The wind let out of the sails
No update in months, epic fail
The blog was dead, covered in flies
“But still, like air, I rise.”

Consider me invigorated. There has been a lot of hype over this new LeBron commercial. Was it well done and even a little humorous? I don’t know. Well, maybe. A little.

But the guy asks a lot of questions in the 90 second video, and no one seems to actually address his questions.

Since I thought this was a little rude, I thought I might help LeBron out and give him the answers he was so desperately looking for:

LeBron James: What should I do?
Bitter Cleveland Fan: Thats a little broad. Try again.

LBJ: Should I admit I made mistakes?
BCF: Oh, absolutely. Yes. You really should. But where to begin? Game 5? 6? The Decision? Its a tough call.

LBJ: Should I remind you I’ve done this before?
BCF: What? Stared at your high school’s trophy case? I’m not impressed.

LBJ: What should I do?
BCF: Again. Broad.

LBJ: Should I tell you how much fun we had?
BCF: It was fun at first, but you never finished the job. And as any guy can tell you: Blue Balls are NOT fun.

LBJ: Should I really believe I ruined my legacy?
BCF: Wipe that smirk off your face. You at the very least tainted it. You’ll never be considered in the conversation of Best Ever with MJ anymore (even Kobe for that matter). They stayed and won in the same place. Built a team around them. If you want to go to South Beach and have fun with your all-star team of friends, that is fine. I don’t care, really. Just don’t expect your legacy to remain what it once was, or seemed destined to be, that’s all.

LBJ: What should I do? What should I do? What should I do?
BCF: Holy crap. Stop.

LBJ: Should I get my tatoo removed?
BCF: This is actually a really good call. Either get it removed, or make an addition: have them change it to “CHOSEN 1/3.”

LBJ: Want to see me shiny new shoes? Should I just sell shoes?
BCF: I’d rather open a picture message from Brett Favre. Thanks, but no thanks.

LBJ: Should I tell you I am not a role model?
BCF: We know this because you’re eating a strawberry frosted donut on TV? That was the stupidest joke in the whole bit. Seriously though, it is not up to you whether or not you want to be a role model: you already are. It was up to you to be a good one, or a bad one.

LBJ: Should I tell you I’m a championship chaser?
BCF: Yup.

LBJ: Should I be who you want me to be?
BCF: Cry me a river.

LBJ: Should I accept my role as “The Villain”?
BCF: This actually wouldn’t be a bad idea for you. Just make sure you choose a different nickname than “The Villain.” It’s taken.

LBJ: Maybe I should just… disappear?
BCF: I’m fine with it. But I’d settle if just your knee cartilage disappeared.

LBJ: Should I stop listening to my friends?
BCF: Yes. Absolutely. LRMR might be the worst marketing agency ever. I can promise you “The Debacle”, err… “The Decision” will live in infamy in marketing texts as a classic textbook case of the-worst-strategy-ever. Congratulations, Maverick.

LBJ: They’re my friends.
BCF: I get that. It’s just that they are stupid friends.

LBJ: Should I take up acting?
BCF: Should I let my publicist lead me to believe Don Johnson is still relevant? (thanks ktz).

LBJ: Should I read you a soulful poem?
BCF: I like mine better.

LBJ: Should we just clear the decks? Start over?
BCF: Sorry, what is done is done. People may think this commercial is clever, but they still think you’re a dick.

LBJ: What should I do? Should I be who you want me to be?
BCF: Enough with the pity party already, LeBron. You are free to play wherever you want to play. Seriously, I mean that. It’s not up to us where you wanted to play. It was up to you. Just don’t be salty or shocked that what you wanted doesn’t match up with the legacy you wanted.

You can determine your career, LeBron. But it is your fans that determine your legacy.

- Sam Toth

To make an irrelevant YouTube clip relevant, check out this clip:

I think this kind of sums up the Cavaliers off-season right now. It’s utter chaos. The two teetor-totters are like the Coach Search and the GM Search. What makes it all go is the bull, which in this case is obviously LeBron James. Dan Gilbert is like the owner of the rodeo — he makes more money if the bull has its way and comes back for more next week.

Did that make any sense? I swear it did in my head.

Moving on, here are all the questions I’m asking myself after Danny Ferry’s resignation:

• Why did this happen? I liked Danny Ferry.
  
  • Does he think we have no shot at signing LeBron and was he afraid of the challenge? Was he that peeved about the firing of Mike Brown? I don’t know if we’ll ever find the real answers to those, but I doubt either of those were why he left.
  • I think this happened because of a disagreement over preferred coaching candidates. Ferry would have liked to keep Mike Brown, or get someone with good NBA experience. Gilbert wanted Tom Izzo. Ferry disagreed with the choice. Ferry resigned.
• Who is in charge now?
  • Chris Grant.
• Will he be in the future?
  • For now, at least.
  • Doesn’t sound like too big of a scrub though. He’s had 15 years experience in the NBA and actually turned down the Atlanta Hawks GM position in 2008.
  • Having said that, I don’t think Gilbert passes on a big name with more experience if he becomes available.
• Who can we expect to replace him?
  • No idea. You?
• None. So is this a positive move in terms of keeping LeBron? Be honest.
  • I’m not so sure.
  • I think LeBron liked Ferry. And Ferry had the savvy and connections to pull off some heists — Mo Williams, Shaq, Antawn Jamison. Say what you want about how they all turned out, but each time he gave up little to nothing for each player. Each trade upgraded the Cavs roster and appealed to LeBron.
  • On the other hand, they may have looked good at the time, but now, we’re strapped with some pretty big contracts for some pretty big no-shows come post season.
  • Having said all that, after the Celtic series debacle, I think change can be good. Izzo would be a strong coaching candidate and I’d be fine with Grant as GM, but would look to see what else is out there.

Conventional wisdom says they’ll go for a high-profile, well established head coach. I agree with the conventional wisdom. We already tried the “rising assistant” approach and failed.

Who will replace Mike Brown?

