Seems like every year we get concerned that the Cavs are losing... then the playoffs come.
The Warriors are the reason why things are different this year. Not only are the Cavs old but their best/longest tenured players know that they can't win a title. They gave it a shot last season and weren't even close. An old team like the Cavs is nothing without true faith in their ability to win at the highest level. I don't believe that they can remain motivated to get better everyday. As I mentioned earlier, they could still make the Finals if IT is 100%. His return should give them an added boost and something to rally around against equal/inferior competition.
LeBron isn't the type of leader to demand the best out of his teammates. He will just shrug his shoulders and put forth his best individual effort if they make it to the Finals. However, once things start to sour he will give up on the defensive end. His finals stats will probably be 30/10/8 on 55% shooting. Then he will give the same old speech about his numbers like he did when Miami lost to the Spurs.
Come on man. Dude's led his team to the finals like, seven years in a row. Let's not invent things.
I don't think I am off base on this. LeBron is the most freakish talent in the history of the NBA. I personally give him majority of the credit. It's been a long time since the East had a true threat. When has there been a team truly as talented as a LeBron's in the East during his Finals streak? Chicago and Indiana were gritty but it would have taken perfection to beat LeBron. They rose to the occasion and I respect the way both teams played. The competition has gotten even worse in LeBron's 2nd stint with the Cavs. Put his teams in the West and I don't think everything plays out the same way.
Why do you think Kyrie wanted out? If LeBron truly demanded the best and had the respect of his teammates then I don't think you would have seen Kyrie play ISO ball for three years. Did it work? Of course it did because their talent was far superior to the rest of the East. Is my comment really that out of touch when you look at the things Kyrie is doing in Boston? LeBron has a vice grip over any situation and it prevents his teams from having real structure.
Those Miami teams were far and away the most talented group in the East during that era. Not only did they have a great big three, but all of their role players were ALREADY established prior to arriving in Miami. Did Shane Battier, Ray Allen, Chalmers, and Haslem buy in because of LeBron's "leadership". I think the real answer is that they were all capable role players who understood what was necessary on the most talented team in the NBA. LeBron wasn't the driver of their character. Look what happened when they played the Spurs. That team literally gave up and mailed it in.
We will see how things play out this season. I will gain a lot of respect for LeBron if he can rally the team and put up a true fight until the end. I just don't buy into that happening because LeBron will mail it in when things go south.
I refuse to bash LeBron as an individual player. He is top 5 no doubt. However, there are many players that were greater leaders.
Topic: Cavs lose 6 of their last 8 games (Read 28253 times)