Whether it was watching the Grizzlies stun the might Spurs, or watching the Hawks take out Dwight Howard and his Orlando Magic in the East. Then there was domination from teams like Boston, Oklahoma City, and Miami.

Yes, these NBA Playoffs have been great, and are sure to get better.

But there is one thing that I have realized over the past few seasons: the NBA Playoffs are not about who finished with the best record during the regular season. The NBA Playoffs have continued to show me that no matter if you’re an 8th seeded team or the best-seeded team, there is always the opportunity for you to advance.

And why is that? Simply: because the NBA Playoffs are a battle of matchups.

It’s almost becoming more obvious each year. There are always matchups involving one team that has a substantially better record over another, and yet somehow the team with the weaker record is picked to win it over the top-seeded team. Why is this?

Well the NBA’s regular season is a tough, long, and grueling season, but nothing seems to compare to the playoffs. The NBA’s 82-game season can be somewhat misleading in showing who really is the best team, which is why records for season series are so important. They are the best way to compare playoff opponents.

Why do you think people always say, “I don’t think they can beat ‘em in a 7-game series?”  It’s quite obvious folks. When April rolls by, we can actually examine, analyze, and give a team it’s true grade. Sure, the NBA’s regular season is a great barometer to show how the teams stack up against every team at least twice, but the postseason is totally different. I mean, seriously. In the NBA’s 60+ years, there have only been 14 number one seeds to take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June. That means that all of the other years were filled with underdogs, second-seeded teams, or what have you.

When it comes to the importance of matchups, just ask the San Antonio Spurs.

Sure, San Antonio have the veteran card, and they also have a great coach in Greg Popovich, but what they lack is exactly what the Memphis Grizzlies possess: youth & athleticism. The entire first round series between the two teams seemed as if San Antonio was playing ‘tag’ with bears. Manu Ginobili’s injury hindered his explosiveness, Tim Duncan’s knees had a tough time against the chippy Zach Randolph, and the speed and athleticism of guys like Tony Allen, OJ Mayo, and Michael Conley proved to be too much for San Antonio.

Furthermore, ask Lakers fans how it feels, as they almost fell to last year’s Thunder squad. Both the Grizzlies and the Thunder were 8 seeds, and both had youth and athleticism, which is something the Lakers and the Spurs aren’t exactly known for. The only difference was Memphis finished the job.

And how about back in 2009? This was the season when LeBron James had won his first Maurice Podoloff trophy (MVP), the same year that Mike Brown won the NBA’s Coach of the Year award, and the same year the Cleveland Cavaliers signed point-guard Mo Williams; and they finished with an NBA best 61-21 record. The Cavs seemed to have it all; they had the superstar, they [thought] they had LeBron James’ sidekick in Maurice Williams, they had a great bench, and they had one of the best crowds the NBA had seen.

Then came the NBA Playoffs, where the Pistons and Hawks were no match in the first two rounds, as Cleveland went a perfect 8-0 entering the NBA’s EC Finals. Who would they face next? The third-seeded Orlando Magic.

Yes, the same Orlando Magic team that had the snipers from deep, the great coach in Van Gundy, and the current three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year in Dwight Howard. This series didn’t look like too much of a threat from peoples’ perspective, but if you were a true analyst of the game, you knew that Cleveland was in trouble at the wing positions, would struggle with the power of Orlando’s bench, and would have to find a way to deal with the size of Dwight Howard. This quickly became clear to everyone, as the Cavs were struggling in each game. Rashard Lewis, and Hedo were posing issues for the Cavs’ perimeter-players, while Dwight was heckling the lanky Ilgauskas, and the 6-foot-9 Ben Wallace. The series was finished in 6 games, as Superstar LeBron James and his Cavs only had one positive out of the series: This!

There have been plenty of other cases where matchups proved to be much more of a factor than a team’s seeding and record. Just ask the ’07 Golden State Warriors, or how about the ’99 New York Knicks? We are even seeing this in a current series NBA fans: the Bulls & Hawks.

With Monday night’s victory for the Hawks, much can be said. First off, Chicago is going to need way more than Derrick Rose to take out an experienced, talented, and athletic Atlanta team. I mean, the Bulls didn’t quite dominate the 8th seeded Pacers. If you ask me, Indiana played harder than Chicago each game, but with a little help from questionable calls and the cheetah-like speed of Derrick Rose, the Bulls were able to escape.

But in this series, the Hawks pose some legitimate issues for Chicago.

Who will matchup with Joe Johnson on both ends? Keith Bogans isn’t a bad player, and neither is Kyle Korver, but certainly neither is a Joe. Johnson holds speed, strength, athleticism, height, and overall talent over Korver and Bogans.

How about the PF spot? Don’t get me wrong, Carlos Boozer is a hell of a player, but like someone told me today, he is a bulkier version of Chris Bosh. Both tend to play a bit soft, and neither likes to hang down low. Josh Smith’s youth and athleticism will cause some issues for the recently-injured Boozer.

How about Noah? While he is a hell of a defender, I’m afraid Al Horford’s size and ability in the paint will pose issues for Joakim. Most of this has already been shown in Game 1.

At the end of the day people, the NBA Playoff matchups are determined by seeds. But does that mean much in terms of who will win or lose? Not really. We have learned that matchups are huge for a 7-game series, as they truly expose a team’s flaws against another, be it size, strength, ability, speed or any other attribute. We’ve seen it before, we will continue to see it, and who knows, we might even see the current #1 seeds knocked out before June.

What I do know is that these NBA Playoffs have been exciting, and hopefully I’ve helped shed some light for my fans!

Thanks for reading & don’t forget to get at me on Twitter!

LeBron James returned back to his Cleveland throne, and in stellar fashion, dropping 38 points in 30 minutes, including a 24-point 3rd quarter, as he wiped out the Cavaliers. He ignored each and every boo he heard, ignored the t-shirts, signs and hate from everywhere. And he did it all with a few smiles, chuckles, jumpers in front of the Cavs bench, and sideline celebrations.

Yes, LeBron has passed the toughest emotional hurdle he’ll have this season.

But what now? He didn’t curse back at the Cavs fans, he didn’t flip the bird to anyone. He let his game speak, and it spoke louder than ever. But what exactly did his game say?

It said: he is accepting his role as one of the most hated and loathed players in the NBA. He has accepted his role, as the villain.

With the outpouring of impressive chants from Cavs fans, which included “Sco-ttie Pi-ppin”, “De-lon-te”, and “Ak-ron hate-s you”, LeBron somehow used this all to fuel his fire.

Don’t get me wrong, LeBron has said more than once that he loves the Cavs fans, and he won’t ever forget what they’ve all been through together, and how they have helped him become the man he is today. Well, little did Cavs fans know LeBron would come back to them in his eighth season, donning red and black, wearing a black headband, and silencing a hateful crowd, in a span of 48 minutes.