I know Mike Brown’s resume says he is the most successful head coach in Cavaliers history. But no other coach had LeBron James. The bottom line is that he won zero rings, made baffling in-game decisions in critical times and became a lightning rod for jokes to national sports writers such as Bill Simmons.

Regardless, as is with all break ups, the best thing to do is move forward and not look back. Waiting…1…2…3… Yup! I’m good with it. Time to move on.

Like all things this Cavaliers offseason, the coaching search will center around LeBron.

Here’s the Catch-22:

• The Cavs want to hire a high-profile coaching candidate in order to help persuade LeBron to stay in Cleveland.
• No high-profile coaching candidate is coming to Cleveland unless LeBron is for sure staying in Cleveland.

It’s a classic chicken-and-the-egg conundrum. For Cavaliers fans eagerly waiting, its a vicious circle.

Nonetheless, here are the five coaching candidates that the Cavs should consider:

1. Phil Jackson
   Age: 64
   NBA Titles: 10
   NBA Career Record: 832-316 (.735)

   If the goal is to win titles, this guy has got to be at the top of anyone’s list. He knows how to handle the superstars (MJ and Kobe), build an offense around them, and most importantly: win titles with them.

   According to Ric Bucher, Phil Jackson and the Cavaliers culture mix about as well as “oil and water.” Whatever. LeBron is the next great superstar in this league and he needs a coach that is bigger than him to help him grow. Phil Jackson can be that guy. How do we know he can be that guy? Because he’s already been that guy. Twice.

   But why would he come to Cleveland?
   a) Money — Dan Gilbert has plenty of it and is willing to spend it on the Cavaliers. Plus, if it helps LeBron stay, it would be quite the sound investment.
   b) The Third Superstar — He’s had the advantage of coaching two of the NBA’s premier superstars in their primes. Now he has a chance to coach LeBron James in his prime.

   OK, but why wouldn’t he come to Cleveland?
   a) His girlfriend is the daughter of the Lakers owner.
   b) He likes the big city.
   c) Bill Simmons thinks he’ll get a “godfather” type offer from the new Nets owner, aka Mutant Russian Mark Cuban. So it could all be moot.
   

2. Mike Krzyzewski
   Age: 63
   NCAA Titles: 4
   NCAA Career Record: 868–279 (.757)

   To be honest, Phil Jackson and Coach K are really 1) and 1a) in my book. Jackson would normally be the clear front runner, but maybe Bucher’s “oil and water” comment rang truer to me than I had let on. Oh well.

   Now, onto Coach K. First of all: he’s 63? Huh? The guy has got less gray hairs than me. And I’m 22. I didn’t see that one coming. I bet he wins all sorts of prizes at Cedar Point guessing game booths.

   Seriously though, I know he has no experience coaching in the NBA, but by all accounts Coach K did a remarkable job revamping the Olympic team leading them to a gold medal last year. He developed a strong relationship with LeBron James and James seemed to respect him.

   But why would he come to Cleveland?
   a) Money — Same as above. But maybe moreso a factor than with Jackson, because he’ll never be able to make the kind of money in college that Gilbert might offer.
   b) Legacy — He’s already won an NCAA title. He’s already won an Olympic Gold Medal. The only thing left on his coaching resume is to win an NBA title. If he does that, he goes down as one of the top coaches in NBA history. Period.

   OK, and why wouldn’t he?
   a) He’s already got a great thing going on right now. He’s a living legend among Duke folk. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
   b) He doesn’t feel like writing “Krzyzewski” a million times on all the paperwork that would involve him leaving Duke and moving to Cleveland.
   

3. Lenny Wilkens
   Age: 72
   NBA Titles: 1
   NBA Career Record: 1332-1155 (.536)

   Despite the old age, Wilkens recently said he would come back to coach the Cavs. With 1300+ victories under his belt and 1 NBA title to his name, he certainly has a pretty solid resume to say the least. He is another guy who is big enough to humble LeBron James.

   The age is certainly something to worry about. But if he says he can come back and be excited about it, doesn’t that at least warrant a call?

   But why would he come to Cleveland?
   a) Money — Noticing a trend?
   b) Titles — Wilkens is regarded as one of the best to have coached in this league. But I bet he’d love to at least double his current title count and solidify his place among history.

   Why wouldn’t he?
   a) He’s 72.
   b) Bob just beat his high score at Wii Bowling at the Shady Acres retirement home. An anonymous source said Lenny is pissed about it.

4. Tom Izzo
   Age: 55
   NCAA Titles: 1
   NCAA Career Record: 364–146 (.714)

   Wait… Am I really considering someone under 60? Yes. I am.

   Izzo is one of the premier college coaches in the game. He preaches tough defense and rebounding, which is something I liked about Brown, and is a great in game strategist, which is something I disliked about Brown. So I think I like him more than Brown.

   He’s got a fiery personality and seems like he would be able to motivate a basketball team to get them pumped for a game.

   But why would he come to Cleveland?
   a) Money — Yup. There’s a trend.
   b) MSU connection — Read today from Windhorst that Gilbert is a Michigan State graduate and is a fan of Tom Izzo’s.

   Why wouldn’t he?
   a) Like Coach K, he’s got a good thing going for him right now.
   b) He’s afraid to leave the Izzone.

5. Byron Scott
   Age: 49
   NBA Titles: 0
   NBA Career Record: 352-355 (.498)

   Of all the candidates I’ve listed here today, I think Scott is the only one who would come to Cleveland with our without LeBron James. Unlike Jackson, Coach K and Izzo, he doesn’t have a good coaching gig already that we’d need to lure him away from. And unlike Wilkens, he’s not over 70 and in need of an overly enticing coaching job to get him back in the game.

   I know he has zero titles and a below .500 regular season record, but hear me out.

   Although he never won an NBA Championship, he has been to the big show twice. And although he has a below average regular season record, his post-season record is 33-24 (.579) which is pretty respectable.
   
   But why would he come to Cleveland?
   a) Money — What can I say? Money talks.
   b) Third chance — Scott is too young to be done with coaching. He has never said that as far as I know, but if I am 49 and lost twice in the NBA Finals? I’m eager to get back on that horse.

