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LeBron meets with Knicks and Nets: Cavs fans react

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The whirlwind recruitment of LeBron James is officially underway and is as crazy as expected. Tell us what you think after Day One in the Courtship of The King.

lebron james.jpgAt the stroke of midnight Thursday, LeBron James became a free agent. Where do you think he will sign?
The whirlwind recruitment of LeBron James is officially underway and is as crazy as expected. 

With everyone voicing their opinion, we are interested in what you, the Cavs fan, have to say.  Check out some of what you're saying after day one of the mayhem is in the books:

cantrmmbr64 says
Once the Nets are actually playing in Brooklyn in about 2013, I could see Lebron going there. But who in their right mind would want to play in Newark, NJ????? I see Lebron playing at least 3 more years in Cleveland. Beyond that, will depend on the results.

I believe the fact that the meetings are taking place at LRMR is a very good sign for the Cavaliers. No mention of "World Wide Wes" being seen is also a very good sign for the Cavaliers. I also think everyone is about to find out what "World Wide Wes" seems to have already found out. Family and life long friends (the same as family) carry more weight with LeBron James than most could have imagined.

The Knicks and Nets don't scare me at all. Same with the Clippers.

Miami scares me a little, and Chicago scares me a lot.

I still see absolutely no logical reason for LeBron to leave. But this is LeBron we're talking about here, so anything is possible.


tcebuler says:

LBJ wants to be like Buffet. He has met with him on more than one occasion. Dan G has already taken in additional investors. Why not offer James a couple of points at below market value. Lets say at what the Cavs would be worth without him. Maybe some arms-length company holds the ownership points. Maybe his Mom signs on as a consultant. I don't know but something like that can always be worked out, look at USC. Then pay him his max contract and bingo instant profit.

At this point you've read and heard it all, and everyone has an opinion.  But we want to know what YOU think.  Leave your comments below. 

A day of meetings and a new coach: Cavaliers afternoon links

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On the day the Cavaliers hired a new coach, their star forward was entertaining guests (aka potential suitors) in a downtown building.

jayz-lebron-ap.jpgView full sizeJay-Z and the Nets were in town today to make their pitch to LeBron James.
Let's start with the new coach. Kelly Dwyer of Yahoo! Sports blog Ball Don't Lie thinks Byron Scott is a perfect hire for the Cavaliers. Says Dwyer:


"Why is Scott an ex-Nets and ex-Hornets coach? Because he's perfect for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The same qualities that pushed him out of New Jersey and New Orleans make him perfect for this team.

"Perfect for LeBron James(notes), too, if James comes back. Scott is hardly known for pushing his teams too hard, usually preferring a bit of time on the links to an extra round of practice on the court, and Cleveland has long preferred to toss a pushover or two James' way. This is an extension of that, while bringing along a talented, veteran coaching voice at the same time.

"Scott can coach, but he's not in Cleveland to push anyone over the top. If James returns, he'll work the status quo, keep the ball in LeBron's hands and watch the wins pile up. If James leaves as a free agent this month, Scott will be able to preside over a rebuilding process with nary a peep.

"Shaw would have likely gone in a different direction. He would have wanted say in personnel matters had he brought in a version of Los Angeles' sideline triangle offense, and bringing in a first-time head man to lord over a trying rebuilding process is no picnic for team, player or newly head'ed coach."

The blog WaitingForNextYear has this to say on Scott:

"The first question most people ask then is ‘What does this mean for the Cavs?

"It means the Cavaliers are getting a coach who is generally, although not universally, respected by NBA players. He’s a guy who won Championships with the Lakers as a player and been in two NBA Finals as a coach. He’s brings in the most successful resume of any coach in franchise history other than Lenny Wilkens.

"Of course, none of this is what people are asking about when they say ‘what does this mean’. What they really want to know is what this means with regard to the Cavs’ chances at bringing back LeBron James."

Now about those meetings

According to ESPN's Chad Ford, the Nets' meeting with LeBron James today went well:

"How did it go? A source close to the Nets said their meeting with LeBron was 'tremendous.' How tremendous? 'Front runner tremendous.'

"The Nets continue to project confidence that they have the inside track on LeBron. If they get him, sources say they have a deal in place to move Kris Humphries to clear additional cap space to make a max offer to Chris Bosh or another free agent of his choosing."

The New York Times reports on the Knicks' meeting with LeBron James:

"After two years of diligently creating the cap room to pursue James — but without being able to say so publicly, D’Antoni got a little giddy.

"'You know what was good? LeBron James being there,' D’Antoni said. 'No one can call me for tampering. It's liberating, really.'

"Knicks president Donnie Walsh said James was noncommittal at the meeting. 'We were given a chance to explain our franchise and what we want to do,' he said."

