Yes, real games are slated to start in around five weeks but when its Cleveland Cavaliers media day you know basketball has arrived.
The summer league was a preview and the FIBA World Cup was a
lay-up. The day Lebron James is introduced, means that things are about to get
real.
I can't decide what was more surprising today. Was it seeing James in a yellow and red Cavaliers Uniform? Was it seeing a slimmed down version of James? Maybe it was seeing his new hairline peeking through his white headband?
I kept wondering why wear a headband if you just had hair replacement surgery. We all know you got it done. We all know you will have to keep getting it done and most importantly we all know you will eventually shave it all off. I hope Wayne Rooney of Manchester United fame is listening and I am sure Karl Malone of Rogaine fame can add his comments.
Today, what I find the most surprising are fans and the media alike questioning whether James can lead the Cavaliers to the NBA finals. I am shocked that some still believe basketball is purely a team game and that an individual can't make the biggest difference.
Since taking his talents to Ohio, James has been fielding questions about when and how he can get back to the finals with the Cavs and if he can win it all.
Do you think he would've come back if he didn't think he could immediately? Do you think he wasn't the one that orchestrated the Kevin Love trade?
He only chose Cleveland because he knew it gave him the best shot at winning this season.
Basketball is one of the few sports where one man can make a
difference. Now some will say the San Antonio Spurs dispel that notion. Do you
think the Spurs would have won their first title without Tim Duncan?
He changed a franchise that already had David Robinson on it. Do you think Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker would have had the same careers without Duncan? Do you think Gregg Popovich would be the coach he is without the 'Big Fundamental'? No, none of the above would be true.
He changed a franchise that already had David Robinson on it. Do you think Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker would have had the same careers without Duncan? Do you think Gregg Popovich would be the coach he is without the 'Big Fundamental'? No, none of the above would be true.
James instantly makes the Cavs the best team in the East. By
adding Love they are favorites to win the entire thing. Who will challenge them
in the Eastern conference?
It won't be the Paul George-less Indiana Pacers.
The
Toronto Raptors can't match-up and the Chicago Bulls are one slip away
with Derrick Rose from falling back to the mediocrity stage.
Yes, there is still the Miami Heat
but we all know how that will end up with James taking out all his frustrations
lighting up the scoreboard.
So let's end the talk of the Cavaliers needing time to get back to the finals. James and the Heat went there in his first season on South Beach with arguably less talented players.
Put your money on James. The east goes through Cleveland. Who would have thought that statement would ring true again?
