Post by Charles Barkley on Jul 8, 2014 21:51:00 GMT
I don't know how much you guys have been following the LeBron James story, outside of whats on ESPN. But there are reports out there, almost in a conspiracy theory type form. This "theory" can be found on the back channels of the internet, the depths of twitter, and, surprisingly, in the local papers.
This theory isn't something that I believe or created, its just something that is out there, I'll provide the links after I run through it, but it all starts in typical conspiracy theory form. The national sports media, mainly ESPN, doesn't want to see LeBron leave Miami. Having spent dollars in hiring local Miami media and putting a TV show there (Highly Questionable with Dan Le Batard and Bomani Jones) as well as basing a large part of their coverage out of Miami. ESPN has invested a lot of resources into the city of Miami and they don't want to have to spend more money acquiring "assets" in Cleveland.
This is mostly from a personal trainers twitter account. The personal trainer claims to have special insight and relationships (I guess he trains or works out with Dru Joyce II, LeBron's HS coach). He says that the plan all along was for LeBron to leave Cleveland, learn how to win, opt out, and come back to Cleveland. Rather than putting "he says" or whatever, I'm just going to put out what he says like I am saying it, but again, this isn't what I believe.
This is the guy's twitter, he has been on ESPN Vegas, ESPN Cleveland, and local radio the past week or so: twitter.com/Josh_Tep
And this is what he has to say: (starting with July 1st tweets/pics ending with todays 7-8-14 or 8-7-14 to you international date form GMs)
The Cavs won't give Kyrie a max contract -@windhorstespn (what Windhorst had said, then Kyrie gets the contract, and signs it, quickly, despite conflicting reports).
SOURCES: LeBron likes the CAVS roster and prefers it over the Heat's roster.
Read into this what you want but LeBron follows Donte Whitner, Manziel, Kyrie, Tristan Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Varejao, and King Chip (local cleveland hip hop artist)
Yet people say "LeBron is from Akron, not Cleveland" and that the "bond isn't strong". Yeah, okay....
LeBron James' new shoes have Cavs colors, everybody go crazy: bit.ly/1t2iXmP (Pic via @nbastore)
*BREAKING* Miami Heat's star Lebron James has informed his agent he will not be returning to the Heat next year. Shocking stuff #NBA (From a Vegas Sports Book site)
LeBron officially tells MIA he won't be returning. It'll be breaking news tomorrow. He'll announce Cavs decision by end of next week.
Maverick Carter has been planning return since LBJ's departure. Kyrie and LeBron have strong friendship behind the scenes.
Reports of Irving not resigning were put out there by MIA media and personnel to create illusion of Cavs turmoil to deter LeBron
LeBron's marketing team (Maverick Carter and LRMR) have been pushing for years to get LBJ back to Cleveland. No coincidence that the office is Cleveland base as they're known for conjuring long-term, masterful plans that MAKE MONEY. This has been in works for years.
I'm here to tell you what national media WON'T reveal due to clauses in their contracts and $$$ that would be lost by revealing certain info Some may already understand that LBJ and Mav Carter have virtually zero power in MIA. The show is run by Pat Riley, and Pat Riley only, in which has seriously destroyed any chances of LeBron signing with them, as LBJ has already notified MIA of decision to leave. With that said major money under the table is in play for Mav Carter if he can successfully convince LeBron James to return to Cleveland, where both Carter and LeBron will have full run of the city as they did when LeBron was first drafted here. Dan Gilbert has ALREADY agreed to take a step back from his role as owner, and allow the players and management to make their own choices (something he was unwilling to do in past)
It was not by chance or coincidence that Chris Grant blatantly reached for Thompson at #4 in draft, as Thompson's affiliation with LRMR (the LBJ marketing and agent company) gave Cavs organization an inside track on the LeBron sweepstakes before it even started. Cavs were always one step ahead, showcasing their vision to Maverick Carter, which of course was immediately relayed back to LeBron James. Although the Cavs underperformed, LeBron realizes the timetable for developing rookies, as he used to be one himself. Rookies usually develop to full potential anywhere between 4-5 years, the exact window in which LeBron has his opt-out clause as he enters his prime and what LRMR likes to call the "Legacy Window"
I am not a conspiracy theorist, just stating facts, as NBA is pushing for LBJ to Cleveland as such roster shake ups exponentially increase TV ratings and overall popularity of the NBA in the United States in order to rival the World Series. LBJ back to Cleveland will be one of the greatest sports stories to come for the next 50 years. You don't have to believe me, you can watch it for yourself as it unfolds over this week and next.