Former Ohio State receiver Duron Carter looking to grab last chance at community college: Video

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Former Ohio State receiver Duron Carter knows he's on his last chance at his new community college home, and though he shouldn't be missed much this season, he could still have a bright future in Columbus.

I distinctly remember this pregame warmup before the Wisconsin game last October, watching Ohio State freshman receiver Duron Carter attempting to make a one-handed catch in the endzone. He wouldn't stop until he finally grabbed one, and then he trotted off the field, his mission complete, his dreads bobbing, seemingly right where he wanted to be as a freshman receiver in Columbus with a bright future ahead.



It's a stark contrast to this video from OKBlitz.com featuring his new life at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas.

Duron Carter practices with his new team: Video

There's a point in the video where Carter tries to make a one-handed catch in practice and you can hear a coach tell him to use two hands.


That's not a bad metaphor for what happened with Carter at Ohio State, as he went through his freshman year trying to get by without taking charge of his academic responsibilities with both hands. He admits in the video he didn't attend class or turn in his work on time, which led to his eventual suspension for the Rose Bowl and his departure from Columbus.


"I messed up. It's my last chance," Carter says.

A freshman not adjusting to the demands of college life certainly isn't unusual, and every football program, Ohio State included, has some players coming in from either less challenging high school academic environments or without the full family support that can help an 18-year-old adjust to college. But that wasn't the case with Carter, the son of former Ohio State and NFL star Cris Carter. So Duron did this to himself, and as this video shows, he knows it. The good news for Ohio State fans is he wants to come back.


"I'm a Buckeye in my blood. I'm a Buckeye all the time," Carter says in the video.


The better news is that I'm not sure the Buckeyes will miss him much this year. As I've said before, I believe tight end Jake Stoneburner will actually serve as the Buckeyes' de facto third receiver this year. And between senior Taurian Washington, who blocked well in the Rose Bowl in Carter's absence, and redshirt freshman Chris Fields, whose potential was regularly praised by the staff last year, Ohio State will find a third receiver.


Senior Grant Schwartz, sophomore James Jackson and incoming freshmen James Louis, Tyrone Williams and Corey Brown are options as well, and few positions get more attention and have less impact on Ohio State from year-to-year than the fourth receiver. As the fourth receiver last year, Carter had 13 catches, but in Big Ten play, he had five catches for 48 yards. So as long as Washington or Fields fills the No. 3, the depth beyond them shouldn't be a major worry.
 
As a player whose best attributes were his hands and his advanced understanding of playing the position, Carter wasn't going to be as much of a potential gamebreaker as the No. 3 receiver as the inconsistent yet speedy Ray Small was a year ago. DeVier Posey, Dane Sanzenbacher, Stoneburner and a stable of running backs will give quarterback Terrelle Pryor plenty of primary options this fall.


At a place like Ohio State, one mistake is enough to get you passed by. Carter has made his. But with his package of skills, he's a guy the Buckeyes should want back in the future. He's more valuable as a future No. 1 receiver than as a No. 3 now. With his size and knowledge and sneaky speed, he seems to have the ability to turn into a go-to receiver, the type who can make a catch in traffic even when he's covered, find a way to make a play when it's needed.


Duron Carter still has time to become that player. As long as he grabs the opportunity with both hands.

Phil Jackson will return to the Lakers next season

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Lakers coach Phil Jackson will return next season, putting off retirement for at least another year to chase his 12th NBA championship.

phil-jackson.jpgView full sizePhil Jackson.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lakers coach Phil Jackson will return next season, putting off retirement for at least another year to chase his 12th NBA championship.

Jackson made the announcement Thursday with a news release. The two-time defending champions' coach said last week he was leaning toward retirement after another long season, but he changed his mind after getting a week to rest up at his offseason home in Montana.

Jackson, who will turn 65 later this year, says next season will be "a last stand for me, and I hope a grand one."

Jackson is the winningest coach in NBA playoff history, with 225 victories and two more titles than Boston's Red Auerbach. He has won five titles with Kobe Bryant's Lakers and six with Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls.

Talking LeBron James free agency mania and Byron Scott in as Cleveland Cavaliers coach with Brian Windhorst (Starting Blocks TV Special Edition)

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In a special edition of Starting Blocks TV, Plain Dealer Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst discusses all the big news of the day with the Cavaliers hiring Byron Scott and the atmosphere as LeBron James free agency mania kicked off.

Welcome to a special edition of Starting Blocks TV.


Thursday evening, show host Bill Lubinger talks with Plain Dealer Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst about all the big news of the day: Byron Scott being hired as the Cavaliers' new coach and the circus atmosphere in downtown Cleveland as LeBron James was wooed by the New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks during his first day as a free agent.


 


 


 











Byron Scott is right choice to coach Cleveland Cavaliers - Terry Pluto blog

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Byron Scott is exactly what the Cavs need in a coach.

