Monthly Archives: June 2014

RODA RATINGS – 2014 NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS TOP 25 – (updated 6-21-14)

Posted: Jun 21, 2014 by . Filed under Blog Posts, Feature Articles | 277 Comments

With Joel Embiid having foot surgery and now out 4 to 6 months along with some other information and conversations that I’ve had with people around the league, here is my updated Top 25 list of players for the 2014 NBA Draft.

 

1 Andrew Wiggins            SF    6’8 – 200 – FR – Kansas

2 Jabari Parker                  SF    6’8 – 241 – FR –  Duke

3 Noah Vonleh                  PF    6’10 – 240 – FR – Indiana

4 Dante Exum                   SG    6’6 – 188 – 18 years old – Australia

5 Joel Embiid                      C     7’0 – 250 – FR – Kansas

6 Julius Randle                  PF    6’9 – 225 – FR – Kentucky

7 Aaron Gordon                PF    6’8 – 210 – FR – Arizona

8 Marcus Smart                PG   6’4 – 225 – SPH – Oklahoma St.

9 James Young            SG/SF   6’6 – 215 – FR – Kentucky

10 Dario Saric                    SF   6’10 – 223 – 19 years old – Croatia

11 Doug McDermott         PF    6’10 – 210 – SR – Creighton

12 Rodney Hood              SG   6’8 – 180 – SPH – Duke

13 P.J. Hairston                SG    6’5 – 220 – SPH – North Carolina

14 Cleanthony Early        PF    6’8 – 220 – SR – Wichita St.

15 Nik Stauskas                SG    6’6 – 200 – SPH – Michigan

16 Gary Harris                  SG    6’5 – 210- SPH – Michigan St.

17 Jusuf Nurkic                  C     6’11 – 280  – 19 years old – Bosnia

18 Elfrid Payton               PG     6’4 – 185 – JR – Louisiana Lafayette

19 T.J. Warren            SF/SG     6‘8 – 230 – SPH – North Carolina St.

20 Zach LaVine                SG     6’5 – 181 – FR – UCLA

21 Adreian Payne            PF     6’10 – 240 – SR – Michigan St.

22 Kyle Anderson            SF     6’9 – 233- SPH – UCLA

23 Clint Capela                PF     6’11 – 222 – 19 – Switzerland

24 Shabazz Napier         PG    6’1 – 175 – SR – UCONN

25 Tyler Ennis                 PG    6’2 – 181 – FR – Syracuse

 

 

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS BLATT-SKETBALL

Posted: Jun 20, 2014 by . Filed under Blog Posts, Feature Articles | 347 Comments

From Princeton to Europe to Cleveland. That’s the path David Blatt has taken over 20 years to be a head coach in the NBA.

David Blatt

Blatt becomes the 20th head coach in Cleveland Cavaliers history, replacing the recently fired Mike Brown.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst is reporting it’s a three year deal with a fourth year team option for the man who led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the 2014 Euroleague championship.

Blatt who has never played or coached in the NBA is known for his offensive mind and he beat out former Lakers point guard and current Clippers assistant coach Tyronn Lue for the job.

David Griffin Photo 5-13-14

In the  team’s official press release, Cavs G.M. David Griffin said, “David is a great basketball coach and a special person.  His abilities to communicate, to build relationships with his players and to foster winning environments at several stops throughout Europe and across the highest levels of International competition speaks for itself.  He brings unbridled passion, energy and creativity to his craft. These qualities have enabled David to reach a level of success that is truly unique. I have watched David’s work for many years. He has an uncanny ability to adapt his system to maximize the talents of his teams year after year. That is why I am very confident he will make a smooth transition to the NBA.  There is a great opportunity to accelerate the progress of moving our team and franchise to the higher level of play we all believe we are capable of achieving. I am excited that the experience, knowledge, skills and leadership David will bring to the Cavaliers is the right fit at the right time.” 

Dan Gilbert Photo

Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert had this to say about his new head coach, “David Blatt is going to bring some of the most innovative approaches found in professional basketball anywhere on the globe. Time and time again, from Russia to Israel and several other prominent head coaching jobs in between, David has done one thing: ‘win’. He is not only an innovator, well-trained and focused on both sides of the court, but he is always learning and always teaching. Whether you are a top draft pick just entering the league, or a seasoned NBA veteran, Coach Blatt is going to take your game and the game of the team you are playing for to a new and higher level. That’s just who the man is and we are proud to call him our new head coach. We are driven by one thing and one thing only; delivering Cavaliers fans everywhere and the city of a Cleveland the kind of competitive basketball they deserve. I look forward to David’s leadership in helping the entire Cavaliers organization realize our vision.”

