An Open Letter to Dan Gilbert

Mr. Gilbert,

First, we the fans of the Cavaliers want to thank you for your letter condemning the actions of LeBron James.  No matter the opinions of the pundits- we appreciate your passion and agree with your statements regarding James.  With that being said there are a few points we would like you to discuss with David Stern:

1. Salary Cap Issues: While David Stern certainly does deserve some credit for the success of the league- the fact is he truly hasn’t helped the game other than broadening the popularity overseas.  Virtually anyone could have rode the coattails of the Bird/Magic rivalry then the phenomenon that was Michael Jordan.  Stern should have forced the players union to give on some of the salary cap issues including following the very successful plan of the NFL.  NBA teams should have the ability to franchise players to assure they have the ability too, at the very least, get market value for players that leave.

2. Free Agency Time Frame: Having free agency after the draft is absolutely ludicrous.  Teams cannot possibly prepare efficiently through the draft without knowing their needs.  Stern needs to clean up the entire process.  It is as ridiculous as the MLB All Star Game deciding home field in the World Series.  In many respects David Stern is as clueless as Bud Selig.

3. Players: The NFL yet again leads all of the major organizations regarding player conduct and accountability.  We ask that you push Stern to create some of the formulas used by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.  Yes, they are very strict but the reputation of the League isn’t good and was only made worse by the free agent scandal labeled the decision.  The NBA must take control of it’s product and image.  The image of the league is that of thugs and heathens.

4. PED Testing: There is little doubt the landscape of the league would dramatically change if performance enhancing drug testing was enforced to the Olympic level.  There are obvious reasons why Stern doesn’t want this too happen.  The league should give it’s players six months notice to clean it up and then drop the hammer.  There is little doubt that a good portion of the league would currently test positive.

5. Officiating: While it is doubtful there are global conspiracies to fix games in the NBA (although it has been proven officials have been on the take), the officiating is absolutely atrocious.  Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals drew incredible ratings and what did the fans get to see?  A game where the officials swallowed their whistles (I.e. “let the players decide the game”) resulting in a wrestling match that ended in a low scoring, 83-79 affair.  This type of officiating limits the skills the game is built upon.

Mr. Gilbert, we hope you take these things to throne of David Stern.  We know you can be a great asset in the massive project to fix the game and protect it’s most valuable resource- the fans.

Regarding the self proclaimed “Chosen One”- we are all now fully aware of what type of person he truly is.  He is without a doubt one of the most self-absorbed individuals in all of sports-a lofty title indeed.  Now James is in his natural surroundings in Miami.  James will fit in well there and prove to be more like Tiger Woods than we could ever imagined.  As previously stated, we appreciate your honesty on James and can only ask for more.  We are intrigued to learn more about a player who not only tanked games but also lacked the common decency to share his “decision” with an organization who treated him very well.  Even more importantly, LeFraud failed to share his decision with teammates whom he  went to battle and shared a locker room with.  This sums up James more than anyone can.  He is a fraud just like Woods and we ask that you bring that all too light-including the stories on the not so lady like Gloria James.

The way this entire fiasco went down doesn’t solely fall on the large ego of James but also on the league, Pat Riley and David Stern.  A fight in the stands in Detroit, drug convictions, hell even murders by players cannot bring down the league; however, the suspicions of games not being played to win or meant to lose changes everything.  Chris Bosh sat out games that had playoff implications, James obviously quit during the playoffs.  Need we say more?  This falls directly on the league and Stern.  Regarding Pat Riley- it doesn’t take a long diatribe to describe one of the dirtiest players in the game.  Pat Riley resigned from his position with the New York Knicks via fax, yeah a fax.  Riley also fired Stan Van Gundy so he could get credit for a title with the Miami Heat.  Riley may be the only human on earth that is more self absorbed than “King” James.

Finally, while we love your passion and appreciate your promise to win a title before the Heat; Cavs’ fans realize this is highly unlikely.  Just promise us you will put your large bank account and your full energy into building a team that will make us proud and will be sustainable.  Although we all hated the Detroit Pistons- we respected their teamwork and work ethic (minus Rasheed Wallace).  Our hope is you build a team like the Pistons, where substance reigns over style.  A team that will worry about winning more than dancing, championships more than Jay-Z and a team that will not be hob-nobbing with the opponent.  Mr. Gilbert- bring us a team that epitomizes the blue collar work ethic of the great state of Ohio.  Also, please make sure LeFraud is barred from all sidelines at The Ohio State University.  I’m sure Coach Tressel will not have a problem doing that.

Kind Regards,
Stemavo Rheulus

PS- If Stern is fining you and the bigoted “Rev” Jessie Jackson is throwing barbs, you are doing something right.