 

Cleveland Cavaliers in contract talks with Byron Scott as head coachByron Scott agreed to a four-year deal to coach the Cavaliers.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James or no LeBron James, the Cavaliers needed to hire Byron Scott as coach. They needed a coach who has done it before, everything from dealing with stars to a franchise that was completely turned upside down.

They need a no-excuse coach with a bit of an edge. This is not a job for a coach on training wheels, even a promising assistant such as the Lakers' Brian Shaw.

It's a job that requires the team being kicked into the highest playoff gear possible, assuming James ends his free agency and re-signs with the Cavs. Or they'll need a coach who can build a new identity for a team that will have lost its signature player, if James signs elsewhere.

His 10 years as a head coach in New Jersey and New Orleans reveal that Scott can do both. Scott has coached two possible future Hall of Fame point guards. He had Jason Kidd in New Jersey, developing a relationship that led to the Nets reaching the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.

It's hard to remember 2002 and 2003, yet it's doubtful anyone believed the Nets were the best team in the Eastern Conference. But they played like it under the very firm hand and demanding voice of Scott.

His Nets tenure ended the following season after a 22-20 start. He began fussing with Kidd, the players were divided and he departed without a lot of love.

But in his three full seasons with the Nets, their record went from 26-56 to 52-30 to 49-33, including those two Eastern Conference titles.

His next stop was New Orleans, where his victory totals were 18, 38, 39, 56 and 49. In the middle of that, the franchise had to play in Oklahoma City after Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans. He was fired after a 3-6 start last season.

His star was Chris Paul, who was upset when Scott was let go. The point guard told the New Orleans media: "Coach had an open line of communication. Guys would feel a certain way about playing time, and Coach was always honest. He always was straightforward with you from day one."

This is not about bashing Mike Brown, who did a very good job in his five seasons here. But if you are going to replace a guy who has won more games in the past two regular seasons than anyone else in the NBA, then also change the personality.

Scott will do that.

He is more willing to confront players in the huddle and not afraid to sometimes point out their faults in the media. What makes it work for him -- at least in the short term -- is that he's utterly honest with his players.

The Cavs were very impressed with his leadership and communication skills. As Paul said on the day Scott was fired in New Orleans, players knew where they stood with their coach. They may not like it, but there is no mystery, no reason to guess what he was thinking.

Scott played for Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley. He played with Magic Johnson, James Worthy and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He coached Kidd and Paul. Being around stars does not intimidate Scott, nor is he afraid to challenge them.

Maybe the Cavs need a little of that after five years of Brown, who was a coach/consensus builder. He demanded they play his style of defense, but he gave the players tremendous freedom in other areas of the game.

Scott's critics fault him for being rigid, in terms of what he wanted done on the court. They question his ability to make in-game adjustments. Some said he lacked patience with young players.

There might be some truth to all these charges.

But the bottom line is that the Nets never won big before he arrived, at least in their NBA era. Nor have they won as much since he left.

His 56 victories in 2007-08 was the most in Hornets' history. The team went to the second round of the playoffs. That matched two second-round playoff finishes for Paul Silas, who coached the Hornets before coming to the Cavs.

The Cavs discovered that Scott was excited about the job, especially as he did his homework on the current state of the franchise. Of course, the former Lakers guard would have loved to replace Phil Jackson as coach in Los Angeles, but Jackson decided not to retire.

But in Cleveland, Scott sees an owner willing to spend, a roster with some talent even without James. After some of the teams he's coached in 10 seasons, players such as Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, Anderson Varejao, Anthony Parker and J.J. Hickson are encouraging to a coach -- especially since the team has some expiring contracts that can be used in trades.

Scott also believes the Cavs have a realistic chance to retain James. Hiring Scott has to help the Cavs in their quest to keep their two-time MVP. Consider the coaches of the teams recruiting James: Miami (Erik Spoelstra), Chicago (Tom Thibodeau), New Jersey (Avery Johnson), New York (Mike D'Antoni) and Scott with the Cavs.

Scott compares well with any of those names. Johnson is the only other coach to lead his team to the Finals (once in Dallas). In the past, James has said he wants a coach who can teach him and push him. Scott will do that.

The knock on Scott is that after a few seasons, he rubs people a bit raw. The strong voice that helped bring the team together eventually leads to it breaking apart. Perhaps that has happened, but the NBA is a league where the average coach survives a little more than three years with the same team.

If Scott is only a short-term fix for the Cavs, so be it. Perhaps a driven Scott combined with a revived James does lead to the NBA Finals for Cleveland.

But no matter what, Scott remains -- by far -- the best choice the Cavaliers could have made.

