The problem with the analogy is that if Cal doesn't win it rests a lot more on his shoulders. Cleveland didn't really give LeBron a team that could win it.

The problem with the analogy is that if Cal doesn't win it rests a lot more on his shoulders. Cleveland didn't really give LeBron a team that could win it.

 

No just a team that had the best record in the NBA the last 2 seasons.

As a UK fan, I would be disappointed if not crushed. As in the other threads, I will reiterate that the special would be what made it upsetting, and I absolutely agree LeBron should never have done it that way. I don't have a problem with him entertaining offers the way he did, only the glorified celebration to LeBron that was "The Decision." I think you're kidding yourself though if you think that had he not done it in that way that the fans would be all "Oh, that's OK LeBron, we love you anyway." He was born in Ohio. That does not mean they OWN him, as if it was an affront for him to leave the state. Had he been drafted by another team, would that have given Cleveland the right to expect he would return at the first opportunity?

 

I will also point out that most UK fans I know did not fault Rick Pitino when he went to Boston. They knew it was potentially going to happen someday, as he was always being talked about as a potential coach, much the same way it is with Calipari. Many even adopted Boston as their NBA team, especially once he started littering it with former Wildcats. It wasn't until he returned as coach of Louisville that many cried foul. There isn't even an equivalent to that in the NBA given that rivalries are not intense there. Just as there is not an equivalent in your analogy unless it was Calipari leaving for Louisville.

No just a team that had the best record in the NBA the last 2 seasons.

 

Pretty much on the strength of him. I could swear there were times some on here were tearing them down even though they had the best record. That they played in a weak conference, and that a team like Orlando was better. That best record proves they have a good enough team to succeed in the regular season. Doesn't always translate to the postseason though, does it?

BTW, since the regular season record was brought up, let's put the best record in the regular season into perspective. In the last ten seasons, only twice did the team with the best record over the course of the season even make the Finals. Both that did, managed to win.

Let me preface this by saying I'm a Cavs fan and I'm stung that LeBron left Cleveland. I understand that this was his personal decision and he needed to make it for himself. But let me make this analogy and see if you can't understand where Cavs fans (including Dan Gilbert, the Akron-Beacon Journal and the Plain Dealer) are coming from:

 

Let's say tomorrow Coach Cal openly questions whether he is going to stick around at UK after the coming season. No official statement, just starts dropping hints here and there. He then proceeds to lead UK to a glorious regular season. 32-4 with a SEC regular season and tournament titles. Cats fans believe this will finally be the year they get back to the Final Four. Only it doesn't go as scripted, and Kentucky gets bounced in the second round to an inferior Oklahoma State team in which Coach seems like he makes some questionable decisions, seemingly half-hearted. Cal doesn't seem like he cares, and walks off the court. Shows little emotion in the press conference and has a "win some, lose some" attitude.

 

After the season, Cal-to-the-NBA talk intensifies. Cal chooses 5 teams he thinks would be a "good fit" and invites them to Lexington to give presentations at the Craft Center. UK fans line Avenue of Champions, begging Cal to stay, but he remains noncommittal. This goes on for a week, and then it is announced Cal will makes his decision live on an ESPN special, which turns out to be an hour-long tribute to the greatness of Cal and his accomplishments. He chooses Chicago so he can coach Derrick Rose again and claims "it's all about winning".

 

Now you look me in the face and tell me that UK fans wouldn't be doing and saying the same things.

 

The only difference here (and it is a MAJOR one) is that Cal isn't from Lexington, Pikeville or Paducah. We haven't literally watched him grow up before our eyes and invested 20 years in energy and money supporting him.

 

LeBron is free to choose whatever path for himself he likes. I won't fault him for that. But the manner in which he went about it amounts to infidelity and betrayal. There is a classy way to do it and a narcissistic way. He chose the latter.

 

I am confused about the 20 years that Cleveland invested in Lebron James. Had the ping pong balls not bounced right he would never have even started in Cleveland. I would be happy for the 7 years he gave the franchise and blame management for not putting the pieces together to win a championship.

I can't understand were Gilbert is coming from ,he is crying worse than a 5 year old . I think he has just finished off his team ,if I was an NBA player I would not want to play for his team if he acts like that . Somewhere he has forgotten that it is a business and LeBron made a very good business decision in my mind . Gilbert has lost his mind if he thinks the Cavs will win a Championship before LeBron wins one .

The difference here Zoot is that UK fans are sinless and casting aspersions on their anointed ones is sacrilege. You should know that.

IF i were a Cavs fan, sure I'd be upset...LeBron handled this horribly. However, if I were a Cavs fan I also think I would've known 2 years ago this was going to end badly. I don't completely buy all this "management didn't do enough to help him". I think they pretty much did everything he wanted them to do. I personally hope the Heat never win with him, I like when players have done it with the original team that THEY helped build. I guess i'm a little old school like that, but I know that isn't today's professional sports landscape.

IF i were a Cavs fan, sure I'd be upset...LeBron handled this horribly. However, if I were a Cavs fan I also think I would've known 2 years ago this was going to end badly. I don't completely buy all this "management didn't do enough to help him". I think they pretty much did everything he wanted them to do. I personally hope the Heat never win with him, I like when players have done it with the original team that THEY helped build. I guess i'm a little old school like that, but I know that isn't today's professional sports landscape.

 

Just outta curiosity , who wins with teams that they helped build ? Just like the Yankees in Baseball , Basketball is the same way , the teams with the most money buys a team and usually win . With that said ;I think definitely the Heat are the team to beat .

Just outta curiosity , who wins with teams that they helped build ? Just like the Yankees in Baseball , Basketball is the same way , the teams with the most money buys a team and usually win . With that said ;I think definitely the Heat are the team to beat .

 

Basketball is a little different with the salary cap.

I guess the Lakers were built , Celtics were built .