Why I am a fan of Cleveland Sports?

[Monk]

In fairness both the Sabres and Bills have about the same chance of winning the Stanley Cup, so.....

...or Super Bowl for that matter.

 

[irishroo]

It's not the same though. Lebron is now in his 13th season in the league. Michael played 13 total seasons in Chicago. Lebron has WAY more mileage on him at this point in his career, than Michael did.

Regardless though, no. MJ remains the greatest and I don't see that changing.

I get the mileage argument and it makes sense for every other player in the game, but LeBron from a physical perspective is unlike anything we've ever seen in any sport. I'm not sure the same rules of aging apply to a physical specimen the likes of LeBron James.

I agree MJ remains the greatest but after I could see that changing eventually. I think LeBron needs to lead his team to at least 1, probably 2 more titles, which is not at all outside the realm of possibility. That would mean he's had minimum 8 finals appearances, won 4-5 of them (presumably with Finals MVPs along the way), to go with at least 4 regular season MVPs and a whole slew of All Star games, 1st team all-NBA appearances, all-defensive team appearances, and other accolades. Then throw on top the fact that he's completely redefined what a single player can do on a basketball court in terms of versatility and I think you may have the greatest ever.

 

[NDRock]

I'm much more of a Lebron fan than I ever was of Jordan but I don't think he'll ever eclipse Michael as the best ever. Lebron is an all timer but he's had playoff games/series where he kind of disappeared. I remember Jordan getting beat but never backing down. Again, just nitpicking. Lebron was a beast this series and deserves all the accolades he's getting.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I am too young to remember MJ really. I have a memory of the Bulls vs. Jazz in the finals, but I was like 6.

Are we getting close to that point where LBJ is close? He's won three now...and came back 3-1 against a historically good GSW team averaging close to a triple double. I have a feeling he might have 2 or 3 more titles in him if things go right.

I think Bron is close. For me, Jordan's 6-0 record in the Finals, 6-time Finals MVP, 10-time scoring champ, 5-time regular season MVP, and leading what is arguably the best team in history (95-96 Bulls) to a 72-10 regular season + World Champs keeps him on top. I think he also has a better playoff record than LBJ if I'm not mistaken. Bron still has a 3-4 record in the Finals (although 6-straight appearances is amazing by itself). And what LBJ accomplished this series was epic: Coming back from 3-1 deficit and leading all players on both teams in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks....that's just bonkers. What he did the last three games, with his back against the wall, should cement him in history as one of the GOATs and shut up all his naysayers. But he's still not Jordan, to me, yet.

Kobe is close too, imo. He was 5-2 in the Finals and a 2-time Finals MVP. He also has a bunch of accolades listed under his name as well. Kobe's game was modeled after Jordan's. But Kobe < Jordan

 

[NDohio]

Cavs Teammates Sheepishly Tell Kevin Love They’re Not Aware Of Any Postgame Parties - The Onion - America's Finest News Source

That is great. I would love to see someone photoshop the team picture with the trophies and have Love removed from the picture. That would be hilarious.

BTW, KL had a really good game last night.

 

[ACamp1900]

I heard James had some diss (a real one) towards Dellavedova during the celebrations last night... it was referenced on Mike and Mike on the way to work this morning.. anyone know what's up?

 

[woolybug25]

I am too young to remember MJ really. I have a memory of the Bulls vs. Jazz in the finals, but I was like 6.

Are we getting close to that point where LBJ is close? He's won three now...and came back 3-1 against a historically good GSW team averaging close to a triple double. I have a feeling he might have 2 or 3 more titles in him if things go right.

Kids these days... Sheesh.

It's not just "how many rings" that decide the GOAT. You're too young to remember, but once MJ hit his peak, it lasted for six years and nobody had a chance. He dominated in a way that LBJ hasn't been able to do nor will he.

I definitely think he's one of the best to ever play, but he's no MJ.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Now that the Browns of Basketball have finally won a championship, can ACamp finally change his f*cking signature?

 

[ACamp1900]

Now that the Browns of Basketball have finally won a championship, can ACamp finally change his f*cking signature?

basketball barely even counts.... we've covered this.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

basketball barely even counts.... we've covered this.

So suddenly Cleveland sports fans can afford to be picky...

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LMFAO <a href="https://t.co/oIWO3h63z2">pic.twitter.com/oIWO3h63z2</a></p>— BALLUPNBA (@BallUpNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BallUpNBA/status/744734929125253120">June 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[ACamp1900]

In fairness, I've always 'liked' the Indians but I'm really not a Cleveland fan, just a lifer Browns fan.

Don't worry though, my sig will change soon enough.... Hue is about to release the dawgs back on the NFL.

 

[woolybug25]

basketball barely even counts.... we've covered this.