Cleveland Indians first baseman Matt LaPorta finds his swing in healing process: Indians Insider

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LaPorta underwent hip and toe surgeries during the off-season. Now, after a recent stint at Columbus and with the chance to play every day, LaPorta looks healthy and has his power swing back - as evidenced by homers in three straight games.

matt-laporta-home-run.jpgView full sizeMatt LaPorta connects for a 3-run homer. It was the 3rd consecutive game in which LaPorta has hit a home run.

Cleveland, Ohio -- When a struggling Matt LaPorta was optioned to Class AAA Columbus on June 7, he did not make a conscious decision to tinker with his swing. 

But changes occurred, regardless -- likely the result of his body's healing process simply taking its course.

The payoff has been a strong start to first baseman LaPorta's second stint with the Tribe. He is 5-for-17 with three homers in five games since being recalled June 27. He homered in his third straight game Thursday afternoon as part of the Tribe's 6-1 victory over Toronto

LaPorta was hitting .218 with one homer in 35 games when the Indians sent him down. At least one scout wondered if LaPorta was favoring his hip, which had required surgery in the off-season. LaPorta also underwent surgery on his left big toe. 

LaPorta, a 6-2, 210-pounder, acknowledged he might have relied too much on his torso and not enough on his lower half during the swing.

"I wanted to be ready for the start of the season and I just found a way to get it done -- but it wasn't the way I've always swung," he said. "I probably compensated, even if I didn't think I was. I'm getting back to where I've been in the past: using the legs and staying on the backside more. The swings are more comfortable."

LaPorta appears to be moving better each day. The hip and toe surgeries were performed Oct. 14. 

"Getting back to 100 percent from those takes time, but I feel good," he said. 

Tribe manager Manny Acta said LaPorta is doing a better job of hitting the ball in front of the plate. 

"That's easy to say, though, when a guy's got three homers in three days," Acta said. 

Acta views LaPorta's second stint as a fresh start. 

"He went down to Columbus and got his confidence back," Acta said. "And now he doesn't have to worry about his name being in the lineup." 

LaPorta was promoted when the Tribe traded first baseman Russell Branyan to Seattle. 

"Knowing you're going to be in the lineup definitely helps you relax a little more, but you still have to produce," he said.

On the board: Frank Herrmann earned his first major-league save Thursday. He relieved starter Justin Masterson with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth inning of a 6-1 game. 

Herrmann got Jose Molina to ground into a double play on his fifth pitch.

"I didn't know it was a save situation until after the fact, when somebody told me," Herrmann said. "All I was thinking about was getting two outs, and if I could save Justin some runs, that would be ideal." 

After the game, Tribe home clubhouse manager Tony Amato presented Herrmann with a game ball and the lineup card. Reliever Chris Perez thought it was a bit much and barked at Amato. 

"Frank Herrmann pitches to one batter and gets a game ball and the lineup card?" Perez said with a chuckle. "Justin Masterson pitched 8 1/3 innings, was great, and what does he get? Give Frank the ball, but not the ball and the lineup card." 

Herrmann, a Harvard graduate, said: "I'd have to agree with Chris. What did I throw -- five pitches? I'm still keeping both, though."

It's all good: Tribe shortstop Jason Donald seemingly hurt Masterson's bid for a shutout in the ninth. 

Jose Bautista led off the ninth inning with a double. Vernon Wells flied out, with Bautista remaining at second. Adam Lind grounded to Donald, who, instead of making the routine play at first for the second out, threw to third baseman Andy Marte. Bautista easily beat the tag.

Aaron Hill followed with an RBI single. Lyle Overbay singled to load the bases, prompting Acta to hook Masterson for Herrmann. 

Masterson had no problem with Donald's decision. 

"Jason's made a lot of great plays, and he's out there working hard for you," Masterson said. "He's a smart player, he just hesitated. He's not the reason the next two guys got hits."

Scoring change: In a scoring change from Wednesday's game, credit Austin Kearns with a single and take away an error from Blue Jays third baseman John McDonald.


 

Bradley says he'd be 'honored' to stay as U.S. men's soccer coach

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By  Rachel Cohen Associated Press New York -- Bob Bradley says he'd be "honored" to remain the U.S. soccer coach, and he expects a decision in three to four weeks.  Bradley told The Associated Press on Thursday he had "a very good first conversation" with federation president Sunil Gulati before leaving the World Cup. Bradley plans to meet with...

By  Rachel Cohen
Associated Press

New York -- Bob Bradley says he'd be "honored" to remain the U.S. soccer coach, and he expects a decision in three to four weeks. 

Bradley told The Associated Press on Thursday he had "a very good first conversation" with federation president Sunil Gulati before leaving the World Cup. Bradley plans to meet with U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn next week. 

"I would simply say that we need time," Bradley said. "Time to talk. Time to think a little bit." 

