How long ago was it that the Cavs were tanking the season watining to get the pick in the draft in which they acquired Lebron James? Only one year after drafting one of the best power forward in the league in Carlos Boozer they went a dismal 17-65. Ricky Davis was the teams leading scorer but far from the teams top talent with players like Boozer and Big Z on the roster. Now majority owner Dan Gilbert is saying Lebron quit on the Cavs. I'm thinking it's the other way around.
Most owners, well good owners at least know how to evaluate talent. And if not they hire a general manager that does. Look at the Heat. Pat Riley drafted Dwayne Wade, Mario Chalmers, Caron Butler, among other talented players. And even though only Wade and Udonis Haslem are really left on the roster along with Chalmers they were talented players to begin with. Before Lebron the Cavs never had an eye for talent. Them drafting him was only a popularity contest in my eyes. Who doesn't take the home town boy? Especially when he's supposed to be the chosen one to begin with. The Cavs have taken alot of busts with good picks with sloppy first round choices. Desagana Diop and Brendan Haywood. Two first round picks in one draft. In 2002 they took Dejaun Wagner with the sixth pick in the draft. An undersized guard they hoped would be the next Allen Iverson. Leaving what turned out to be a decent amount of now quality players on the draft board. Amar'e Stoudemire, Caron Butler, Tayshaun Prince, John Salmons, Matt Barnes, Flip Murray, and Luis Scola. Now not all of them are quite all stars, but compare them to Wagner wherever he is now. (I'm just going to assume you did and understand now)
After taking Boozer the Cavs were unable to bring talent to town, forcing him to take a deal from an already established franchise in Utah. With only a little help Boozer was an instant difference maker. Who's fault is it really in the end if you tell an employer that your the best foreman in the business or trade your involved with. James started with players like Jeff Mcinnis, Ricky Davis, and Darius Miles. With lone bright spots Ilgauskus and Boozer. The next season they added Eric Snow to bring some consistancy to the point position. And added Drew Gooden after Boozer bolter for Utah. Then a slew of point guards that were primarily shooters like Damon Jones, Daniel Gibson, and Mo Williams through the years. With the exception of Antawn Jamison none of them were even all stars at the time of their signing.
Is one player really the blame for a franchises failed attempt at success? The front office and people in charge of personel should all be evaluated this off season. Along with the direction of the team if they plan on ever being a real threat in the NBA. Even without James they still have a core group of talented players to build around assumingf that they'll all be there. Mo Williams has already expressed disappointment in James decision to leave. Keeping Jamison would be huge, he's a great player to build around. But the question still remains? Can the Cavs ever get out of the shadow of the King? Can the front office learn to build a core group of guys and not just put it all on one persons back? And will Dan Gilbert ever quit wining about Lebron giving up and ultimately admit he should had brought in some real talent?
My guess is no. Without Lebron they'll have to wait a long time to get a ring. And if James gets one first the Cavs will be compared to the Red Sox for giving up Babe Ruth and paying the price for years to come.
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