First Akron then Asia

Looks like good old Nike will be whoring..I mean hosting LeBron James on a three-city tour of Asia beginning in August.  King James will be heading out to Tokyo, Beijing, and Hong Kong to visit and work with kids in basketball programs and fund-raising efforts in Beijing.

"I'm very excited about going to Asia," James said in a statement. "I've heard a lot of great things about the basketball culture in Asia, and I can't wait to meet the kids, and inspire them with my style of play, and be inspired by theirs."

I mean who writes this stuff...

Also, watch your mailbox for the latest issue of XXL as LeKing will be on the cover. 

Cavs Update:
It seems the interest was 'strong' from the Cavs in obtaining Marko Jaric.  Bad thing is that this interest was also 'strong' from the Nuggets.  We need to grab a PG quick given Juan Dixon is now gone to Portland and concerning Damon Stoudamire, ex Bron agent Aaron Goodwin says the Cavs "haven't made any significant effort" to sign him.  "I don't think that we fit in [the Cavs] plans."

If he doesn't pan out looks like we go after Damon Jones & Earl Watson. 

Thee Jim Brown

If you kids have a sec, check out this interview with Jim Brown (real player format) from a radio show at work (Sports Bloggers Live).   It's only about 9 mins long and in my opinion very well done.  Jim discusses K2, Clarett, Ricky Williams, and even touches on the Browns future.  If you don't have real player, here is the link for the aol player..

Also, it's conducted by a Browns fan so you get to hear someone who truly respects the greatest all around athlete ever..


**In case anyone isn't familiar with Jim Brown, check out the athlete videos from his website.  He is seriously the greatest athlete ever and more importantly a Cleveland Sports Legend. 

Tribe Time

ok ok, it seems Mr. "I love the team who can't seem to pass the Tribe in the AL Central even though we are on a losing streak" was displeased that I chose to forgo coverage of the Tribe's awful losing streak.  And you are in fact correct..the Tribe hasn't exactly been playing to hot as of late, but you know what..we still have a better record than you.  What's that say?  I know what it says..Michigan sux.  Something you will hear even when baseball season is over. 

I mean minus Jhonny "greatest hitting Indian SS ever" Peralta and our pudgy RP, this team has been playing pretty average at best as of late.  CC got smacked around last night and yes it wasn't pretty.  We are also missing our biggest hitter who quite possibly will miss a good amount of time given he only has a drunken vision.  As far as reports say, we shall know today if Hafner will be placed on the DL. 

But as the title of my blog mentions, the primary coverage will be of the Chosen One (from Ohio) and the Cavs.  Granted there will be plenty of Buckeye updates come 4-5 weeks, but to follow the Tribe as well as all the inner workings of the Cavs is a little much.  But I think now I will make a concerted effort to post more about the Tribe. 

To start let's post this stat of one of our up and coming players..yea that's right our team is building for the future not concerned with reincarnated Cecil Fielder's.  Indians SS Jhonny Peralta is currently fourth among major league shortstops with 14 home runs and 33 extra-base hits.  I mean in the past week, he is batting .333 with 3 homeruns.  Sick..sick numbers from the weakest position in baseball. 

And remember, as I mentioned above..we are better than you now even on a losing streak. 

OK then

Well, it seems like Sarunas is gone as he signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Pacers.  As the article states, he 'apparently' decided to take less money and fewer minutes to have a shot at an NBA title.  Whatever..

So now..Jaric?  According to a league source, which once again means nothing, the rumored Jaric sign-and-trade with the Cavs is fictional.  The deal was supposed to go down like this:  Clippers sign Jaric and send him to the Cavaliers, along with power forward Chris Wilcox, in exchange for Gooden.

Since we don't have the necessary salary-cap space to sign Jaric, who was lookin to get $5 million a year, the only way to acquire Jaric would be a sign-and-trade.

According to Jaric's agent, "There are five or six teams still interested in Marko," and "he's still very interested in the Cavs."

Jaric still plans to visit the Cavs tomorrow.  If we can't get Jaric, then we might still be able to obtain Damon Stoudimire or Damon Jones.

