Thursday, March 30, 2006

Thankyou Danny


So here I am checking my mail as such and bam..all of a sudden I notice an email from Danny Ferry (sent to LeBlog James).  Personally, I feel honored Danny took the time out of his day (prob still hungover from all the champagne last night) to write me a letter.  Ok well..first off I am not funny and second the letter was sent to some generic Cavs insider sign-up on the team's website.  But for those of you who aren't subscribed, here it is. It isn't insightful by any means, but I like how he mentioned this playoff birth is not a big deal at all. Plus he goes on to jock the King.  Enjoy..

Dear Cavaliers Partner,

I thought now would be a great time to share some thoughts with you about the Cavaliers and the position we are in. Clinching a playoff birth is certainly a step we can all be happy in taking. While it is an important, positive step forward, it is only the first step and one which we expect to take many times again. More appropriately, it should serve as a reminder of where we ultimately are headed. We can't and won't be satisfied with simply making the playoffs. Our goals and your expectations are, and should be, much higher.  

Dan Gilbert and our ownership team are committed to developing a championship-caliber culture with the Cavaliers franchise.  Hopefully, you can sense this by now. Dan has been completely supportive in all the right ways. Investments in our players, investments in our facilities and investments in the community with new jobs. Most importantly though, Dan is passionate about winning championships. Our goal will be nothing short of that.

The foundation has been set this season. LeBron continues to improve and has elevated his game to an MVP level.  Zydrunas continues to be one of the premier centers in the league. Larry is just starting what we think will be a long, successful career at the core or our championship aspirations.  We have grown as a team and continue to develop on the court and off. From Dan Gilbert to myself and our basketball front office to Mike Brown and our coaching staff to our veteran players to our younger guys, we believe we are well positioned for the future. 

I believe it is also important to note what LeBron is doing for OUR team and for his hometown fans and community. This is what helps punctuate the position we are now in. Dating back to his high school years and then the 2003 NBA Draft Lottery, LeBron has raised the spirit of this community in ways that are remarkable. Yes, he is a game changer on the court every night, but he has proven himself to be an all-star off the court as well with numerous points of giving in our community. LeBron is not just playing a big role in changing the way people think about the Cavaliers. He is changing the way people think about Cleveland and all of northeast Ohio in a way that no one else can. 

There continues to be a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we believe we're entering an era where it is truly possible to dream big. This year's team and those to follow are going to need your energy in the arena every night to help make the championship a reality. It does make a difference. We'll do everything we can to do our part.

Thanks for your continued support of OUR team.

Most sincerely,

Danny Ferry
General Manager
Cleveland Cavaliers


Bout Time..


Whew..it took about 8 years to happen, but it happened.  And that's all any of us care about.  Even Terry Pluto is overjoyed and showing his true man-crush


As for the game, my buddy tko9er had this to write:

Playoffs BABY!  Last nights game was awesome and probaby the best game I saw all year.  It was my last regular season game and it rocked.  The Q was packed and the fans were into the game from the opening tip.  You could feel the energy and excitement in the arena and if you listen to LBJ or Coach they said the guys felt it too.  The Q is going to be a hard place for the opposing team to win in the playoffs.  Cleveland fans have been waiting a long time (since '98) and we are ready.  The chants of MVP were echoing throughout The Q last night.  It was LeAwesome.  There are only 4 players in the League who mean everything to their teams (Nash, AI, Kobe and LBJ).  All are great players and all are having great seasons, but only Nash and LBJ have their teams sealed in the playoffs today.  I think it comes down to Nash and LBJ because no other players mean more to their teams or put up the numbers these guys do.  Another reason these are the only two guys I think deserve MVP recognition is the team records against the leagues best (Dallas, San Antonio, Miami, Detroit and each other).  Both the Cavs and Suns are 5 - 7 against those teams this year.  It is neck and neck, but nobody means more to his team or the NBA than the King... LBJ. 


And as for LeBron's play, he did this alot to the Mavericks (notice the face of the defender - that's a flagrant foul face)..


"to the line, to the lane, up and goooooooood!"  - Joe Tait

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Update Action


ok folks..i am alive.  Contrary to popular belief I was not trampled to death at the George Mason / UConn game.  While the guy sitting next to us almost fell off the top balcony, me and my buddies made it out alive.  In fact if you want to see what we saw, look at this video.  This was taken by the guy next to us and it's making the rounds on the world wide of webs.   So the Mason game was..nice.  Yea it was nice...I mean i cant offer a review here given the subject matter.  Even though I reviewed the U of AK bowl game, that is different cause it's Akron.  Anyways, if you want a good review, check out Jamie's account of the game as a blogger with credentials.  But in summary, it was insane, amazing, and LeBron worthy.  Not sure if a proper name can be used as a descriptor, but whatever. So that is that.  Go Mason..yes Go Mason in the FF.  I mean I do live a mile from campus so I can cheer. 

