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I'm sure he will be back once the Heat start winning again.

Reports: Riley likely to step down as Heat coach

It looks like suffering through a 15-67 season is enough to move Pat Riley off the bench and back into the front office.



According to multiple Florida media reports, the future Hall of Famer is expected to step down as the Miami Heat's head coach at a news conference set for 4 p.m. ET.

The reports, from the South Florida Sun Sentinel and the Miami Herald, say Riley will stay on as team president.

The Sun Sentinel reported that current Heat assistant coach Erik Spoelstra would replace Riley as head coach.
 
Report: Durant will be named top rookie
FOXSports.com

Updated: April 30, 2008, 10:16 AM EST

Kevin Durant is giving Seattle fans something to cheer about, according to a report in the Seattle Times.

The paper reports that the Sonics rookie is going to be named Rookie of the Year on Thursday, beating Atlanta's Al Horford.

He's expected to return to Seattle to receive the award.

Durant left Texas after his freshman season and was the second pick in the 2007 Draft. He averaged 20.3 points per game, though the Sonics finished with a 20-62 record -- a franchise worst.
 
...dumbass.

Melo's Blood Alcohol Level Was Twice Limit
May 1, 2008 - 11:22 am
The Rocky Mountain News -
Carmelo Anthony's blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit when he was pulled over for driving under the influence in early April, according to the Rocky Mountain News.

"We received notice that Carmelo's blood test came back over the legal limit. This is old news in that Carmelo has admitted from the beginning that he had been drinking and driving and should not have been," Anthony's attorney Dan Recht told a local television station.
 
Could Mavericks Trade Josh Howard?
May 1, 2008 - 4:27 pm
The Dallas Morning News -
There is growing speculation that the Mavericks could decide to rid themselves of Josh Howard through a trade this summer, according to the Dallas Morning News.

His value may have diminished over the last few months because of his struggles during the playoffs and his recent admission that he smokes marijuana during the offseason, but he's still considered a high-level talent.

"There's always ways to keep the window open, or open the window back up," Dirk Nowitzki said of the Mavericks pending offseason changes. "We all know trades are part of this business. There's always possibilities out there. We'll see what happens this offseason."
 
Suns GM Kerr Says Shaq Trade A Success
May 1, 2008 - 9:28 pm
East Valley Tribune -
Even though the Suns were eliminated in the first round, Suns GM Steve Kerr has called the team's acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal from the Miami Heat a success, Jerry Brown of the East Valley Tribune is reporting.

“Shaq brought an awful lot to our team. He was terrific,” Kerr said.

“He played very well and added a totally different dimension. (Coach Mike D’Antoni) and I are on the same page in terms of Shaq, the impact he’s made and what he can make in the next couple of years.

“We struggled for the first couple of weeks and then we really started to play well. I thought Mike did a good job of making that adjustment."
 
Rollie_Fingaz said:
Suns GM Kerr Says Shaq Trade A Success
May 1, 2008 - 9:28 pm
East Valley Tribune -
Even though the Suns were eliminated in the first round, Suns GM Steve Kerr has called the team's acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal from the Miami Heat a success, Jerry Brown of the East Valley Tribune is reporting.

“Shaq brought an awful lot to our team. He was terrific,” Kerr said.

“He played very well and added a totally different dimension. (Coach Mike D’Antoni) and I are on the same page in terms of Shaq, the impact he’s made and what he can make in the next couple of years.

“We struggled for the first couple of weeks and then we really started to play well. I thought Mike did a good job of making that adjustment."
Click to expand...

I may be in the minority but Steve Kerr is right. The trade was a success.

Phoenix's problem isn't Shaq, it's Nash and Stoudemire. They're awful defenders. Great offensive players, but terrible defenders and I don't see how a team built like Phoenix can win a playoff series against the defending champions when you have 2 of your 35+ mpg guys giving you little to nothing on D.

D'Antoni's stubborness also is another factor that holds the team back, especially how he refuses to play more than 7 players.
 
..just to break up the monotony, I found a clip on youtube of a pickup game Jordan had awhile back. See if you can pick out the NBA cats on the court.:yes:

More on this clip:

As seen on the Above & Beyond video, this was after he came back & lost to Orlando, & decided "come next year, I was going to be ready for this game". As others mentioned, this gym was built for him on the set of the Space Jam movie so he could get back into proper game condition while filming. They show professionally taped footage from these same pick-up games on the A&B video.
Click to expand...