Hired in December 2006, Bradley's contract runs through the end of the year. He led the Americans to the top of their group for the first time in 80 years. But with the team in good position to reach the semifinals, the U.S. lost 2-1 to Ghana in overtime in the first round of the knockout stage. 

Gulati said Monday that "I think the team is capable of more." 

"We're proud of the work and the results, and we stand behind that," Bradley said of his coaching staff. "As this four-year cycle ends and a new one begins, we're pleased that regardless of decisions going forward that the work in this four years will pay off in the next four years." 

Bradley said he was satisfied with the team's World Cup preparations over those last four years -- from scheduling matches against difficult opponents to the luminaries who addressed the squad before it played in South Africa. Speakers included NBA Hall of Famer Bill Russell and Dan Jollota, the helicopter pilot involved in the events depicted in the movie "Black Hawk Down." 

One obvious goal for the next four years is to improve at scoring goals. The U.S. didn't get any from their forwards in South Africa. In his first World Cup, 20-year-old striker Jozy Altidore created chances but couldn't capitalize. 

"He still can improve in terms of his pure finishing," Bradley said. 

Bradley likes to say that as the level of competition increases, "the window is smaller and the window closes faster." Learning to score through that window takes experience. 

Altidore had an excellent opportunity for a go-ahead goal against Ghana but missed. 

"He did so well to put himself in a goal-scoring position," Bradley said. "Over time he'll just understand that in those spots you have a little more time and you don't have to rush anything. That ability to take that chance calmly and finish it, that's a sign of experience." 

Altidore scored just two goals for Premier League club Hull this past season and has struggled to find consistent playing time at Europe's highest level. 

"When you're a forward, it becomes really important that you are someone that can consistently score for your club team," Bradley said. "That gives confidence. I think that Jozy needs to find a club situation where week in and week out he's on the field and they're counting on him for big goals." 

Bradley is picking Brazil to win the World Cup, and he knows the Americans have a ways to go to match that powerhouse in fielding players who combine superior physicality, athleticism and skill.  </p>

The buzz of a successful World Cup run by the U.S. can only encourage more elite athletes to focus on soccer, Bradley said. The sport would gain an even bigger boost if the country wins its bid to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022. 

"A young player might look at a player like Jozy Altidore or a goalkeeper like Timmy Howard and see them playing for the United States in the World Cup and think that's what they want to do," Bradley said. "That type of vision is really the starting point for great athletes in all sports, and we're seeing more of that in soccer than ever."  </p>
 


Cavaliers achieve goals in the hiring of Byron Scott

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When the Cavaliers set out on their coaching search, they had several stated goals that appeared difficult to achieve. Yet, just under the wire and with a few stressful days, it looks as if they have gotten the type of candidate they wanted in the time-frame they wanted.

Cleveland Cavaliers in contract talks with Byron Scott as head coachByron Scott is known as a defensive-minded coach who can deal with star players.
When the Cavaliers set out on their coaching search, they had several stated goals that appeared difficult to achieve.

Yet, just under the wire and with a few stressful days, it looks as if they have gotten the type of candidate they wanted in the time-frame they wanted.

Scott will be officially introduced today and then Saturday be part of the Cavs' meeting with free agent LeBron James in hopes the two-time Most Valuable Player will re-sign.

“Byron's combination of high-level success and depth of experience, both as a head coach and as a player, is a tremendous asset for our organization," Cavs General Manager Chris Grant said in a release from the team. “We're very excited for Coach Scott to get started. His experience and leadership will be a critical element in our drive to achieve the franchise’s ultimate goal.”

When the Cavs fired Mike Brown, the team said they wanted to hire a coach who believed in the importance of defense, had a record of success and was a good communicator. There is no perfect individual for such a task, and the list of candidates the team could hire that would represent a quality replacement was thin.

So getting Scott, a coach with 10 years of experience and a strong playoff résumé, represented a success on several levels.

While he doesn't have the defensive résumé of Brown, his Hornets teams were in the top half of the NBA defensively. He's also twice been to the Finals as a coach and five other times as a player. He's also known for his confidence and good relationships with star players.

When everything is finalized today, the Cavs and Scott likely will talk all about these points, including how he can work with James.

Free agent update: While James is clearly their No. 1 priority, the Cavs have other missions in the free agency period that began Thursday. The team is expected to contact high-profile free agents Amar'e Stoudemire, whom they attempted to trade for in February, and Chris Bosh. Both options would require sign-and-trades and neither is likely unless James elects to re-sign with the team first.

According to sources, one of the team's other interests is Dallas Mavericks' center Brendan Haywood. The Cavs actually drafted Haywood in the first round nine years ago before trading him on draft night. With Shaquille O'Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas becoming free agents, the Cavs are looking at big men options.