And it was quite obvious. Whenever he’d take a trip to the free-throw line, the chants would pour in, but LeBron did it the way mom used to say: “Kill ‘em, with kindness.” And that is exactly what Mr. James did, with smiles left and right, chuckles here and there, LeBron smacked Dan Gilbert, and each and every fan who hated him.

AP Photo/Tony Dejak

You could see it in the beginning. LeBron was straight up feeling the butterflies. You could read it in his face easily. It hit him. He was back in Cleveland, but against Cleveland. It sounded like a movie script. The man who stole the hearts of Ohio was now breaking them.

As the first half passed, it seem LeBron became more and more comfortable. He recognized that this was the building he used to dominate, so why would it stop him now? Because he has a different jersey? Nah.

Whether it was his one handed lay-in, plus the foul, or it was his pull up jumpers from 3, or his reverse-baseline lay up on Andy, LeBron was proving to Cavs fans that they might not ever forgive the former # 23.

But nothing could prepare the Cavs team, and fan base, for what would happen next. We all remember the numerous hanging jumpers, or pre-game celebrations/dancing, or the sideline jams LeBron would throw down, right where his sweet spot was. Don’t tell me you don’t remember!

Well, for those of you who don’t, it’s right in front of Cavs bench. Yep, that’s right. In front of Mo, JJ, Andy, Jawad, Jamario, Boobie, and the rest of the squad. With every jumper that sank into the net, it seemed like a dagger would sink into the hearts of the Cavs fans, and Cavs players.

By the end of the 3rd quarter, LeBron had poured in 24 in that quarter alone; and by making most of those shots, in his “sweet spot”.

The rest of the game was more of, “Let’s see what else LeBron does”, as the boos, yelps, and hollers began to die down. The signs were beginning to drop, and the faces of every individual person in the arena went from mad to sad.

AP Photo/David Richard

LeBron had done it. He’d not only won the game, but he’d won the emotional game of tug-o-war. Finishing with 38 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, King James did more than enough to show the world why he is still the reigning 2-time MVP, still the best basketball player in the world, and why you should still fear him.

The emotional bonds are now broken. LeBron went back home, and accomplished business. If he can do that to his loved ones, imagine what he can do to your team.

Scary. Or more like, villainous.

Here are some videos of Thursday night’s emotional game:

Though the Heat’s season has been somewhat of a disappointment, with coach Erik Spoelstra having his job on the line, Wade and LeBron not being on the same page, and the injury bug looming, we still find  someway to hype this up. And with much reason…

The Ohio-native returns; the King of Akron is about to have a not-so-homecoming party. Not in wine and gold, but in red and black.

LeBron James, is returning to Cleveland.

As a Cavs fan, this could not be any bigger. My favorite athlete is returning to the arena, city, and team he practically built with a basketball. I can’t remember a “return”, to have this much hype. According to reports, Thursday night’s game is said to have the media, and audience of an Eastern Conference Finals. I’m not surprised.

This is pretty much an NBA Finals Game 7 for this Cavalier team. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love this team as much as the next guy, but unless Byron Scott gets things figured out quickly, they aren’t making the playoffs.

So, this is their Super Bowl. This is everything for the players, fans, front-office, and everyone in that city. They were screwed over this past July, and without a doubt, they want to send a message to the “self-proclaimed King,” as Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert said.

AP Photo/Amy Sancetta

What can we expect from the city of Cleveland? To be honest, I have no idea. This is a sports crazed city, with die-hard and passionate fans. You never know what you’re going to get. But Cleveland officials aren’t messing around. They have already been in contact with the police department, and various security forces, to ensure LeBron, the Heat, and everyone else in that arena have a safe experience.

Those reports are according to ESPN, but Dan Gilbert doesn’t seem to agree with it. He made comments pretty much saying that it isn’t expected to be animalistic, but it won’t be a church service either.

With that said, I still believe there will be some nut job who’ll pull something stupid out of his rear — whether it’s streaking, throwing something on the court, or something of that nature. Let’s not lie folks, we are all awaiting to see exactly what’s going to happen.

But what’s in store for the Heat? As for the team themselves, I can only imagine the hate with which they’ll be drowned for taking the city’s icon. Wade and Bosh will walk in with smirks, knowing they have “the man”, while Cleveland knows they lost him. This can’t end well.

What’s in store for LeBron? No, he won’t get murdered or anything like that. And he won’t get intentionally hit in the groin or anything (at least I hope not), but he will be murdered spiritually, and I 100% believe that.

From the pre-game chalk toss (which he is rumored to do), to halftime, and until he walks onto that bus, LeBron’s spirits will be facing unbearable scrutiny. Sure, LeBron says he’s going in calm, cool, and collected; but you can’t believe it. He grew up there, he was raised there, and he became what he is today in that city of Cleveland.

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

But let’s not forget this is still a basketball game. The Heat are playing the Cavs. It actually might be tighter than you think.

The Heat are not only in a horrible slump at the moment, and lacking big man play, point guard skills, and better bench play, but are being hammered by the media, left and right. Spoelstra’s job seems to be on the line, and LeBron’s right shoulder doesn’t seem to want him there. As a matter of fact, ESPN even claim that Heat team members are beginning to question Spo’s coaching abilities.

But, this is still the Miami Heat, who have LeBron, Wade, and Bosh. Let’s not forget that.

As for the Cavs, they actually have something to counter Miami: great point guards. Mo Williams, and Ramon Sessions, are fast, athletic, streaky, and can run an offense. Exactly what Miami needs.

And with Byron Scott calling the plays, the point guards just might exploit Miami’s woes. Let’s not forget the emerging JJ Hickson, who can show a guy like Bosh numerous problems, with his strength and rebounding. This is still a game, NBA fans!

Yes, a game. But it’s also, “More Than A Game”, as LeBron would say. He’s coming back home. Not in a welcoming way, but on the other team’s bench. Almost like the villain we’ve been portraying him as. The media has this covered, the fans are ready to scream, curse, shout and holler, and I’m ready to witness. Are you?

LeBron James is now going to my home in South Florida.

More precisely, Miami.

Does that do anything for me? No. Without a doubt.

I’ve been a Cavs fan since I can remember, but this one goes down as a defining moment in sports history, and it has two sides, the beautiful, and the ugly.

There has never been such a huge buildup to anything that I’ve ever seen in sports more than this one moment. It had a total of 6 million dollars in advertisements and drew an audience like none other. And during the interview LeBron James announced his decision where he would play for the next 5 years of his career while making people in Miami fall in love. At the same time he broke the hearts of each and every fan he once played for…on national TV.

Right after the announcement, I put my face in the palms of my hands, and asked myself, “Why LeBron?” I surely would’ve thought this iconic NBA figure would’ve had more class and respect than to just flat out smack his home-state in the face like that, but just like my prediction of where he’d end up, I was dead wrong.

Hours later, we got to hear from the man that put LeBron in position for a ring for the past two seasons, Dan Gilbert, the Cavaliers majority owner. He had some wonderful words for the fans of Cleveland:

Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

“I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south. And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….

Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

I think Dan Gilbert has said everything we’ve wanted to hear. Expect more from the Cleveland side, in the coming days…

So what’s next for LeBron? Where do we go from here? Well, as you can see from the above, you know the Cavs fans have gotten a head-starton their festivities, and so if they have begun to move on, so should everyone else.

Now, what to make of the new trio in Miami?

Without a doubt the NBA should begin preparing for something historic as you have 3 of the top-10 scorers on your roster and 3 of the most iconic players in the NBA in Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh. It’s like Team USA all over again, except this time they are wearing white, red, and black jerseys, and they are playing right next to strip clubs, sandy beaches, and beautiful women at every corner.

Not a bad lifestyle, huh?

But, it’s going to be complicated to wonder how Heat coach Mike Spoelstra will handle all that star power. Without a doubt, this is going to be a daunting task and Spoelstra will have his work cut out for him. But hey, it’s been done in the past, with guys like Magic, Kareem and Worthy, and Bird, Parish and McHale.

We’ve seen it done before, but can it be done with this squad?

LeBron and Wade seem to have the same mindset, except LeBron is a superior passer and rebounder, so how long until the paint gets clogged? Who knows, this just might be the “Cavs fan” in me speaking. No matter what LeBron did or said, we as NBA fans should appreciate the basketball we will witness in the next 5 years, in Miami.

In the end, life goes on and we must accept what happens, whether we like it or not. And for those of you up in Cleveland, my heartfelt apologies go out to you, because I cannot think of one city that deserves this any less.

As the last 7 years passed, we all watched LeBron go from the friendly neighborhood kid to the star of the franchise, all the way to the King of the NBA world; and the funny thing is that he did it all without winning a single championship. Maybe that’s why he’s leaving. I mean, it is the easy rout. Why not go play with 2 of the league’s best and cruise to the NBA Finals? Maybe LeBron was just tired of crying every season and walking away empty-fingered?

Whatever the case, we need to stop all the speculation and cut the rumors. No one knows exactly the logic of why LeBron did what he did, whether it was to be with his buddies, or because he couldn’t handle the pressure in Cleveland. Whichever’s the case, we have the facts now:.

• One, it will be awkward watching LeBron James in a Heat jersey.
• Two, the Miami Heat are the favorites next year in the East.
• And, three, LeBron is gone, and no one else can say it better, than those in Cleveland…

Thursday morning ESPN reported that Byron Scott will be named the Cleveland Cavaliers new head coach.

Scott is a former NBA player who played a key role on the Lakers for three championship seasons (’85, ’87, ’88). He was around great players like Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most of his career.

He also has coaching experience, having coached the New Jersey Nets to two NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. The Nets lost both of those series because the Lakers (2002) and the Spurs (2003) were far superior then his Nets teams.

After he was fired by the Nets he was hired by the New Orleans Hornets. He had a few rough early years with the Hornets but when Chris Paul matured they went 56-26 and Scott took home the 2007-2008 Coach of the Year. But Scott was later fired earlier this year.

Now since every blog post must mention LeBron James, lets talk about the King. Could this convince LeBron to stay with the Cavaliers? Of course, he fits what LeBron wants in his new head coach.

No nonsense coach. Check

Coach who played in the NBA. Check

Coach who won championships as a player. Check

What more could LeBron ask for? Well maybe if the Cavs kidnap Phil Jackson, but what more could he ask for that is legal.

Also Scott has a good relationship with disgruntled point guard Chris Paul. Maybe Paul could be traded to Cleveland or could he sign with them next year when his contract ends.

So if the Cavs can get Paul, who was a memeber of the All Defensive Team in 2008 and 2009, that means Mo Williams, who was a weak link in the past two playoffs, can move to the bench and be a dominating 6th man who wont have to worry about his struggling defense.

And Paul, who won’t have to worry about carrying a crappy Hornets team, can focus more of his energy on shuting down superstar point guards like Derrick Rose and Rajon Rando who gave the Cavs troubles this year.

Hold on a second while I wipe off the drool on my keyboard……..Ok I am good now.

I love this hire for the Cavs, I like Scott’s coaching style and I think LeBron will like the hire too. In the future Cavs fans could look back and realize that this hire was the key factor in keeping LeBron and hopefully was the key factor in plenty of championships.

**********

* – Byron Scott / Chris Paul photo credit: Eliot Kamenitz/The Times-Picayune via Nola.com

Without a doubt, those are the five names we will be hearing about most (if you’re not sick of them already) as soon as midnight strikes on good ‘ol July 1st.

Why?

Well, simply put, because each and everyone one of these players will not have an NBA team, will be in search of one, and will be in high demand.

Some might team up, some might go solo (again), others might make a trio, and could some go to Europe (okay, probably not). But heck, no one knows, especially when those so called “sources” are claiming that there are meetings being held in Miami, Chicago, via Skype, at LeBron’s house, and anywhere else you can imagine.

Whatever happens though, one thing is for sure: it will indeed change the course of the NBA’s future.

Kudos to the Celtics’ radio commentator, who after watching the Cavs get slapped out of the playoffs by Boston, said:

“..and the Celtics might have just changed the NBA landscape forever.”

Don’t believe it? I’m here to make you a believer.

So for those of you whom are unaware of the entire free-agent list, here it is in it’s entirety, so you can drool at the talent, and star-power.

So, you might ask yourself, who are the key teams in this free-agency bonanza, and who has the most mooh-lah to make it happen. There are numerous teams, but here’s a list of the teams who can spend the most, have the best pieces and can hit the jackpot:

1. Chicago Bulls – With players on a roster like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, and enough money to sign two players to a max-contract (meaning pretty much anyone), the Bulls are the team that holds the most cards.
2. Miami Heat – The Heat just got enough cap room to have nearly enough money for 3 max-contract spots, meaning if LeBron, Stoudemire, and Wade wanted to play in Miami, they could. But you’ve got to imagine that the rest of the roster would suck.
3. New York Knicks – It’s kind of funny how a year ago the Knicks and LeBron were two of the most searched topics on Google, yet the Knicks aren’t even the favorite to land the King. But anyways, the Knicks have the money and they have the “Big Apple” thing going for them, so how can you not take a second look?
4. New Jersey Nets – The Nets have Mikhail Porkhorov and now have a great coach in Avery Johnson. They also recently traded Yi Jianlian, and $3 million to the Wizards, which now lets them have enough space for 2 max-contracts. Also, Devin Harris and Brooke Lopez seem like great pieces to build around.
5. Los Angeles Clippers – The Clippers can sign only one player with a max-contract, but that’s not their main pitch. First of all, they play in LA, which is one of the greatest cities in the world. Second, they have a good-looking roster. When you have Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Blake Griffin, and Eric Gordon, that’s not bad at all. So would LeBron look good in the red/white/blue? Maybe.

Those are the key teams, but that doesn’t mean they are the only teams to look at.

Let’s not forget the ex-teams for each of the stars, which always have home court advantage (i.e. Cleveland, Miami, Toronto, Phoenix, etc.). And might I add that even though the 5 teams above are great scenarios, the Cavs still have a good chance to resign LeBron, Miami seems like a favorite in Wade’s mind, and Toronto could have a shot at a sign and trade with Bosh.