[FLASH]http://www.youtube.com/v/_rD424rjpyQ&hl=en[/FLASH]
 
Last edited:
xfactor said:
I may be in the minority but Steve Kerr is right. The trade was a success.

Phoenix's problem isn't Shaq, it's Nash and Stoudemire. They're awful defenders. Great offensive players, but terrible defenders and I don't see how a team built like Phoenix can win a playoff series against the defending champions when you have 2 of your 35+ mpg guys giving you little to nothing on D.

D'Antoni's stubborness also is another factor that holds the team back, especially how he refuses to play more than 7 players.
Click to expand...

:yes::yes::yes::yes:

Defense Wins Championships!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nash and Stoudemire are liabilities on defense......
 
ajc921 said:
:yes::yes::yes::yes:

Defense Wins Championships!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nash and Stoudemire are liabilities on defense......
Click to expand...

PG Nash
SG Bell
SF Hill
PF Stoudemire
C O'neal

Bench Barbosa, Diaw, Skinner, Giricec
I feel you but YOU can't trade either one...because THERE ARE no UPGRADES at that position. The only thing they can do which would make sense is to get a new SF... so that HIll can come off the bench, and a backup Center. That is all they can do.
IF I were GM:
Would try and talk ZO into a player/coach position. Inject HEART into the team.
If that don't work go after THEO RATLIFF to backup Amare and Shaq

But my main focus would be on sigining RON ARTEST. yes I know that he has mental issues. But he is a VERY GOOD defensive player and plays the SF.


Here are the Free Agents in the off season below. I



2008 Free Agents:

The Big Dawgs (note: if you see player option, followed by... "50/50": that means we figure the odds at 50/50; if you see "unlikely", that means that the player is unlikely to opt-out, meaning the next season is too much money for them to turn down; if you see "likely", that means the money isn't enough, and they are likely to opt-out):

Baron Davis (player option, 50/50)
Corey Maggette (player option, possible)
Elton Brand (player option, unlikely)
Shawn Marion (player option, likely)
Ron Artest (player option for 08/09, 50/50)
Antawn Jamison
Gilbert Arenas (player option for 08/09, 50/50)

The Restricted Expiring Rookie Contracts (note: very unlikely to sign somewhere else, because they often sign an extension before their rookie contract totally expires; in 2008, though, several teams have failed to sign their rookies to extension, making for some very interesting dealings this off-season):

Josh Smith (restricted)
Josh Childress (restricted)
Emeka Okafor (restricted)
Ben Gordon (restricted)
Luol Deng (restricted)
JR Smith (restricted)
Andris Biedrins (restricted)
Shaun Livingston (restricted)
Stromile Swift (restricted)
Sebastian Telfair (restricted)
Nenad Krstic (restricted)
Trevor Ariza (restricted)
Andre Iguodala (restricted)
Kevin Martin (restricted, extension on way)

Young Filler Material, with some potential (The Chauncey Billups Grouping):

Matt Carroll
Andres Nocioni
Chris Duhon
Daniel Gibson
Eduardo Najera
Mickael Pietrus
Matt Barnes
Monta Ellis
Bonzi Wells
Kwame Brown
Jason Williams
Ricky Davis
Boki Nachbar
Antoine Wright
Beno Udrih
Fabricio Oberto

The "They're Still Around?" Group (a.k.a. The Detroit Pistons Bench):
Antonio McDyess
Lindsay Hunter
Ronald Murray
Joe Smith
Michael Finley
Sam Cassell
Alonzo Mourning
Penny Hardaway
Theo Ratliff
Jamaal Magliore
Chris Webber
Aaron McKie
Kevin Ollie
Steve Blake
Mikki Moore
Brent Barry
Robert Horry
Michael Finley
Kurt Thomas
Andray Blatche
 
:lol:Papa John's apologizes for T-shirts calling James 'crybaby':lol:

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Papa John's Pizza issued an apology to Cleveland and the Cavaliers for making T-shirts with LeBron James' number and the word "crybaby" under it.

To apologize, Papa John's will sell Cleveland residents a large, one-topping pizza for 23 cents on Thursday. The 23 is an homage to James' jersey number. The company also will donate $10,000 to the Cavaliers Youth Fund.

