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The LeBron Story

Over a year ago Lebron James left Cleveland for Miami, now lets take the time to look back and seriously analyse the move. After Bacxk to back MVP awards and 6 All styar games LBJ left his home town Cavs for the Miami heat. In his words “ I have decided to take my talents to South beach”. After a long eventful career on the playoff bound Cavs LBJ said that he could not and would not win a championship in Cleveland. I disagree. This is his story………..
Before LeBron James (B.L.J.)
In 2003 David Robinson and John Stockton both officially retired, they were joined by Robert Taylor and Rick Fox. Stockton and Robinson were both guarenteed to make the Hall of fame and Taylor had been a number 1st RD. pick. Rick fox had been a huge role player on a great 1998-2001 Lakers team. The torch was passed. After stars such as M.J, Dennis Rodman, Kenny Smith, Larry Bird, Reggie Lewis, Len Bias and Magic Johnson left the game between 191-1997, that left a void to fill. Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chrish Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Tony Parker, Manu Gionbilli, Pau Gasol and Tim Duncan all entered the league between 2000-2004, Just in time to fill the void. In the pre draft camps many scouts believed Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James were the two best ROY (rookie of the year) Canidates and Darko Milicic was the future star of the draft. The Cavs had 1 star on there team at the time, Zydrunas Illgauskus. Big Z had just played 3 seasons but was a 1 time all star. He had struggled with foot injuries. The Cavs then were awarded the first overall pick.
Pre Draft Camps
Meanwhile Lebron James Dazzled Scouts while in high school. Many people believed he would leave for the NBA just like K.G before him. He did. Carmelo Anthony had become a legit star in college and many people believd that the Detriot pistons would draft him to form a elite chamionship team that Rip Hamilton, Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace could win on. All three of these stars were looking for a difference maker but never could imagine Tayshaun Prince starring. He had been on the bench for two years. The Pistons also had Okur and Mike James who were bench warmers then but have since should there worth in the NBA. The Denver Nuggets had the Third Pick they wanted to turn there team around after falling apart with out a legit star. There roster consisted of Defensive star Marcus Camby, who had knee issues, and had failed to average more than 14 points per game more than once in his career. They also housed injury prone players, Earl Boykins, Chris Anderson and Juwan Howard all for over 5 million a year!!!
NBA Draft 2003
One draft day the Cavs decied to select Lebron With the first overall pick, no surprize. Then Darko went. The biggest regret in Pistons history, Darko Milicic over Chris Bosh, Wade or Anthony, No they would then use there open cap room to sign Portland star Resheed Wallace who would lead the pistons to a 2004 NBA Ring. The Nuggets drafted Carmelo. Bosh and Wade followed. Clipper Center Chris Kaman followed. Then came long time bull turned Hawk Kirk Hinrich. T.J Ford, Marcus Banks, Mikael Pietrus, Nick Collison, David West , Ridnour rounded out the first Round, stars. Both Marcus Banks and T.J Ford started there careers well but fel part as they progressed. Ridnour and Hinrich both became Tutors in the PG teachings and West became a All star.
His Team
Lebron Would team up with a serviceable roster featuring Carlos Boozer, Tony Battie, Big Z, Kapono, Eric Williams, Dioq and Kevin Ollie. Big Z ( center) was a former injury prone all star, Battie was a long time role player ( center). Boozer was considered the perfect running mate for LBJ or the king as the Clevland fans dubbed him. Boozer was a 6’9 PF. Eric Williams was a aging SF who had been on Paul Pierces Celtics since 1997. Dioq was a injury prone star C but never lived up to his potential. Ollie and Kapono were very interesting. Ollie was a highly over paid PG but never lived up to the beliefs of both 76ers owners and Cavs owners. Kapono is a under rated SF who can fight with the best but shoots well.
 
