Cavs - Heat LIVE BLOG

Pregame:

Initial thoughts: He's trying really hard to be detached. Walked out running in sync with the team, threw down a ton of dunks in the layup line. Put up easy shots, almost like he doesn't want to miss in fron of everyone.

The boos are resounding. They reverberate through the Q and bounce off of hundreds of 'Quitness' signs and shirts, off shirts that spell out B-E-T-R-A-Y-E-D, and back on to the court. The court where Lebron James stands, trying too hard to look detached. When there is emotion it looks like sadness.

Antawn Jamison is the only Cavs player to come over and talk to Lebron. The moment is awkward.

*This moment has been so hyped for so long. I can't wait for it to be over in many ways.*


Lebron gets announced first. You can't here the announcer over the booing. It continues for Bosh, and turns into resounding cheers for Big Z. Boos for Wade, and cheers for Erik Spolstra. Probably because of the hard line he has taken with Lebron.

*The energy is electric again, like it was when Lebron played here. This is the Cleveland we know, the energy that has been missing all year. A win is definitely possible with this kind of energy.*

 No shots fired, no bottles thrown. This is all good, the fans have operated perfectly. Pretty sure there was an "A-hole" chant. He should be happy that's all he got

HE threw the powder. That should not have happened, it was classless.

Without further ado...bring on the game of the year.

"Rise"

What should I do? The answer is a question





I really like this spot. Lebron, and Nike needed to stand by their decision and spokesperson, respectively.
It was necessary. Consider this the press conference that should have been. But it's not an apology, and that may not be a bad thing.

Austin RIvers

Is going to Duke. This is tremendous for me as a crazed Duke fan. This kid is the number one rated prospect, a point guard, and he personifies talent. He is also Doc Rivers' son, and plays for Winter Park high school in Florida.

"I think so at times," ... "It's always, you know, a race factor." - Lebron James

(These are ugly.)


His...comments...regarding race, concerned me.

Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance

Well Lebron you did it. You broke my heart, you crushed a city, and you did it in horrible fashion.

 You have joined the Miami Heat. All the media who shook in glee over the free agent summit dealings have been vindicated, and Lebron, Wade, and Bosh have now united.

Lebron was shown a video of his jersey being burned, and his response was that "that is something I can't get involved in" - Well that's just one of the plethora of ignorant, narcissistic statements "The Decision" featured. He then later went on to say that he couldn't make this an emotional decision, but then stated that he had to do what made Lebron happy (yes, third person, he is THAT cocky).

Day One

     So far, nothing too earth-shaking has happened in the NBA world in this, the first day of free agency. There were no midnight surprises, no big names scratched off the list, and only one threatening billboard.

Site Spotlight

The crew over at Dimemag do a great job of supplying a daily stream of info for the basketball-crazed.

Over the  course of the day, they will be posting articles with pros and cons to each possible destination for Lebron James.

So far, Clippers, Heat, and Cleveland Lebronoliers are up, so mosey on over

Hit List

Most of the buzz generated in July is gonna revolve around free agency, that's a definite. However, there exists a fair number of teams who have some players that could be traded as well...

     Chris Paul is the biggest name, I have no idea why the Hornets would ever let him go, not only is he still the best or next-best point in the league, he championed that franchise throughout all the tough times in New Orleans. He's their savior, and they have already shot down Devin Harris and the number 3 draft pick that is Derrick Favors. When a player this good can be had, there will be plenty of suitors, so look for plenty of talk, but seriously, never ever trade a franchise point guard.

     Tayshaun Prince is not safe in Detroit, and Rip could also be on his way out. We were talking about these guys moving last year as well though, but the Tayshaun talk is stronger this year.

     Andre Iguodala is still expendable to the 76'ers, and any trade involving him will most likely send over Elton Brand and his whopping contract as well.

    Gilbert Arenas to the Magic has been hot recently, and with Wall in town they certainly need to ship Gil out, this is the only player I see DEFINITELY being moved before the season.


