*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (3 Viewers)

[NIU Kicker]

Anybody getting Cavs at 17/2 before that closes?

Way off te board. It was +400 the past few days and I expect it's half that now.

 

[Bobcat10]

Over/Under on number of championships in Cleveland = 2.5 Whatcha got?

Under for sure.

 

[GroveDiesel]

As a life long Heat fan I would be lying if I did not say I am in shock. Shocked he walked away from the incredible success he and the team had down here.

So here we are again. And we must rebuild. Not re-tool.

Bosh is no doubt on his way out the door. So we are in shambles.

Oh well. I will still be watching, rooting and cheering for my team. And hopefully Riley can make some moves over the next couple of years to get us back into contention.

But yeah I am completely and utterly shocked.

McBob!You have recent NBA titles and proof that Riley has rebuilt before.

The true fans will hang in there, I feel bad for Miami fans on some level, especialy the ones that have been rationale about this process.

Good luck real Miami fans.

I'm not sure how much credit you can give Riley for rebuilding when it all came down to Wade being able to convince Lebron to play in Miami versus Lebron being able to convince Bosh and Wade to go to Cleveland. Wade and Lebron created/enabled the last 4 years. Riley was just along for the ride.

 

[shader]

Over/Under on number of championships in Cleveland = 2.5 Whatcha got?

I'm gonna wait and see what Cleveland does with Love. If they find some way to get Love and keep Wiggins, look out.

 

[pollardsvision]

Something I haven't seen mentioned- David Blatt must be absolutely ######## his pants right now, assuming this wasn't already known at the time of the hire. At least Spoelstra was around the Heat and Wade and Riley before he took on that massive burden in 2010.

I believe you mean creaming his pants.

 

[sporthenry]

Something I haven't seen mentioned- David Blatt must be absolutely ######## his pants right now, assuming this wasn't already known at the time of the hire. At least Spoelstra was around the Heat and Wade and Riley before he took on that massive burden in 2010.

Just got the best/worst job in the league.

 

[shader]

Something I haven't seen mentioned- David Blatt must be absolutely ######## his pants right now, assuming this wasn't already known at the time of the hire. At least Spoelstra was around the Heat and Wade and Riley before he took on that massive burden in 2010.

He just became a household name.

 

[Freelove]

when does the burning of Lebron jerseys commence in Miami?

I don't get the feeling Miami is bedraggled enough as a sports city to go off the tracks over this. They'll grumble, knock down a few cocktails, and head to the beach. It was always a mercenary arrangement with those three there.

 

[Brony]

The SI letter was great. He's more self-aware than I thought and he really hit all the critical points.

yep. pretty good. I hate him a little less now.

 

[Abraham]

Pat Riley retirement party starts when?

 

[John Bender]

I can't believe a city could be so lucky as to have LeBron James and Corey Kluber. #blessed

 

[Freelove]

There are still a lot of FA's out there, and MIA has a ton of cap space.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Something I haven't seen mentioned- David Blatt must be absolutely ######## his pants right now, assuming this wasn't already known at the time of the hire. At least Spoelstra was around the Heat and Wade and Riley before he took on that massive burden in 2010.

Huh? He just got the best player in the world who understands that winning might not happen right away and wants to help be a mentor. I'm not sure you could possibly walk into a better situation.

 

[Peyton Marino]

Peyton Marino, pm me your info and how you want to be paid.

Looks like your inbox is full

 

[Al O'Pecia]

Reports now coming in that LeBron was undecided between Miami and Cleveland until he read Scoresman's thread about why the North is so much better than the South.

 

[sporthenry]

Something I haven't seen mentioned- David Blatt must be absolutely ######## his pants right now, assuming this wasn't already known at the time of the hire. At least Spoelstra was around the Heat and Wade and Riley before he took on that massive burden in 2010.

Huh? He just got the best player in the world who understands that winning might not happen right away and wants to help be a mentor. I'm not sure you could possibly walk into a better situation.