Many have asked, "Why have the Cavs not traded injury prone Anderson Varejao?" Cavs understand relationship w/ LBJ. Year after year, Varejao has been productive YET always battling injury. Could have been used in countless trade scenarios but wasn't.
BREAKING: LeBron James to Cleveland done deal. "Three finalists" is merely a smokescreen/LeBron doing his due diligence
(From Adrian Woj. basically Yahoo's Chris Broussard) Another team official who met with James' agent, Rich Paul, in Cleveland tells Yahoo: "I think it's all a smoke screen."
(From Fox Sports Sam Amico) Am told LeBron decision on next team will be delivered suddenly, with little fanfare. "Bam, this is where I'm going," source described. (From the PT with the "theory") "Bam, this is where I'm going" ... As I've said, decision ALREADY made
After Finals loss, LeBron texted former coach Dru Joyce II. The text read as follows, plain and simple: "I want to be back in Cleveland" As I stated last night, LeBron is already a Cleveland Cavalier. Informed Heat of departure and informed Cavaliers of his intention to join. Kyrie Irving was tipped off about LeBron return before signing $90 million contract. It was reported it took Irving just 2 hours to verbally agree to extension, but the timetable was more around thirty minutes after a short meeting with Blatt and Griffin. As soon as LBJ came out of wood work and announced he wanted max money, Heat were immediately eliminated from consideration. If you remember, national media was reporting ALL season that LeBron and company were willing to take insane pay cuts. What changed so abruptly? Natn'l media is about five steps behind on the whole story. This will be my last tweet til it breaks: LeBron James is a Cleveland Cavalier
As LeBron approaches his final max contract, he's not looking for a team that can win now. He's looking for a team that can win now AND for six-seven years to come. After much consideration and mulling over possible destinations, LeBron, Maverick Carter, and Rich Paul all believe that the Cleveland Cavaliers are the only team in the NBA that have the talent NOW to win once LeBron is inserted into the lineup. LBJ himself believes Kyrie Irving will be the top PG in the league for the next ten years. LeBron James also followed Andrew Wiggins months before the Cavs drafted him. It's true that LBJ was impressed by Napier's play, but that's not to say that LeBron thought he was BEST player in draft, merely just his "favorite" player. LBJ had his hopes set on the Cavs drafting Wiggins, as he understands the type of threat Wiggins will be on the wing when supplemented with LeBron's overall style of play. Tristan Thompson has been a double double machine and still has a few steps to go before he even reaches his ceiling. LeBron and Tristan have been in talks ever since TT was drafted by Cleveland #4 overall. Barring any trade, Dion Waiters will be another strong piece, whether in the starting line up or coming off of the bench, as LeBron James opens the floor for slashers, and Dion is a damn good slasher...easily better than an aging Wade. Tyler Zeller will be a serviceable big man, bolstering the bench as well. This is how Cleveland will win NOW, for the next three or four years, as LeBron won't have to carry a team, the team will carry LeBron, working in synchronicity with the elaborate offensive schemes of coach David Blatt, whom LeBron is familiar with through the Olympics.