 

The 55 year old Blatt shared these thoughts in the Cavs press release,   “I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to come to Cleveland and lead the Cavaliers as their head coach. After spending a great deal of time discussing the organization, the team and the head coach’s role with David Griffin, I feel strongly about my fit for the job and this team’s potential. This is an opportune time to join the Cleveland Cavaliers. We are going to work extremely hard to achieve the kind of results we all expect and know are possible,” said Blatt.  “I also want to thank Dan Gilbert, Nate Forbes, Jeff Cohen, and many others within the Cavaliers front office, for their belief and confidence in me and what we can accomplish together. This is a proud day for me, personally, but I hope just the first of many more for all of us as we work towards a very bright future. I have always heard about how great of a sports town Cleveland is and have come to understand how much fans here care about the Cavaliers. This makes me feel especially excited and comfortable to join this community but above all motivates me to help deliver in a big way.” 

Blatt will be introduced to the media during a Wednesday, June 25th press conference at Cleveland Clinic Courts at 11am.

 

 

BROWNS 2014 TRAINING CAMP INFO

Posted: Jun 20, 2014 by . Filed under Feature Articles | 273 Comments

Browns 2014 training camp features 13 free public practices, beginning July 26

Browns to host Family Day scrimmage at Akron’s InfoCision Stadium, Aug. 2

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns 2014 training camp will feature 13 free public practices at the team’s facility in Berea, beginning July 26, as well as free access to the team’s scrimmage during Family Day at InfoCision Stadium in Akron on Aug. 2, the club announced Friday.

Browns Helmet Sideways Photo

When the Browns host their intrasquad scrimmage in Akron, it will mark the first time Family Day has extended outside of Cleveland, allowing fans from Akron and beyond to enjoy live Browns competition. Since 1946, Cleveland has played 19 preseason games in Akron, with the most recent exhibition contest drawing 30,751 fans on Sept. 8, 1973.

All practices at the team’s Berea training facility and Family Day in Akron are free to fans, who may register online and print a ticket for admission.

Browns fans may sign up to attend practice sessions by visiting www.ClevelandBrowns.com/BrownsCamp14, which will be activated this afternoon and will also provide daily updates, including weather, appearances and additional information for each practice. More information about Family Day registration will be available at a later date.

Open registration for all practices begins at 10 a.m. this Thursday. In order to accommodate as many Browns fans as possible, individuals are asked to notify the team if they learn they are unable to attend after obtaining a ticket.

Fans will have the opportunity to register for up to four practices in Berea, along with a maximum of five guests, as space permits. Parties wishing to attend more than four practices or book for groups of six-or-more people are encouraged to contact the Browns ticket office directly (440-891-5050).

When arriving with their ticket, fans can enter the Browns training facility through the Beech Street entrance, with gates opening one hour before each session starts. Guest- and membership-services stations will also be available to all visitors inside and outside the complex to assist fans.

Parking is available on the campus of Baldwin-Wallace University, near the intersection of Beech Street and Bagley Road.

In 2013, a total of 56,306 fans attended Browns training camp when combining the 13 open practices at the Browns training facility in Berea and Family Night. Training camp practices at the facility last year averaged 2,475 fans per session, the second-highest average since 2005, bolstered by a Berea training camp-record 4,466 fans on Sunday, July 28.

Cleveland Browns Training Camp is presented by Northeast Ohio Ford Dealers, in association with University Hospitals and Discount Drug Mart. The 2014 Cleveland Browns Family Day is in association with University Hospitals.