So now that the top teams have been shown, how about the top stars? You know, that LeBron guy, and that kid Bosh. I mean, they are pretty much the reason as to why we are salivating at the thought of dotted lines being signed.

So why not dissect each of the top players, and explain (in my opinion) where each could sign?

LeBron James

The guy who’s holding all the cards. The guy who is changing his jersey number to 6 next season, and the guy who is making each and every single person in Ohio at risk for a heart attack.

Without a doubt, LeBron is the prize to be won, and each and every team with money is looking directly at him. The best player on the planet should have all this attention, and that is why we hear rumors left and right about Worldwide Wes, and Leon Rose (his agent), and how many sips of water he drinks while he’s in New York.

It just shows you how valuable the guy truly is.

Does that mean the team with the most money will obtain him? No, because if that were the case, LeBron would have signed with Cleveland, as the former team can always offer more money than any other team in the NBA.

Will he go to the team with the most talent? A healthy combination of both? I can’t tell you where he prefers to play, but I will give you my best guess.

Personal Prediction: Cleveland makes a couple of trades, and one is an eye-opener*, hire either Byron Scott or Brian Shaw as head coach, thus having LeBron feeling the “home pull”, and he signs a 3-year deal with the Cavs.

*Possible a big sign & trade, perhaps with Toronto??? (Interesting)

Dwyane Wade

Wade is right up there with LeBron. Young, a freakishly athletic monster, and a future Hall of Famer. Wade is the clear cut No.2, right behind James.

The one knock on Wade, is that he has already won a championship in 2006, and it will make it harder for other teams to pull Wade away from the beautiful city of Miami, which is where he did win the Finals in 2006. Might I add, Wade has made it clear he wants to return back to Miami, but there is always the catch. He has been telling Miami’s top officials since last year, he wants things done if he were to return, which basically means he wants a second guy in there.

Can Pat Riley get it done? Without a doubt, because the Heat can sign 2 max-contracts and possibly a third. But again, will it get done? That is the question.

Personal Prediction: The Heat go out and sign one of the big free-agents (Stoudemire/Johnson), use other cap space to sign lower level free-agents, Pat Riley takes over as coach, and Wade happily stays.

Chris Bosh

If I’m an NBA GM or owner, I want Bosh just as bad as I want LeBron or Wade. Bosh is clearly one of the game’s best players, and is also one of my favorite types of players: hybrids, meaning eaning he has the jumper, he has the post skills, and can also take it to the rim at times.

Players like Chris Bosh are hard to come by, and are very valuable. Put him with a great guard, or smaller forward, and that team will be very hard to beat.

That is exactly what it looks like will happen, as rumors mostly have Bosh going elsewhere with another big name. Could it possibly be down in Miami with Wade? Or would a sign & trade occur with Toronto, and a lucky bidder?

Personal Prediction: Toronto sees that Bosh is lost, and decide to do a sign & trade with a few teams with pieces. Possibly Mavericks, or maybe even the Cavs. Hard to predict sign & trades, but my opinion is that things go that way.

Amar’e Stoudemire

Amar’e is right up there with Bosh when it comes to valuable pieces. I don’t believe you can build a franchise around either, but add them to your roster with others, that team can easily become a contender any year.

Stoudemire has made his value that much stronger, as he has developed a great array of moves around the paint, and has gotten a good-looking, mid-range jumper. While he and the Suns have been rumored at having talks at the moment, nothing is official as of yet.

But the one thing that is for sure is that the Suns chances or re-signing Amar’e went down when they decided to part ways with ex-GM Steve Kerr. So is Amar’e headed out?

Personal Prediction: The Suns and Amar’e talks stall, Dwyane Wade uses his star power to lure Amar’e into Miami, as the two make a great combo and Stoudemire signs for about 3-5 years.

Joe Johnson

One of my favorite players in the NBA. I often compare Joe Johnson’s offense skill sets to that of Kobe Bryant. Don’t get me wrong, Joe is nowhere close to Kobe, but he seems to have the same array of weapons: the jump shot, the tenacity to attack the rim, and the pure offensive onslaughts he can put on.

Without a doubt, Joe is one of the better wing players in the league. Put him on a team, and he gives you great leadership, experience, and a 3-point threat. Is he a franchise player? In my opinion, no; but, he isn’t far from it.

Who wants him? Everyone, but the thing is, he isn’t at the top of their list…or is he? The Knicks have had great interest in Johnson and love his play. There has also been talk of Mark Cuban trying to pull of a sign and trade to bring Johnson to Dallas. Doesn’t sound too bad, does it?

Personal Prediction: The Knicks begin talks with Joe from the beginning, thus having them in a “favorite” position. The lure of New York takes Joe by storm, and he signs with them for 2-4 years faster than we think.

So as you can see, the star power is just as strong as the rumors. Sometimes, I even get tired of hearing them. But, at the same time, it’s what makes the off-season so special, and it’s what makes things so exciting for the fans.

So NBA fans, you better be prepared, because as soon as midnight strikes, the rumors and talks are going to reach a level we might not have seen before, and you all better be prepared. I know I will, and if you need the latest, just make sure to follow me on Twitter!

Once again, thanks, and stay tuned!

]]> http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2010/06/nba-free-agency-predictions-lebron-wade-bosh-amare-johnson/feed/ 8 http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2010/06/tom-izzo-cavaliers-marriage-on-the-line-today/ http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/2010/06/tom-izzo-cavaliers-marriage-on-the-line-today/#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:57:04 +0000 Devon Alexandre http://www.midwestsportsfans.com/?p=15349 It’s everywhere you look.

Whether on mainstream ESPN, or internet media outlets, or your local radio shows, the topic that is trending on Twitter - and is sadly overshadowing the NBA Finals – is Tom Izzo, LeBron, and the Cavs.

It was reported first by Brian Windhorst of the Plain Dealer that Izzo is the Cavs’ top choice, but even then things seemed like a long shot. As the weeks passed though, more insiders began shedding light, breaking some news, and getting the story.

Then, came the official announcement from Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and newly announced GM Chris Grant:

Tom izzo and the Cavs have been flirting quite a bit in the past week, especially since the firing of Brown and resigning of Ferry, but today could be the day that it becomes official:

Tom Izzo could be the new head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

But there is always the IF factor…

[Editor's Note/Update: Our friends at Waiting For Next Year were the first ones to report that Tom Izzo had already informed his team that he intended to take the Cavs job. They, of course, took heat for this, but I thought Denny did a great job defending their decision to report this anonymously sourced story.]

It was first reported today in the early morning today by Windhorst, that Tom Izzo and the Cavaliers would have a meeting today to discuss everything Cavs.

Then more insight came in the early morning, as Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski reported that today’s meeting is indeed the deciding factor for Izzo, and that the topics to be discussed are the following:

A huge part of the deal is obviously and without question going to have to include the staying of LeBron, right?