Temporary Wait

Since it was announced yesterday that the NBA hasn't finished it's 'new' collective bargaining agreement, the Cavs won't officially sign Hughes, Z, and Marshall today.  Not a huge deal, but the good news here is that the Cavs have been spending under the belief that the salary cap will be between $48-49 million. Given the signings of the 3 players mentioned above, we should have about $3.5 million left to spend. 

Also to note is that the Clips and Cavs have been talkin trades.  If we can dish Gooden and still have the $3.5..boy that would be nice.  Not sure if we would still sign Sarunas given we have Snow, but this allows us to pick up some solid bench players..aka Tractor.  We shall see as Jaric is visiting us today so hopefully that goes well and wants to play with a championship contender. 

Smooth..very smooth

 

You know I actually think she is hotter than Jessica Simpson.  And also this cant be real as there is no way the Cavs would ever draft someone from Cincinnati. 

Not done yet..

Oh how the times change...

As the article states, the Cavs used to be the franchise that stood back and watched other teams make moves, and then took their pick of the leftovers, the Ira Newble's and Lucious Harris' of the world.

We all saw how that worked out...

But now, things are different.


Oh yes, the times they are a changing...Even though we are spendin a lot o cash, this is what you have to do (and this is definetely something Cleveland sports is not used to).  And the beauty is that there are still plenty of rumors out there that the Cavs aren't finished.  Will we pick up Sarunas?  Or is Jaric the main man?  Then possibly dishin Gooden?  This is definetely an exciting time for a Cavs fan. 

Oh check this out..it's also being rumored that Ferry is reaching out to an old Cavalier (and Akron resident) in Larry Nance to be the team's liaison between management and players. 

To sum it up in the words of Donyell Marshalls agent, Andy Miller:

"We look at this as an opportunity to join a team that could win an NBA championship real soon," Miller said.

Oh Yeah!

Thankyou Mr. tko9er for that little scoop on Donyell Marshall.  Quite a nice surprise after a long afternoon of meetings.  Even though its not on ESPiN yet (even after 3 hours), it is confirmed as of 1:17pm today not on the ABJ, but on the Cleveland Plain Dealer..showing up the ABJ for the first time..not bad for a bigger city. 

Also, this is listed on RealGM citing Slam Sports as the source..not sure about that one, but whatever. 

Ok Mr. Ferry..not bad buddy, not bad at all.  Let's get that PG and trade Gooden then I can officially purchase the NBA League Pass. 

We'll Take It

Well at least it's a win, not a 9 inning win, but a win.  After getting swept by the White Sox, the Tribe beat up on the shady Royals in a 5 inning double rainout.  But it's a win and that is something we so desperately needed.  I think hearing that Hafner is ok will also put Tribe fans in brighter spirits as he is expected to be back in the lineup anytime this week. 

Also, last night the Tribe dealt Jody Gerut to the lame Cubs for Jason Dubois (pronounced du-Boyce).  And apparently Jody didn't have a clue about this trade.  Check out this quote:

"I'm shocked," Gerut said. "It's crazy. I guess I'm not quite ready to turn the page. But as soon as I clear out my locker, I'll be ready to turn the page."

Hopefully Dubois can provide that right handed power this lineup is looking for.  And to be honest, when was the last time you heard the name Jody Gerut anyways.  With Sizemore and Crisp lightin it up, it was easy to forget good old Jody. 

On other trade rumors with the state down south, Kentucky, it seems the Reds are denying all rumors about trading Dunn to the Tribe.  No shock on this denail but I guess trading with the enemy is ok as long as he can forget his horrid roots. 

Roger Brown of the Plain Dealer is a believer in a CC for Dunn trade.   Something to think about..

Few Tidbits

Another potential PG:

The Cavs' quest for a starting point guard now includes free agent Damon Stoudamire. Aaron Goodwin, Stoudamire's agent, said Friday that he and the Cavs have had conversations about his client.


