Cavs Vs. Raptors

Over my spring break, I went to a Cavaliers game against the Raptors. There were a few things that I noticed that I have noticed before about the way my Cavs play. I've noticed it before but these aspects were very prominent during this game.

They do not pass enough. This is hazardous to their game because this makes them easier to guard because there is less ball movement. While sometimes in certain situations, less passes are a good team strategy, in this game, I feel like it ultimately caused their demise. Especially towards the end of the game because the Raptors went into a zone defense. Passing and penetrating the gaps are the main keys to defeating a zone and they did not really do either of those on that day.

Another thing that I noticed was about Daniel Gibson. When LeBron was in Cleveland, he was a key person that helped Gibson play his game. He is a spot up shooter, meaning that he has a hard time creating his shots, or he can take the ball all the way to to hoop. There really isn't much in between. He works best when a teammate drives and then he curls around ready to shoot. That way he is set and does not have to shoot off the dribble. That is way Gibson needs LeBron or someone who plays like him. Since James left, Gibson has not been playing as much and I think that is part of the reason. Other than other people with better all around talent have joined the team. The video that I attached below is of some of Gibson's highlights from the 2009-10 season while LeBron was still there. The moves that he performed during this year were probably the best of his career.

Lebron Coming Back to Cleveland?

When I turn on the TV to STO it seems to be all they are talking about lately. Will he or won't he come back?

 
Honestly, I don't know how I would feel if he did, but he won't come back. I think that he just said that to calm down the Cleveland fans so they weren't as mean to him when they went to go play that week. In the interviews that STO did with people of Cleveland, most said that they would welcome him back. I was pretty shocked with this response actually. Maybe the people of Cleveland could forgive him? I think that I could maybe but I won't really know unless it happens, but I don't think it will happen.

The only reason why he wants to come back is because he is not getting the attention he used to in Cleveland and it is making him regret his decision even if he doesn't say it. In Cleveland, he was it. He had decent supporting roles but no one that could really match him. Now, he is surrounded by players that can help him, two being Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Some of he best players in the NBA. Now, he is sharing the spotlight and he doesn't like it.

Like I said in an earlier post, it is partly Cleveland's fault that Lebron is the way he is. They made him out to be the savior of Cleveland and so he adopted the role. Who wouldn't when your 18 years old and your picture covers the whole side of a building? They called him King James. He was still a kid. That was a lot of responsibility for a young man, or anyone at that age to handle.

That is why I think that he was just trying to soften the blow that he would take at Cleveland. He knows he isn't going to come back any time soon. He just did not want to get boo'd as much as he usually does. But, he is full of surprises, I guess. Taking a pay cut to leave, leaving fans that adored him and leaving the way he did. We'll see what happens.

Cleveland vs. Orlando 2/3/12

I turned the game on with eight minutes left in the third quarter and one of the first things I see is Casspi turning the ball over under the hoop. He hit it off his foot or something ridiculous. We need to figure out ways to recruit better or we will never improve. But with this game, it doesn't help that Howard is a beast in the paint but that is still no excuse. Defense is about heart. Especially in the paint. It takes five people to successfully play the game and clearly we have no help side defense. We have no one that can stop him. Oh lord, another turnover. But, if we could recruit a center that actually knows what he is doing so we could move Varejao to the power forward, that would also be beneficial to the team.

As much as I hate to say it, I hope that we don't make the playoffs so that we could maybe get some draft picks so we could start getting players that we need. A guy that could shoot would be nice, along with the men in the paint. With Varejao in the four position, he could truly play the postition that he would be best at. I'm not putting him down, he's one of my favorite players. He has more heart than most pro players, but he needs to be put in better position to shine.

Oh, no. Another fast break lay-up by the Magic.

Yes! A three by Gee!

Oh, wait, two dunks in a row from Orlando.

At this point in the game, they are losing 80-68 and they are just giving up. The momentum is towards Orlando and I can slowly feel this game slip. Well, as of right now anyways. Hopefully I am wrong.

Crap, Sessions gets blocked by Howard, then Harangody gets called for a charge all in about 3 seconds. This game is so sloppy right now.

I CAN'T TAKE ANYMORE.

Click.

The Decision

I know that I may not know everything about The Decision and I will be the first person to admit that, but here is my take on it:

I did not expect Lebron to stay with Cleveland throughout his entire career. People are not loyal now a days. What bothers me is the way he left. He knew he was leaving but wanted to make a big show of it. I hear some people say that it is because he felt bad about leaving Cleveland. That is a load of crap, for sure. He just knew what was going to come out of it. He took a pay cut just to play with Bosh and Wade to attempt to win a title. I'm just glad he didn't go to the Pistons. Then I'd lose all respect for him.

Also, the impact of him leaving is partly Cleveland's fault. They built this man up to be Jesus so of course his leaving would probably be the worst event since Art Modell. He started in the NBA at 18. He's young and no one is perfect. I am by no means defending him, I'm just stating the fact that he had to grow up very fast. The fact that he said that he was going to take his talent to South Beach and join the Miami Heat just showed his immaturity because of the way he phrased it. You don't see many other players dragging it out like he did.

People just aren't loyal today and will go where they feel will give them a quick fix. True champions create greatness and make the people around them better. It's as simple as that. He couldn't do it at Cleveland. Maybe he's not as "great" as everyone thinks he is. Bird or Jordan didn't have to leave to be great. Now, if he were to win a championship, it will be tainted, to me at least, because of his actions. I know it takes a team to win, I played basketball my entire life. But sometimes, all it takes is one special person to bring people together to turn their experiences into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I know this is about two years late, but those are my thoughts.