LeBron aforementioned that he wanted to be able to "rest more" throughout the season. The Cavs youth will allow him to do just that. LeBron does not want to ring chase. When he signs with Cleveland, he will retire a Cavalier. He believes Cleveland has the future assets to compete with him as a third or fourth option as he hits 35 years old. This allows LeBron to amass multiple championships with a future core of perennial All-Stars: Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, Andrew Wiggings, none of which have reached their prime yet. LeBron has timed his return perfectly. And this has always been the plan: Leave Cleveland, learn how to win, allow Cavs to rebuild, return to stacked roster. LeBron is extremely sensitive about his legacy, he WILL NOT sign with a new team outside of MIA or CLE, doesn't want to play for 3 diff teams. MIA already out of equation, leaving Cleveland his only option. I don't know what else people want me to say, I've heard directly from people close to Dru Joyce II, LeBron's old coach. LeBron also texted Joyce II a few days ago: "My heart never left those fans."
BREAKING: 4 AM AND LEBRON ALREADY INTERACTING WITH FELLOW CLEVELAND ATHLETES/TALKING ABOUT RETURN TO CAVS. DONE DEAL, AS REPORTED DAYS AGO
BREAKING: LeBron decision will be announced as early as Wednesday now. Everything happening all at once, huge press conference to follow.
As of 7 PM, nothing has changed. Cleveland still a lock for LeBron. Next 48 hours we will see dominoes start to fall. Cavs indeed in MIA. Melo and LBJ are NOT teaming up in LA. Would absolutely destroy LeBron's legacy. Wait for commotion to pass. He is a Cav. This is just the start. Told LeBron will be bringing another superstar with him to Cavs. Amico just said on channel 5 that he "heard dan Gilbert and LeBron mended relationship a couple of years ago". Lol Those were my exact words
If you know anything about LeBron, you shouldn't be worried about Josh McRoberts or Danny Granger. Heat just making desperation moves. If this was CLE bringin in McRoberts or Granger, media would be saying we have no chance. Since it's MIA, it's "genius" To reiterate, LeBron still a Cav. I know people are on the edge of their seats, but nothing has changed. 100% lock to CLE. Said days ago. 5 PM LeBron still a Cavalier. A lot of people want me to be wrong, I'm not. Read it and weep, Miami fans. Have a good evening.
And that's basically all he has said from ~July 1st to today
This theory isn't something that I believe or created, its just something that is out there, I'll provide the links after I run through it, but it all starts in typical conspiracy theory form. The national sports media, mainly ESPN, doesn't want to see LeBron leave Miami. Having spent dollars in hiring local Miami media and putting a TV show there (Highly Questionable with Dan Le Batard and Bomani Jones) as well as basing a large part of their coverage out of Miami. ESPN has invested a lot of resources into the city of Miami and they don't want to have to spend more money acquiring "assets" in Cleveland.
This is mostly from a personal trainers twitter account. The personal trainer claims to have special insight and relationships (I guess he trains or works out with Dru Joyce II, LeBron's HS coach). He says that the plan all along was for LeBron to leave Cleveland, learn how to win, opt out, and come back to Cleveland. Rather than putting "he says" or whatever, I'm just going to put out what he says like I am saying it, but again, this isn't what I believe.
This is the guy's twitter, he has been on ESPN Vegas, ESPN Cleveland, and local radio the past week or so: twitter.com/Josh_Tep
And this is what he has to say: (starting with July 1st tweets/pics ending with todays 7-8-14 or 8-7-14 to you international date form GMs)
The Cavs won't give Kyrie a max contract -@windhorstespn (what Windhorst had said, then Kyrie gets the contract, and signs it, quickly, despite conflicting reports).
SOURCES: LeBron likes the CAVS roster and prefers it over the Heat's roster.
Read into this what you want but LeBron follows Donte Whitner, Manziel, Kyrie, Tristan Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Varejao, and King Chip (local cleveland hip hop artist)
Yet people say "LeBron is from Akron, not Cleveland" and that the "bond isn't strong". Yeah, okay....