It isn't necessarily LeBron you have to appease. It is the owner, fans, and the media.

 

[Brony]

Reports now coming in that LeBron was undecided between Miami and Cleveland until he read Scoresman's thread about why the North is so much better than the South.

 

[Freelove]

Something I haven't seen mentioned- David Blatt must be absolutely ######## his pants right now, assuming this wasn't already known at the time of the hire. At least Spoelstra was around the Heat and Wade and Riley before he took on that massive burden in 2010.

Huh? He just got the best player in the world who understands that winning might not happen right away and wants to help be a mentor. I'm not sure you could possibly walk into a better situation.

It's a dream in a vacuum, but God help him if they underperform even slightly. The more perfect the situation, the shorter the leash. Unless LBJ falls in love with him as a coach, in which case I imagine his leash gets infinitely longer instantly.

 

[shader]

Reports now coming in that LeBron was undecided between Miami and Cleveland until he read Scoresman's thread about why the North is so much better than the South.

nicely done

 

[metoo]

when does the burning of Lebron jerseys commence in Miami?

Why would they? He gave them four finals and two rings.

 

[ffldrew]

Over/Under on number of championships in Cleveland = 2.5 Whatcha got?

Still a Western Conference in the NBA - right?

Pop still coaching in SA?

It's going to be a long uphill climb if you ask me

 

[TobiasFunke]

Something I haven't seen mentioned- David Blatt must be absolutely ######## his pants right now, assuming this wasn't already known at the time of the hire. At least Spoelstra was around the Heat and Wade and Riley before he took on that massive burden in 2010.

Huh? He just got the best player in the world who understands that winning might not happen right away and wants to help be a mentor. I'm not sure you could possibly walk into a better situation.

I didn't mean it in a bad way. I meant that he's gotta feel overwhelmed. He likely took the job thinking he'd be relatively anonymous as far as NBA coaches go for a while. Now he's got a massive spotlight shining on him and a ton of new expectations to deal with.

 

[jamil]

As a life long Heat fan I would be lying if I did not say I am in shock. Shocked he walked away from the incredible success he and the team had down here.

So here we are again. And we must rebuild. Not re-tool.

Bosh is no doubt on his way out the door. So we are in shambles.

Oh well. I will still be watching, rooting and cheering for my team. And hopefully Riley can make some moves over the next couple of years to get us back into contention.

But yeah I am completely and utterly shocked.

0%

 

[MAC_32]

It's telling that he mentions several of his new teammates by name.......except for Wiggins.

Would have to think he's being traded? I seriously doubt LeBron a) doesn't know who Wiggins is and b) doesn't know he plays for the Cavs

Figure it's either Wiggins and Bennett or Wiggins and Tristan. Tristan and LeBron have the same rep's, may want him to stick around. So, yeah, Wiggins and Bennett makes the most sense.

Still think if they put their foot down for Waiters, Bennett, Tristan, and future 1's Minnesota would eventually cave though.

 

[Timmay]

If I was Cleveland, i would trade Waiters, Thompson, any other "prospect", and all 4 of the 1st round picks they have in the next couple years if i had to, to get Love. Find a way to keep Wiggins. Have Irving, Wiggins, Lebron, Love and Andy as a starting 5....championship. Bring back Big Z as a "role player"

 

[Premier]

@FauxPelini: .@KingJames FYI some guy at Sports Illustrated is telling people you are going to Cleveland lol

 

[Freelove]

Micky Arison handling this a lot better than Gilbert did.

 

[cstu]

when does the burning of Lebron jerseys commence in Miami?

I don't get the feeling Miami is bedraggled enough as a sports city to go off the tracks over this. They'll grumble, knock down a few cocktails, and head to the beach. It was always a mercenary arrangement with those three there.

Too much going on in Miami for them to care as deeply as Cleveland fans. Lakers fans hardly blinked an eye when Shaq left.