Wrong! Sources close to Izzo, say that while LeBron is a savory part of the deal, it is not going to be the deciding factor for Izzo. Sources close say that Izzo has been looking more closesly at what the Cavaliers would do if the star never returned, and how they would revamp the roster for a plan B. While others say that Izzo, and the Cavs both strongly believe that LeBron would return to his Cleveland throne.

But another huge factor, is money.

Plain and simple amigos, money talks in this world, and when Dan Gilbert – whom has attempted to pry Tom Izzo from the MSU faithful since 05 – is offering Izzo a a 5-year, $30 million dollar deal, you’d have to imagine that Tom is strongly considering the deal this time around. There has been word of other perks, such as use to one of Gilbert’s private jets, and a couple others. Also note that Gilbert is a MSU alum, and – as I said – has been trying to pry Izzo from the Spartans since ’05!

So can today’s meeting be enough to bring Izzo to Ohio? It just might.

While as of late Dan Gilbert has been talking to the media, Izzo and his reps, and the others in the Cavs front office, there has been one person that he is primarily trying to get his word out to. Not you, not me, not even Tom Izzo, but…

…LeBron James.

Dan Gilbert has been playing his cards well, and now that he might be closer than ever to bringing in the MSU coach, he might, just might, giving The King one more reason to stay home.

**********

Tom Izzo photo courtesy: Sparty and Friends

Dan Gilbert photo courtesy: Cleveland.com

While going through my email this morning I happened upon the article once more. I think it is almost more insightful and appropriate now, a week later, when we still don't really have any more of an explanation for the Cavs' terrible play against Boston than we had a week ago.]

———-

I come from Buffalo, a town known for its “almost but not quite” teams.  We long for a champion, and for that reason I have come to love watching the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James.

Why?

Because they play with a love of the game, and have a team mentality that has propelled them to the top of the league two years in a row.  LeBron deservedly won MVP two years in a row, the team was the top seed this year, and they had made all the necessary tweaks and additions to win the NBA title this year.

Or so we all thought.

So, what happened?

I worried when Head Coach Mike Brown pulled LeBron out of the last four games before the playoffs, to “rest him”.  All the commentators shook their heads at that decision.  My own questions were echoed in their confusion.

Why would you pull your best player, your floor general, your sparkplug, for no reason, no injury, just before the playoffs?  Why lose your edge, your focus, your momentum just before the post-season? Wouldn’t you want your team to end the regular season with four big, crushing wins, to propel them into the playoffs, to show all opponents that you are the team that can’t be beat?  That your team is in “the zone”?

I worried that decision would derail their “rhythm”, but what can I do?  I’m just a shlubby fan, hoping that this year will be the year that “The King gets his ring!”  Wasn’t that the reason they acquired Shaq?  Wasn’t that the reason they let Ilguaskas go and acquired Jamison?  Hasn’t that been LeBron’s one unclaimed title and goal? So I just said, “Time will tell.”  And so it did.

So, the playoffs began with the Chicago Bulls, who squeaked by in their last regular season game to grab the last place 8^th spot in the first play-off round.  Cleveland should have swept that series with their eyes closed.  But they struggled.  I was worried that the energy and effort seemed lacking, but they managed to win the series in 5 games.  NOT a good sign.  They were then matched with Boston, and I felt it would be a hard-fought series, but believed that the Cavs wanted this so much that they would find a way to win in 7 games.

LeBron’s elbow then became the focus, the question, the worry, the fans’ excuse for his  uncharacteristically tentative play in the first few games of Round Two.  However, he told us that his was a policy of “no excuses”, and he and his team would play to win.

Let’s recap:  best regular season record overall, best home-court record, MVP two years running, home court advantage throughout the playoffs, top seed in the rankings, a team that was healthy and built around LeBron to create a winning mentality and capability, and a home town crowd unmatched for support and enthusiasm for their team.

And then LeBron comes out flat and almost invisible in the second game, at home.  And the fourth and the fifth games…and they lose two home games…and worst of all, James lacked the normal, expected, and needed leadership and encouragement that has been the hallmark of The King’s success as an individual and team player.

Mike Brown was asked about the elbow issue after the first game.  He claimed to know nothing about any problems, and said he didn’t notice that LeBron played any differently. REALLY?  Everyone else who watched the game noticed.  Even LeBron acknowledged that he was in pain, and “it sucked to not be in top physical condition going into the playoffs.”

Why didn’t the head coach know about his star player’s issue?

As the series progressed, more and more people noticed an odd detachment, a lack of presence and disinterest from LeBron during the games, which clearly took its toll on the rest of the team.  He prides himself on being their leader, so when he checks out both mentally and physically during their most important games, what does he think will happen?

They reminded me of a flock of baby ducklings running around, looking for their mother.  They all just seemed like they were lost, confused and their spirits were broken.  And rightly so.  They have accepted that they are the “Company” in “LeBron and Co.”, and have the ability and desire to win the title and support their leader—if their leader decides to show and and do his job.  He did not, but nobody seems to know why not.

So that leads me to my final confusion and anger in this debacle.  At the press conference after the last game, Mike Brown stated again and again that the team “just never got their rhythm” during the play-offs.  “We just never got our rhythm.”  Okay….and the follow-up question from a ROOM full of sports reporters should have been, “So, WHY couldn’t you get your rhythm?”  No one asked that obvious question.  It was like they were afraid to ask what happened, to probe even one level beyond what Brown was willing to give them.

Maybe a good question would have been, “Do you think resting LeBron for four games, and losing all four games, caused them to lose their rhythm as a team?”

Or,

“Did you talk to LeBron after the 5^th game to see why he was so mentally and physically out of the game?”

Or simply, “What happened between the end of the regular season and now?”

Brown was asked something about the regular season, and he disdainfully replied, “Oh, the regular season and the post-season are two completely different things.  Completely different.”  Again, the follow-up question should have been, “WHY?”  The rest of the teams are blowing through their opponents in 4 game sweeps, doing what got them there.  It doesn’t appear to be a “completely different” game or mindset for any of them.  Why should that be an acceptable defense and deflection of the complete collapse of this #1 ranked team?  Why did no one ask any tough questions?

Then, there’s LeBron.

Yes, he stayed on the court after the game to congratulate the Celtics, which was a change from his unsportsmanlike departure at the end of game 7 in Orlando last year.  But, ya know what?  I’d almost have preferred that emotional response to the loss, as opposed to the lack of caring or concern he exhibited this year.

ESPN’s Eric Snow was almost speechless when he tried to describe what he thought had happened in these last few games.  Snow was a team mate of LeBron’s a couple of years ago, so he has personal knowledge of James’s locker room demeanor and emotional connection to the game.  Snow just shook his head and said he felt that LeBron was just not emotionally “there” during the last few games, and Snow did not understand why not.

So, LeBron granted the media a few minutes of his time, long after the game had ended. Being an experienced mental health counselor, I waited to hear what he would say, how he would behave, what his body language and voice tone would tell about his emotional state and his feelings about disappointing his fans.

