

Yep. This city is awesome.

how u mean?

Probably better for a different thread.I kinda giggle when people not from around here talk down about this city. If you don't need an ocean, mountains, or to legally smoke up to be happy there's just about everything you'd want. Unless you're mormon. Then just move to Salt Lake City and enjoy inland paradise. It all comes down to would you rather deal with winter or horrendously hot summer's. I prefer the former.

I'm from Ohio, have some friends from Cleveland, and have spent some time there. I think the city kind of sucks though i have limited exposure to it. My friends who are from there agree it sucks. I've never actually encountered someone from Cleveland who wouldn't admit it sucks. This is pretty incredible.

Cleveland has actually improved a ton in just the last 2-3 years. The healthcare industry has grown a ton there and revitalized the economy quite a bit. It's much cleaner and brighter downtown now and the restaurant scene has gotten pretty decent headlined by Michael Symon.

It will never compete with NYC, Miami, or San Diego, but there are definitely argument for why it's better than cities like Philly, Chicago, Boston and even LA IMO.

Clev > Chicago, Boston, and LA? LOL

He went a little overboard. I can see where some would prefer Cleveland to LA (myself included), but definitely not a majority. I think he's on an island battling vs. Chicago and Boston though. He'll probably get grief for Philly, but I agree.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

It will never compete with NYC, Miami, or San Diego, but there are definitely argument for why it's better than cities like Philly, Chicago, Boston and even LA IMO.

what arguments are those? sounds like something a lunatic would say.

 

[Abraham]

It will never compete with NYC, Miami, or San Diego, but there are definitely argument for why it's better than cities like Philly, Chicago, Boston and even LA IMO.

what arguments are those? sounds like something a lunatic would say.

This should be fun.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

btw, Cleveland > Miami

San Diego kind of sucks as a city too honestly

 

[got_nugs]

btw, Cleveland > Miami

San Diego kind of sucks as a city too honestly

lunatic.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I agree on the "it's Cleveland" part, but not for the city. For the inept management.

Yep. This city is awesome.

how u mean?

Probably better for a different thread.I kinda giggle when people not from around here talk down about this city. If you don't need an ocean, mountains, or to legally smoke up to be happy there's just about everything you'd want. Unless you're mormon. Then just move to Salt Lake City and enjoy inland paradise. It all comes down to would you rather deal with winter or horrendously hot summer's. I prefer the former.

I'm from Ohio, have some friends from Cleveland, and have spent some time there. I think the city kind of sucks though i have limited exposure to it. My friends who are from there agree it sucks. I've never actually encountered someone from Cleveland who wouldn't admit it sucks. This is pretty incredible.

Cleveland has actually improved a ton in just the last 2-3 years. The healthcare industry has grown a ton there and revitalized the economy quite a bit. It's much cleaner and brighter downtown now and the restaurant scene has gotten pretty decent headlined by Michael Symon.

It will never compete with NYC, Miami, or San Diego, but there are definitely argument for why it's better than cities like Philly, Chicago, Boston and even LA IMO.

Clev > Chicago, Boston, and LA? LOL

He went a little overboard. I can see where some would prefer Cleveland to LA (myself included), but definitely not a majority. I think he's on an island battling vs. Chicago and Boston though. He'll probably get grief for Philly, but I agree.

Would love to hear the argument for why some prefer Clev to LA. I've spent time in both cities, and can't imagine why anyone would ever prefer Clev.

 

[tjnc09]

Lots of trucks moving LeBron's car collection right now

 

[tommyGunZ]

btw, Cleveland > Miami

San Diego kind of sucks as a city too honestly

Stop trying to out-stupid the Clev folks Rude.

 

[MAC_32]

btw, Cleveland > Miami

San Diego kind of sucks as a city too honestly

Miami blows.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

btw, Cleveland > Miami

San Diego kind of sucks as a city too honestly

Stop trying to out-stupid the Clev folks Rude.

the beaches are great and all and it's certainly not a bad place to live. just not much character to the city itself imo. feels suburban.

I still like it there and all.

 

[Todem]

Can Heat fans get refunds on their season tickets?

Nope. We are paid and in for the 2014/15 season.

Never giving up my seats. My dad had been using them a ton this past season and post season. I usually take in 15 regular season games with my son (I live so far north in NW Broward county it is a long drive for me now about hour and 15 minutes) and go to one game a round in the playoffs these days. But we split them. And he will pay me for all the extra games plus we have sold some playoff tickets which almost pays for our next year in full.

That can all change though can it.