   OK, so why wouldn’t he?
   a) Apparently he’s being courted by the Bulls as well. So he does have some options. Crap.
   b) His moustache will always be second best to Colt McCoy’s.

I repeat: The prevailing theme in this whole coaching search? LeBron James. Everything hinges on the Akron Hammer.

There is no way any of those guys (except maybe Scott) come to Cleveland without LeBron. And, in my opinion, there is no way LeBron comes back to Cleveland unless we land one of these guys.

As for firing Brown, I think it had to be done. Apparently LeBron didn’t tell the Cavs he wanted Brown gone… but if he wanted him to stay, he could have stopped it. So I’ll listen to those actions.

Last week, Tim Cowlishaw of The Dallas Morning News wrote an article slighting the Cavaliers superstar, posing the question: “What exactly is LeBron James the king of?”

It is undeniable that something was wrong with LeBron in Games Four, Five and Six. But to belittle his achievements in Cleveland over the past seven years seemed like an ignorant move from an oblivious columnist sitting behind a desk over 1,000 miles away.

In an email thread among some family members, my Uncle Von — originally from Ohio but now living in Texas — decided to weigh in. He gave his thoughts regarding LeBron’s perfomance and offered a resounding vindication of the nickname that has always been at the center of much ridicule:

Ault’s analysis, echoing Adam’s/et alia conjecture, [that something was wrong with LeBron at the end of that series] rings true for me. Subjective speculation notwithstanding, it was manifestly evident THE MAN was off his game. The most telltale sign for me was that window on the soul, the eyes. Jackson Browne’s ditty “Running on Empty” comes to mind: “looking into his eyes, I see he’s runnin’ too…(on empty)”. Since this was so contradictory to the very essence of his nature – a relentless competitive tenacity – we are all left to guess as to the causation of the disconnect. Was it physiological, psychological, emotional – or, as is true for all homo sapien sapiens – a confluence of all of the above??? Anyone who has seen the HBO documentary on the first Lebron led playoff series triumph, over the Wizards (2006?), knows unequivocally the “I will not be denied” spirit is his absolute raison d’etre, pure and simple…but like Tiger’s eyes post crash and burn, that fire of intensity was merely flickering – the King reduced to a mere mortal…

As to that dumbass scribe in Dallas, who probably couldn’t hit the ocean with a beachball and believes Jacque Strappe was the most famous athlete in France, he defaults to the tack of the infertile mind; knowing full well that fan is short for FANATIC, the hallmark of the uninspired is to attack, substituting a rise from the fanatics for intelligent discourse: “King of what”??? What the hell was Elvis the king of, you dimwitted numbskull? So a bit of historical edification is in order.

We all know of King James as the sponsor of the most widely disseminated biblical translation on earth, an appeasement to his Puritan constituents displeased with earlier attempts. Lesser known is his two books published in 1597-1598, “Basilikon Doron (Royal Gift)” and “Trew Law”. He postulated the concept of the “divine right of kings” as biblically supported, and stated “kings are higher beings than other men”…What could be a more fitting title for LBJ, not even taking into consideration his imposing vertical leap? He is a quantum quirk of evolution, blessed with physical and mental attributes that distinguish him from other men! And his crown and ordination will be shortcoming, hopefully blessing his beloved Cleveland with the championship it so justly deserves, and establishing him forever in the pantheon of Lake Erie Icons, like Otto Graham, Bob Feller, and Jim Brown, all former kings among mortals..

Am I upset? Meh.

Am I surprised? Not really.

Did I expect this? Absolutely.

I refuse to read too much into whatever LeBron does over the next two months. He’s going to milk this free agency attention for all its worth.

He may be checking out houses in Chicago suburbs this week. But next week he’ll be rumored to be checking out downtown Manhattan penthouses. The week after? The Jersey Shore. After that? His entourage will be spotted in Miami checking out mansions on Star Island.

LeBron has never really been recruited. He came straight from high school to the NBA. Sure, he got letters from college teams, but they knew he was the consensus #1 pick so he never received their full pitch.

This summer, LeBron has the chance to become the most heavily recruited athlete of all time.

He will get wooed not just by GMs or NBA coaches. He will receive the adoration of entire cities. He will get videos like this. Even the United States President will make a pitch!

And LeBron will love it.

I’ll say it again, he will milk this thing for all its worth. The talk on my free agency has died a bit… want to go to Chicago? Stir some shit up?

LeBron may or may not even actually be in Chicago right now.

Just don’t be surprised that the rumor is out there.

1) New Jersey Nets: John Wall, PG, Kentucky

The best and perhaps most complete NBA-ready talent available, Wall will undoubtedly be the first player selected next month.

Wall met and overcame the Himalayan hype surrounding him entering college and consistently torched the opposition using his incredible quickness, speed, basketball IQ, vision, and ability to get to the basket.

The hype will only continue at the next level as Wall has been described as one of the most talented prospects in the last 10 years. Learning the ropes under an accomplished point guard in Devin Harris and alongside rising big man Brook Lopez will certainly aid him in his ascent to what should be a very successful career in New Jersey.

2) Minnesota Timberwolves: Evan Turner, SG, Ohio State

Turner helped lead the Buckeyes all season despite suffering a scary vertebra injury in the middle of the year (from which he rebounded very quickly and saw virtually no dip in stats).

His ability to score, facilitate will add to a young, promising core of guards in Minnesota and his three years of experience at the college level may help ease the learning curve needed to develop into a capable backcourt player.

Turner’s rebounding ability—grew almost exponentially each season in Columbus (4.4 in ’07-’08, 7.1 in ’08-’09, 9.2 in ’09-’10)—even further distances him from other guards. He’s also a capable (36 percent this year) three-point shooter, so the T-Wolves would be incredibly hard-pressed to pass on the 2010 Player of the Year.

3) Sacramento Kings: Derrick Favors, PF, Georgia Tech

The Kings are desperate for some kind of backcourt depth, but after Wall and Turner, the guard field begins to get relatively thin. With not much help available in the frontcourt either, Favors gives Sacramento a significant boost in size, athleticism, and rebounding (even though the Kings did crack the top 10 in boards this season).