His face was blank, angry, uncomfortable but not embarrassed.  He fidgeted with his hair, rubbed his nose repeatedly, clasped and unclasped his hands, and looked down as he spoke.  He voice was flat, his eyes were cold and uncaring.  This was not the LeBron we had all come to love and appreciate for his love of the game, his burning desire to win, his team spirit and enjoyment of his achievements.

During side-line and post-game interviews he is always articulate, humble and committed to the ideal of “team first”, and a strong and effective team spokesman.  When he accepted his MVP award this year, he brought his team mates up on stage with him.

Suddenly, and without warning or apparent cause, he seemed to have stepped back from his team and isolated himself in a state of disinterest with the outcome of the season.  And again, not one reporter asked one probing question about the series.  They asked questions about his future, which everyone with a working brain cell knows he’s not going to answer.

Why not ask what changed for him in the past three games, and what caused him to play flat and without leadership and team engagement?  Why not ask one question about his determination to win, or his “no excuses policy” that seemed to get left in the locker room after game 3.  Why let him get off without one question that the fans wanted to ask?

Why not ask…“why?”

LeBron was asked after Game 5 why the Cavs should feel confident going into Game 6.  His response was, “Because they have me.”

Did they?

I honestly don’t believe anyone will ever truly know what happened here, unless a teammate decides to let us in on the inside problems or dissention after free agency takes LeBron elsewhere.

All I do know is that the fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers had their hopes built up by a man who gave them reason to BELIEVE, and those fans deserved better from the man who would be King.

Maybe it was his elbow. Maybe it was because, as ESPN’s Tony Kornheiser said, “…he looked like he had his bags packed already…”, or maybe it was just because the King clamped up at the time the light shined on him most.

Whichever conspiracy theory you may want to believe, there is one simple fact:

LeBron did not shine in his biggest moment.

Game 6 hurt to watch. The most emotion I’ve packed into a game. Don’t believe me, look at my tweets. It was like watching a dog eat a baby…

I don’t know how I put up with it, because ever since the beginning of the 2nd Quarter, I knew deep down inside something was wrong here.

The Cavs weren’t themselves, and neither were the Celtics. The Celtics were in 2008 form, and when they are at that level, there is little to do. Especially when the Cavs’ best player looks unsure of himself.

Is it just me, or was everyone else noticing how the aura surrounding LeBron seemed…well…just tired, beat, and done?LeBron would hardly attack the rim and showed no emotion on any possession in Games 5 and 6.

Instead you saw this:

As a Cavs fan, this definitely hurts to say, but at least I have the guts to say it:

LeBron left a nasty smudge on his legacy with last night’s loss. Plain and simple.

The guy didn’t get it done. Everyone was claiming that this was LeBron’s biggest game ever, it was the biggest game in Cleveland sports history, and LeBron left with a big L on his forehead.

It will be remembered forever, and there is nothing he can do about it.

A player who is constantly compared to Kobe, Jordan, Magic, Oscar and all of the other greats still hasn’t won a ring, and his 7th NBA season is now over.

Sure, the guy has 2 MVP awards, and numerous All-Star appearances, broken records, and an Olympic Gold medal, but what else? How does it look that he never has brought a championship to his home?

He has never been on top of the basketball world, and yet we call him King?

I love the guy to death for what he’s brought to Cleveland. He’s brought ticket sales, jersey sales, concession sales, an Eastern Conference title, an explosion of national coverage, and pretty much everything else the Cavs have right now. But he might also be the reason as to why they don’t have something:

An NBA Championship.

Sure, LeBron has Nike, he has the hearts of those at ESPN, and he still have my trust. But how do Clevelanders feel? I don’t think they even know yet…but just wait for it to sink in before the death threats, the riots, and the pressure to hit the Cavs organization.

But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who is on the team, who is coaching, or who is making the front office moves; this will all fall on the shoulders of LeBron. It always has, and always will. That might not be fair for a 25-year old, but that’s the reality.

So where does this leave us?

Cleveland is left empty handed, Mike Brown’s job is in jeopardy (see here), the point of bringing in Shaq is now obsolete, and LeBron is left with a big decision to make.

At this point, the Nets aren’t looking too bad.

(To be continued…)

**********

• * – LeBron (red jersey) link: Y! Sports
• * – LeBron mouthpiece: AP Photo/Tony Dejak via Link
• * – Quicken Loans Arena link: Y! Sports

I’d like to excerpt the whole thing, but I won’t. Here’s a small piece of whet your appetite:

Most of all, James is forever selling something of himself – an ideal, an image, a possibility. Something nebulous, something promised. He’s chasing a global platform, the bright, blinking billion-dollar fortune, and he’s largely gotten the natural order of things backward.

Stop strutting, stop preening, stop stomping away as an ungracious winner, a sore loser, and win something, LeBron.

Win something now.

WTF?

Perhaps not so coincidentally, the three letters above represent the same WTF number of shots LeBron James made last night.

Really, WTF doesn’t even describe last night’s game. Cleveland and LeBron pretty much rolled over, on their home floor, in a must win game, in a performance that even the Atlanta Hawks would have considered soft.

Every sports news outlet from Bristol to Bangkok will be dissecting LeBron’s poor play last night and assessing what it may or may not mean for his future in Cleveland. I thought I’d throw my two cents in as well, although with a little bit of a difference perspective.

So, since everyone is reacting to last night’s “LeBracle” that made all of Quicken Loans Arena groan, boo, and exit early, we’re counting down the top 10 reactions for you this morning.

Here they are, along with a hastily made photo collage that I think pretty much sums up last night. (Memo to Mike Brown: when Jose Mesa is trying to kick you in the face – with the full support of the city of Cleveland, I might add – you know you have problems.)

Top 10 Reactions to the Quicken Groans LeBracle:

10. Even former Browns QB Derek Anderson thinks the Cleveland faithful deserved better and were justified in booing.

9. Kentucky coach John Calipari was apparently in the arena last night. After the game, not even Worldwide Wes himself could convince Calipari to add LeBron to his next recruiting class at Kentucky.

8. After the game John Starks called LeBron. He requested royalties the next time LeBron decides to imitate him in a big game. (Note: Legally, LeBron would not be required to pay John Starks royalties because he did not completely infringe on Starks’ patented big stage collapse. Starks, you see, at least went down shooting.)

7. While waddling dejectedly to their cars, multitudes of Cleveland fans sought solace by reminiscing about the less painful and crushing memories of Earnest Byner and Jose Mesa.

6. At halftime, Cleveland native Brady Quinn implored his new teammate Tim Tebow to use his powers of divine intervention to compel a Cavs comeback. Tebow responded that he would, as long as the Cavs showed up to play the second half. They never did.

5. Lost in all the disappointment and finger pointing over Prince James’ woefully underwhelming 3-14 shooting performance and overall lackluster play is the fact that LeBron did actually accomplish something amazing: he made Skip Bayless more impressed with himself.