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So our Cavs..news is that Larry Hughes is on schedule to return.  So what to do with Flip once Larry returns..it seems the Cavs will have to rely on one of the two salary-cap exceptions - mid-level & bi-annual.   Sounds good to me, but Brian Windhorst doesn't think it will be so easy.  

And our magic number is 1.  Tonight baby..clintch it.  And I mean if we don't make the playoffs then I guess that would fit in perfectly with the history of CLE sports.  But this is happening. 

On the topic of CLE Sports and Flip might leaving, I received an email from a fellow CLE sports nut who recently put up a site which is very intriguing, but also very scary.  He talks about the one thing this blog will not acknowledge, because well someone has to believe 'it' won't happen.  Anyways, this guy runs a site called the SportsTalkNetwork and they recently launched a website which 'attempts' to predict if the AK Assassin will stay or go.  And by go I mean kill Cavs basketball.  What is the site you ask?  It's called The LeBron Meter.  The meter gauges the effects of past and present events on Lebron's willingness to commit to the Cavs for the long-term.  Huh..  Well, as painful as it is to think about, I will probably keep an eye on this. 

That's it for now and I hope to make some more updates sooner.  Go Cavs!

Friday, March 24, 2006

How Sweet it is..

..to see white boys cry..

I'd like to preface this post by saying this has nothing to do with Ohio Sports, but I mean it's ok cause its the tournament and Duke lost last night.  Reason to celebrate I think.  Anyways, thanks to a fellow Cavs die-hard yodaforce7 (who you might have recognized in the internet-famous picture of 8 men and a blow-up doll) for sending over this photoshop gem (by The Grand VVazoo) of everyone's favorite player to hate..JJ Redick. 

LeAwesome

Since I am already way off topic, I would like to comment that the Southpark from Wednesday night, The Return of Chef, was truly amazing.  You gotta commend two guys who just don't care and won't give in to anyone. 

Finally, I will be attending the most hyped game in the history of sports tonight as George Mason (not to be confused with the character from 24) takes on Witchita State.  Yeehaw everyone.  Hopefully this game as well as UConn vs Washington will be able to top last night's insanely good games.  I mean those games were nuts.  But I gotta feel for Morrison.  My advice - don't step outside till draft day..even better..don't shave till draft day. 

Go Mason (I guess)..

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Forget it was the Bobcats


"I'll live with him taking the shot at the end in every single game," said Cavs coach Mike Brown. "He will make the shot more than he'll miss it, and that's what he did [Wednesday night]."

"At the end of the game, I called a certain play," Brown said. "On [LeBron's] way out, he said, 'No, Coach. I [want the ball] and I'm going to make the shot. I'm not going to pass it."


greatness...

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Quick Update


Ok first off..sorry (again) this thing isn't being updated.  I started a new role (again) and been swamped.  But thanks to a few people for throwing articles my way, I figure I would provide a quick (Cavs) update.  Sorry Bucks, but the game was awful and you even caused me to turn it off with a few mins left.  We didn't come to play or rebound and this was never a game.  And plus I had to hear all about it on Sports Radio on Monday morning as people were jockin Gtown (& Mason). 

Anyways..give LeBron some love.  The article (thx to Bri911) ends as such:

LeBron is still only 21 and we should remember to appreciate just how gifted he is.  We are witnessing greatness - LeBron may not win the NBA MVP this year, but there's no doubt that he will eventually win several, and eventually be regarded as the greatest player of his era, without peer. 

So beautiful..and keep in mind this ISN'T from an ohio source. 

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Also, the Flipster.  We all know he has been huge as of late, but what will happen to the quasi-Ricky Davis once LH steps back on the court.  According to the Plain Dealer, Ferry will just wait and see. 

"At the end of the season," Ferry said, "we'll sit down and discuss the future.

"In the time he's been here, Flip has proven he is capable. The trade has workedout very well. He's helped us win games."

"His strengths -- athleticism and toughness -- are what we really needed," Ferry said. "We had guys who can space the floor. He complements them."

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Oh yea..in not so new or rather surprising news..The AK Assassin takes home the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award for the 3rd time this season.  Uhh..awesome. 

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Wait a Sec..