The Kings have been in neutral since coming just points away from making a Finals appearance in the early 2000s, but adding an athletic rarity such as Favors may finally get them on the path toward once again being competitive out west.

4) Golden State Warriors: Cole Adrich, C, Kansas

Aldrich is a nice big man (6’11″, 245lbs.) from one of college basketball’s premier institutions and will immediately shore up a very weak Warriors frontline that ranked dead last in rebounds per game (38.4) and 25th in blocks per game (4.1) this season.

The jury is still out on Warrior project Brandan Wright, and Golden State needs more size to pair alongside developing rookie Anthony Tolliver—who had a decent first year (11.7PPG, 7RPG)—and Corey Maggette.

With an ocean-deep pool of big men to pick from, it’s anyone’s guess as to whom the Warriors will take with this pick (especially if they grab an even higher selection in the lottery), but Golden State can’t do wrong with acquiring a much-needed interior presence in Aldrich.

5) Washington Wizards: DeMarcus Cousins, PF, Kentucky

With Gilbert Arenas’ future very blurry at best, the Wizards are another team hoping against hope for the ball to roll their way and get a top two pick and a chance at Wall or Turner. With that turn of events highly unlikely and Cousins being the best player available, Washington would be crazy to pass on him.

Cousins is an absolute monster physically (6’11″, 260lbs.) and was .2 rebounds shy of averaging a double-double (15.1PPG, 9.8RPG) in his only season in college. While it’s possible Cousins benefited from opposing defenses’ attention being spread so thin to Kentucky’s many weapons, you can’t ignore numbers like his.

Power forward Andray Blatche experienced an explosion in production following the Wizards’ fire sale this season, and if he can continue that raging pace into consistency, he and Cousins would give the troubled Wizards the beginnings of a very fearsome, physical frontline.
6) Philadelphia 76ers: Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse

Johnson is a bit undersized weight-wise (198lbs.), especially for a 22-year-old, but his length and ability to hit the outside shot will add a lot to a needy Philadelphia frontcourt that lacks a young swingman.

Johnson was a mild surprise at Syracuse after transferring from Iowa State and lit it up on the court in 2010, averaging 16.5 points and 8.5 rebounds while hitting threes at a 41 percent clip.

With most of the squads above Philadelphia already having capable swingmen, Johnson may slip to the Sixers even though he’s widely considered a top-five lock. Johnson can add a varying, effective dimension to an underachieving frontline of Elton Brand, Samuel Dalembert, Jason Kapono and Thaddeus Gibson.

7) Detroit Pistons: Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina

Another team, another massively disappointing group of big men. Charlie Villanueva was anything but the accurate outside sniper and shot in the arm the Pistons were hoping for, Tayshaun Prince took a gigantic step backward in 2010, and Ben Wallace, Jason Maxiell, and Kwame Brown barely give the Pistons any inside touch around the basket.

Davis would give Detroit the long scoring threat it needs down low. The former Tar Heel upped both his scoring average (12) and his rebounding (9) in his second and final year at UNC, so his ability to attack the boards will significantly help a Pistons team that ranked near the bottom of the league in that statistic.

8 ) Los Angeles Clippers: Al-Farouq Aminu, SF, Wake Forest

Aminu has been a steady scoring and rebounding threat during his two seasons with the Demon Deacons. He shoots high-percentage shots and can hit the occasional three (even though he went into a second-half slump from beyond the arch last season) as well.

With a thin field of guards and the Clippers having a promising backcourt duo of Baron Davis and Eric Gordon, Aminu fills a natural hole in L.A.’s lineup. Getting significant points from the 3 forward is something the Clips will need if their core of Gordon, Davis, and Blake Griffin develops the way they intend it to. With decent length and size (6’9”, 215lbs.), Aminu should aid in getting more offensive production from L.A.’s group of forwards.

9) Utah Jazz (from New York): Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown

This should be a very interesting selection. With Carlos Boozer’s future in Salt Lake City anything but definite (and, again, with a field full of big men), the Jazz would be wise to go with a solid frontline presence. Utah also couldn’t handle the Lakers inside during their 2010 playoff series, so a bolster in that area is needed.

They’ll have a very tough choice to make between Monroe and Baylor’s Ekpe Udoh. They’re almost identical in size and points per game and rebounding output. Monroe, however, averaged both stats at a higher rate for a longer period of time (Udoh skipped a year in college while transferring from Michigan to Baylor) and comes out of a more prestigious program in Georgetown.

Whatever the Jazz’s choice may be next month, they’ll almost certainly need to address the Boozer situation and will have an abundant group from which to pluck their next project.

10) Indiana Pacers: Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor

As stated earlier, there’s a good chance the Jazz’s and Pacers’ picks could swap, since both clubs are needy in the same dimensions and both Udoh and Monroe are so similar.

Really, the only element Udoh brings to the table that Monroe doesn’t is shot blocking. In his previous two seasons of college ball, Udoh averaged 3.7 and 2.9 blocks per game, respectively. That characteristic of Udoh’s game will help an already effective shot-blocking team in Indiana become even more intimidating on the baseline.

11) New Orleans Hornets: Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky

The Hornets are absolutely loaded at guard with Chris Paul, Marcus Thornton, and Darren Collison. They also have a good center in Emeka Okafor and a very good stretch 4 in David West.

They are, however, slightly undersized and could use another big body to spell Okafor while still keeping the New Orleans interior on lockdown. Patterson is an experienced, well-sized forward (6’8”, 245lbs.) that can score, rebound, and has recently found a bit of a deep touch. If Patterson is even still available at this point in the Draft, he’d be a good fit in NOLA.

12) Memphis Grizzlies: Donatas Motiejunas, PF, Lithuania

Yes, the Grizzlies just drafted a seven-footer in Hasheem Thabeet a year ago, but his rookie season was a disappointment and Marc Gasol became a bright spot for an interestingly scrappy Memphis team.