The pizza chain's T-shirts were featured during the Cavs' games against the Wizards on Friday in Washington. Wizards fans taunted the Cavs, who won the payoff series that night in Game 6.

The shirts started after James complained about hard fouls, and Wizards center Brendan Haywood called him a crybaby.
 
UP FRONT
SAS talks all things sports.
by Stephen A. Smith

Getty Images

How important is someone like Dirk to the NBA's image overall?

If it's white, it's all right! Contrary to what the NBA wants you to think, there's still a rising perception that the league is interested in growing its population of international players who are of a lighter hue. The perception is that this is happening to appease white patrons exhausted by the behavior of 20-year-old millionaires gone bad—whose culture, and pigmentation, is different from their own.

I've heard such noise emanating from African-American communities in the aftermath of the Brawl in Auburn Hills, nearly four years ago. The argument goes like this: The NBA hasn't had an American-born white superstar since Larry Bird, and teams will travel to any and all corners of the earth to find a Dirk Nowitzki, a Peja Stojakovic or someone else without a remote connection to Ron Artest. The noise has been echoing again this spring, as 13 of the 16 playoff teams have at least one white international player in at least a supporting role.

If the argument made sense, the NBA would be the definition of hypocrisy, considering all the hip-hop booming in arenas around the league. Except the argument doesn't make any sense at all.

I have no problem with the changing demographics on the court, for the simple reason that they're strictly about the worldwide chase for dollars and cents. David Stern is running a multibillion-dollar business, and he's willing to eviscerate anything or anyone who threatens to lower his bottom line. But is Stern, or the league, behaving in a racist manner? Come on. Although several African-American players I know disagree with me, none of them wants to admit as much on the record—wisely, I might add. Because the facts speak for themselves. NBA executives point out that while there were 76 international players, from 31 countries, in the league at the end of the season (more than 20% of the players on the 30 team rosters), only 46 were European. These international players included not just Nowitzki and Stojakovic but Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian of China, as well as Congo's most famous senior citizen, Dikembe Mutombo.

Those same NBA executives will tell you that owners would embrace green goblins, giant frogs or players who "wore diapers instead of regular underwear," as one team official told me, if it meant another $10 million in revenue. "I don't think race has anything to do with who's playing in our league," says Wizards president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld, who makes numerous international scouting trips each year. "I don't think people really care about who the players are. It's about what they bring to the table."

Like entry to global markets. "At some point, everybody is looking for a pool of money to swim into, and the international market is clearly where it's at," says Bill Duffy, an African-American agent who reps Yao and many other NBA players.

"How many sneakers or T-shirts can someone buy? You avoid reaching a saturation point by delving into that international pool. The NBA can't be blamed for that."

Makes sense to me. Other than soccer, basketball is arguably the world's most popular pro sport. Beginning with the original Dream Team in Barcelona 16 years ago, the NBA has gone global, creating shared revenue that has helped bridge the gap between large-market and small-market teams.

Yes, the league has an image issue. But there's a dress code now, for what that's worth. And stiffer and swifter conduct penalties are in vogue, with guys getting ejected for staring at or laughing at an official, for crying out loud.

Once upon a time, I was inclined to believe that the NBA, in an effort to ingratiate itself with its viewing public, wanted more white players to serve that purpose—until, that is, common sense taught me otherwise. Enough with the race issue. The NBA would never compromise the composition of its product for the sake of a few racist holdouts. The league is all about improving its product—the better to sell it!

In a society where some still criticize Babe Ruth because he didn't play against Negro Leaguers, how can we complain that international participation in basketball has opened the floodgates for more intense and well-rounded competition?

We can't. So let's cut the noise.
 
cranrab said:
notice how when there's NO referree to bait, and real men (minus jack haley) are playing the game, there's also NO yelping/whining?
Click to expand...

don't get the point of the vid...

I see mike, reggie rodman, and juwon....

what's the point though?
 
cranrab said:
rollie,

the man is asking you a question!
Click to expand...

There is no point. Just watching dudes actually ENJOY the game instead of expensive tickets, bad seats, even worse food, long-ass half time shows, endorsement deals, bad announcing, no politics, no referees being Stern's puppets and making who he THINK should be dominant look good. It makes the game look..different. It's the difference between rap and hip hop. The difference between good soul food from your grandma's and that bull shit Sylvia's put out.

