LeBron James’ unwavering commitment ahead of deadline should tell Dan Gilbert all he needs to know
Dan Gilbert needs to realize LeBron James already has committed to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For a player who decided to sign with the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014, when he was at the peak of his powers and could have went anywhere, LeBron James’ commitment to the team has been questioned far more than it should. Especially by Cavs team owner Dan Gilbert.
Nevermind that he came back to play for the Cavs after Gilbert attempted to emasculate him in Comic Sans typeface with “The Letter” in 2010.
Excerpt from “The Letter” (transcribed by ESPN):
"You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal."
The source of Gilbert’s vexation? James’ desire to play with All-Star friends and within a championship culture. Anger over the televised decision somehow sweeping James’ charitable contributions to the Boys & Girls Club of America, the reason the decision was televised (in the Boys & Girls Club), to the wayside.
"It’s all part of the commitment James made last summer, when his hour-long “The Decision” special on July 8, 2010 — in which he said he was joining the Miami Heat — raised more than $3 million for charity."
James has mentioned the Boys & Girls Club as one of his childhood escapes from the struggles and dangers of inner-city life.
How quickly the NBA world forgets the genuine emotion that was on display after he delivered the first NBA championship in Cleveland Cavaliers history, too.
The words “Cleveland, this is for you” are just another example of James’ commitment to his homestate team. Those words fall in line with phrases like “In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned” or “just a kid from Akron”. James is proud of where he’s from and looks at the area like it’s a crown jewel.
Seemingly, people conveniently forget that James has twice said he wants to finish his career in Cleveland.
The first time in his return letter.
Excerpt from James announcement:
"I always believed that I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn’t know when."
The second time at the Cleveland Cavaliers Media Day on September 25, 2017.
The narrative, like Gilbert, would rather focus on the short-term deals James signed. Yet in James’ refusal to commit long-term, common sense tells you he’s really only making sure the Cavs don’t let their foot off the pedal in the time he has left on the NBA’s throne.
Considering the dilly-dallying the Cavs have done before the trade deadline, isn’t James right to wonder.
James has delivered a consistent message about his desire to play for Cleveland. Gilbert, on the other hand, has been running a general manager carousel and is hell-bent on keeping a draft pick that’s probably going to result in a top-10 draft pick in 2018 as if that pick will lead the team to more success than the best player in the game.
The narrative is that the Cavs don’t feel comfortable using their best trade asset without James’ long-term commitment but he’s already given it, more or less.
On Tuesday, as James said he wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause despite what’s been a tumultuous season, he committed to the team again.
Quote transcribed by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
"“I’m here for the long haul,” James said."
Selective attention may cause some to parse the words in what’s been a consistent message.
James is where he wants to be.
He’s also aware he’s only guaranteed, by contract, to be on the team through the season. Savvy businessman that he is, James will indeed make a business decision in the summer. A decision that nobody can predict but one could assume would turn out well for the Cavs if they keep showing him the commitment that he’s showing the franchise.