“For weeks, media writers and sports commentators have blasted LeBron James’ free agency behavior; describing his consideration of team offers as some sort of crude & blatant disrespect towards the fans of Cleveland. They say the city would be crushed if he decides to leave, and have aligned his indecisiveness with the fate of all humanity! Justifiably, his departure would perhaps mark the decline of Cavalier basketball for a generation, circa ’93 when they were absent from playoff contention as often as Ferris Bueller skipped home-room. But is all the criticism necessary? I say “NO”…….. let’s discuss.”
“What bothers me is the notion that he must (for some reason or another) deny himself of his right to pursue the progressive nature of entrepreneurialism in an effort please everyone else! I understand the strong connection between LeBron and his hometown base of support; after all he was born, raised, nurtured, drafted, and celebrated by that region of Ohio. However, it’s as if no one has considered that perhaps he wishes to explore a professional life beyond Cleveland, beyond Akron… Though an athletic phenomenon, he’s just 25 years old!! His name may be responsible for millions in local small-business revenue generation, but he’s not Cleveland’s personal stimulus package! If, as an unemployed American for hire, he has a genuine interest in joining another company, in another city, that is his prerogative…. so deal with it.”
“‘Employee Retention’ is the responsibility of the Cavs! They haven’t made any organizational changes that would further entice LeBron to reject offers from Chicago, New York, Miami… Last season they would’ve had Amar’e Stoudemire on their roster, but they refused to trade away bench-forward J.J. Hickson. This week, they had an opportunity to close Chris Bosh, but management couldn’t work out the terms of Toronto’s “sign and trade” needs. There was an opportunity to bring back Carlos Boozer, but instead he’s in Chicago hoping that LeBron will follow. The truth is, just as any of us would do in an interview process, he has set aside all of his professional loyalties to properly assess his business expectations; basing some from the industry landscape and others from what his previous employer has (or has not) done to improve working conditions… and he has every right to do that.”
“And to Cleveland: what if he does come back? The organization hasn’t made any moves to improve its roster. Alternatively, Chicago and Miami have both made major strides in the past 24 hours, while Orlando and Boston remain the best teams in the East. At best, the Cavs are the 3rd best team in the conference, which is due entirely to the fact that one of the 2 or 3 best players in the world plays there.”
“My point: LeBron doesn’t owe ANYONE an apology if he decides to move on…….. Go to New York and build your own statue… Go to Chicago and blossom beneath the shadow of greatness… Go to Miami and be a part of undoubtedly the greatest 3-man roster in NBA history… because no apology is necessary.”
T.J. Breeden
www.iblmedia.com