From the King:

"We know that our front office, with the acquisition of Mike Brown, Danny Ferry and the owners, they're trying to make us better and it shows,'' James said. "Now it's our turn to take care of it on the court.''

Under league rules, general manager Ferry, who attended the ceremony in support of James, couldn't comment on free agents. He did say that a point guard and a big man (I will assume PF) are still two needs that must be filled.

As it turns out, James hopes the team isn't finished, as there are a few more players he'd like to call teammate next year.

Whom does he have his eyes set on?

"I've got a few of them, but I'm not going to say," James said. "I'm glad they're not done. I'll leave it at that."

LeAkron: LeBron Style

I don't really know how I can paraphrase this so I will just let you read it all right here:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LeBron James is again using his worldwide appeal to help lift his hometown.

The Cavaliers star will host a trio of events at Akron's Perkins Park this weekend, starting with today's unveiling of five refurbished basketball courts.

The ceremony, which begins at noon, is the first of a busy weekend for James. He will lend a helping hand throughout Saturday and Sunday's King of the Court, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament also taking place at Perkins Park.

 Perkins Park bitches

James will wrap up the weekend Sunday night when MTV and Nike team up for the filming of "Nike Battlegrounds: King of the Court,'' a documentary-style show in its third season.

A large turnout is expected throughout the weekend, especially for the taping of Battlegrounds, which is scheduled to begin airing on MTV and MTV2 in late August.

In the newest season of the show, James issues a challenge to fellow NBA stars Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls and Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers. Their mission: assemble two teams, one from Gordon's native New York, another from Iguodala's native Illinois.

After weeks of training, trials and tribulation, players who made the two teams finally meet at Perkins Park to battle for playground supremacy.

James serves as the host and emcee of the finals, which will air as an hour-long season finale in October.

"LeBron is bringing in some talented individuals to play basketball for entertainment,'' said Pastor Jimmy L. Taylor, staff pastor of The House of The Lord, a church James attended as a youth. "I think it does place Akron on the map with respect to LeBron James.''

James' latest act of benevolence comes less than a month after he gathered hundreds of riders for his first King for Kids Bikeathon, which raised money for Akron-area YMCAs and the Akron Urban League.

Today's ceremony will mark the completion of 10 renovated city courts by James and NikeGO (a community affairs program under the shoe company Nike) in the past two years.

The partners refurbished five courts last year.It was at a ceremony last year when James challenged Buchtel High student Naomi Blake to make two free throws. If she sank a pair (which she did), James and Nike promised to renovate five more courts.

Two of this year's court renovations are at Perkins Park, while Lane-Miller Sports Complex received two and Morgan Park got one renovation.

"I think LeBron has showed his commitment to the Akron area,'' said Taylor, whose 50-member church choir will sing two songs at halftime of the Battlegrounds game. "He has a desire to try to do uplifting and positive things for the area.''

The weekend at Perkins Park is expected to attract a large gathering.  Rap artist T.I. is scheduled to perform.

Hip-hop icon Jay-Z is also rumored to be attending the event, but those reports couldn't be confirmed.

King of the Court, the 3-on-3 tournament, will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A 3-point contest, dunk contest and one-on-one contest are all scheduled for tournament founder and director Chris Dennis' tournament.  James will have his hand in that, too.

"(LeBron) and his mom will come out and help us with product giveaways for the kids,'' Dennis said. ``He'll be part of the charitable side of things.

"All the free stuff that the kids get, he and his mom will hand out personally.''

Three separate events in three days.  

All benefiting Akron.

The common denominator -- James, the internationally recognized superstar who just won't forget about his hometown.

"This is all free to the community,'' Taylor said. "I think that's exemplary.''

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Speechless over here..speechless.  This is why LeKing won't leave...too much pride.

An Update..kind of

As I read more and more stores from rumor mill about possible trades and aquisitions, I wonder myself what our starting lineup will be a few months from now. 

I am now reading Daniels might go to LA then I hear he might be going to Portland, but of course when he talks to the Plain Dealer Cleveland is his main choice (Notice Daniels tried to pull the old 'I am from Columbus and I want to play at home' routine).