Just curious: how much do you pay for your season tickets? And how much do playoff tickets cost you (and how much can you sell them for?)

Last season it was 90 per ticket. Went up to 150 on avg for the post season. Next season we were raised to 97 per.

As far as what we fetch during the post season? In last years Finals I was albe to bet 2400 for the pair for games one and two. I went to games 6 and 7.

So basically post season has paid for next season every year since they came together (and it did as well when Shaq came). This upcoming season my dad and I split 600 bucks as the cost for 2014/15 as we were going to sell game 6 this year for $2500….but they never made it back home.

 

[RUSF18]

I agree on the "it's Cleveland" part, but not for the city. For the inept management.

Yep. This city is awesome.

how u mean?

Probably better for a different thread.I kinda giggle when people not from around here talk down about this city. If you don't need an ocean, mountains, or to legally smoke up to be happy there's just about everything you'd want. Unless you're mormon. Then just move to Salt Lake City and enjoy inland paradise. It all comes down to would you rather deal with winter or horrendously hot summer's. I prefer the former.

I'm from Ohio, have some friends from Cleveland, and have spent some time there. I think the city kind of sucks though i have limited exposure to it. My friends who are from there agree it sucks. I've never actually encountered someone from Cleveland who wouldn't admit it sucks. This is pretty incredible.

Cleveland has actually improved a ton in just the last 2-3 years. The healthcare industry has grown a ton there and revitalized the economy quite a bit. It's much cleaner and brighter downtown now and the restaurant scene has gotten pretty decent headlined by Michael Symon.

It will never compete with NYC, Miami, or San Diego, but there are definitely argument for why it's better than cities like Philly, Chicago, Boston and even LA IMO.

Clev > Chicago, Boston, and LA? LOL

He went a little overboard. I can see where some would prefer Cleveland to LA (myself included), but definitely not a majority. I think he's on an island battling vs. Chicago and Boston though. He'll probably get grief for Philly, but I agree.

Would love to hear the argument for why some prefer Clev to LA. I've spent time in both cities, and can't imagine why anyone would ever prefer Clev.

I imagine some people hate traffic and want differing seasons. Different strokes.

But Cleveland and Chicago are about as apples to apples as you can get, and that's just a ridiculous argument. At best, it's a few degrees warmer?

 

[MAC_32]

Would love to hear the argument for why some prefer Clev to LA. I've spent time in both cities, and can't imagine why anyone would ever prefer Clev.

The same reason everyone I know (except for the one pursuing an acting career) from high school, college, and since that have moved out to Cali now live near San Francisco or San Diego. The people are unbearable. They have had a better experience and more visitors since they moved, again, myself included.

 

[MAC_32]

But Cleveland and Chicago are about as apples to apples as you can get, and that's just a ridiculous argument. At best, it's a few degrees warmer?

If you want to live in the burbs, work in the city, and hate traffic that's all I really got if someone prefers Cleveland to Chicago.

 

[Paulymaggs]

Why haven't my main man Eminence chimed in here yet?

 

[thecatch]

C'mon people, we need to refocus on today's major signing: Steve Blake inked with Portland for 2 yrs/$4m.

 

[Todem]

nice thing about having someone else to do the heavy lifting on D is that lebron can focus all his energies on the O. That was quite some double duty he had to perform in Miami.

WHERE WAS THIS HEAVY LIFTING AGAINST DALLAS? OR THE CLANK OFF THE RIM, REBOUND BY BOSH, MIRACLE 3 BY ALLEN GAME 6?! HE'S NO MJ! #hedgingincaseheleaves

The man is human. And I thought the heaters didn't think that was a miracle 3? Had a big debate about that early in the finals this year before the spurs ran away with it. You guys need to get together at todem's place and working on delivering a consistent message.

If you haven't read what i've been posting for...like 4 years...i'm joking. I've defended the guy forever. Just schtick today bud. I'd never actually believe or seriously suggest what I posted. All in fun.

I know. Just kidding myself. The tension is high these days.

Actually not for me.

Gent's I just got back from playing a beautiful round of golf this morning at my club, had an ice cold Corona with a great Chicago burger and some coney fries.

So just waiting for them to announce all three are coming back, the contract details, etc etc etc. And..if what I think won't happen does happen? I will wake up again tomorrow, have some breakfast, go to the office, come home, hang with my son and wife, go out to dinner and see Dawn of The Planet of the Apes at 7PM.

Life will go on. Nothing will change. Except our team will be a train wreck for a few years. But like I have always said from the start:

IN RILEY WE TRUST.