 

[MAC_32]

Over/Under on number of championships in Cleveland = 2.5 Whatcha got?

Still a Western Conference in the NBA - right?

Pop still coaching in SA?

It's going to be a long uphill climb if you ask me

I'd be surprised if the Cavs win it all this year and I'd be equally surprised if they are not the Eastern Conference rep.

 

[MAC_32]

when does the burning of Lebron jerseys commence in Miami?

I don't get the feeling Miami is bedraggled enough as a sports city to go off the tracks over this. They'll grumble, knock down a few cocktails, and head to the beach. It was always a mercenary arrangement with those three there.

Too much going on in Miami for them to care as deeply as Cleveland fans. Lakers fans hardly blinked an eye when Shaq left.

Yep, Cleveland lives and dies on their sports and as everyone knows it's been constant death for decades.

Miami and LA people be like, oh well, where's the party again tonight?

 

[Worm]

Something I haven't seen mentioned- David Blatt must be absolutely ######## his pants right now, assuming this wasn't already known at the time of the hire. At least Spoelstra was around the Heat and Wade and Riley before he took on that massive burden in 2010.

Huh? He just got the best player in the world who understands that winning might not happen right away and wants to help be a mentor. I'm not sure you could possibly walk into a better situation.

I didn't mean it in a bad way. I meant that he's gotta feel overwhelmed. He likely took the job thinking he'd be relatively anonymous as far as NBA coaches go for a while. Now he's got a massive spotlight shining on him and a ton of new expectations to deal with.

Well that seems pretty naive considering he knew James decision was on the horizon.

 

[cstu]

Great decision by Lebron.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Cavs have 4 #1 overall picks now, right?

First team since '87 Lakers... who won the next 2 titles.

 

[Juxtatarot]

That was a great letter. However, if Wade had healthy knees, he wouldn't be making the same decision.

 

[sporthenry]

Something I haven't seen mentioned- David Blatt must be absolutely ######## his pants right now, assuming this wasn't already known at the time of the hire. At least Spoelstra was around the Heat and Wade and Riley before he took on that massive burden in 2010.

Huh? He just got the best player in the world who understands that winning might not happen right away and wants to help be a mentor. I'm not sure you could possibly walk into a better situation.

I didn't mean it in a bad way. I meant that he's gotta feel overwhelmed. He likely took the job thinking he'd be relatively anonymous as far as NBA coaches go for a while. Now he's got a massive spotlight shining on him and a ton of new expectations to deal with.

Well that seems pretty naive considering he new James decision was on the horizon.

Well then pretty much everyone was naive.

 

[the moops]

So how long ago did Lebron actually write that SI piece?

 

[shader]

Something I haven't seen mentioned- David Blatt must be absolutely ######## his pants right now, assuming this wasn't already known at the time of the hire. At least Spoelstra was around the Heat and Wade and Riley before he took on that massive burden in 2010.

Huh? He just got the best player in the world who understands that winning might not happen right away and wants to help be a mentor. I'm not sure you could possibly walk into a better situation.

I didn't mean it in a bad way. I meant that he's gotta feel overwhelmed. He likely took the job thinking he'd be relatively anonymous as far as NBA coaches go for a while. Now he's got a massive spotlight shining on him and a ton of new expectations to deal with.

Well that seems pretty naive considering he knew James decision was on the horizon.

I'd go a step further and say that he was probably hand-picked by Lebron.

 

[xulf]

 

[James Daulton]

Isn't this Cavs team way more talented than the team LBJ took to the championship? If they get Love or if Wiggins develps, I could see multiple banners hanging from the rafters. Spurs and Pop are great, but you can't fight father time. I could see 3 banners in the next six years.

 

[got_nugs]

Burning jerseys? The guy brought a 10 win team nba relevance. Most of us do deeply care just have perspective. We got 4 years of that guys prime. Sure it hurts but overall I'm happy to feel the pain of loss, I assume most fans feel the same way here.

