James is already doing his part to prepare J.R. Smith for the season opener vs. Chicago on October 27. Kyrie Irving had hobbled through Game 1 before being shut down with a knee injury. It all seemed unsustainable, but it was all somehow working.
Advertisement
More like that team – that team in Cleveland.
So, what will stop the Cavs, if anything?
The only thing we do know for certain is that when talking Cleveland – all roads go through LeBron.
James’ on-court production has never been questioned, but after the 2011 National Basketball Association Finals loss there was a damning narrative circling LeBron.
“We lost that game but I “won” that game if you know what I mean”, he told the hosts with a grin.
From there the conversation shifts and LeBron discusses the infamous “Dunkman” dunk that has become his logo, as well as the novelty of a competitor wearing your sneakers. The fact that the Cavs rolled into the finals without him and gave the Warriors a serious challenge doesn’t look good for the case that Love was an essential piece. I’m going to bust your ass. That asking price is slightly more than Nikola Pekovic and less than Derrick Favors, Nene, Joakim Noah and Rajon Rondo.
Three Hawks had season-ending surgery a year ago with Sefolosha, Korver, and Shelvin Mack. Right now, Thompson is probably a somewhat overrated defender and an underrated offensive player. However, Thompson’s situation may be a little more complicated.
Jefferson’s numbers in the 98-96 defeat won’t wow you: seven points on 2-of-9 shooting, and 1-of-4 from 3-point range.
Budenholzer admitted to keeping his focus on his own team, as opposed to the Cavaliers or anyone else in the Eastern Conference or throughout the league.
It is unsure if James will feature against the Sixers, but the young Philadelphia squad should continue to try their best regardless of the personnel they will face. Love re-signed for five years, $110 million. Shumpert will be out for a stretch with a wrist injury and that makes the bench even more important.
James whipped out No. 6 at Cavs’ training camp. The game was played at the Cintas Center, the home of Xavier University. The regular season isn’t that big either, especially while Irving is out of the picture.
Shawn Marion couldn’t play the role a year ago.
Let’s look at the key decisions, both front the office and coaching, that the Cavs have made since James signed, considering the impact James may have had on them, and how they have worked out. But LeBron’s “coaching” record is more suspect. “The East has gotten better”. A few of the kids sitting courtside took full advantage.
‘I think I’m ready [to retire].
Rudy Gay, who started sharply after going 4-of-4 from three-point range on his way to scoring 14 points in the first quarter, went on to finish with a game-high 30 points for the Kings. Sefolosha is expected to join the regulars as the replacement for DeMarre Carroll.
The Cavs spent the summer getting the band back together.
Advertisement
“People that have been around appreciate, how versatile Paul and Al are”, he said.