Oh, and no Euros stinking up the joint. Just good competitive basketball from some of the best players in the world (and Jack Haley)
 
T-Mac Will Miss Three Months Following Surgery
May 7, 2008 - 6:01 pm
ESPN -
Rockets guard Tracy McGrady could need as many as three months to recover from the knee and shoulder surgery he underwent on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

"I don't expect these issues to impact his ability to prepare for the upcoming season," said team physician Tom Clanton, who operated on McGrady's knee.

Houston is crossing their fingers that both McGrady and center Yao Ming will be back to 100% when the 2008-09 season kicks off this fall.
 
Knight Resigns As Hawks' GM
May 7, 2008 - 9:05 am
Press Release -
The Atlanta Hawks announced today that Executive Vice-President and General Manager Billy Knight has submitted his resignation, effective July 1st, after six seasons with the club.

“The time has come for me to take a break and fully evaluate my future plans,” said Knight. “I am tremendously pleased with what we were able to accomplish this season in reaching the postseason, as the Hawks’ return to the playoffs energized the city and our franchise. My passion for the franchise has never wavered, but I feel I’m leaving the organization in much better shape than it was in when I took over. I also appreciate the jobs done by Mike (Woodson), his staff and the players during this season. They are most deserving of the praise and accolades they earned during a tough, seven-game series against the Eastern Conference’s top team entering the playoffs, and I wish them and the Hawks organization the very best in the future.”

Knight, 55, was the chief architect behind the rebuilding of the Hawks, taking over the position of General Manager in April 2003 after spending one season as Atlanta’s Director of Basketball Operations. In his six years, the Hawks went from an underachieving franchise with overpaid players to one whose transformation began with making wise decisions through the draft and developing that talent, while maintaining financial flexibility to acquire the best talent mix without handicapping the future of the club.

The Hawks finished 2007-08 with a 37-45 record and extended the Boston Celtics to seven games in the first round of the playoffs, the franchise first postseason berth since the 1998-99 (lockout-shortened) season.

“We respect the decision Billy has made to resign and we are grateful and appreciative of the job he has done,” said Atlanta Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon. “Billy has built a team of athletic, high character players who have enormous potential. Under his leadership, the Hawks were not only the youngest team in this year’s playoffs, but have also proven to be the most exciting team Atlanta has seen since the Dominique (Wilkins) era of the 80's. We look forward to building on Billy's success as we continue our efforts to emerge as one of the NBA's elite franchises for a long time to come.”

Formerly with the Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers in various capacities, Knight has spent nearly 25 years in the NBA as a player or front office executive.
 
Nets Make Kiki GM
May 8, 2008 - 4:47 pm
Press Release -
The New Jersey Nets have promoted Kiki Vandeweghe to the position of General Manager, Nets President Rod Thorn announced today. Vandeweghe originally joined the Nets as Special Assistant to the President on December 31, 2007. As per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

“We are very pleased that Kiki will continue his relationship with the Nets organization, “said Thorn. “When Kiki joined us in December, I felt that his experience as both an All-Star player and front office executive would be an invaluable asset to both myself and the franchise, and his work in the ensuing months has reinforced that belief. This new position solidifies his relationship with Nets basketball.”
 
Rollie_Fingaz said:
There is no point. Just watching dudes actually ENJOY the game instead of expensive tickets, bad seats, even worse food, long-ass half time shows, endorsement deals, bad announcing, no politics, no referees being Stern's puppets and making who he THINK should be dominant look good. It makes the game look..different. It's the difference between rap and hip hop. The difference between good soul food from your grandma's and that bull shit Sylvia's put out.

Oh, and no Euros stinking up the joint. Just good competitive basketball from some of the best players in the world (and Jack Haley)
Click to expand...


Jeff Van Gundy just expanded on my answer when speaking about Sam Cassell. He said that the reason why some players play longer than others is the love of the game and don't worry about the politics. That video is just a bunch of NBA players that enjoy the game. I hate when athletes treat their profession and stop caring about the game.
 
Sources: Carlisle, Mavs reach agreement on 4-year deal

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

Although a news conference to introduce Carlisle as Avery Johnson's successor is now considered unlikely before Wednesday, according to sources close to the process, Carlisle and the Mavericks ended two days of slow-moving talks late Friday by coming to terms on a deal that is believed to worth at least $4 million annually.

