Homers (cont.)

First I would like to thank Chad Dobson for a great evening last night. And the tally battle begins...!

So back to where I was...where was I?

So Jim Rome. Contrary to what a lot of people think in Cleveland and maybe even Ohio in general, I adore Jim Rome. I mean how could you not like a guy who loves Charles Barkley? And we all know how much I love Sir Charles.

But going on, the reason why I bring Mr. Rome up in this blog is because of his remarks about Lebron James and how he is going to leave Cleveland once his contract is up in 2010. Well because he said this, a lot of Cleveland fans are upset and calling into the local shows complaining about the Jim Rome show making them turn off their radios from 12-3 (the time he is on) because he starts his show between 2 local Cleveland programs. Then that "Munch" guy who I was talking about goes on saying that he had an interview with Lebron, which he did, and he played the bit. Well Lebron says something in the ways of "I love this city" and "I want to bring a championship to Cleveland" and stuff like that. Listen, just because Lebron says he's "dedicated" to the task he came here for: to win the NBA championship, doesn't mean he isnt going to high-tail it out of here once his contract is up in 2010. Of course he's going to say that to a Cleveland DJ in a Cleveland sports interview.

What do you expect him to say?

Munch: So Lebron, there's a lot of talk about you leaving the city after your contract expires in 2010. Jim Rome has come on saying this will happen and that Cleveland better get ready for it now. What do you have to say about that?
Lebron: Oh well, he's right. I think that either Danny Ferry puts some help around me...and when I mean help I don't mean bringing in old, washed up guys like the Indians do...GO YANKESS...and by help I also don't mean resigning Sasha, and um...damn what's the dude's name with the hair...?
Munch: Ben Wallace?
Lebron: No the one who can't play much offense...
Munch: ...Ben Wallace?
Lebron: No the foreign kid, you know
Munch: Anderson Varejao?
Lebron: Thats the one, yea him, he's awful. Did you watch the championship game against the Spurs? What an idiot...anyway, thats the help I DONT need. So I will be gone in 2010 unless Ferry wakes up and gets me a perennial all-star Robin to my Batman
Munch: *cries*

Sooo, no. That's not what he would say. But he knows it, and we all should know it. If the Cavs fail to put any help or show that they have the ability to bring in another 5 star type player, then I don't blame him for leaving in 2010.

The Cavs and their fans should see some hope though. JJ Hickson is actually putting up big numbers in the summer league. Which doesn't exactly take your breath away...but remember Desagana Diop? He was averaging 8 points per game in the summer. Hickson will be a realiable big man for a long time and is very athletic. With the ages of our top big men being over 30, that a good, stable player we can put some of the burden on down the road.

Also, even though the Cavs have done nothing this summer in the ways of transactions, which they probably wont do unless they need something to put them over the hump again come the all-star break (can you say michael redd?), the Cavs do have a ton of money coming off the books when Lebrons contract is up in 2010. Here is a list of the contracts and how much they are worth:

Wally Szczerbiak: $13,000,000
Eric Snow: $7,310,000 (what a colossal mistake...WOW)
Joe Smith: $4,795,000
Damon Jones: $4,460,186
Anderson Varejao: $6,212,960 (player option, which mean he could stay, or go...please go)
Z: $11,541,074 (also a PO, whichi wouldn't mind keeping, he'll likely retire after this one)

Total: $25,105,000 (no player options included)
Total: $31,317,960 (AV's option included)
Total: $42,859,034 (Z's and AV's option included)

Just look at all that cash. Now understand we can also give Lebron the most money that anyone can give, because of the NBA's contract laws and bylaws. The fact of the matter is, we can sign a HUGE HUGE HUGE...did i mention huge?...all-star by this time to play alongside King James. Dwayne Wade makes the same salary as Lebron does and his contract ends at the same time. Barring any injuries, could you even imagine what Lebron and D-Wade could do on a basketball floor at the same time. A couple of other big name stars whos contracts are up in 2010 include: Joe Johnson, Jason Richardson, Dirk Nowitzki (PO), Josh Howard (team option), Rip Hamilton, Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson, TJ Ford, Michael Redd (PO), Mike Miller, Eddy Curry, Quetin Richardson, Jamal Crawford, Shaq (een though he'll be quite, quite old), Amare Stoudemire, Manu Ginobili, Jermaine O'Neal, Chris Bosh (PO), Carlos Boozer (if he picks up his PO from the year before), and Mehmet Okur...just to name a few.

Could you imagine finding a way to bring in Bosh and possibly Joe Johnson? Or Rip Hamilton, Mike Miller, and Amare Stoudemire? How would free agents pass up the possibility to team with Lebron and possibly one or two other all-stars in route to a championship. Also knowing Hickson, Danile Gibson, and maybe Delonte West are still on the team...creating a young, yet deveoped core of players just looking for that ring, if they haven't won it already. The possibility is out there...

So there you go Cavs fans, better enjoy Lebron while he is here and not worry about what happens after the 2009-2010 season. Your lives are in Danny Ferry's hands...nervous?

Its good to be back and will be just as good in 2010...depending.