Outside his height (7’), Motiejunas brings with him miles upon miles of room to grow into another great European big man that can hit outside shots, rebound, and block shots (he hasn’t shown much ability to get tons of blocks every time he’s on the floor, but he’s huge and is only 19 years old). Memphis would love to pair another tower alongside Thabeet and see how the two and their differing games gel together for the up-and-coming contender in the Western Conference.

13) Toronto Raptors: Daniel Orton, C, Kentucky

With Chris Bosh likely on his way out of Toronto and little depth behind starting center Andrea Bargnani, the Raptors suddenly find themselves in desperate need of considerable size.

Orton brings just that. He’s very impressive physically and contributes a lot more than what shows up on the stat sheet. Also, like Motiejunas before him, he’s very young and has loads of time to develop his scoring touch and rebounding tenacity (a trait that should come naturally to someone of his stature). Many are projecting Orton to go a few spaces higher than this, but there may not be enough outside of physical characteristics to get him into the top 10.

14) Houston Rockets:  Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall

Whiteside is a great fit to develop behind Yao Ming—assuming Yao can stay healthy long enough to tutor Whiteside into being a deadly NBA center. He’s young, long (6’11”), and has a vicious habit of swatting shots (5.4 per game in his only collegiate season). Sound familiar?

Whiteside would give the thin group of Houston bigs a much-needed shot in the arm whether or not Yao does indeed fall victim to another long-term injury. Even with Yao in the lineup, the Rockets aren’t a good shot-blocking team, so Whiteside’s rejection ability would give them a unique dimension on defense.

15) Milwaukee Bucks (from Chicago): Xavier Henry, SG, Kansas

As the draft’s next-best guard behind Turner, Henry is a logical choice for the Bucks.

Rookie Brandon Jennings gave every indication that he is the future at point guard for Milwaukee, so Henry’s scoring ability, toughness, and three-point accuracy would make for a very young and lethal backcourt. Veteran John Salmons proved that with a capable scoring guard next to Jennings, the Bucks can become a legit contender in the NBA.

Henry’s a great fit for that mold and would give Milwaukee one of the scariest, youngest cores (along with Jennings and Bogut) in the league.

16) Minnesota Timberwolves (from Charlotte via Denver): Gordon Hayward, SF, Butler

Another young team with a decent core in Jonny Flynn, Corey Brewer, and Al Jefferson, Minnesota would greatly benefit from Hayward’s length and scoring touch at the 3.  The T-Wolves could go bigger here since their frontline depth basically begins and ends with Jefferson, so Damion James or Solomon Alabi could end up being Minnesota’s pick as well.

Hayward definitely needs to add a little more to his long, wiry frame and improve his side-to-side quickness and mobility, but his offensive ability and scoring talent would give Minnesota a more versatile rotation.

17) Chicago Bulls (from Milwaukee): James Anderson, SG, Oklahoma State

This is an interesting pick. With a very solid guard duo in Kirk Hinrich and rising superstar Derrick Rose, Chicago seems set up top. They also boast an aggressive and growing frontcourt consisting of Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson.

However, with guard depth behind Hinrich and Rose pretty shallow, the Bulls would benefit from selecting Anderson. He’s a capable (37 percent) three-point shooter who can also distribute, so the growing attention that will be paid to Noah and Rose should give him open looks from which to develop his shooting touch. Anderson can also be a pest on the defensive end as he has a talent for stealing.

Anderson is tall (6’6”) for a 2 guard, so that will become one of his greatest assets at the next level, especially if he’s able to consistently hit deep shots.

18) Miami Heat: Eric Bledsoe, PG, Kentucky

Bledsoe is a very athletic 6’1” combo guard that plays with a palpable vigor and has good upside and room to grow. His scouting reviews haven’t been spectacular, but most agree that Bledsoe has great potential and well above-average athleticism.

Miami, like Toronto before them, is dealing with an unclear future regarding its best player, so the Heat would be wise to stock up on a high-profile guard just in case. Even if Wade does end up staying in South Beach, the Miami group of guards could use more depth. Carlos Arroyo and Mario Chalmers can definitely play, but Daequan Cook has been a massive disappointment thus far.

19) Boston Celtics: Damion James, SF, Texas

Boston’s depth behind Paul Pierce isn’t great (Marquis Daniels), and with Pierce not getting any younger, the Celtics should consider grabbing a frontline talent with their pick. James could be that talent. James was one of the several athletes labeled as NBA-ready at the beginning of the 2009-10 season, but was one of the few whose Draft stock remained well throughout the year.

His size (6’7”, 224lbs.), length, athleticism, and very aggressive style of play would blend seamlessly into a Celtics frontline that is known for being one of the roughest in the league. James is also an absolute beast on rebounds (averaged 10.3 in 09-10 and 07-08) and can hit the occasional three.

20) San Antonio Spurs: Larry Sanders, PF/C, Virginia Commonwealth

Sanders is a curious talent who is projected by most experts to be picked slightly higher than this, but should the teams above San Antonio follow the listed course, Sanders would become a very enticing option at No. 20. He has great speed and quickness for a big man and improved markedly in nearly every aspect of his game since beginning to play organized basketball around five years ago.

While Sanders isn’t as tough or physical as Spurs rookie DeJuan Blair – who had a fantastic first season in San Antonio – his softer game, speed, and ability to score could add an interesting aspect to San Antonio’s offense. Sanders on the break with Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker could cause nightmares for opposing defenses.

21) Oklahoma City Thunder: Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State

Alabi’s size (7’1”, 251lbs.) in itself may be too much for a scary talented team like the Thunder to pass.

OKC, as seen this season, is very solid across the board and has a wonderful young group of skilled athletes, but is lacking a dominant inside presence. Serge Ibaka did a great job during the 2009-10 campaign and is a wonderful shot blocker, but may not be the long-term solution for the Thunder.

If Alabi can hone a consistent scoring ability and grab some more rebounds (he only averaged around six last season), his shot blocking can fit right into an aggressive Oklahoma City defense that showed a late-season knack for swats.