Early Seasons
LeBron was first thought to be a PG if it would help the cavs win but it looked like Rickey Davis, Ira Newble and Daruis Miles took over. Davis was a below average guard/forward but would become a borderline star for the next 6-7 years. LBJ played SF and the Cavs won just 35 games, and failed to make the playoffs. But Lebron won ROY and really out played Carmelo. Both Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade Became stars. Wade made a All star game and Bosh would make All star games for the next few years.
The Next year the cavs brought back retired player Robert “Tractor” Taylor and signed Sasha Pavolic. The also added big men named Anderson Varejao, Drew Godden and Lost Carlos Boozer (Jazz), Eric Williams (retirement), Ricky Davis (Celtics), Kapono (76ers), Ollie (76ers), Battie (76ers) and signed Eric Snow. The loses of Boozer and Battie devastated there front court and Ricky Davis never became a all star but he could have been a real all star if he remained with the king. During the season they switched coaches to Brendan Malone and won 42 games but failed to make the playoffs. Chris Kaman and T.J Ford Both became Legit role players in the NBA while Darko Milicic left the pistons for Orlando where he would team up with another 1st RD pick. Dwight Howard. Dwight had also been picked for potential no ever thought this rough PF would ever be better than Emeka Oakafor who had been the 2nd overall pick that year.
First taste of playoffs
In 2005 the Cavs were ready to make the playoffs they hired a great coach in Mike brown. Brown would add Star SG Larry Hughes and a aging 3 point shooting PF named Donyell Marshall. The additions worked leading the Cavs to the first playoffs of the “LeBron Era”. Many people believed Lebron wouldn’t play well in the playoffs but a first round match up against the Washington wizards. The Wizards were good and had stars such as Gilbert Arenas (Agent Zero, before Gun incident in 2008), Caron ”Tuff Juice” Butler, Etan Thomas, Antawn Jamison and the 13th pick of the 2004 draft, Jarvis Hayes, who was good for 13-16 points a night at this point in his career but after 06 never would reach 14 points per game again. After a long hard fought series the Cavs beat the Wizards thanks to Lebrons amazing playoff abilities. He had single handling lead the cavs back from numerous 10+ point deficits to win during the series. The future Champion Detriot Pistons then knocked them out but had a major big man advantage with Ben Wallace and Resheed Wallace both being all stars.
I want to win it all, baby
In 2006 Mike Brown returned and LBJ said he thought Brown was thew best coach ever, then they decided to draft Shannon Brown, Daniel Gibson and signed former Celtic Scot Pollard. The Cavs would go on to win 50 games and made the playoffs. LeBron also made the All star game with Bosh and Wade. Lebron lead the Cavs through the Wizards and Nets. The Nets were on there last breath Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, Kenyon Marin and Richard Jefferson were all aging and none of them would make it to the 2009 season as a net. Jefferson was traded in 2008, Kidd was traded during the 2007-08 season, Martin would never play another game in a Net uniform as he signed a huge contract in Denver the following off season. Carter was the last to leave he left in pre 2009 trade with Orlando were he would team up with Dwight Howard. In the Conference Finals Lebron matched up with Tayshaun prince and the Detriot Pistons. During the series Bern Wallace Proved how good he was. Thouugh the pistons lost RIP earned him self a extension and Lebron lead his Cavs to the NBA Finals against the Spurs. Tim Duncan, Manu, Parker and Finely beat down on the Cavs and swept them. With the Cavs devastated many people believed they would sign a few major players to accompany LeBron. Note there was a season in between this year and the following it involved Ben Wallace on the Bulls, The Miami heat and Shaq teaming up to win it all and D-Wade getting Finals MVP honors.
2nd Best
The Hungry for victory Cavs signed a few good role players and made a game changing accusation. They traded for Delonte West formerly of the Celtics, Also picked up Wally Szczerbiak in this trade. West is a strong Defensive oriented point guard who shoots threes and plays shooting guard when needed. Szczerbiak is a 15 point per game swing man who shoots lights out but doesn’t play very physically. They also picked up Devin Brown as a SF/SG that could devolp into a starter, but he never lived up to his poteintial. They also signed Ben Wallace for a Big Contract after he destroyed there offese in last seasons playoffs. But he Cavs still weren’t the Best. Lebron averaged 30 points but Boston had out moved the Cavs this off season. The Caltics added K.G and Ray Allen and were ready. LBJ failed to make a difference and after a hard fought series with Boston during the playoffs he went 1 on 1 with Pierce. In K.G’s words “ you never want to play against someone like James in a game 7 when you know he hasn’t had his amazing game of the series.” Coach Doc Rivers also said that Delonte West was “on the Wrong Side” . James out scored pierce but failed to change the out come of the game. Bsoton would eventaully go on to beat the Lakers and MVP Kobe Bryant. LeBron wanted to win and he wanted to win Now!!!