In the sign-and-trade mill, the talks of Bosh and Jarrett Jack for Bynum and Odom are heating up again. Toronto would be happy with this deal, considering they're just about ready to give Hedo away, but this doesn't make a ton of sense for the champs. Bosh has stated he does not want to play an undersized center anymore, and Pau Gasol is much more effective at the 4 as well. Without Odom on the bench, there could potentially be no one in their second unit if Farmar and Brown bolt.


The Cavaliers have talked about shipping out both Mo and Delonte, with the redman most definitely on his way out. Rumored trade partner is Toronto, with Calderon being the target.


What do you guys think the Cavs should do in the offseason, assuming Lebron stays? Do you try to lure Bosh or another big-name big guy? Do you try to shake-up the point and ship out Mo? If Lebron leaves, do you blow up the team completely like the Wizards and try to pick up talent and picks?



(Excellent post by the squad over at Bleacher Report about trades affecting Lebron, great read)

Lebron Agency 2010

WARNING: The images below are graphic, and may be disturbing and offensive to some.

Best dressed man on draft night = Wesley Johnson. Smooth jumpshot, smooth pants.

And then this, well, this is what it's all about. The glory of the draft, the happiness of a dream being realized.

Cinderella Man

    Great song, good to live to
The beat is crazy, Eminem is CRAZY. (Warning: Explicit Content)



I own nothing shown in the video.

Tom Izzo?

After watching More Than A Game yesterday, I have come to the conclusion (or rather, stayed at...) That Bron is one of the cockiest people alive. But as everyone will say right away, what else do you think he COULD even be? Well he definitely could be humble, but I find myself believing that his persona is a media product. All his life he has been the best. On 'another level' compared to his peers - and always scraping at more potential. And being told that he's above where he is now, the world telling him he's the greatest, dubbing him king. So I think he performs to what is dictated for him, but ill always wish our global icon was one who defied the expectations and showed a sense of humility that showed - hey, even though I'm clearly the best at what I do, there's no excuse to behave like it. 

                         That being said and done, enter game 5. 

Interim

I swear I'm gonna put up a post tomorrow. Scout's honor


Make sure you check out this video if you can, though. Honestly it's funny, Big Baby may finally be able to shed his moniker in favor of "Shrek". It fits him perfectly.




Off to go watch More Than A Game on MTV. Appreciate Lebron before he leaves me and breaks my heart.

Dear Lebron James,

Thursday Bullets

• I have an AP Exam tomorrow. I'm destroyed already
• NO
• The Hawks better bounce back tonight, because no one wants another blowout series

(The Magic are still in another class then the Hawks, but let's see if they can win two at least)

• Dwight Howard will be absolutely ridiculous if the Hawks actually require him to play the whole game
• I graduated from Leadership Lake County yesterday, and I got a golden key chain. I have no idea why gifts are always useless..is it a rule?
• The Los Suns jersey were worn yesterday because of the new immigration act passed recently in Arizona. It's very nice to see a team acknowledge a law with their own power, it's a good move that shows concern for the fan base
• That law is ridiculous, there's at least five players ON the Suns that could be pulled over by INS...
• The whole debacle in NYC with the U-Haul is also ridiculous. It apparently wasn't a terrorist attack, but the nation is acting like that bridge is blown to pieces now.

Nash-Mania

The late-early game, and the lone game on the schedule for yesterday was game the second of the Suns-Spurs series. The Suns put up 110 points again, even though the Spurs came out with an energized look in the first and jumped out to an early lead. A Suns team that makes its threes is hard to beat though...

(The Canadian gooseneck)

Priming the Pump

As I actually have decided to dedicate myself to writing this blog, I will be updating it daily as often as possible.

Being in highschool, there will often be times when I cannot post during a day, and I apologize for that. Feel free to write angry mail to my teachers complaining for me..

If you're new to the site, here's a little breakdown of what you can expect

1. A franchise post a day - these are like recaps of the basketball action of the previous day. Highlights, so on.
2. Daily Nuggets - thoughts and things to look for in the day
3. Random player profiles when I can - Break down of players, that generally are underappreciated or a unique take on them.
4. Cavaliers related, completely biased homer statements throughout the year

That does make two articles a day, two very good reasons for all of you to check in with the site on the daily. Check up on the franchise, grab yourself some nuggets and relax.