Ok off to the beach.

 

[MAC_32]

So how long ago did Lebron actually write that SI piece?

His submitted a rough draft to his reps before meeting with Riley yesterday, his guys re wrote it last night, he gave it the thumbs up this morning, wait until PST people have started their day - then post.

 

[stbugs]

Micky Arison handling this a lot better than Gilbert did.

He should, in 4 years LeBron brought them 4 championship appearances and 2 rings. That is more than most owners will ever get.

I'm pretty shocked and honestly hoping for Cleveland to win a title. That place might burn to the ground when that happens. Gotta love that the only suggestion Google comes up with for my typing in "last sports championship in " is "cleveland."

 

[ffldrew]

Isn't this Cavs team way more talented than the team LBJ took to the championship? If they get Love or if Wiggins develps, I could see multiple banners hanging from the rafters. Spurs and Pop are great, but you can't fight father time. I could see 3 banners in the next six years.

If Spurs add Pau would you say this?

 

[Da Guru]

Was listening a guy on the radio talk about James and Jordan yesterday. Jordan was all about winning and competing. Winning and competing at the expense of his wife, his children and even friends. Every time Jordan had an off day he would be playing golf and betting, or going to a casino to play against the house. Jordan was never a family man.

James is the total opposite, James loves to compete but every time he has an off day it is spent with his family, going to their events, taking them to movies, just hanging out. James is more about family and community. In Miami he had the family but not the community that he loved so much in Ohio. Plus James did not want to raise his children in Miami.

Lebron James gets it. When he does win a title in Cleveland it will be worth so much more.

 

[B-Deep]

in Riley we trust

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Burning jerseys? The guy brought a 10 win team nba relevance. Most of us do deeply care just have perspective. We got 4 years of that guys prime. Sure it hurts but overall I'm happy to feel the pain of loss, I assume most fans feel the same way here.

Ok off to the beach.

all two of you

 

[TobiasFunke]

Something I haven't seen mentioned- David Blatt must be absolutely ######## his pants right now, assuming this wasn't already known at the time of the hire. At least Spoelstra was around the Heat and Wade and Riley before he took on that massive burden in 2010.

Huh? He just got the best player in the world who understands that winning might not happen right away and wants to help be a mentor. I'm not sure you could possibly walk into a better situation.

I didn't mean it in a bad way. I meant that he's gotta feel overwhelmed. He likely took the job thinking he'd be relatively anonymous as far as NBA coaches go for a while. Now he's got a massive spotlight shining on him and a ton of new expectations to deal with.

Well that seems pretty naive considering he knew James decision was on the horizon.

Most people assumed LeBron was heading back to Miami as recently as a week ago. I have no idea what more the Cavs knew and when they knew it- my guess it that they thought it was a possibility but far from a certainty.

Regardless, it's interesting that maybe the most anonymous NBA hire in years is also now in the job that puts him in a massive spotlight.

 

[scoobus]

If I was Cleveland, i would trade Waiters, Thompson, any other "prospect", and all 4 of the 1st round picks they have in the next couple years if i had to, to get Love. Find a way to keep Wiggins. Have Irving, Wiggins, Lebron, Love and Andy as a starting 5....championship. Bring back Big Z as a "role player"

What if Minny says no?

 

[Freelove]

Isn't this Cavs team way more talented than the team LBJ took to the championship? If they get Love or if Wiggins develps, I could see multiple banners hanging from the rafters. Spurs and Pop are great, but you can't fight father time. I could see 3 banners in the next six years.

If Spurs add Pau would you say this?

I think they probably need to do that to stay a contender, given the maturing of certain other teams, and the continued maturing of their own. But over a six year timeframe, I don't think Pau does much to help the age problem.

 

[Wooderson]

How much did James lay down on Cleveland to win it all before he left Vegas?

They are now favored to win it all.