LeBron James' new shoes have Cavs colors, everybody go crazy: bit.ly/1t2iXmP (Pic via @nbastore)
*BREAKING* Miami Heat's star Lebron James has informed his agent he will not be returning to the Heat next year. Shocking stuff #NBA (From a Vegas Sports Book site)
LeBron officially tells MIA he won't be returning. It'll be breaking news tomorrow. He'll announce Cavs decision by end of next week.
Maverick Carter has been planning return since LBJ's departure. Kyrie and LeBron have strong friendship behind the scenes.
Reports of Irving not resigning were put out there by MIA media and personnel to create illusion of Cavs turmoil to deter LeBron
LeBron's marketing team (Maverick Carter and LRMR) have been pushing for years to get LBJ back to Cleveland. No coincidence that the office is Cleveland base as they're known for conjuring long-term, masterful plans that MAKE MONEY. This has been in works for years.
I'm here to tell you what national media WON'T reveal due to clauses in their contracts and $$$ that would be lost by revealing certain info Some may already understand that LBJ and Mav Carter have virtually zero power in MIA. The show is run by Pat Riley, and Pat Riley only, in which has seriously destroyed any chances of LeBron signing with them, as LBJ has already notified MIA of decision to leave. With that said major money under the table is in play for Mav Carter if he can successfully convince LeBron James to return to Cleveland, where both Carter and LeBron will have full run of the city as they did when LeBron was first drafted here. Dan Gilbert has ALREADY agreed to take a step back from his role as owner, and allow the players and management to make their own choices (something he was unwilling to do in past)
It was not by chance or coincidence that Chris Grant blatantly reached for Thompson at #4 in draft, as Thompson's affiliation with LRMR (the LBJ marketing and agent company) gave Cavs organization an inside track on the LeBron sweepstakes before it even started. Cavs were always one step ahead, showcasing their vision to Maverick Carter, which of course was immediately relayed back to LeBron James. Although the Cavs underperformed, LeBron realizes the timetable for developing rookies, as he used to be one himself. Rookies usually develop to full potential anywhere between 4-5 years, the exact window in which LeBron has his opt-out clause as he enters his prime and what LRMR likes to call the "Legacy Window"
I am not a conspiracy theorist, just stating facts, as NBA is pushing for LBJ to Cleveland as such roster shake ups exponentially increase TV ratings and overall popularity of the NBA in the United States in order to rival the World Series. LBJ back to Cleveland will be one of the greatest sports stories to come for the next 50 years. You don't have to believe me, you can watch it for yourself as it unfolds over this week and next.
Many have asked, "Why have the Cavs not traded injury prone Anderson Varejao?" Cavs understand relationship w/ LBJ. Year after year, Varejao has been productive YET always battling injury. Could have been used in countless trade scenarios but wasn't.
BREAKING: LeBron James to Cleveland done deal. "Three finalists" is merely a smokescreen/LeBron doing his due diligence
(From Adrian Woj. basically Yahoo's Chris Broussard) Another team official who met with James' agent, Rich Paul, in Cleveland tells Yahoo: "I think it's all a smoke screen."