Mo
After another failure the Cavs went all in for Buck PG Maurice Williams and SG Vince Carter of New Jersey. In the End the Bucks shipped away Maurice so they could pick up SF Richard Jefferson, who would be a disappointment. The Magic again beat out the Cavs and got Carter. They also picked up Reshard Lewis and Courtney Lee. Maurice Williams then signed a good sized Contract to join Cleveland and Lebron and Wallace. People compared these three to Chicago’s M.J, Rodman, Pippen trio. Maurice was dubbed Mo, Ben Wallace was Dubbed Big Ben and Lebron had his nick name……… The King. Mo had been a long time Buck , since 2004 when he parted ways with the Jazz. Williams was a proven 3 point shooter and a good second ball handler. In Milwaukee he had been the main ball handler. He had averaged 17 points three straight seasons from 05-08.
The Next Season
The Supped up Cavs went into the 2009 season with high heads. LeBron was ready. The team went off winning there first few games and passing the Celtics. The Celtics already didn’t have K.G due to injury. The Cavs won a league leading 66 games while the Lakers won 65. LeBron won MVP and Both D-Wade and CB4 were in the all star game. Rumors began circulating that LBJ had talked with them both over all star week end. Chris Kaman also made the all star game. Boston made a mid season trade to get Nate Robinson. The trade didn’t change a thing and LBJ lead Cleveland to the playoffs. The again dispatched the Pistons. This was the first season that the wizards and Cavs didn’t play in the first round of a LeBron James playoff series. The Wizards had been dealing with the Arenas issue. The Cavs beat the Pistons and Hawks lead by Joe Johnson and Al Horford. Then the Cavs lead by MVP LeBron James showed down against the DPY (defensive player of the year) named Dwight Howard with the Orlando Magic. The Magic teamed with stars. Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson, Reshard Lewis, Mikael Pietrus, Brandon Bass and Ryan Anderson and J.J Reddick. This loaded squad dispatched the steaming hot Cavs.
The Beginning of the End
The Cavs needed to win so they built up everything for one chance. They let Ben go bye after a largely disappointing season. Then they signed Shaq. Shaq was old and at the tail end of his career but he still could get 10 points per game. They also thought lebron was likely going to re-sign at the end of the season. They signed Danny Green, Jawad Williams, Leon Powe, Anthony Parker, Sebastin Tefair and J.J Hickson to fill out this run. They traded long time cav Big Z and a first Round pick along with lots and lots of money for Jamison formerly of the Wizards. They thought Antawn would convince Lebron to stay but he averaged just 13 points per game compared to 19 per game as a Wizard. Bron Bron would lead the Cavs to a 61 win season and into the playoffs. He again was the only decorated Cavs player outside Varjaeo , who won a All NBA defensive second team award. He Won his second straight MVP. He single handling beat Derek Rose and the Chicago Bulls in the first Round of the playoffs. Then the health Celtics took on LBJ. He seemed to give up after a game and the Celtics ,dominated the series. As Lebron left game 6 he removed his jersey. No one ever thought he would leave His home state Cavs.
The End
The Cavs owner Dan Gilbert thought LeBron staying was a given, Betty White Second and for what it is I thought he would stay. He announced the Decision to have the Decision. In LeBron’s own words, “ I have Decided to take my talents to south beach.” What a shocker!!!!! Less than two days latter Chris Bosh joined the Miami heat and Michael Beasley was traded. D-Wade, Bosh and LBJ seemed to be a dream team a Big three with Wade the only player with a ring. Dan Gilbert then sent a hate letter to LeBron that made the NBA players (supposably) boy cot Cleveland so no F/A’s went there. LBJ then said he would still host a few charity organizations in his home town Akron which is a few miles away from Cleveland. The Miami heat hosted a party to welcome Bosh and Bron to south beach. Go to this address to view like a Bosh which is a video insult to Bosh’s career but does really state facts about his career at the same time this video is mostly appropriate for ages 13+ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2--uG4QMlA0 .
Miami (season 1)
The Heat brought in so many role players who were really half way into retirement but they also signed Big Z. Lebron lost to Boston in the season opener and failed to amount to many wins in the first month. Then in a trip to Cleveland Lebron scored 41 points and beat Cleveland by 20 the cavs had a okay borderline playoff record before that game but went on a 20 game slide and completely fell apart. D-Wade suffered a injury plagued time period but once the big three were healthy they started winning. LBJ then killed his Non loyal fan base when he got the five starting Eastern conference All stars do his Powder thing. Though he did not win MVP he lead the heat to the NBA finals were Dallas defeated them in six but LBJ really struggled. Dirk (Dallas star) however starred with a cold (101 temp) broken index finger, torn ligaments in another and no other star.
 