Browns fans may call Browns guest services (440-891-5050) for more information on registration and practice times. Details are also available atwww.ClevelandBrowns.com/BrownsCamp14, on Twitter by messaging @BrownsFanSquad or e-mailing tickets@ClevelandBrowns.com

Browns 2014 training camp schedule:

 

DATE TIME (EDT) DATE TIME (EDT)
Saturday, July 26 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8 No practice
Sunday, July 27 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 P1: Browns at Lions
Monday, July 28 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m.   7:30 p.m., WKYC
Tuesday, July 29 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10 No practice
Wednesday, July 30 No practice Monday, Aug. 11 10:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
Thursday, July 31 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 1 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 2** Family Day Thursday, Aug. 14 No practice
11:30 a.m.-2:10 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 3 No practice Friday, Aug. 15 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 4 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 Practice closed
Tuesday, Aug. 5 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17 No practice
Wednesday, Aug. 6 9:30 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18 P2: Browns at Redskins
Thursday, Aug. 7 Practice closed 8 p.m., ESPN/WKYC

 

*All practice dates and times are approximate and subject to change. All public practices are subject to weather conditions. Practices moved into the field house will be closed to the public for space reasons.

**The Browns will host their Family Day scrimmage at Akron’s InfoCision Stadium.

 

CLEVELAND BROWNS 2014 TRAINING CAMP

PROHIBITED/ALLOWED ITEMS

 

  • Smoking is prohibited.
  • Weapons, noisemakers, animals and aerosol cans are prohibited.
  • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
  • Plastic bottles and boxed liquids are permitted. Cans and glass are prohibited.
  • Soft-case coolers are permitted. Hard-plastic coolers are prohibited.
  • Cameras are permitted but must not interfere with another fan’s enjoyment of practice. The images reproduced may not be used commercially. Commercial video equipment is prohibited.
  • Umbrellas, strollers, purses, fanny packs, backpacks, and diaper bags are permitted but are subject to inspection.
  • Portable folding chairs and lawn chairs are permitted but are subject to inspection.

 

DIRECTIONS FOR FAN PARKING

 

From the North to Cleveland Browns Training Facility

Take I-71 South (Columbus) to Bagley Road exit #235

Turn right onto Bagley Road

Continue on Bagley Road to Beech Street on right

Parking available at Baldwin-Wallace

 

From the South to Cleveland Browns Training Facility

Take I-71 North (Cleveland) to Bagley Road exit #235

Turn left onto Bagley Road

Continue on Bagley Road to Beech Street on right

Parking available at Baldwin-Wallace

 

From the East to Cleveland Browns Training Facility

Take I-480 West (Toledo) to I-71 South (Columbus)

Continue on I-71 South to Bagley Road exit #235

Turn right onto Bagley Road

Continue on Bagley Road to Beech Street on right

Parking available at Baldwin-Wallace

 

From the West to Cleveland Browns Training Facility

Take I-480 East (Youngstown) to I-71 South (Columbus)

Continue on I-71 South to Bagley Road exit #235

Turn right onto Bagley Road

Continue on Bagley Road to Beech Street on right

Parking available at Baldwin-Wallace

 Handicap Parking: Handicap-accessible parking is located at the Berea training facility. Parking and entry for those with a proper handicap tag will be available near the Browns training facility entrance at 76 Lou Groza Blvd.

 

MY 2014 NBA MOCK DRAFT 2.0

Posted: Jun 20, 2014 by . Filed under Blog Posts, Feature Articles | 47 Comments

1st ROUND

1  Cleveland – ANDREW WIGGINS – Small Forward – Kansas – 6’8 – 200

Joel Embiid was the pick in my fist mock draft, but that was before we knew about his right foot fracture. After missing badly last year on Anthony Bennett with the first overall pick the Cavs are in no position to gamble with Embiid’s foot and back issues so they take his teammate who is a freakish athlete with unbelievable potential. Wiggins is a two-way player from the get go, meaning he already knows how to play defense and his offense will only get better in the up tempo, open floor game of the NBA. He needs to be more consistent with his jumper, work on his handle and become more aggressive with the ball, but that should come with time, practice and maturity.  He also fills a position of major need for the Cavaliers as they have been looking for a small forward since LeBron James took his talents to South Beach.