The Martian Has Landed

       Rajon Rondo is a 4th year point guard, who is close to being the 3rd best point in the entire league. He is locked into a massive contract that he entirely deserves, and is the number one option on an elite team.

Tuesday Nuggets

Unfortunately, the inaugural post of nuggets...cannot include the Denver Nuggets. And their mascot


                        ...J.R. Smitty.

• Pray for George Karl. He recently suffered an issue with blood clotting on his path back from cancer. Karl dealt with clotting issues earlier in the year, and our thoughts are with him
• I'm very convinced that me working on this site instead of doing my Desktop Publishing work is a much better use of time...
• I probably should be working right now
• Brandon Jennings probably should have gotten stronger consideration for ROY. Maybe Curry too, because "Young Money" was more like rookie MVP then best player he gets shafted. Curry will be a better point than Evans eventually, but not a better player
• I predict that Dwight howard only fouls out once in the entire Hawks series, but he may be ejected once on top of that
• Suns-Spurs would be a hell of a lot more entertaining if Steve Nash breaks his nose again. We miss you Bruce Bowen
• If the Cavs wouldve given up J.J. Hickson, they could've landed Amar'e. The people who say he wouldn't have fit in missed the whole 'this is an elite player, he will fit, or he'll make it fit' doctrine. Now Hickson is barely in our rotation, Jamison still can't play defense...ugh

Passing the Torch (Again)

      Well rajon rondo is being transcendent tonight. I had to turn the game off for the fourth quarter out of hopelessness, but his 19 dimes were already tied for a franchise record on the most storied nba team. As I found out this morning, he only had 19. That breaks a Mark Jackson record for dimes ever dropped by or against a Cavs team, much to the disappointment of one Reggie Miller

Null-Kobe Vs. Null-Lebron

   Surprise, surprise everyone!

Both the Lakers and Cavaliers lost yesterday, and both Kobe and Lebron sat out.

The Cavs may have actually thrown the game in favor of the Bulls, for some reason...and the Lakers decided to try, but still lost a tight one to the Nuggets

The Boshapocalypse

Yesterday, Chris Bosh was given the largest opportunity of his life. With his broken orbital, he will now be able to wear a facemask, and fulfill his potential of looking like the Predator.


After what will probably be symbolic of the first-round thrashing the Cavs would give the Raptors, I wandered to ESPN to check out their playoff simulator.

Happy Easter

Went to Church, stomached some brunch with my family (ugh), and sat down to the Cav's game just in time to see them erase a 22-point deficit.

This game is a fine showing of the defensive gritties, and it'l be interesting to see if the final minute involves Lebron isos...

Thank you, Anthony Parker, for you Bruce Bowening.
           And, happy Easter everyone.

Fade to Blatche

     Often called unmotivated and lazy, the self-described "matchup problem" 

shows flashes of KG-like brilliance, minus the drive and intensity.Now that he's putting up the numbers (21 points, 7 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block in February), it seems like there's a bright road ahead for the skilled big.

Lebron 4 Prez

https://audience.nba.com/services/msib/flow/registerOrAuthenticate?url=http://www.nba.com/kiamvpfanvote/


Now fans have an actual say in the MVP process. I wish the fill-out for voting wasn't so long, but after you do it, you get to rank your MVP players 1-5. The votes and rankings will be tallied, and somehow affect the process. My only concern is that China gets a hold of this, and Tmac finishes 3rd in voting...


I voted -


Lebron (which is so ridiculously obvious)
The Durantula
Wade
Dirko
Rondo

What's your second place MVP?

Final Futility

     Well...that's what it feels like. I mean, I was close, until Nova lost. And until Kansas lost, Kansas State Lost, and John Wall and his squad turned out to have two left feet. So now we stand with:

#5 MSU

#5 Butler

and

#2 WVU

#1 Duke

     Squaring off tonight for our viewing pleasure. It's not quite what we expected, but should be thrilling nonetheless.

Instead of recycling the angles on every site (Butler isn't George Mason, don't try that here), I'm going to go ahead and point out four thoughts for each team, and toss out my predictions