LeFraud James - Why Are We Surprised?

Everyone was surprised by the prima donna, selfish actions of the self proclaimed “King”- looking back there was no reason .  The media whore James drove a Hummer as a student in Akron which placed his team in the limelight for the wrong reasons and jeopardized their wins and titles.  James and his “loving” mother have acted in this manner throughout his career.  However, up until this point, the diva James, has done his best to cover up his true self.

From high school James moved to Cleveland where he held the franchise hostage for seven years.  He didn’t sign the long term deal and often turn his head and even stated “the fans are spoiled by his play.”  Not exactly the words you would expect to hear from real champions like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan.  Players at their level lived up to the responsibility and pushed their teammates to get better.  Yes, James turned the franchise around and made it legitimate but he did no more with the team than did Brad Daugherty and Mark Price.

James did lead the team to the 2007 NBA Finals, where they were swept by the Spurs, and consecutive seasons with the best record.  Despite that “The Chosen One” couldn’t finish the deal.  Critics often point to the supporting cast, which may be true, but megastars finish the deal.  Stars play their best on the biggest stage or will their way to a win, see Kobe Bryant.  Instead, James preferred to flirt with Jay-Z and various other “stars” and made sure he hugged his opponent and of course threw his dust in the air.  Not exactly the focus and desire of a champion.  When the rubber met the road and his teammates needed a kick, the King was often too soft or maybe he was just overly concerned about who and what his mom was doing.

In the end- James is a front runner who doesn’t understand the meaning of loyalty or greatness.  He showed no respect by wearing Yankee and Cowboy hats to sporting events in Cleveland, laughing after losses and “recruiting“ other players to his marketing firm.  He seemed more excited about hosting SNL than playing basketball.  James is what he was in high school- an arrogant prick, surrounded by no-name thugs, who will sell himself like an inner city prostitute at a moment’s notice.  The self absorbed James hasn’t changed one bit- he is still a follower with no support structure in place-his father is nowhere to be found and his mom has been trouble throughout - for more information google Gloria James & Delonte West.  Can he control his mom while with the Heat?  It’s probably a safe bet LeFraud will resemble Tiger Woods more than ever in Miami.

James’ method of announcing and making the decision proves who he is.  His legacy is lost and he will be the most hated player in the league.  Quite the transformation your Highness, quite the transformation.  In the end, James did nothing for the city of Cleveland.  Had they not won the lottery and gotten Anthony or Wade, the story would have been the same.  Not only has he broken the hearts of his faithful throng, he did in a way that makes Judas Iscariot look like Mother Teresa.  LeFraud- you are no student of the game-far from it.  The great ones win on their own merit.  Winners don’t chase championships-they earn it…

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

Cavs Chatter

No Matter- Mike Brown Must Go

Mike Brown- Defense wins championships, that is the old mantra that critics and coaches alike go by.  It is a myth.  If you score you win.  Mike Brown was a noted defensive specialist but cannot win in the playoffs.  The fact is the Cavaliers should outscore anyone.-Plain and Simple.  If fired New Jersey coach Lawrence Frank was the coach of the Cavs they would still win 60 plus games.  If the 15 win Timberwolves Head Coach Kurt Rambis coached the Cavs they would still win 60 games.  The bottom line is if you, me the coach of a NCAA Division III school coached the Cavs they would still win 60+ games.  Mike Brown never deserved the Head Coaching position (stated by yours truly upon his hiring).  He is Romeo Crennel. Brown’s players showed no heart, no passion as they were defeated soundly on all hustle stats.  Brown is a bloated defensive “expert” who has no clue on the offensive end.  Mike Brown is a lifer as an assistant coach and should be supplanted as such. The bottom line is if you score you win.  Had the Cavs played like their normal selves on the offensive end (how about some adjustments Potato Head!) they would have won the series.  Like Crennel, Brown has no ideal how to motivate his players and make adjustments.  With or without LeBron James this clown has to go.

LeBron James- James lacked focus and desire throughout the series.  He states he gave 100% but that simply isn’t the case.  James is “new school” where players hug and recruit colleagues to Nike and the like.  The last thing Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan would do is give hugs after a monumental collapse.  They wouldn’t be smiling and hugging or clapping five to the fans.  They would be so pissed that the censors would be in dire straights in fear of “F“ bombs being dropped.  James needs to hate losing too achieve greatness.  Right now he values his business interests and various other hobbies far too much to be a winner.  He needs too hate losing like Kobe does.  So much so that life in general isn’t as good after losing.  Lebron played passive yet again and often looked disinterested.  If he had 45 rebounds it wouldn’t matter, as his scoring is the difference.  James should be ashamed of his leadership and his performance and more importantly his effort and his attitude.  Hurt elbow or not, James should have been leading his teammates and screaming at the like of Mo Williams for his lack of defense and Jamison for his lack of passion.  The bottom line is if LeBron James was totally focused on championships and nothing else, he would have signed an extension mid season to avoid distractions.  Instead he let the drama live which certainly created some discourse during the playoffs.  If he in fact leaves Cleveland, LeBron should be a bigger villain than any that have come through Cleveland- Art Modell included.