Let's compromise here. Change the end to say "get used to it for the time being"?

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Kids these days... Sheesh.

It's not just "how many rings" that decide the GOAT. You're too young to remember, but once MJ hit his peak, it lasted for six years and nobody had a chance. He dominated in a way that LBJ hasn't been able to do nor will he.

I definitely think he's one of the best to ever play, but he's no MJ.

It honestly pisses me off that 1) it got interrupted by his first retirement and 2) it ended too soon because of his second retirement. They could've easily won 93-94 and 94-95 as well. After '98 championship run, they blew up the team. Could you imagine a scenario in which that team stayed together w/o interruption? Maybe they wouldn't have won all the Finals, but over a 10-year span, they could've added at least a couple more. *Those Bulls teams matched up against The Spurs and Lakers back then would've been epic showdowns. But you send the Bulls to 10 Finals, and Jordan's walking away with at least 8, count on that.

 

[dang227]

Such a fun day in NEO.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GATTACA!]

So suddenly one Cleveland sports fan can afford to be picky...

<blockquote class="twitter-video" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LMFAO <a href="https://t.co/oIWO3h63z2">pic.twitter.com/oIWO3h63z2</a></p>— BALLUPNBA (@BallUpNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BallUpNBA/status/744734929125253120">June 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

FTFY. ACamp is litterally the only Cleveland fan I've heard making this argument.

 

[ACamp1900]

Honestly I'm just glad it's over... give it a couple days for the overreaction GOAT madness to conclude and it'll be back to talking sports that matter.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What if I told you a Cav scored 27 ppg during the NBA Finals, shut down the MVP, made the ring-winning 3 + got 0 MVP votes? Kyrie Irving.</p>— Rick Reilly (@ReillyRick) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReillyRick/status/744882908456837120">June 20, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


Have to admit, I felt bad for Irving. Dude got absolutely no love after the game from what I saw.

 

[pumpdog20]

I don't think LBJ will be able to pass MJ since his career will be over... you know, with that horrific wrist injury and all.

 

[BobbyMac]

Is this the best Cavs team ever? I don't think they would beat the 88-89 squad personally.

 

[Irish#1]

I think Bron is close. For me, Jordan's 6-0 record in the Finals, 6-time Finals MVP, 10-time scoring champ, 5-time regular season MVP, and leading what is arguably the best team in history (95-96 Bulls) to a 72-10 regular season + World Champs keeps him on top. I think he also has a better playoff record than LBJ if I'm not mistaken. Bron still has a 3-4 record in the Finals (although 6-straight appearances is amazing by itself). And what LBJ accomplished this series was epic: Coming back from 3-1 deficit and leading all players on both teams in points, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks....that's just bonkers. What he did the last three games, with his back against the wall, should cement him in history as one of the GOATs and shut up all his naysayers. But he's still not Jordan, to me, yet.

Kobe is close too, imo. He was 5-2 in the Finals and a 2-time Finals MVP. He also has a bunch of accolades listed under his name as well. Kobe's game was modeled after Jordan's. But Kobe < Jordan

This is where I'm at, but in reality the talk of who's better is foolish until James finishes his career.

 

[Ndaccountant]

Kids these days... Sheesh.

It's not just "how many rings" that decide the GOAT. You're too young to remember, but once MJ hit his peak, it lasted for six years and nobody had a chance. He dominated in a way that LBJ hasn't been able to do nor will he.

I definitely think he's one of the best to ever play, but he's no MJ.

1) He is a different player than what MJ was. He is more Magic than MJ in his approach to the game

2) MJ had the best coach in modern basketball. Look what he did in LA. Clearly Jackson was aided by the talent he had the luxury of coaching, but 3 3-peats is unmatched in modern basketball.

3) MJ also had the luxury of having Pippen (and others), who is both one of the most underrrated players and greatest players of the last 30 years. What he did with the Bulls inbetween the three peats was incredible. When LBJ has been paired with someone in the same ballpark as, but clearly not as good as Pippen, he has won 3 titles in 5 years.

I am not a JBJ apologist, but I don't think the "dominance" you speak of, or lack there of, is as telling as what you portray it to be. In that comparison, circumstance and environment greatly benefits MJ.

 

[irishnd31]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F4_2Q7zyVW8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Love the Walken dialogue. Can do without the rap portion. Sweet start to the video tho.

 

[greyhammer90]

1) He is a different player than what MJ was. He is more Magic than MJ in his approach to the game

2) MJ had the best coach in modern basketball. Look what he did in LA. Clearly Jackson was aided by the talent he had the luxury of coaching, but 3 3-peats is unmatched in modern basketball.