2  Milwaukee – JABARI PARKER – Small Forward – Duke – 6’8 – 241

3  Philadelphia – DANTE EXUM – Point Guard – Australia – 6’6 – 195

4  Orlando – NOAH VONLEH – Power Forward – Indiana – 6’10 – 245

5  Utah – AARON GORDON – Power Forward – Arizona – 6’9 – 225

6  Boston – JOEL EMBIID – Center – Kansas – 7’1 – 260

7  LA Lakers – JULIUS RANDLE – Power Forward – Kentucky – 6’9 -240

8  Sacramento – MARCUS SMART – Point Guard – Oklahoma St. – 6’4 – 220

9  Charlotte – DOUG McDERMOTT – Small Forward – Creighton – 6’8 – 220

10 Philadelphia – NIK STAUSKAS – Shooting Guard – Michigan – 6’6 – 205

11 Denver – JAMES YOUNG – Shooting Guard – Kentucky – 6’6 – 215

12 Orlando – GARY HARRIS – Shooting Guard – Michigan St. – 6’4 – 210

13 Minnesota – RODNEY HOOD – Small Forward – Duke – 6’8 – 210

14 Phoenix – ADREIAN PAYNE – Power Forward – Michigan St. – 6’10 – 240

15 Atlanta – ZACH LaVINE – Shooting Guard – UCLA – 6’5 – 181

16 Chicago – ELFRID PAYTON – Point Guard – Louisiana Lafayette – 6’4 – 185

17 Boston – P.J. HAIRSTON – Shooting Guard – UNC/ NBA D-League – 6’4 – 228

18 Phoenix – DARIO SARIC – Small Forward – Croatia – 6’10 -235

19 Chicago –  CLEANTHONY EARLY – Power Forward – Wichita St. – 6’7 – 210

20 Toronto – CLINT CAPELA – Power Forward – Switzerland – 6’10 – 210

21 Oklahoma City – SHABAZZ NAPIER – Point Guard – U-CONN – 6’1 – 175

22 Memphis – T.J. WARREN – Small Forward – North Carolina St. – 6’8 – 220

23 Utah – KYLE ANDERSON – Small Forward – UCLA – 6’9 – 230

24 Charlotte – JERAMI GRANT – Small Forward – Syracuse – 6’8 – 215

25 Houston –  GLEN ROBINSON III – Small Forward – Michigan – 6’7 – 212

26 Miami – JUSUF NURKIC – Center – Bosnia – 6’11 – 280

27 Phoenix –  TYLER ENNIS – Point Guard – Syracuse – 6’2 – 181

28 LA Clippers – K.J. McDANIELS – Small Forward – Clemson – 6’6 – 200

29 Oklahoma City – JARNELL STOKES – Power Forward – Tennessee – 6’8 – 260

30 San Antonio – MITCH McGARY – Power Forward – Michigan – 6’10 – 240

2nd ROUND

33 Cleveland – JORDAN ADAMS – Shooting Guard – UCLA – 6’5 – 200

Even with the Cavs taking Wiggins now with their first pick, they still need to improve their outside shooting as a team and if he’s still on the board they’ll grab Adams to help them from distance.

SOURCE CONFIRMS BLATT IS CAVS CHOICE AND LUE OFFERED A POSITION AS WELL

Posted: Jun 20, 2014 by . Filed under Blog Posts, Feature Articles | 49 Comments

The Cavaliers and David Blatt are reportedly in negotiations to finalize a contract to make him the next head coach of the Cavs.

YahooSports.com’s Adrian Wojarnowski was first to report that Blatt was offered the job.

My sources tell me it was a tough decision for the Cavs front office to choose between Blatt, the highly successful and respected European head coach and Clippers assistant coach Tyronn Lue.  So tough, that when the Cavs told Lue by phone that the job was Blatt’s, they then offered Lue an associate head coaching position with the Cavs. Lue however is leaning towards turning it down to stay with the Clippers. I reached out to the Cavaliers to confirm this, but did not hear back from them at the time this story was written.

Even though Lue played 11 years in the NBA and has been a Doc Rivers assistant with both the Celtics and Clippers, what reportedly worked against Lue was that he had no head coaching experience at any level.

If the Cavs and Blatt do reach an agreement, he’ll be the Cavs third head coach in the last three years, following Mike Brown and Byron Scott.

The Cavs have yet to officially confirm or deny the numerous Blatt reports.

TALKING TRIBE WITH FORMER INDIANS PITCHER JENSEN LEWIS 6-19-14

Posted: Jun 19, 2014 by . Filed under Audio, Podcasts | Leave a comment

Former Indians relief pitcher turned SportsTime Ohio baseball analyst Jensen Lewis joined me for a Podcast to talk about Nick Swisher’s big walk-off “Granny” to beat the Angels and the Tribe’s chances in the A.L. Central.