Carlisle arrived in Dallas on Thursday with his family with the expectation of a Friday news conference. He was joined in Big D by the two former NBA head coaches -- Dwane Casey and Terry Stotts -- who will be assistants on Carlisle's first staff with the Mavericks.

It appeared the sides would go into the weekend with no deal when an accord was reached shortly before 11 p.m. ET.

Carlisle has a career record of 281-211 after two seasons in Detroit, then four in Indiana. He was coach of the year his first season with the Pistons, went to conference finals in consecutive years -- with different teams -- and made the playoffs every year until his last. He worked as an analyst for ESPN the last year.

In Dallas, he would take over a team that's won at least 50 games and made the playoffs the last eight years. The Mavs were in the finals in 2006 and won 67 games in '07, but lost in the first round of the playoffs then and again this year.

The roster he inherits includes Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd, plus returning starters Josh Howard, Erick Dampier and Jason Terry.
 
Rollie_Fingaz said:
Sources: Carlisle, Mavs reach agreement on 4-year deal

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

Although a news conference to introduce Carlisle as Avery Johnson's successor is now considered unlikely before Wednesday, according to sources close to the process, Carlisle and the Mavericks ended two days of slow-moving talks late Friday by coming to terms on a deal that is believed to worth at least $4 million annually.

Carlisle arrived in Dallas on Thursday with his family with the expectation of a Friday news conference. He was joined in Big D by the two former NBA head coaches -- Dwane Casey and Terry Stotts -- who will be assistants on Carlisle's first staff with the Mavericks.

It appeared the sides would go into the weekend with no deal when an accord was reached shortly before 11 p.m. ET.

Carlisle has a career record of 281-211 after two seasons in Detroit, then four in Indiana. He was coach of the year his first season with the Pistons, went to conference finals in consecutive years -- with different teams -- and made the playoffs every year until his last. He worked as an analyst for ESPN the last year.

In Dallas, he would take over a team that's won at least 50 games and made the playoffs the last eight years. The Mavs were in the finals in 2006 and won 67 games in '07, but lost in the first round of the playoffs then and again this year.

The roster he inherits includes Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd, plus returning starters Josh Howard, Erick Dampier and Jason Terry.
Click to expand...

good move for the mavs even though they should not have gotten rid of Avery.
 
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Reports: D'Antoni accepts offer to coach Knicks

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN.com news services

Mike D'Antoni has accepted an offer to coach the New York Knicks, according to a media reports.


The former Phoenix Suns coach, who was also sought by the Chicago Bulls, has accepted a four-year, $24 million deal to take over the Knicks, according to reports by Sports Illustrated and The Boston Globe, both citing a league source.


The Knicks did not immediately confirm that D'Antoni is New York-bound.


ESPN's Stephen A. Smith had previously reported that the Knicks had outlined a four-year, $24 million offer for D'Antoni.


He takes over coaching duties for one of the league's most high-profile franchies -- and one that has fallen into disarray over the past two seasons under former coach and team president Isiah Thomas. Following a messy divorce with former coach Larry Brown, the Knicks went 33-49 in 2006-07 and 23-59 last season.


D'Antoni had two years and nearly $9 million remaining on his contract with the Suns, whom he led to two Western Conference finals. The Suns were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs this season after trading Shawn Marion for Shaquille O'Neal.

The two-team chase for D'Antoni intensified when he talked to the Bulls in a late-evening conference call with team officials on Friday. And the Chicago Tribune reported that Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, who owns a home in the Phoenix area, planned to meet face-to-face over the weekend with D'Antoni.


D'Antoni has a 267-172 career coaching record with the Suns and Denver Nuggets. The Suns reached won at least 54 games in four of his five seasons and reached the Western Conference finals twice. He has a 26-25 record in the playoffs.
 
Garnett, Bryant, Camby, Bowen, Duncan lead first team

NEW YORK -- League MVP Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett were selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team on Monday, along with Marcus Camby, Bruce Bowen and Tim Duncan.

Getting Defensive

Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett are no strangers to the NBA All-Defensive Team. Bryant made the squad for the 8th time while it was Garnett's 9th selection.

Garnett, who helped the Boston Celtics to the league's best record, was chosen for the ninth time. The forward was chosen defensive player of the year last month.

Bryant, who earned his eighth selection, and Garnett each received 24 first-place votes from the league's 30 coaches. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own players.

Garnett led a defense that held opponents to 90.3 points per game and a league-best .418 field-goal shooting percentage.