Haywood averaged 9.1 points and 9.3 rebounds with the Wizards and Mavericks last season. A source said the Cavs might be interested in doing a double sign-and-trade by swapping Haywood for O'Neal. However, such a deal would be complex and hard to execute.

The Cavs also are believed to be pursuing various shooting guards. Sources indicated the team planned to make contact with Ray Allen and Mike Miller. Allen, like Stoudemire and Bosh, would become more likely if James re-signs.

Girls track athlete of the year: Barber runs, jumps to state track success

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Kaila Barber was born to run and jump. Along with her twin sister Jade, the Barber kids were into playing tag, duck-duck goose and all the other high-energy games of youth. All that movement has paid off at Midpark as Kaila Barber madeaname for herself at this year's Division I state track meet in Columbus. After winning the 300-meter...













Midpark’s Kaila Barber won state championships in the 300-meter hurdles and long jump, helping the Meteors to a third-place finish.



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(Joshua Gunter | The Plain Dealer)








Kaila Barber was born to run and jump.

Along with her twin sister Jade, the Barber kids were into playing tag, duck-duck goose and all the other high-energy games of youth. All that movement has paid off at Midpark as Kaila Barber madeaname for herself at this year's Division I state track meet in Columbus.

After winning the 300-meter hurdles and long jump, she placed third in the 100 and anchored the fifth-place 4x400 relay team. Adding her 26 individual points to the relay, she was involved in 30 of Midpark's 31 team points that saw the Meteors tie Medina for third place.

The Midpark junior has earned The Plain Dealer's Girls Track Athlete of the Year honor.

"My favorite event was the 200 actually, but I can't do that now," said Barber. (The 200 is between the hurdles and relay final.) "I started to do the hurdles because I thought it would make me faster [for the 100 and 200]."

But a recurring hamstring injury that eventually forced Jade Barber out of the hurdles put her twin in the jumping mode.

"It feels easy some time, but then I get scared and stutter-step," said Barber, who only has a dozen 300 hurdles on her résumé. "I'm getting on it. It came together perfectly at regionals for one day."

She had the fastest time in the nation for the 300 hurdles after winning the Amherst regional in 40.88 seconds, which has since been lowered to 40.44 by Kori Carter of Claremont, Calif. Barber won in Columbus witha42.04.

At the Southwestern Conference meet, Barber became the first girl in the 37 years of the meet to win four open events with record titles in the long jump, 100, 200 and 300 hurdles.

While the future certainly looks promising, Kaila said getting her sister healthy and back on the track next year is the goal. The Barbers also play volleyball and basketball for the Meteors.

"I like basketball, but I'm not as good as I am in track," said Barber. "I'm looking forward to being back withmysister."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

With Byron Scott, Cavaliers have picked a winner as coach

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Former Cavalier Devin Brown thinks Byron Scott is the perfect new coach for the Cavs and the sort of guy who just might persuade free agent LeBron James to re-sign with the team.

With Mary Schmitt Boyer, The Plain Dealer

Cleveland Cavaliers in contract talks with Byron Scott as head coachByron Scott brings an impressive resume to his job with the Cavs.
Former Cavalier Devin Brown thinks Byron Scott is the perfect new coach for the Cavs and the sort of guy who just might persuade free agent LeBron James to re-sign with the team.

"He demands respect," Brown said of Scott, his coach for two-plus seasons in New Orleans. "I really think he was a great hire for Cleveland. I think it was a move to show LeBron that they are serious about what they're trying to do. I really think it's a great fit."

The 49-year-old Scott was officially hired to replace Mike Brown in a release that came just after midnight this morning.

A three-time NBA champion as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers, Scott also coached the New Jersey Nets to the NBA Finals twice.

He has been known to use his championship rings to inspire players, as he did a couple of seasons ago when the Hornets were getting ready for the playoffs.

"He brought in those rings and said, ‘This is what we're chasing,' " said Brown, a free agent who played with the Cavs in 2007-08. "He told us: ‘This is it. This is what it's all about.'

"That can't do anything but motivate you."

Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert obviously hopes it will work.

But it is unclear exactly what sort of team Scott will inherit. Will it be the James-led squad that recorded the best record in the regular season two seasons in a row before two crushing playoff exits? Or will it be a James-less bunch Scott will have to piece together?

He is one of the few coaches confident enough to take the job without knowing.

In Scott, who seemed to have initially slipped in, then out of and then back in the running, the Cavs put the fate of the franchise into the hands of a man known, for better or worse, for speaking his mind and whose résumé reflects mixed results handling superstars but a clear knack for winning.

He's reached eight NBA Finals, winning three, as a player and coach. That can't help but impress James. And while it's not known whether James will rejoin the Cavs, one of Scott's former assistants said Scott was the perfect coach for the young superstar.