Jensen Lewis

DID G.M. DAVID GRIFFIN TIP HIS HAND ON THE CAVS NEXT HEAD COACH BACK IN MAY?

Posted: Jun 19, 2014 by . Filed under Audio, Current Interviews | 48 Comments

If indeed the Cavs do hire former Euro league coach David Blatt to replace Mike Brown, should we have seen it coming after David Griffin made these comments back on May 13, 2014 at his introductory press conference as Cavs full-time G.M.? Blatt would be the first coach to make the jump from Europe to the NBA as a head coach and that definitely would be be bucking the trend and be considered a unique move!

David Griffin Photo 5-13-14

KANSAS HEAD COACH BILL SELF BREAKS DOWN ANDREW WIGGINS

Posted: Jun 19, 2014 by . Filed under Audio, Current Interviews | 52 Comments

Hear what Kansas coach Bill Self told me were the positives and negatives with Andrew Wiggins in my recent 1 on 1 interview the Jayhawks bench boss.

bill-self

WHAT DO THE CAVS DO NOW AFTER JOEL EMBIID’S FOOT INJURY?

Posted: Jun 19, 2014 by . Filed under Blog Posts, Feature Articles | 48 Comments

Last year the Cleveland Clinic played a major role in the Cavaliers passing on a pair of centers in the NBA Draft in Nerlens Noel and Alex Len. This year it looks like the Clinic has become a major factor again in helping determine who the Cavaliers will select with the 1st overall pick in 2014.

Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com broke the story today about a potential brake in Joel Embiid’s right foot that was discovered during the Cavaliers physical. YahooSports.com Adrian Wojnarowski followed that up with these tweets:

Adrian Wojnarowski        ✔ @WojYahooNBA

Cleveland doctors discovered right foot injury in exams and passed info onto Embiid reps, sources tell Yahoo. Fear is a right foot fracture.

12:54 PM – 19 Jun 2014

 

Adrian Wojnarowski        ✔ @WojYahooNBA

Embiid’s consulting w/ orthopedist Dr. Richard Ferkel in L.A.; determination on fracture and possible surgery expected soon, sources tell Y.

12:59 PM – 19 Jun 2014

 

So with this information Cavs G.M. David Griffin probably has been reevaluating his potential decision as to who to take number #1 overall next Thursday. More than likely it comes down to two choices, small forwards Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker.

While both one-and-done guys play the same position, they are two totally different types of players.

The 6’8 – 200 pound Wiggins is considered a strong defensive player with a solid offensive game, that makes him the more complete all-around player with ridiculous athletic ability. His 44 inch vertical jump along with his 7-foot wingspan have GM’s throughout the league salivating.  His ceiling is considered to be very high. His college coach Bill Self told me he feels that Wiggins offensive game will become more consistent because the NBA style of play suits Wiggins great athleticism, especially in the transition game.

The knock on Wiggins is that he doesn’t have the killer instinct, he’s not aggressive enough. I asked Self about that and the Kansas coach told me, “That’s fair, because with his athletic ability he leaves you wanting more. However his maturity is starting to catch up with his athleticism. He’s going to be a stud!”

The other choice David Griffin has is Parker from Duke. He’s 6’9 but weighs 240 pounds, making his body more physically ready for the NBA competition and pounding. His offensive game is where he will earn his money. Inside and outside, back to the basket or facing up, Jabari Parker can shoot it and score the basketball. His offensive game is more complete and consistent than Wiggins and that’s why a lot of G.M.’s, scouts, coaches and media members feel he is more ready to play and will contribute to a team on offense right away. You hear the term “Plug and Play” with Parker a lot and that’s what will be expected of him where ever he ends up.

The downside to Parker is his defense. His lateral movement and foot speed are of major concern to NBA front office folk on the defensive side of the ball. He may be too slow to guard the quicker, more athletic 3’s and not big enough to guard most power forwards. So you’ll have to give a little on defense to gain on offense.

Could the Cavs still end up taking Embiid depending on the severity of his foot injury? Yes. But for a team who missed badly on number #1 overall pick Anthony Bennett last year and for a team who is desperate to make the playoffs, it’s unlikely they can take a chance with Embiid, but will instead pick between Wiggins and Parker.