4. Mike Brown was left speechless for the second time this series…

…wait, never mind, based on the sideline shots of Mike Brown, he is always speechless.

3. The game hasn’t even been over for 12 hours and already LeBron’s elbow is getting sick and tired of answering questions about LeBron. LeBron’s elbow even said that now his kids are asking him “what’s wrong with LeBron?”

The fact of the matter is that LeBron’s elbow said an MRI that had been scheduled for LeBron will no longer be necessary. So see? Nothing to worry about. (LeBron and the rest of the Cavs will, however, be undergoing EKG assessments at the behest of owner Dan Gilbert. He wants to make sure his players still have normal heart activity since they showed none on the floor last night.)

2. We now know why Jay-Z included these lyrics in his epic song “Empire State of Mind”:

Me I gotta plug a special and I got it made,
If Jesus payin LeBron, I’m paying Dwayne Wade,

Although I’m not sure Tim Tebow really wants LeBron on his team after last night’s performance, we can certainly understand why Jay-Z would rather have Wade and his ring. (Hey, DWade may have received a huge assist from the refs in getting his one ring, but at least he attacked the basket and took control of the game to put the refs in a position to hand him a title.)

And finally, the #1 reaction to last night’s Quicken Groans LeBracle:

1. All those New York fans clamoring for LeBron James to come to the Big Apple? They just had a harrowing realization: they already have LeBron, and his name is Javy Vazquez.

Don’t believe me? Read this quote:

“I just want him to be aggressive…knock somebody on their butt…You have to be mean. Go out there and show them we show up to play, show up to kick your guys’ [butts]. And believe me, that will take care of itself.”

No, that was not Mike Brown describing LeBron James after Game 5. That was White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen talking about Javy Vazquez when he pitched in Chicago. After failing under the pressure of the Windy City, then succeeding in the obscurity and absence of pressure in Atlanta last year, Vazquez is now back in New York shrinking on the big stage.

Is LeBron much better at basketball than Javy Vazquez is at baseball? Sure. But could you compare LeBron’s Game 5 performance to a typical Javy Vazquez big game start? Unfortunately, you absolutely can.

Sure you need another Javy, New York? Just sayin’…

(Deep breath.)

(Deep breath.)

(Deep breath.)

Okay.

Now that I have that out of my system, let me close with a little perspective.

Last night’s game was awful. In fact, it was beyond awful. If you’re a Cleveland fan, there is not one positive that you can take from last night’s game other than the knowledge that Shaq can still dunk when left wide open. Hooray.

But…

As bad as last night was, and as epically bad as LeBron James was in a really big spot, the series is not over yet.

Cleveland has already beaten Boston once in the Garden. And LeBron, despite how badly he played last night, has shown us in the past that he is capable of virtuoso performances in big spots. Remember his epic 4th quarter against Detroit a few years back? Remember his tremendous performance as recently as Game 3 in this series?

Though it doesn’t seem like it after last night, LeBron and the Cavs are still very capable of winning Game 6 and forcing a Game 7, although the championship experience, maturity, and momentum of the Celtics certainly will make it extremely difficult.

Difficult…but not impossible.

The unfortunate truth of the matter if you understand the sad history of sports in Cleveland is that if Game 5 does end up being LeBron’s final home game in his hometown, it ended about how it “should” have: in crushing disappointment.

In fact, because such a cursed, downtrodden city has placed so many hopes on this one person to deliver them from sports purgatory, it is almost cravenly predestined that it would end with those same cursed, downtrodden fans booing the man who was supposed to be their sports savior. I really hope that’s not the case, but still less than 12 hours removed from the filth I watched last night from the Cavs, it is really hard to see the silver lining right now.

On Thursday night it will be up to LeBron and the Cavs to burst through the storm clouds hovering over the city and their season to give fans a reason to keep hope alive.

Otherwise, another era of Cleveland sports will be doing its best Cuyahoga River impression…by going up in flames.

**********

Full Disclosure: I unfortunately listened to Mike & Mike this morning, and Mike Greenberg read something by someone that described last night’s game as a “LeBacle”. I thought “LeBracle” actually sounded better. I’d like to give credit where it is due for coining the idea for that phrase, but I’m not sure where it came from first. If you know, let me know so I can provide a link. Thanks.

Update: I think this was the article. And it’s a good one too, by John Hollinger.

* – LeBron James photo credit: David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images via ESPN.com

* – Javier Vazquez photo credit: Hawk Fantasy Sports

* – Skip Bayless photo credit: ImageShack

* – Mike Brown photo credit: BareNucks.com

* – Kevin Garnett photo credit: FunFunNewsNews.com

* – Earnest Byner photo credit: NYTimes.com

* – Jose Mesa photo credit: DayLife.com

* – LeBron James chalk photo credit: Free-Extras.com

Game 5 will be in Cleveland on Tuesday night, with two potential sweeps occurring this evening if Orlando and the Lakers take care of business. (For the record, I think Orlando does but LA doesn’t.)

Cleveland fans probably won’t want to watch Orlando play tonight because the dirty little secret of this year’s playoffs (that probably isn’t a secret anymore) is that the Magic are probably better than they were last year.

No, they don’t have Hedo anymore, but they do have Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter. And while the Cavs have Shaq and Antawn Jamison, even the most ardent Cavs supporter has to be at least a little worried about how up and down the team has played during the playoffs.

So instead of watching basketball tonight, here are a few music videos I was sent this morning that I suggest Cavs fans watch. Hopefully the power of the Gooseneck can help the Cavs come out on Fire Tuesday night.

All of these videos were produced by Mike Bruckman of Independent Projects LTD in Cleveland, Ohio. As a former music video producer myself, I know the hard work it is to produce these so I applaud Mike and his crew for their efforts.

And, by the way, in case you aren’t familiar with the “gooseneck” phenomenon rapped about in the first video, here is a post where Mo Williams explains it.

The Gooseneck

The Fire

And as a bonus, here is another song from the same artist from May of last year. I wasn’t going to post this one but, well, it features a white guy in a tie rapping, and we fully endorse that here at MSF.

Cleveland Cavs Theme 2010

**********

* – Mo Williams photo credit: The Wine and Gold Rush

More specifically, the buzz is about LeBron’s elbow, and the possibility that the injury may be “way worse” than anyone realizes or than the Cavs will let on. (More on that in a bit.)

To clarify, LeBron James has been playing with what was originally deemed a minor elbow issue, but ever since the Cavaliers met up with the Bulls in the first round, LeBron’s elbow has gotten more aggravated, leading to a great deal of worry in Cleveland.

Ever since that incident, many things have been occurring. First, there were the questions as to why LeBron would shoot a free-throw with his left hand. Many began to question whether or not this was a publicity stunt or not. After it was confirmed that LeBron did indeed tweak his elbow, which was already bothering him to some extent, the chatter began to get much worse.