3) MJ also had the luxury of having Pippen (and others), who is both one of the most underrrated players and greatest players of the last 30 years. What he did with the Bulls inbetween the three peats was incredible. When LBJ has been paired with someone in the same ballpark as, but clearly not as good as Pippen, he has won 3 titles in 5 years.

I am not a JBJ apologist, but I don't think the "dominance" you speak of, or lack there of, is as telling as what you portray it to be. In that comparison, circumstance and environment greatly benefits MJ.

But those circumstances are what happened in real life. It's great to play fantasy and think "what if LBJ had Pippen and was coached by Jackson" but that's not how it turned out. You can only judge a player by the career he had. Jordan will probably (nearly certainly) end up with a better overall career, but that takes nothing away from the greatness of Lebron James. The dude was the most hyped high school basketball player of all time and he's still somehow overcome all expectations set for him by arguably becoming a top-5 player all time by 31. That's amazing.

 

[koonja]

I'd like to see LeBron and the Cavs go through the West for whatever number of finals they make it to. They have had, and will have the easiest path to the finals of any potential dynasty in my lifetime.

 

[Irish Insanity]

I'd like to see LeBron and the Cavs go through the West for whatever number of finals they make it to. They have had, and will have the easiest path to the finals of any potential dynasty in my lifetime.

LBJ>>>>>>>>Kobe, and he isn't a rapist. Move on.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

 

[IrishSteelhead]

How long before Windhorst goes full bananas and writes a "Could the Cavs beat the 96 Bulls?"


This of course assumes he didn't die of auto-erotic asphyxiation last night masturbating to a picture of Lebron.

 

[koonja]

LBJ>>>>>>>>Kobe, and he isn't a rapist. Move on.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

First part is debatable. Kobe was the baddest man in the land for 5 years, 5 titles, and won 2 with less help than LeBron just did. Andrew Bynum is a 20 some year old DJ, and Kyrie >> Pau. Kobe did 2 with less let's see how many LeBron gets with a cakewalk to the finals.

 

[Ndaccountant]

But those circumstances are what happened in real life. It's great to play fantasy and think "what if LBJ had Pippen and was coached by Jackson" but that's not how it turned out. You can only judge a player by the career he had. Jordan will probably (nearly certainly) end up with a better overall career, but that takes nothing away from the greatness of Lebron James. The dude was the most hyped high school basketball player of all time and he's still somehow overcome all expectations set for him by arguably becoming a top-5 player all time by 31. That's amazing.

I don't disagree, but the comment was that James not winning titles in a dominating fashion proves he isn't on the level of MJ. While he might not be on the same level as MJ, the dominance of Bulls was a result of much more than MJ. Similalry, the difference between 2016 finals and 2015 finals was due in a large part to Irving.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

1) He is a different player than what MJ was. He is more Magic than MJ in his approach to the game

Does position really matter when talking about the GOAT? If the conversation was "Who is the best forward or guard or center?" But when talking about the best ever, for me, I leave position groupings out of it.

2) MJ had the best coach in modern basketball. Look what he did in LA. Clearly Jackson was aided by the talent he had the luxury of coaching, but 3 3-peats is unmatched in modern basketball.

Phil was notorious for shutting up and letting his leaders take over. He let his guys play through droughts and figure stuff out during the game. Yes, Phil is one of the best coaches ever, but this isn't a reason to downplay Jordan's accolades.

3) MJ also had the luxury of having Pippen (and others), who is both one of the most underrrated players and greatest players of the last 30 years. What he did with the Bulls inbetween the three peats was incredible. When LBJ has been paired with someone in the same ballpark as, but clearly not as good as Pippen, he has won 3 titles in 5 years.

I agree with this to an extent, but I'm not sure any superstar has won many (if any) titles alone. All the greats, had phenomenal supporting casts. Typically at least one other all-star and then loads of quality role players. In the NBA, that's what it takes to win it all time and time again.

I am not a JBJ apologist, but I don't think the "dominance" you speak of, or lack there of, is as telling as what you portray it to be. In that comparison, circumstance and environment greatly benefits MJ.

You should read up on the stories (sometimes told by Kobe) about how Jordan would approach a game and decide whether or not he was going to take it easy on you or not. That's "dominance." Understanding that you can embarrass anyone on the court at any given time. LBJ has shown flashes of dominance. Take these last three games for example. But Jordan did that continuously throughout his entire career.

 

[greyhammer90]

How long before Windhorst goes full bananas and writes a "Could the Cavs beat the 96 Bulls?"


This of course assumes he didn't die of auto-erotic asphyxiation last night masturbating to a picture of Lebron.

Can you blame him? Windhorst's entire existence basically depends on Lebron's career. In the alternate reality where Lebron doesn't live up to the hype Windhorst would have ended up writing the local sports column breaking down high school athletics.

That guy should end every night with an "Our Lebron"