Then there is Drew Gooden.  It's nice to see a reaction from him about these trade rumors (love at the end of the article that he admits the Cavs wanted Redd). 

Also, looks like Haslem isn't coming in to take his place, but that's ok.  But one thing I think we can all agree on (even me) is that Danny Ferry is doing..well a good job. 

What's the feeling out there?  Will Anderson start or Gooden, what about another Lithuanian starting..let me know:

The Next Step..(Almost in Tact)

Welcome back Z. 

Although I don't agree with a 5 year contract given his feet can barely withstand a game, I will look past this.  He is arguably the second best center in the East and invaluable to the Cavs success. 

So now we have $6 million left to spend.  Antonio Daniels?  I have't heard too much about him lately, but still an option.  According to a source inside the Cavs (which I dont know), the team is also checkin out Lithuanian point guard Sarunas Jasikevicius and Udonis Haslem (who is a PF not a PG).  I thought we needed a PG guys.  Gooden is fine and I say let him play.  As long as he knows his primary role is NOT scoring, we should be fine.  Also guys we have Anderson on the bench.  Let's focus on a PG ok..

So Z signed and when we officially sign Hughes and Martynas Andriuskevicius, we will have a total of nine players under contract.  So that means we must sign five more players by training camp to reach the new required number of 14.  At the rate we are spending I don't think those remaining players will be any names we know thus receiving minimum contracts.

Also, I was reading the Beacon and found this tidbit:

• Many fans were frustrated last week that Redd returned to the last-place Milwaukee Bucks despite having the chance to come back home to Ohio and play with LeBron James. Well, the $20-some million difference between the offers was understandably the difference-maker. Keep those special rules to protect the incumbent team in mind in two years, when James is a free agent and the Cavaliers will be able to offer significantly more money to keep him. Contrary to numerous media reports, James' Nike contract does not have a kicker in it to increase his compensation if he plays in New York, Los Angeles or Chicago. Some of his other endorsement deals do, but they represent much, much less than he can get by re-signing for a max contract in Cleveland. Not to mention he's restricted, and the Cavaliers can match any offer.

I like the sound of that..

Is it true?

so despite the rumors yesterday, I think this one might be valid.

we shall see..


UPDATE:
As we all know, the Cavs did indeed get Larry Hughes.  While I would have liked to get Redd given we really needed a shooter and his Ohio connections, I am more than content with Hughes.  He is a playmaker and amazing defender, something we lacked..well I guess with Bron nothing lacks but still..another defender doesn't hurt deep in the playoffs. 

But the reason this signing was so special is that I am surrounded by Wizards/Bullets fans.  And let me tell you..when I started saying the Cavs are getting Hughes before it was in the major media sources (thx ABJ), the comments I heard were priceless.  People just laughed and said we are gonna get Hughes just like everyone else wants to go to Cleveland.  The Boozer comments even came out.  People don't want to believe anyone will go to Cleveland.  And of course, people didn't believe it b/c the Wiz had found their nucleus.  The Hughes/Arenas/Jamison trio was their future.  But now..nothing.  The team must once again rebuild.  One person even said lets bring Jordan back one more time.  With Bobby Simmons gone, their options are few. 

And the greatest part was talk radio.  Not only was this a huge story last week (even ahead of the first place Nats), but driving home on Monday all I heard for 20 mins was "I can't believe Hughes left..what are we gonna do?"  The announcers agreed this was NOT a good move by any means and that in two years the Wizards might look back saying we recovered nicely...but then they all agreed this thinking was just blasphamy.  The Wiz took a hurtin and I am very happy it was at my expense. 

Believe me..once those Hughes jerseys are released, I will be grabbin one of those and sportin it around town. 

As one friend from work stated, "Now I know how it feels to be shit on." 

I dont know what to say

I come back from my birthday lunch at 5 Guy's and now this. 

I was ok with not getting Allen, but now Redd chooses to stay in Milwaukee.  That hurts.  Ferry..I am lookin at you.  Let's get a playa in here or get ready to watch this team fade away.

I really can't say anything more right now..