Danny Ferry- Ferry has been credited many times for his “strategic” moves.  Yet he didn’t bring Amare Stoudamire nor did he bring leadership.  Ferry has to do much more to bring a title.  The first step is to get rid of the imposter Head Coach Mike Brown.  He needs to bring in elite players and an elite coach who understand what winning is all about.  Ferry—bring a winner to Cleveland-please.

Cleveland fans you have heard it many times before- wait until next year…

Stemavo Rheulus

Cavs Chatter

Inexcusable

The question still remains, “Can the Cavs win a title with Mike Brown?”  The answer is likely no.  Mike Brown proves time and time again that he cannot win big games.  In the playoffs minute adjustments are the key to success, something Brown gets burnt on every post season.  The only thing worse than Brown’s ability with the clipboard is his ability to motivate his players.  For those of you who say the players should be motivated on there own, yada yada yada.  Case in point is the great Phil Jackson who is the chief motivator.  Rest assured he would be on the podium calling out his players if the Lakers put the type of effort in.

Brown’s lack of in game adjustments hurt the Cavaliers in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic.  He refused to adjust from his original game plan as he continued to go under screens giving up wide open three pointers.  The result was a shocking loss despite having the home court advantage.  When the Magic advanced to the NBA Finals to face the Lakers they found an opponent who took away their strength.  Jackson made a point to run the Magic’s long range bombers off of the three point line.  The result was another title by the Lakers.

Yes, the players decide games and the Cavaliers certainly have looked soft and disinterested.  They moped and whined throughout game 2, game 4 and inexplicably in game five.  Mo Williams who laid down in the 2009 playoffs, has lacked hustle and his “defense” is ridiculous.  Most if not all coaches would sit Mo for his lack of effort.  Shots come and go but defense is about energy and desire.  One of Brown’s many questionable choices was to place Anthony Parker on Rajon Rondo which was simply ridiculous.  In summary Cleveland has been out rebounded, out hustled, out coached and most importantly out gutted.

Even if the Cavaliers somehow bounce back and win the series and perhaps a NBA title, the lack of passion is something that is unexplainable.  The Cavliers have a talented roster which is good enough to win a title especially with home court advantage.  No team in the league or even an all-star team should hold the Cavaliers down like the Celtics have.  In the end the Cavs need a coach who has big game experience and has some fire in his belly.  Mike Brown hasn’t and won’t fit the bill.  Coach K, Pat Riley if you are listening…

Stemavo Rheulus, Senior Writer

The Cleveland Cavaliers came out flat on Tuesday night hosting the Washington Wizards at “The Q.” With Gilbert Arenas’ strong shooting the Wizards built a 16-point lead. The Cavs charged back late in the half as Mo Williams setup a Delonte West basket then scored a jumper in transition to cut the Wizards lead to 7 at 49-42 at the 2:32 mark of the 2nd quarter. The Cavs continued their charge to cut the Wizards’ halftime lead to just 54-50 with both LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal scoring in double figures at the half.

In the second half the Cavs started strong as LeBron and Mo Williams each hit 3-pointers to give the Cavs a 62-58 lead prompting Flip Saunders to call a timeout with just over 7 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter. A Shaq basket closed the quarter with Cleveland on top 78-73 with LeBron sniffing a triple-double at 25 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

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The 4th quarter saw the Cavaliers again start strong with a Shaq hook shot as well as a 3-pointer from Moon and a layup from Williams to open up a 10-point lead at 85-75 with 9:32. With LeBron and Shaq watching from the bench, Williams sunk another 3 ball followed by a 3 pointer from Boobie Gibson resulting in another Wizards timeout at the 7:28 mark. With Cleveland leading 91-77, Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown was able to rest both LeBron and Shaq as they enjoyed the show from their comfy courtside seats. during much of the final period. In the end, Cleveland was victorious by a 102-90 score led by LeBron James’ 27 points and Shaq’s 21. Williams, Gibson and Anderson Varejao each added double-digit points with Varejao’s 10 rebounds leading the way.