"He has the résumé and the confidence to coach LeBron," said the coach, who preferred not to be quoted by name. "He will not be in awe of LeBron James. He played with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar."

Born in Ogden, Utah, Scott grew up in Inglewood, Calif., a gang-infested neighborhood in the shadows of the old Forum, where his favorite team, the Lakers, played. He made a promise to his friends he would become a Laker someday, then fulfilled it.

Scott was a member of the famous "Showtime" Laker teams of the late 1980s, winning his three titles under coach Pat Riley, who, along with Charlotte coach Larry Brown, is more than a mentor to him.

In a 2004 interview with New Orleans CityBusiness soon after he was hired to coach the Hornets, Scott was asked how he was shaped by playing for the slicked-back Riley, whose Miami Heat is among several teams in the hunt for James and other star NBA free agents.

"It made me who I am today," said Scott, once brought in by the Lakers to mentor a young Kobe Bryant. "Pat Riley's determination and his drive made me who I am as a coach. I carry all those same traits from watching him and learning from him, and it's served me well so far.

"It's just a will to win. I still have that as a coach. I hate losing games. I like winning."

Scott had no previous head coaching experience at any level when New Jersey plucked the former Sacramento assistant in 2000 to turn the miserable team around. The Nets went 26-56 his first season. By year three, New Jersey had set a franchise record for wins in a season and captured back-to-back Eastern Conference championships, losing in both NBA Finals.

"He was determined to change the culture in New Jersey," said Lawrence Frank, who served as a Scott assistant in New Jersey and eventually succeeded him as head coach. "He's committed to winning. He'll command instant respect from the guys."

Scott, described by some as headstrong and even stubborn at times, gained a reputation for publicly criticizing players. He's known to have little patience for repeated mistakes, especially by young players.

"That's called accountability," Frank said. "Every coach I've ever been around has done that. Otherwise you're not doing your job. I always felt he was just trying to get the best out of his guys."

In the middle of his fourth season with the Nets, he was fired over what has been reported as a falling out with the team's former superstar point-guard Jason Kidd. Although Scott has denied any friction with Kidd, he once admitted to Yahoo Sports columnist Adrian Wojnarowski that: "At times I went too overboard. I was too much of a disciplinarian. My communication is better now."

Nets General Manager Rod Thorn admitted he never wanted to fire Scott.

"It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, no doubt about it," Thorn told the Newark Star-Ledger in 2008. "Most of it was because I liked him so much personally. But people tend to forget, Byron was terrific for that team we had."

Scott wasn't sidelined for long. New Orleans needed major reconstruction and eyed him for the job.

In early 2004, New Orleans owner George Shinn told the Times-Picayune that he spoke with Thorn at an owners' meeting about Scott's ability to get along with players before deciding to hire him.

"It's a situation where you've got a star player [Kidd] who got upset at Byron because Byron said he didn't play well one night. And he didn't play well that night," Shinn said at the time.

"So, why can't you be candid? I mean, let's all grow up here. I believe if had I been in their shoes, I'd have kept him and traded the other guy."

When New Orleans hired him, Scott, who stresses defense and prefers an up-tempo offense, demanded full control over choosing his assistants. His teams reflected his personality — scrappy and tough, not just physically but mentally.

When Hurricane Katrina wiped out their city just before training camp in 2005, the Hornets had to move their "home" games to Oklahoma City, but the team kept its focus. By his fourth season in New Orleans, he had the Hornets in first place, with young guard Chris Paul emerging as one of the game's top guards. The two remain close.

But Scott was fired just nine games into this season, with the Hornets off to a 3-6 start. His team had just given up 75 first-half points in a one-sided loss in Phoenix. That came on the heels of a disappointing end to the previous season, in which the Hornets suffered a first-round playoff loss to Denver. Scott's team was ousted in five games, including an embarrassing 58-point loss at home in Game 4.

In yet another example of the league's fickle nature, his firing came just two years after being named NBA Coach of the Year. His hiring will come a year after the recently fired Mike Brown was named Coach of the Year.

But Devin Brown is sure the Cavs will succeed under Scott.

"Coach Scott brings a different kind of intensity," said Devin Brown, a free agent represented by Cleveland-based agent Mark Termini. "He has won championships. He has been there as a player, so he knows what it takes to get there. Every day he comes ready to work. He's going to ask you to work hard, but he always has the players' best interests in mind.

"He has been through the wars. He knows exactly what it takes."

To reach these Plain Dealer reporters: blubinge@plaind.com, 216-999-5531
mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

Girls track all-star team

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ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Kaila Barber Midpark Junior, 300-meter hurdles













Madeline Chambers.



-

(The Plain Dealer)












ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Kaila Barber

Midpark Junior, 300-meter hurdles

College: Undecided.