If Ibaka can continue to improve and become a solid started for the ever-improving Thunder squad, grabbing Alabi definitely won’t hurt OKC in getting the size and length to compete on a purely physical level with some of the bigger frontcourts in the Association.

22) Portland Trail Blazers: Stanley Robinson, SF, UConn

The Blazers are stacked at the guard position and have potential to throw some nasty lineups at people with budding power forward LaMarcus Aldridge. A good, athletic small forward or swingman would greatly benefit Portland, and Robinson is the best available to fill that need.

At 6’9” and 225lbs., Robinson would give Portland even more athleticism down low and would create a deadly, young tandem alongside Aldridge. He has a huge wingspan, is quick for his size, and can finish well around the basket.

Robinson has also been lauded for his defensive ability, which would only bolster an already stellar (94.1 opponents’ points per game this season) defensive unit in Portland.

23) Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah via Philadelphia): Kevin Seraphin, PF/C, French Guyana

Seraphin is another physical and athletic freak that, while not ripe for NBA play and still needing a lot of skill work, can add tons to a Minnesota frontline that could dearly use another big body with some talent.

Seraphin is 6’9” and 258lbs. and would give, if nothing else, a more intimidating and athletic body than the T-Wolves’ current center, Darko Milicic. Seraphin has a huge wingspan and can get up and down both in the air and on the floor very quickly, but his skill in the French league in which he currently plays doesn’t translate to a high-quality NBA player yet.

If the Wolves can develop him in the right way, a frontline featuring himself, Jefferson, Hayward, and Kevin Love could be the beginnings of contention in Minnesota.

24) Atlanta Hawks: Paul George, SF, Fresno State

The Hawks’ group of forwards is pretty thin (Marvin Williams, Joe Smith, and Maurice Evans), and even though Joe Johnson may be on his way out of Atlanta, Jeff Teague and Jamal Crawford give the Hawks too much depth to go after Avery Bradley of Texas with this pick.

George is young and needs to put some muscle on his frame (185lbs.), but he has good length, can score (16.8 points this season), and is an unbelievable free throw shooter (90 percent) for an NBA player.

The Hawks definitely have a tough choice to make with this pick, with a couple players with differing skill sets appealing to different real and hypothetical situations for the franchise, but George would be a solid pick regardless of what happens this summer.

25) Memphis Grizzlies (from Denver): Avery Bradley, PG, Texas

In selecting Motiejunas earlier in the round, the Grizzlies have the luxury of stockpiling their already healthy load of guards.

Bradley shot 45 percent from inside the three-point arch this season at Texas, so he possesses a very nice mid-range scoring touch but, at 6’3”, has very average height for a 2 guard and might not be able to get his own shot. Alongside O.J. Mayo and Zach Randolph, however, Bradley would get a good amount of open looks at his effective jumper.

26) Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix): Luke Babbitt, SF, Nevada

Babbitt is as pure a shooter there is in this Draft, as he puts up a 50 percent clip from the field and a 41.6 rate from three land. The Oklahoma City guard corps is already deep, young, and skilled, so the Thunder would benefit tremendously from picking a forward who can further stretch the floor for Kevin Durant.

The knock on Babbitt is that he isn’t terribly athletic or quick, but those downsides aren’t deal-breakers with his wonderful shot from virtually any range.

27) New Jersey Nets (from Dallas): Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier

Crawford is a definite stretch at this pick, but the Nets need a little more help in the shooting guard slot behind Courtney Lee. New Jersey could go with Oklahoma guard Willie Warren, but his stock has fluctuated drastically over the past year-and-a-half.

Crawford brings an insanely athletic feature to the game (the well-publicized and rarely-seen video clip of his dunk over LeBron James is exhibit A) and can get to the rack easily – almost at will. At 6’4” and 195lbs., he could afford to bulk up a bit, especially since he isn’t a huge factor on the defensive end of the floor.

However, playing alongside Wall, Harris, Lee, and Chris Douglas-Roberts would give Crawford a nice environment in which to harvest his game while making a deadly New Jersey backcourt.

28) Memphis Grizzlies (from L.A. Lakers): Quincy Pondexter, SF, Washington

Pondexter is one of the more well-known prospects in this draft, due in most part to his leading the Huskies to the Pac-10 championship in 2010. In a field bursting with forwards of every type, Pondexter is expected to fall to the bottom of the first round.

With an astonishing three first-round picks, Memphis has a lot of flexibility with this pick. With Motiejunas and Bradley already selected, the Grizzlies have an absolute luxury in being able to build depth behind Rudy Gay at the small forward position.

Pondexter is athletic as they come, shoots a very high field goal percentage (53 percent), can hit threes every now and then, and has a great ability to get his own shot off the dribble.

29) Orlando Magic: Elliot Williams, SG, Memphis

Williams grew into a very solid guard during his only season with the Tigers. He’s a consistent shooter who aggressively drives (albeit almost exclusively with his right hand) and can distribute to his teammates.

He can also shoot the three reasonably well (36 percent), so that fits directly into what Orlando does on a nightly basis.

Williams has a knack for driving and getting to the rim – where he’s shown a relative inability to complete his drive – so that should play well into the Magic developing him into their next shooting guard once Vince Carter’s days in the Association come to an end.

30) Washington Wizards (from Cleveland): Willie Warren, SG, Oklahoma

Warren’s stock took a huge nosedive when he decided to return to Norman for his senior season, as his shooting percentages dropped and his responsibility in a Blake Griffin-free offense looked to be too much for Warren to handle.

However, Warren does have a good skill in creating his own shot and breaking down his defender one-on-one. He’s a very quick, athletic guard who shows good tenacity in his driving and possesses terrific natural ability when finishing at the hoop, which is something any team would love to have in its backcourt.

It’s entirely possible Warren drops into the second round, but he may be a good fit in the Wizards’ rebuilding plans, especially if Gilbert Arenas continues to be more of a headache than a producer.

I desperately hope I’m wrong, but I just can’t shake the feeling that last night we were all “Witnesses” to the death of professional basketball in Cleveland.