Cleveland has now won 3 straight after an 0-2 start to the season and the Cavs return to action on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls on TNT.

The Sports Cognoscenti

Cleveland Cavaliers

2009-10 Season Preview

The silence was deafening following the devastating loss to the Orlando Magic in the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals.  LeBron James said nothing; he shook no hands, gave no post game interviews and left the building.  Back in Ohio, Cleveland fans voiced their all too familiar slogan, “Wait Until Next Year”.  On the court, Cavs Head Coach Mike Brown was out strategized by the Magic’s Stan Van Gundy who spread the floor and operated through the best center in the game, Dwight Howard.  The Cavs’ brass knew a change was in order so they pulled off the biggest coup in the offseason by acquiring Shaquille O’Neal.  O’Neal quickly stated Howard’s waltzes to the basket will not happen going forward.  Can the Cavaliers end Cleveland’s 46 year title drought?

Starting Five:

G- Mo Williams: Williams had a very good campaign making the All Star team while averaging 17.8 PPG.  The first two rounds were no different as Williams knocked down open jumpers and penetrated, setting up his teammates.  In the ECF, Mo couldn’t buy a basket struggling throughout the series.  Williams will bounce back nicely and work off of Shaq and LeBron and enjoy another All-Star season.

G- Delonte West: West’s story was similar to Williams in that he had a very solid season, played well in the 1^st and 2^nd round then struggled in the ECF.  West brings tenacity and grit to the shooting guard position.  West has plenty of off court issues to deal with which may cost him some time.  If so, off season acquisition Anthony Parker will be the starter.

F- LeBron James: The 24 year old phenom now has the inside presence he has longed for.  LeBron should find the road to the path clearer with Shaq under the basket.  He is the best all around player in the game and knows how to make his teammates better.  His maturity is unfathomable for a 24 year old and he is the consummate leader.  With his eyes locked on the prize, James will have his best season closing in on averaging a triple double.  James, who turns 25 in December, will bring home another MVP trophy and this time the title as well.

F- Anderson Varejao: Andy brings intangibles to the table that are difficult to find.  He is a solid rebounder and a very good defender but also brings energy and passion to the floor.  On the offensive end, Varejao is underrated.  He has good hands and shows an aptitude in finding lanes to cut to the basket.  He will work well with O’Neal.

C- Shaquille O’Neal: The Big Aristotle comes to Cleveland with a lot to prove and championship aspirations.  Shaq will bring a defensive prowess the Cavs have never had.  O’Neal will match up well with Eastern Conference big men like Dwight Howard and Kevin Garnett. On the offensive end, O’Neal still draws double teams which will open up Cav shooters and of course the lanes for King James.  Shaq is a very underrated passer and will find success finding James and the Cavs perimeter shooters.  To quote Shaq, “A ring for the king” will be the goal for 2010.

Bench: The Cavaliers drafted forward Danny Greene from North Carolina.  The rookie will see limited minutes but will be a good asset down the road.  The signing of Anthony Parker, a versatile veteran, will prove very big throughout the season.  Parker is a good defender and a tremendous shooter off of screens.  The signing of Jamario Moon is very intriguing.  The lanky, athletic Moon will be a very good defender on wing players such as Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant and Vince Carter.  Daniel “Booby” Gibson will continue to get minutes at both the point and shooting guard.  Gibson is a clutch shooter and valuable defender.  JJ Hickson will be the backup at the PF position.  Hickson, drafted in 2008, continues to improve and will be a nice role player off the bench.  All Star center Zydrunas Ilgauskas will come off the bench.  The 7’2” sharp shooter wore down in the ECF and offered little resistance against Dwight Howard.  Z should play well down the stretch with less wear on the tires.  The Cavs also signed Leon Powe who is coming off knee surgery.  Powe is expected to come back this season and could be a valuable commodity during the playoffs.

Prediction:

EAST:

The Cavaliers toughest challengers in the East are the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic.  The Celtics improved their roster by adding aging Rasheed Wallace and the versatile Marquis Daniels.  If Kevin Garnett is healthy, the Celtics will be a very tough out.  The 2008 Champions will be looking to recapture the title from their arch rival Los Angeles Lakers.  The Magic ousted the Cavs in the 09 ECF before losing to the Lakers in the finals.  The 09-10 Magic will look a bit different as they failed to resign sharpshooting Hedo Turkoglu.  He will be replaced by athletic Vince Carter.  Carter should be a good fit but is not the caliber of shooter that Turkoglu is.  Although Atlanta, Washington and Toronto will be tough, the Eastern Conference is a three horse race.

The Cavaliers will defeat the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the ECF and make their second appearance in the NBA Finals.