(From Fox Sports Sam Amico) Am told LeBron decision on next team will be delivered suddenly, with little fanfare. "Bam, this is where I'm going," source described. (From the PT with the "theory") "Bam, this is where I'm going" ... As I've said, decision ALREADY made
After Finals loss, LeBron texted former coach Dru Joyce II. The text read as follows, plain and simple: "I want to be back in Cleveland" As I stated last night, LeBron is already a Cleveland Cavalier. Informed Heat of departure and informed Cavaliers of his intention to join. Kyrie Irving was tipped off about LeBron return before signing $90 million contract. It was reported it took Irving just 2 hours to verbally agree to extension, but the timetable was more around thirty minutes after a short meeting with Blatt and Griffin. As soon as LBJ came out of wood work and announced he wanted max money, Heat were immediately eliminated from consideration. If you remember, national media was reporting ALL season that LeBron and company were willing to take insane pay cuts. What changed so abruptly? Natn'l media is about five steps behind on the whole story. This will be my last tweet til it breaks: LeBron James is a Cleveland Cavalier
As LeBron approaches his final max contract, he's not looking for a team that can win now. He's looking for a team that can win now AND for six-seven years to come. After much consideration and mulling over possible destinations, LeBron, Maverick Carter, and Rich Paul all believe that the Cleveland Cavaliers are the only team in the NBA that have the talent NOW to win once LeBron is inserted into the lineup. LBJ himself believes Kyrie Irving will be the top PG in the league for the next ten years. LeBron James also followed Andrew Wiggins months before the Cavs drafted him. It's true that LBJ was impressed by Napier's play, but that's not to say that LeBron thought he was BEST player in draft, merely just his "favorite" player. LBJ had his hopes set on the Cavs drafting Wiggins, as he understands the type of threat Wiggins will be on the wing when supplemented with LeBron's overall style of play. Tristan Thompson has been a double double machine and still has a few steps to go before he even reaches his ceiling. LeBron and Tristan have been in talks ever since TT was drafted by Cleveland #4 overall. Barring any trade, Dion Waiters will be another strong piece, whether in the starting line up or coming off of the bench, as LeBron James opens the floor for slashers, and Dion is a damn good slasher...easily better than an aging Wade. Tyler Zeller will be a serviceable big man, bolstering the bench as well. This is how Cleveland will win NOW, for the next three or four years, as LeBron won't have to carry a team, the team will carry LeBron, working in synchronicity with the elaborate offensive schemes of coach David Blatt, whom LeBron is familiar with through the Olympics.
LeBron aforementioned that he wanted to be able to "rest more" throughout the season. The Cavs youth will allow him to do just that. LeBron does not want to ring chase. When he signs with Cleveland, he will retire a Cavalier. He believes Cleveland has the future assets to compete with him as a third or fourth option as he hits 35 years old. This allows LeBron to amass multiple championships with a future core of perennial All-Stars: Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, Andrew Wiggings, none of which have reached their prime yet. LeBron has timed his return perfectly. And this has always been the plan: Leave Cleveland, learn how to win, allow Cavs to rebuild, return to stacked roster. LeBron is extremely sensitive about his legacy, he WILL NOT sign with a new team outside of MIA or CLE, doesn't want to play for 3 diff teams. MIA already out of equation, leaving Cleveland his only option. I don't know what else people want me to say, I've heard directly from people close to Dru Joyce II, LeBron's old coach. LeBron also texted Joyce II a few days ago: "My heart never left those fans."
BREAKING: 4 AM AND LEBRON ALREADY INTERACTING WITH FELLOW CLEVELAND ATHLETES/TALKING ABOUT RETURN TO CAVS. DONE DEAL, AS REPORTED DAYS AGO
BREAKING: LeBron decision will be announced as early as Wednesday now. Everything happening all at once, huge press conference to follow.
As of 7 PM, nothing has changed. Cleveland still a lock for LeBron. Next 48 hours we will see dominoes start to fall. Cavs indeed in MIA. Melo and LBJ are NOT teaming up in LA. Would absolutely destroy LeBron's legacy. Wait for commotion to pass. He is a Cav. This is just the start. Told LeBron will be bringing another superstar with him to Cavs. Amico just said on channel 5 that he "heard dan Gilbert and LeBron mended relationship a couple of years ago". Lol Those were my exact words
If you know anything about LeBron, you shouldn't be worried about Josh McRoberts or Danny Granger. Heat just making desperation moves. If this was CLE bringin in McRoberts or Granger, media would be saying we have no chance. Since it's MIA, it's "genius" To reiterate, LeBron still a Cav. I know people are on the edge of their seats, but nothing has changed. 100% lock to CLE. Said days ago. 5 PM LeBron still a Cavalier. A lot of people want me to be wrong, I'm not. Read it and weep, Miami fans. Have a good evening.
And that's basically all he has said from ~July 1st to today