Correct me if I am wrong, but did the Cavs actually score more points than their opponent in the 4th quarter.  Well..wait, if they did that means they actually tried in the 4th quarter.  Huh..  Very interesting guys.  You try and then who knows, you might win.  Pretty crazy concept if you ask me.


Well anyways, congrats gentlemen on a strong victory vs the Lakers on national TV.  It was very nice to see smiles on the faces of not only our players, but our fans at the sound of the final buzzer.  And once again, thankyou Flip.  The move to the bucket after the inbounds pass was commendable.  Then ignoring the pressure on the second free throw.  Solid.  Go Cavs..

And now about an hour away till the OSU vs Gtown game.   I am not commenting on this given its pregame and I am superstitious.  O-H..

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Sup ORL


Tix to Orlando - check

Tix to the Cavs game vs the Magic - check

9 Anderson Varajeo wigs - check

9 custom t-shirts - check

1 blow-up doll - check

what do you get..

 


..absurdity

So maybe one question your asking is..What's up with the blow-up doll?  Well, your's truely was too sick to travel, so a certain someone had to take my place as the N / E.  Also, you might be wondering if these gentlemen were on TV and indeed they were.  While the game didn't turn well, the O-H was well represented.  Good job guys.
 

On a different note, we just lost to Cuban.  damn it..

LeCards

As a chosen few know, the LeBron playing cards arrived in the mail recently from the Nike contest held in LeBron's house last December.  And let me tell you..these will immediately trump any deck of cards you have.  I don't care if your still holding on to those free casino cards from your first trip to Vegas.  Screw that..these are tight.  In fact check em out for yourselves.  Yes..this is meant for those of you who didn't take the contest seriously..time to drool..

Wednesday, March 8, 2006

It's Good to Be Handsome



It seems the allegations recently brought to light against the Handsome One did not hinder his performance tonight...neither did the Raptor bench player who jumped up right as he caught the ball.  So the Cavs pull down another key victory vs the Raptors and you can tell confidence is finally starting to seep into this team.  Gig..a..dy.

Monday, March 6, 2006

Little Sweep Action


Ok..well even though most of the game last night wasn't pretty, the Cavs had a very strong 4th quarter.  So wait..that means we actually tried in the 4th period.  What a concept guys.  Either way, we took home the W and completed the season sweep vs the Bulls.  And what's best of all is that LeBron had a quiet 37 points..I mean seriously who else can quietly score that many points. 

So things are starting to look up (for now).  It seems that Flip is starting to find his place within this team, and called me biased but Anderson is improving by the game.  We have some pieces to figure out but with the Assassin at the healm, anything is possible. 

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Check out this 90 sec video on ESPiN mobile.  Yes, I should be slapped for looking into this, but I was curious what the hell it looked like.  Also, does anyone else feel this editor is from the CLE? 

You gotta love this Seinfeld/Google Maps mashup which links to Akron.  (hint: click on Firestone Tires). 

Thx to Deadspin for the heads up on this one..the Ladies like Grady Sizemore

Friday, March 3, 2006

Still Sad Times


Regardless of last night's outcome, this team is in trouble.   As I believe Doug Collins pointed out last night, the Cavs have no identity.  He said there is not one thing this team does exceptionally well.  Granted LeBron does everything well, but as a team we don't excel in rebounding, passing, scoring, whatever..  I mean while an image isn't the most important thing, it still sux that other's view us in this way. 

Now the case against LeBron not wanting the final shot is building as last night showed us a horrendous pass over Anderson's head and hair.  And I don't blame Andy for those missed FT's.  The kid is just not used to that kind of pressure.  But since the King and Andy couldn't step it up, it was the Flipster who took us home.  Between the driving layup with 15 secs left (when you assumed this team was taking a 3) then the final 3 point dagger, I take back my words against Mr. Flip.  Granted he is still an awful shooter, but he brings what this team needs.  Someone who has the balls enough to create plays while not being afraid to take the crucial shots.  Not bad Flip, not bad. 

We shall see what happens, but as Windhorst puts it, Don't ever bet either way on the Cavaliers.

Thursday, March 2, 2006

Sad Times


I think the feeling is overall disgust amongst the Cavs community.  Actually, I know it is.  Fans are pissed, they are booing, and they want wins.  And personally, I have been waiting for the man who seems to understand this team the best, Brian Windhorst, to comment.  Granted we would all love to hear Danny's or Mikey Brown's take, but politics would never let it happen.  Anyways, here is what Brian had to say

Also, in case you missed it Brian at YAYsports had this gem to share. 

Down with Chi-town..