After all of the fallout over one of LeBron James’ joints, a big LeBron stalker…(cough), I mean fan, decided to make a Twitter account, that had everything on LeBron’s elbow. Really. Don’t believe me? Follow @LeBronsElbow here (Then follow this other great guy…)

Can you believe that? This goes to show you how important a JOINT of the LeBron James can be, and how much exposure it can receive. Is there actually a point to it all?

Perhaps there is.

The Cavs began their 2nd round series against the Boston Celtics this past weekend, a high-IQ, great defensive team, and a former champion. Indeed, a challenge!

Cleveland began the series by taking the Celtics out in the 2nd half of Game 1 to get a decent victory, much courtesy of Mo Williams. Then came Game 2, the game that really sparked everything for the “Le-Elbow” drama.

Everything was looking great for the re-newly named MVP, LeBron, whom received his 2nd straight MVP award before Game 2. But then the game started. And it is fair to say that the Celtics destroyed the Cavaliers, due to what some would call a soft performance by LeBron (24,7,7). Not bad numbers, right? Not at all. But you’d really have to see the game to wonder if something was wrong, as most of LeBron’s layups were left-handed, and he missed all 4 of his 3-point attempts.

The Celtics at one point had a 25 point lead, and the final score was 104-86. Might I add this was in Cleveland.

But this is not the worst part of the news…

Courtesy of RealGM, there are reports surfacing that LeBron’s elbow is much worse than reported:

According to a report on BallinEurope.com, the injury to LeBron James’ right elbow is “way worse than is generally known” and the Cavs’ superstar should not be playing in his present condition.

“A source close to the Cleveland Cavaliers who wished to remain anonymous has admitted that LeBron James should not [be] playing with his injury in its current state,” the report reads. “Apparently, the damage is enough that the right arm of King James … is having great difficulty in carrying anything heavier than a basketball.”

The report does say that it cannot be “independently verified” but other sites like HoopsVibe.com have picked up on it as well.

Scary news for Cavs fans? That’s an understatement.

Update: [Editor's Note: While the above report is making the rounds today, it should be noted that, as our friend Scott from Waiting for Next Year tweeted this morning, "Regardless of what it *looked* like, everyone close to the situation has refuted said report." Obviously all Cavs fans are hoping this is the case. We'll find out a lot more tomorrow

Also, ESPN's Rachel Nichols just tweeted that if LeBron feels good enough, a scheduled MRI will not be necessary. This would obviously be great news and really what everyone should pay attention to who is worried about LeBron's health.]

Ladies and gentlemen, I’m prepared to make a prediction based on this information…so mark this down!

If LeBron James’ elbow is really described to the degree as it is above, then the Cavaliers will not win a championship. They most likely won’t even pass Orlando.

But you and I both know that. The Cavs are the King’s team. Without him, and without him at full strength, what we saw in Game 2 against the Celtics may not be an anomaly.

**********

* – LeBron holding elbow photo credit: AP Photo/Nam Y Huh via Examiner.com

They are one word in sports that we never look forward to…not even if this is a Yanks/Sox series and Derek Jeter just tore his achilles tendon sliding home. No sports fan will ever want to see injuries, even if it’s too a player on a rival team.

Why, you might ask?

Well it’s simply because we don’t get to see the leagues, the games, and the stars at 100% if guys get injured. If they get injured, for example, we don’t get to see the full ankle-breaking ability Adrian Peterson shows us, we never get to see if the Lakers would’ve swept the Celtics without Kareem, and we’ll never get to see if Ryan Howard can beat the single season HR record.

That’s the tale of the injury. And why do I bring this up as an NBA writer? Because the game’s only two non-human athletes are injured: Kobe and LeBron.

What does this mean for the NBA? How did they happen? How will this affect the teams? You are about to find out!

Well, let’s first start off by saying that injuries hurt the  league…at the moment.

When the average NBA viewer (you), sits back and watches Kobe’s finger being broken, you can’t help but cringe and grit your teeth. You say to yourself, “Oh no!” That equals to, “this is going to hurt Kobe’s performance” to “this is going to lead to the Lakers losing.” And what does that turn to? Less attention by the viewer because, quite simply, the full abilities of a star are not shown.

The same thing goes for LeBron and the Cavs. But there is a difference folks. LeBron and the Cavs have a little more at stake this year than the Lakers. First off, LeBron James is in the final year  of his contract, meaning that after this season the future Hall of  Famer will be able to go where he’d like. On top of that, the city of Cleveland hasn’t won a championship in about 64 years or so.   So, there is a lot at stake for the King’s rep, the Cavs, and the city  of Cleveland!

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s see how, and when the game’s best two players had gotten  these injuries.

Kobe Bryant Injury: Dislocated Finger (1/19/09)

As you can see, this was over a year ago. Unfortunately, certain injuries seem to last a lifetime, but hey, no one said sports came with all goodies!

LeBron James Injury: Sore Elbow; Shoots Left Handed

Strange, no? There has been much speculation over the last 24 hours claiming that the free-throw was shot just to add drama to the elbow that kept him out the final few games of the regular season. Or this could be something to worry about. We should find out in the coming days.

So how do these two injuries affect theese two greats?

Well first off, this will definitely impact both teams quite negatively. Enough to lose a series? Well, maybe not.

Kobe is a warrior. Reminds me of AI when he was going through the period with broken body parts while willing his team to the playoffs. Incredible. What’s the difference? Kobe’s been doing this for years and years and years. He has that over LeBron.

LeBron has never been in the playoffs with a nagging injury like this (never mind that these playoffs are huge for the Cavs), so LeBron will be trying this out for the first time.

Kobe also has the best supporting cast in ball. Don’t get me wrong, the Cavs are loaded, but the Lakers have the edge in support. What’s the difference? Pau. Are you serious? Pau Gasol, who could be a star on any team, is a role player on the Lakers. Amazing.

But there is still much speculation on whether LeBron’s injury is that nagging. Could the man-child just be milking it? Using it as an early excuse? Probably not. But anytime the best player on your team needs to adjust his game, there is cause for concern.

So how do the teams fair? Well the Lakers need one more victory against the up and coming Thunder to take the series. And there is still the rest of the West, let’s not forget that! But Kobe is Kobe, and has the best cast in the league. This should be enough to make it out alive.

What about LeBron? That’s the question. Is his injury that bad? With the Celtics in the next round, and fully rejuvenated, are the Cavs in trouble? Is LeBron going to suffer? Am I over exaggerating? Possibly. But only time will tell my friend.

History has already shown us that injuries negate many things. Wins, playoffs, awards, and rings. Let’s just hope that this is not the case for the two legends, and that we see the Finals we had all hoped for.

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* – Kobe/LeBron photo: Lakers Nation

* – Kobe Bryant photo: David Liam/Getty Images via SlamOnline

LeBron James simply destroyed, annihilated, punished, the rim in the house that THE great Michael Jordan built.

Watch the video below to “Witness”

Not bad, huh? The guy is alright.

Oh, and by the way, the Cavs took Game 4, and have control of the series 3-1.

Tune in for Game 5 Tuesday on TNT, at 8ET PM!

-Photo Courtesy: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Via Cavs.com