We Were All Witnesses... To Game Five

Maybe “death” is too strong a word. I do not think the Cavaliers will leave Cleveland. Perhaps the phrase “the plunge back to below-average-at-best-mediocrity” is better. Odd, it doesn’t make me feel all that better.

Whatever you want to call it, we witnessed it unfold at the end of Game Six.

As a performance, it was not as eye gouging to watch as Game Five. The effort was improved. Mo Williams decided to finally show up, for the first two quarters at least. Anderson Varejao played with a Cribbsian effort.

And that’s about all I can positively say about Thursday’s game. LeBron James did drop 27-19-10, so maybe that’s not entirely fair. If you just looked at the stat line, it reveals what would normally be a heralded performance. But we had more than the stat line. His body language throughout the game, at the end of the game, and post game seemed fishy. I don’t think I’m talented enough to put a finger on it directly — but something just didn’t feel right.

With the season on the line and about 1:30 on the clock, we were down by 9. Say what you want, but that is a three possession game. You do not just quit. I wanted to throw up when I saw that they didn’t go for the foul, that Mo Williams trotted up the floor, and that they passed the ball around until someone finally decided to shoot a three — and that person was Anderson Varejao!

Sure, that falls on everyone — the Coaches for not signaling to foul, Mo Williams for not hustling, etc. But as the leader of the team, the buck stops at LeBron. None of that happens if LeBron says it doesn’t happen.

It’s still hard for me to wrap my head around this whole ordeal.

Just three games ago, the Cavs beat the Celtics like they stole something. And it was on the road! We imposed our will. It had all but appeared that we just put them in their place and seized control of the series. Unfortunately, those were a long three games ago.

The next three games:

• Game Four: A missed opportunity. We had the ability to close the door on the series. If we go up 3-1, taking two games in Boston, there is no way the Celtics come back. It was a missed opportunity, but the odds were still in our favor to win the series.
• Game Five: The turning point. With the momentum of the series hanging in the balance, the Cavs struck out. And struck out looking. There wasn’t even a swing-and-a-miss. The Cavs played indifferent, apathetically, disengaged, or just straight up quit. Whatever you want to call it, it doesn’t really matter. There was no explanation for it. It was an embarrassment. And it will be a stain on LeBron’s legacy that can only be washed away with a championship for Cleveland. If he leaves for greener pastures and wins a championship, there will still be that stain of leaving a city and its depressed fans in the dust with that lackluster performance.
• Game Six: The “Yep, That Really Just Happened” moment. Game Five was historically upsetting and it stunk worse than a baby skunk’s diaper. But the series still wasn’t over. Sure, it plenty of fans heads it was over. But the Cavs still had a chance to redeem themselves. Optimistic fans (like me) talked ourselves into it. We can come back, that was just a speed bump. A really big speed bump. Well, it was a brick wall. After a decent first half, the Cavs had one mini run to get it to within 4 in the fourth, but gave up. Our last shot attempt was an Anderson Varejao three pointer. LeBron shakes hands with everyone like its all good, even gives a couple fist pumps to Boston fans before we catch a video of him shedding his Cleveland Cavaliers jersey. Yep, that really just happened.

By the way, how do I know LeBron didn’t give it his full effort this series?

The handshakes.

Last year, LeBron left it all on the court. He put the Cavaliers on his back and gave it everything he had against the Magic. It was inspiring. By the end of Game Six in Orlando, he was running on empty. When they finally lost, he didn’t want to be on the court. He definitely didn’t want to congratulate the team he just went toe to toe with and whooped on him. He was too competitive to accept it.

A lot of pundits called it “unsportsmanlike.” Bullsh*t. I guarantee half of those pundits have stormed away from a racquetball game because they were a little pissed by the way it ended. Let he who hath not scorned a loss cast the first stone.

Personally? I loved it. It showed me that he left it all on the court, that he gave it his best effort. He was steamed. I get it. He congratulated them a week later when he cooled down. So whatever.

On the other hand, Thursday night he seemed a little overzealous with the handshakes. He was almost too ready to congratulate the Boston team. A little too ready to fist pump the Celtics fans who had just booed him and chanted “New York Knicks! New York Knicks!” everytime he shout a free throw.

A little too ready to slip out of the Cleveland jersey.

So to me, that showed me that something definitely was wrong with LeBron. He didn’t play with the same gusto. It was apparent both on and off the court.

Maybe I’m reading too much into it, and I hope I am. But when thinking about the future of the franchise, all I could think last night was “I sure hope that Christian Eyenga turns out to be a beast.” Not a good sign.

The Cavaliers were the best team in the 2009-10 regular season. The #1 overall seed in the playoffs. The favorites to win a championship. The excitement in Cleveland was palpable. This could be the team that changes our city’s fortunes!

In a matter of three games (and to pin point it — the third quarter of Game Five), the excitement made a complete U-turn into utter fear for the future. This could be the team that cements our city’s misfortunes.

And we were all witnesses.

…

Note: I’ll be writing a piece about the whole LeBron/Free Agency thing in a bit. I just need some time to think about it. Probably write a Browns article or two to clear my head.

In the meantime, shoot an email to lebrontourage@gmail.com with your thoughts on the matter.

Quick Thoughts:

• I know, I know. Game Five was historically terrible. Maybe even insulting. But I will try not to dwell on it. I’ve already written my two cents. But if you want more on it, I’ll recommend stories by Brian Windhorst and Bill Simmons. Great reads with some great points.
• Now onto Game Six…
• We’re down, but not out. Or at least that’s what I tell myself. The more I sit back and watch everything unfold in the media and the sports blog world, the more I cannot help but think we are all overreacting a little bit. Seriously, teams come back from down 3-2 all the time. The Hawks already did it this season.
• All we need to do is win tonight. If we do that, it’s back even and it all comes down to one game, and it’ll be in our house. I know the Cavs haven’t taken advantage of home court so far this series. But if the game comes back to Cleveland, that means the Cavs had an attitude change tonight. Momentum suddenly swings in our favor.
• In the world of the internet, sports fans have become so engulfed with media coverage. Things get blown out of proportion all the time. You hear the same story on SportsCenter three different times, read about it on websites, then get exposed to it yet again on twitter… Suddenly, you start believing its that big of a deal.
• Because of all the instant and hounding coverage, we live in a “What Have You Done For Me Lately?” world now more than ever before. It only took one horrid loss to turn Cavalier fans’ world upside down. It will only take one win to put it back in perspective. It will only take two wins to get back to everyone’s goal: winning a championship.
• How can we beat the Celtics? Here’s my unprofessional opinion that means diddly-squat:
  • Play Small.Don’t get me wrong, I have half a mind to name my first born son Zydrunas, but I do not want to see Z anymore in this series. Same with Shaquille O’Neal. The Simmons article I linked at the top talks about this, and it mirrors my exact thoughts. The biggest advantage this Cavalier team has over the Celtics team: youth and athleticism.