WEST:

The Champion Lakers will look for a repeat with a significant acquisition in Ron Artest.  The irritable Artest will fill the role of defensive stopper with the departure of Trevor Ariza.  Many are pointing to Artest as the key addition to fuel another title run for the Lakers.  However, Ariza was younger, longer and a much better fit for the Lakers system.  Phil Jackson has a proven record managing superstars with attitude and will have the same success with Artest.  Kobe Bryant proved why he is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.  The 31 year old megastar now has four rings with plenty of years left.  Bryant averaged 26.8 PPG last season and should match those numbers in 09-10.  Pau Gasol is one of the best big men in the league.  Criticized for his play in the 2008 NBA Finals, Gasol bounced back in dominant fashion in the 2009 playoffs.  The San Antonio Spurs look to regain their championship swagger.  The 2007 champs added Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess which should ease the stress on the big three.  Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli are the heart and soul of the franchise.  If they can put a healthy season together the sky is the limit.  The young Portland Trailblazers are immensely talented with championship aspirations.  The team added veteran PG Andre Miller who will bring stability and experience to the position.  The Blazers are led by the most underrated player in the league, Brandon Roy.  Roy averaged 22.6 PPG, 5 APG and 4.7 boards a game in 08-09.  Roy has a tremendous 1^st step and is a great mid range jump shooter.  The key to the season will be the growth of center Greg Oden.  Oden was up and down in his first season and looked lethargic at times.  During his collegiate career at Ohio State, Oden was lean and tremendously athletic.  Upon entering the pro ranks, Oden bulked up and it affected his defensive prowess.  In the offseason, Oden lost 13 pounds and has reportedly regained his athleticism.  Critics forget that Oden is only 21 years old and no doubt will continue his improvement.  PF LaMarcus Aldridge averaged 18 PPG and 7.5 RPG last season.  He is a very good spot up shooter and offers a tough matchup for any team in the league.  Like the Eastern Conference, the Western Conference is also a three horse race.

The Spurs regain their spot into the NBA Finals by outlasting the Lakers in a very intense, physical WCF.  The difference will be the Spurs athleticism and the additions of Jefferson and McDyess.  Tim Duncan outplays Gasol in what will go down as a classic 7^th game.

NBA Finals:

The Cavaliers face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals for the second time.  The 1^st time was an ugly affair in the 07 Finals s in which the Spurs cruised to the sweep.  This time, LeBron James and Shaq will be too much for the Spurs to handle.  The Cavs end the Cleveland Curse and roll to the title 4 games to 2.

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

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When Hedo Turkoglu hit the jumper to put the Orlando Magic up 95-93 with 1.0 seconds left in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, it appeared that the Cleveland Cavaliers would hit the road down 2-0. But the MVP proved he was worthy. LeBron James nailed a 3-pointer with 1 second left to send the fans home happy and breathe life into the #1 seeded Cavs. The oft-criticized King James, most recently criticized for giving the ball up at the end of Game 1, should now have silenced the fiercest critics, Skip Bayless & Charles Barkley included.

With the series tied at 1-1, the Cavaliers will face the Magic in Game 3 on Sunday at 8:30 pm ET on TNT.

While the Cleveland Cavaliers did not appear to feel the effects of another 9-day layoff between NBA playoff games, the end result was not what the fans in Cleveland were expecting. Cleveland jumped out to a 16-point 1st Quarter lead and led by 15 at the half thanks to a 60+ foot shot by Mo Williams at the halftime buzzer. But the 3rd Quarter was key as the Magic fought back and Rashard Lewis hit a 3-point shot that proved to be the game-winner with just under 15 seconds remaining. The superstars had interesting games as LeBron James fought off leg cramps to score 49 points and Dwight Howard fouled out, but in the end the Magic’s team depth proved superior on this night as they easily dominated the Cavs’ bench players.

With the win the Magic lead the Eastern Conference Finals 1-0 and have “stolen” home court advantage and have handed the Cavaliers their first loss of the 2009 NBA Playoffs. Nonetheless, Cleveland Cavs apparel & merchandise continues to fly off the shelves as they look to even things up on Friday night in Cleveland.

NBA fans and the media expected it, and today the rumors and expectations became a reality as LeBron James was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. James received 109 of 121 possible 1st place votes as he wins his first MVP award in his 6th season in the NBA. During the 2008-2009 regular eason LeBron James averaged 28.4 points per game, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks.

The Cavaliers won their 1st round series 4 games to none over #8 seed Detroit and set their sites on #4 seed Atlanta. As always, fans can find the best Cavaliers playoffs apparel & hats online from DFN Sports sites.