Camby had a league-leading 3.61 blocked shots per game for the Denver Nuggets and was second in rebounds (13.1 per game). Duncan, on the team for the 11th time, and Bowen, making the team for the eighth time, play for the San Antonio Spurs.

The second team is Shane Battier of the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, Tayshaun Prince of the Detroit Pistons and Raja Bell of the Phoenix Suns.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3392347
 
Could Knicks Grab Ford For D'Antoni's Offense?
The National Post - 05/12 - 4:42 PM EST
The Knicks don't currently have the type of point guard that Mike D'Antoni needs to run his offense, but they could swing a deal with the Raptors to fill that void, according to The National Post.

Toronto's Jose Calderon was recently quoted as saying that he wants to be the team's starter, which could create a problem for Bryan Colangelo, who also has T.J. Ford on the roster.

If the Raptors decide to ship Ford out of town, the Knicks could make an offer involving guard Jamal Crawford.

Crawford is the kind of slashing guard that Toronto has lacked, and could help keep defenses honest in the paint and on the perimeter.
 
didn't want to start a new thread for this.

check out BUNK from THE WIRE sitting front row behind the hornets bench. good for him, his family is from the NOLA.
 
No "Sidekick" For LeBron James?

By: Wendell Maxey Last Updated: 5/21/08 5:47 AM ET | 4569 times read

Even days after Cleveland lost in Game 7 to the Boston Celtics, Cavaliers majority owner and chairman Dan Gilbert is still having trouble gripping reality.

"I'm trying to get out of my depression slowly from it," Gilbert said Tuesday.

"I thought we were going to win that game. I think everybody did. Clearly we have more work to do and we're going to do it."

That offseason "work to do" agenda starts now, regardless if Gilbert, General Manager Danny Ferry and head coach Mike Brown like it or not. And while the Cavaliers fell short of their goal this season losing in the second round, a full summer awaits the chance to improve the roster.

"We're going to work this summer to get better and better and we'll look at everything. We're going to let a little time go by then re-group and look at everything objectively, try and get better and get to where we ultimately need to be," Gilbert continued.

But while Gilbert admitted he is proud of the front office and Cavs coaching staff for their willingness to "take some risks" - particularly with the February trade deadline that brought Wally Szczerbiak, Ben Wallace and Delonte West to Cleveland - clearly there is still some offseason business to conduct.

The question now –or shall we say "again" – is, can the Cavs obtain a Robin to LeBron James' Batman?

For Gilbert though, the whole "sidekick" analogy simply doesn't apply.

"Everyone points to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. But do you call Tony Parker and (Manu) Ginobili "sidekicks" to Tim Duncan? I don't think so," Gilbert explained.

"A lot of people focus on the means instead of the ends in this business. They'll focus on the offense or the defense, a point guard or a 'sidekick'. But for me there is a lot of ways to get there – to get to a championship – which is LeBron's goal, and the ownerships goal – so I can't really comment if it's a 'sidekick'."

Some members of the media even argue this summer -more than those most recent- is the chance for the Cavs organization to show James just how serious they are about building a championship team.

Although Gilbert feels this year's squad had "better team chemistry", there remains concern to surround James with at least one other player who can help take the pressure, not only off of James, but the Cavs as a whole. If not, perhaps James will look outside of Cleveland it two years when he could opt for free agency.

Both the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets are apparently courting King James.

For some owners, that would be a lot of pressure to deal with, but apparently Gilbert is not one of them.

"We all put a lot of pressure on ourselves. I'm not sure if there would be any less of a desire to win from the people in this organization no matter who was playing on the team," Gilbert said.

What then does Gilbert think about James' long term future in Cleveland?

"It's something I don't really think about or worry about.

"We have no reason to doubt with LeBron James, or any player, and their commitment to be with the Cleveland Cavaliers based on the organization we've built and we are building. That's something I don't worry about because I believe we do the right things, not only with LeBron but any player who would consider us one of the teams when they're a free agent."

While ownership will cross James' contract bridge when the organization comes to it, the matter at hand is to "get better no matter what the obstacles are" for the Cavs this summer. And while Gilbert places his trust in both Ferry and Brown to make the necessary adjustments this offseason, Gilbert himself knows those chances could come at any cost.

"There is always a willingness to look at anything," Gilbert said.

"You can always get better, right?"
 

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