This is a done deal. Sorry Cleveland your being hoodwinked by your front office, the media and owner. It's cruel. But of core the blame will go right to Lebron.

If I am wrong….. I will take it like a man here gentlemen. Just have the courtesy to lube it up a little. LOL. Please go gentle on me. I will have no one in the arena with me next season.

 

[got_nugs]

Why haven't my main man Eminence chimed in here yet?

He's in the wagering thread telling us how he turned $10 into $300 and going for $1000.

 

[got_nugs]

I'll still be there with you in the arena, GB

 

[Eminence]

Why haven't my main man Eminence chimed in here yet?

I think it's awfully peculiar that none of Bosh, James, or Anthony have signed yet. Eerily similar to when Wade, Bosh, and James hadn't signed anywhere. Couple that with how horrible Dwayne Wade looked in the Finals.

I don't see a way two of the big three don't end up on the same team. Who wouldn't want to ride LeBron to 2 - 3 more rings?

 

[TobiasFunke]

I really think people are underestimating the Wiggins factor here. A year ago everyone was drooling over him. If you'd said last year he'd be going to the Cavs with Irving people would have said that was already a solid foundation for a contender in 3-4 seasons. I don't think his one year at Kansas should change that much, it wasn't a Harrison Barnes situation where it quickly becomes clear he has a lower ceiling than people thought. He looked pretty amazing at times.

Agree with this 100%. If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, the Cavs could be in for a DOMINANT run. NBA players are aware of how good Kyrie is - he's banging on the door of the elite club.

Imagine if Bennett is actually in shape and shows that last year was just a bad fluke. And the Cavs have Miami's first rounder next year?

Go home LeBron.

If Wiggins becomes the superstar he can be, he'll do it about the time LeBron starts to decline. I wouldn't feel great about trying to contend with a 20-year-old as a key player.

If they can trade him for Love it would give them a much more solid window.

Kahwi Leonard was 21 during the Finals last year. Bradley Beal was 20 this season and he seemed not to have a problem contributing in the playoffs. Neither guy was considered half the prospect Wiggins is.

Anyway, LeBron is still just 29. He'll be 31-33 when Wiggins is 22-24. Plenty of overlap.

 

[Bogart]

Parsons making ~ 50% more per season than Dirk? LOL

Pure silliness. Dirk is going to regret this stupidity later in life.

Man, there are stupid comments in this thread, and then there are really, really stupid comments, and then there is this.

Let me know when Dirk regrets anything regarding money.

 

[tommyGunZ]

btw, Cleveland > Miami

San Diego kind of sucks as a city too honestly

Stop trying to out-stupid the Clev folks Rude.

the beaches are great and all and it's certainly not a bad place to live. just not much character to the city itself imo. feels suburban.

I still like it there and all.

Character-wise, you're absolutely right if we're limiting it to the downtown area specifically. SD isn't in the same ballpark as Chicago, SF, NYC, Seattle, or DC when it comes to urban character.

 

[Freelove]

I'll still be there with you in the arena, GB

I may drop in for a game when I swing through. Tix should be a little more attainable if all goes poorly.

Look forward to it slash sorry it had to be this way.

 

[GroveDiesel]

It will never compete with NYC, Miami, or San Diego, but there are definitely argument for why it's better than cities like Philly, Chicago, Boston and even LA IMO.

what arguments are those? sounds like something a lunatic would say.

Philly is awful. Dirty, rude people, lots of violence, poor economy. That one is easy.

Chicago has sky high violence in a lot of areas right now. The cost of living is also much higher. But Chicago is overall probably going to win out most of the time.

If you're not white and Catholic, then Cleveland over Boston is a pretty easy choice even before factoring n cost of living.

LA has horrible traffic, sky high cost of living, horrible air quality, droughts, wildfires, earthquakes and is really hot part of the year.

Obviously there are some major things that all those cities have that a lot of people would prefer over what Cleveland has to offer. But there are some things that make Cleveland attractive to some people. Low cost of living, overall friendly people, nice restaurant scene, nice area developing around the lake, world class orchestra, easy commute times, more relaxed lifestyle, etc.

 

[got_nugs]

I'll still be there with you in the arena, GB

I may drop in for a game when I swing through. Tix should be a little more attainable if all goes poorly.

Look forward to it slash sorry it had to be this way.

4 finals in 4 years. 2 titles. nothing but gratitude. no need to be sorry.

 

[Slapdash]

What is Todem's current percentage?