To BE continued (maybe in a few seasons)………………………….
 
 
 
The Draft Class
 In 2011 Darko Milicic is the starting Center for the Minnesota timber wolves,
Chris Kaman is a former star center who is on trading block after a really bad year, Luke Ridnour is a timberwolves backup mentoring Ricky Rubio.
Kirk Hinrich started numerous playoff games until he hurt his hammy. He is on the Hawks. Carmelo Anthony was traded to the Knicks after threatening to pull of a LBJ like move. Where he clashed with Dantioni and got him fired.  T.J Ford is on the out in Indiana. Jarvis Hayes is a wizard and has spent a while moving throughout the L. Nick Collison is a overpaid backup in OKC. Pietrus is on the down side of his career after suffering a few injuries. David West is a F/A who recently tore his Acl, He was a All star a few years back.  And obviously James, Bosh and Wade were coming off a decent year in Miami. 
 
Offseason (1) Miami
Eddie House, Mike Bibby, Juwan Howard and Many other heat role players left but Norris Cole, Mike Miller, James Jones, Udoins Haslem, Ronny turiaf were thought to do the job.   Cole was a young un proven rookie and looked to be a role player, he would do just that.   The only problem was constant pressure on erick spolstra almost forced the heat to fire him for Riley or even Phil Jackson.   In the end nothing happened.   LeBron and Wade looked to take the heat of a declining Chris Bosh starting to be slowed by injuries.  and Of course they promised a championship.
 
 
Miami season 2
Injuries to Bosh and Wade left Bron carrying the team but a consistant error occured.  James and Wade both didnt want to take the last second shots.   After the CBA shortened the season LBJ went on to lead the team into the playoffs and bump off a loaded Philly team and a depleted (Rose was out) Bulls team, without Chris Bosh who was out with a strained abdomin.   With Bosh out Lebron played more PF but the team's run was not stopped this year as they walked over an aging Celtics team with Ray Allen dealing with ankle injuries and Bradley out with a seperated shoulder (dislocated) .  In a heated 6 game finals LeBron showed down Kevin Durant and the surging thunder.  LeBron finally one his first NBA ring.   In game 6 mike Miller playing nearly crippled scored over 20 points. 
 
 
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