Choices are a few..

Sorry for the lack of updates as I know all of you rely on this blog as your source of Ohio Sports knowledge, but let's just say it was a long weekend in the Nati (aka: Kentucky) for a fellow Akronites wedding.  But don't worry, Cleveland sports were well represented as the Rehearsal dinner donned more than a dozen LeBron jerseys.  No matter where you go, if Akron is there..LeBron is there.  

So anyways..most everyone knows the updates, but I will recap quickly and give ya some links to some solid opinions. 

First, Ray Allen is no longer an option as he signed a 5 year deal with sunshine-free city of Seattle.  Good..let him go..he is too old and I wasn't ready for another ego (think Darius Miles) to crash up against the King. 

So he is gone and now attentions are heavily focused on Redd. But as this Milwaukee publication states, the Bucks must pay and more importantly they must overpay.  You know I would like to believe he is gonna choose a ring over the dough, but right now I am skeptical.  As the article states, he now has a supporting cast of Bogut and a healthy TJ Ford whereas before he was the main (and only) guy.  Tough call for a Buckeye..but let's hope the LeBron video along with his family in Columbus help him make the right decision. 

So not only is Redd up in the air, but Z is shopping himself around as well.  That would really make things interesting.  Curry is almost a lock to stay in Chicago and the options at Center are nill.  Hopefully Ferry's friendship with Z is enough to keep in him wine and gold.  I am very curious to see how this all plays out.  Last week I thought our team would consist of Daniels, Redd, Bron, Gooden, & Z - a team with a legitimate shot at going far in the Eastern Conference playoffs.  Or at this rate, we could have a completely different team surrouding Bron.  I have no freakin idea but we shall know soon.

One final article from a San Antonio publication states that Ferry's first move was brilliant and this guy is going to bring glory to the Cavs.  The author Mike Malone states the pickup of Martynas Andriuskevicius was well..genius.  Given Andriuskevicius is considered Z2, a fellow Lithuanian who has the same agent as Z1, it's not such a bad thing to have good friends side by side.  As Malone goes on to explain, this acquisition was very familiar to the Spurs signing Malik Rose, Duncan's good buddy, when Duncan was a free agent in 02.  They also had the same agent and while not publicly admitted, signing Rose definetely was an incentive for Duncan to stay aboard...and we all know that panned out. 

Hmm..this is interesting.  Ferry learning lessons and applying them immediately.  That sounds like the son of a GM.  Maybe Ferry is beginning to earn points in my book.  Well..not yet..first we have to assemble a team and if we can get the Redd/Z combo like Ferry wants then maybe I won't hate you as much. 

Tsst..

El Tribe es muy bueno.  On the 4th of July, the good old Tribe took down rather destroyed the Tigers twice in what looks to be a very strong finish to the first half of the season.  Even though we lost a close one tonight, Mr. Detroit Rock City can't say anything cause we are up 2-1 for the series.

I was able to attend game 2 (or at least part of it) on this american holiday.  And what I heard on the radio in game 1 and saw in game 2 shocked me.  We had excellent pitching and an offense that kept pouring it on.  Is this '97 but with 2 decent pitchers?  I mean we are on fire.  17 wins in June..4 so far in July.  We really are one of the hottest teams in baseball and were first in the wild card race till our loss tonight/Twins victory.  But still..there was no wild card talk a month ago. 

Our hitting is finally stepping it up.  Pitching has been there but now we got Haf-dogg knockin 3 homers in a day.  Grady is still the hottest player (in fantasy baseball), Coco is turning into a real hitter not to mention a hustler with his July 4th crowd pleasin inside the park homer.  Victor is finally showing his worth and hopefully forgetting the pre-season hype.  Even Aaron Boone is almost batting .200...ok that is still pathetic..

Anyways, it's nice to see a team that can play and it's really nice to know this team is very very young and should hopefully be around for many years to come.  I know people were hypin 'Tribe in 2005,' but they might not be too far off. 

To beating up on the Tigers one more time, sweepin the Yankees before the All-Star break, and hoping these Tribe teams never show up again..