    Why not give them heavy doses of J.J. Hickson and Anderson Varejao? If anyone tries to give me the “But JJ Hickson is a liability on defense” schpiel… save it. Last game the Cavs gave up 120 points at home and Hickson played less than 10 minutes. So I don’t care.

    We wiped the floor with the Celtics when we played small ball. It terrifies Simmons. And it should. Play LeBron at the 4, play more Jamario Moon, and play more Delonte West.This should be the rotation tonight: Mo, West, Parker, LeBron, Moon, Jamison, Varejao, Hickson. Eight players. That’s it. They’re all athletic. They can run the floor. And they can beat the Celtics.

    Mike Brown needs to grow some cajones and tell Shaq and Z, “Sorry, guys. I love you. And I’ll need you for against Orlando. But it just ain’t working this series.”

    But then again, what do I know? Oh, yeah. Not a thing about coaching basketball. Whatever.

• I knew I said I wouldn’t harp on Game Five anymore, but I kind of lied. I thought of an analogy the other day. So bear with me:
  • Dumb-Analogy-To-Game-Five-That-Might-Only-Make-Sense-To-Me:
    About a year ago, things were going great with my girlfriend. I loved her and she loved me. But there was something looming in the future where I knew it couldn’t work in the long run and wanted to eventually break up. I became emotionally disengaged. I didn’t return her calls or texts. When we hung out, there was a discontent there. I couldn’t voice it, but you could tell by my body language something just wasn’t right. She ended up getting super pissed at me. We fought. It made the break up easier.

    See it? Replace me with LeBron, and Cavs fans with my girlfriend… It’s Game Five! It’s perfect! I think! He knew something was wrong in the future, and subconsciously this was the (dumb) route he took.

    The good news?

    I got back with my girlfriend! I realized what I was doing and that it was dumb. I realized I didn’t truly appreciate what I had.

    LeBron will realize that he already has something great and wouldn’t be able to find an equal or better situation anywhere else. This two-day break up with Cavs fans could help him appreciate what he has in Cleveland.

• Thanks for bearing through that. I still can’t decide if it makes sense or not.

Now let’s get that one victory, let’s get things back into perspective.

Go Cavs.

Such hotheaded venting, combined with the audible boo’s from the home crowd, led many from outside of Cleveland to wonder:

You know about King James... Meet King Windy.

a) Are the Cavs fans spoiled? b) Is he not allowed one bad game? c) Have they turned on LeBron?

The answer to those, hopefully, are: a) No, you jerk. b) Of course he’s allowed to have a bad game and c) No. At least I hope not.

In a special to ESPN.com, Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer perfectly captures what is bothering Cavalier fans:

“Those numbers [LBJ's Game 5 Statline] are not why James’ performances have been shocking. Is it his nonchalant attitude that mixes with tentative play when he is trying to make something happen? That is what will be remembered for years and what has thrown so many of his supporters off guard.

It’s throwing passes into teammates’ feet or over their heads, the kind of lack of focus James never shows at this level. When he turns the ball over, it’s usually because of his aggressiveness — trying to squeeze in a pass or losing the ball in a crowd when fighting into a double- or triple-team.

It’s standing quietly on the weak side of offensive plays, waiting to see if the ball will come to him while his team is down on the scoreboard, as if he was biding his time in the second quarter of a game in mid-February on a long road trip.

It’s staring into space during huddles instead of giving instructions to teammates or advice to coaches.

It’s going back to biting his nails, a habit he thought he’d kicked a year ago. It’s no longer wearing his finest suits to games to show off his expensive wardrobe to the cameras, as was his custom.

In the Cavs’ locker room, and next door in the team family room, and upstairs in the coaches’ and executive offices, people who know James well are trying to figure it out. The truth is James’ teammates have never seen him in this type of mood before, so passive and reactionary. Not the outgoing, over-the-top leader they have come to follow no matter how it may look on television.

James’ family and friends are just as shell-shocked, whispering and wondering what they can do to help.

The coaches, especially Mike Brown, who is suddenly on the hot seat after back-to-back winning seasons, are looking at things in game film that they’ve never seen from the MVP.”

Now, to revisit the questions:

• No, we’re not spoiled. As fans, we just expect a certain level of effort and intensity out of respect for how much we have invested to the team.
• Yes, LeBron is allowed a bad game. If he cannot make a jumper, that is OK. Kevin Durant had a terrible game against the Lakers in Game Six. He couldn’t make a jumper, but he didn’t go down without a fight. He kept swinging, shooting jumper after jumper. Driving to the lane time and time again, getting points from the free-throw line. LeBron didn’t just have a bad game. He had a passive and uninspired game, which will always be worse.
• No, I, for one, have not turned on LeBron. He has given far too much and played far too well for this city and this team for me to turn on him after one game. It’s not even a question. I just hope everyone else has the same common sense.

Having said all that, this series still isn’t over.

If we can win Thursday in Boston (Don’t think we can? Well here’s 10 Reasons Why We Can from Only In Cleveland), then it comes down to a win or go home, at home. LeBron can have a sweet, sweet shot at redemption in front of his home crowd that has loved him so much.

And if they can rebound after that loss, come back and win two huge games, then the Cavaliers will have some a fearsome amount of momentum heading into Orlando.

Believeland.