Either way they’re going get a potential all-star player who fills their biggest need at small forward.  One is more ready to play right now in Parker. The other is the two-way player with more all-around upside in Wiggins. It’s time for David Griffin to make one of his many important off-season decisions. Good luck Griff!

LANDING LEBRON

Posted: Jun 19, 2014 by . Filed under Blog Posts, Feature Articles | 47 Comments

Writers note – This story was written before Joel Embiid suffered a right foot injury and it is being evaluated. If the injury is serious, along with his recent back issues, it could change a lot in my plan to “Land LeBron”!

If the Cavaliers are serious about trying to reunite with LeBron James and get him to return to Cleveland as a free agent this off season, there are a number of things they need to do before free agency starts on July 1st to even have a chance of making this happen. I’m not saying it will, I’m saying it would better their chances.

LeBron James photo small 11-27-13

First off, since they don’t have a Pat Riley or Phil Jackson in the front office they need to hire a coach who’s been a winner on the sidelines, played in the NBA and has some cache and a name. Right now none of their reported candidates have that combination.  Tyronn Lue doesn’t. Neither does Alvin Gentry or David Blatt. While there is no proven, championship winning coach available out there, the closest thing to a coach who’s been successful on the sidelines, has played the game and has some “street cred” to go along with his game smarts is Mark Jackson.

That move I believe would get LeBron’s attention while he is on vacation with his family and thinking about his future.  Problem is, according to a story I read from the News-Herald/Morning Journal’s Bob Finnan today, he had a quote from Jackson in the article saying that reports that the Cavs have contacted him are, “Nothing but rumors and speculation.”  If that indeed is the case, and G.M. David Griffin has said they will leave no stone unturned as they search for their next head coach, you have to ask yourself why haven’t the Cavs contacted Mark Jackson?  What are they waiting for, especially if they are thinking about trying to lure LBJ back to C’Town?

Secondly, if you’re not going to make a major trade for Kevin Love, and the only way I do that if I’m the Cavs is if I get Love to sign a contract extension, then you draft center Joel Embiid. Now granted, you have to feel confident that after putting him through all of your medical tests that his back is fine, but if it is, then you go get the “Big” out of Kansas.

Embiid has a ton of upside, and while right now he’s still a little raw on offense, he reportedly impressed the Cavs in his work out by showing off his great foot work and the ability to shoot the basketball from some distance, along with a nice touch around the rim. While his offense is a work in progress and there is evidence there that it will develop, he can make his presence felt in his rookie season with his defense and rebounding. Right away he gives the Cavs a much needed rim protector in blocking shots and altering others. Plus his rebounding would allow the Cavs to get out and run more and get easy baskets in transition.

So if Jackson ended up being your coach and Embiid was the choice as the first overall pick in the draft, you would have your coach who’s got some swag to go along with his winning record in the NBA as your bench boss and you’d have a young legitimate center with a lot of potential and the ability to patrol the paint. On top of that you’d have a fourth year all-star point guard in Kyrie Irving, a third year shooting guard in Dion Waiters, plus some cap space and maneuverability to fill some other spots on your roster through trade or free agency.

 

There have been some reports out there that LeBron and Kyrie don’t get along that well any more, or that James doesn’t want to play with a ball dominate point guard. I say that’s hogwash. After seeing how a lack of point guard play killed the Heat in the NBA Finals against San Antonio this year, I believe LBJ understands the importance of having a top notch point guard in today’s game and would sacrifice being in control of the offense the majority of the time if it meant more wins and less minutes for him as he gets older.

LeBron and Kyrie shake hands at Z jersey Ceremony 3-8-14

While none of what I just wrote would guarantee that LeBron James will decide to opt out of his contract in Miami and come back to Cleveland this off season as a free agent, I believe if the Cavs are serious about bringing James home again, it has to start there. If LeBron is not in their plans, then they can consider hiring a Tyronn Lue or a David Blatt as their inexperienced head coach and fill the small forward hole on their roster by picking either Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker and continue to build for the future with a young squad growing together over time.

But if the Cavaliers want to try and lure LeBron back and win right away, bold moves and chances have to be taken by Dan Gilbert and David Griffin, and hiring Jackson and drafting Embiid would be the place to start!

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