Notable: Barber won the Division I state 300-meter hurdles in 42.04, and the long jump with a leap of 19-8 1.4. She was third in the 100 and anchored the fifth-place 4x400 relay. As an individual, she contributed 26 of third-place Midpark's 31 team points.

OTHER ALL-STARS

Mary Bridges

North Olmsted Senior, discus

College: Cincinnati.

Notable: As her school's lone state qualifier, Bridges finished second in the Division I discus with a toss of 144-2. She won the Amherst regional with a 142-9.

Taylor Burke

Medina Junior, high jump

College: Undecided.

Notable: Burke defended her Division I state championship with a Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium record jump of 5-11. She won in 2009 with a 5-9 jump. In 2008, she was seventh as a freshman.

Erin Busbee

Collinwood Senior, long jump

College: Michigan recruit.

Notable: Scoring 29 individual points for the Division II state champion Railroaders, Busbee won the long jump in 19-3 3.4, finished second in the 100, third in the 200 and fourth in the high jump.

Madeline Chambers

Magnificat Senior, 1,600

College: Georgetown recruit.

Notable: Chambers won the Division I state 1,600 for the second straight year, this time in 4:47.37. Maintained dominance by winning at district and regional.

Beckie Famurewa

Brecksville Junior, shot put

College: Undecided.

Notable: Famurewa finished second in the Division I state shot put at 42-11, and third in the discus at 136-4. Dueled against two-event state champion Ali Tolich of Austintown Fitch through district and regional.

Rachel Hlatky

Magnificat Sophomore, 200

College: Undecided.

Notable: Qualifying in three Division I state events, Hlatky finished fourth in the 200, eighth in the 100 and anchored the 4x400 relay. She won the 200 at district and regional.

KaChay Hullum

Buchtel Senior, 400

College: Ohio State recruit.

Notable: Hullum won the Division I state 400 in 54.67, and anchored the winning 4x200 relay. She was sixth in the 200 and anchored the 4x400 relay. She won the 400 at the Austintown regional.

Hannah Neczypor

North Royalton Junior, 3,200

College: Undecided.

Notable: After winning the Division I state 3,200 as a sophomore in 10:39.92, Neczypor finished third this year in 10:51.82, five seconds off the pace. She was third as a freshman. She won the Amherst regional.

Brianna Neitzel

Brunswick Sophomore, 100

College: Undecided.

Notable: As Brunswick's lone state qualifier, Neitzel finished fourth in the Division I 400 and fifth in the 100 in her first trip to Columbus. She won the 400 at the Amherst regional.

JeRica Sanders

Lake Catholic Junior, 100 hurdles

College: Undecided.

Notable: Sanders won the Division II state 100 hurdles for the second straight year, edging Collinwood's Amber Smith with a 14.29. Finished fourth in the 300 hurdles.

Amber Smith

Collinwood Senior, relays

College: Michigan recruit.

Notable: Smith was a mainstay for the Division II state champion Railroaders, anchoring the record-tying 4x200 relay and winning the 300 hurdles in a meet-record 42.94. Finished second in the 100 hurdles and fifth in the long jump.

Alex Wasik

Medina Junior, pole vault

College: Undecided.

Notable: Wasik finished second in the Division I state pole vault with a personal-best 11-8 in her first trip to Columbus. She won the Amherst regional with a 10-8.

Natalie Zidd

Highland Sophomore, 800

College: Undecided.

Notable: Zidd won the Division I 800 in 2:10.36 as her school's lone representative at the state meet. Also won at the district and regional. Finished third at state as a freshman.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Lou Slapnik

Collinwood

Notable: Slapnik added his first Division II state title to go with eight Division I state championships. During his 17-year coaching career at Collinwood, he produced 41 event state champions. All of his teams have scored points at the state meet. Collinwood won its 17th straight Jesse Owens City Championship this past season. A retired physicaleducation teacher, he retired from his coaching position at the end of the season.

LeBron James: Miami's Pat Riley meets with LeBron's agent Leon Rose late Thursday night

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CLEVELAND ---- Miami Heat President Pat Riley was not first but it didn't stop Riley from getting a head start the day before the Heat's scheduled meeting with LeBron James. The meeting takes place Friday morning at the IMG building on the corner of East 9th and St. Clair in downtown Cleveland. The New Jersey Nets were the first...

patriley.jpgMiami Heat President Pat Riley will focus on LeBron James Friday.

CLEVELAND ---- Miami Heat President Pat Riley was not first but it didn't stop Riley from getting a head start the day before the Heat's scheduled meeting with LeBron James. The meeting takes place Friday morning at the IMG building on the corner of East 9th and St. Clair in downtown Cleveland.

The New Jersey Nets were the first team to meet with James on Thursday morning, followed by the New York Knicks. The sessions began the most anticipated free-agent period in NBA history ---- and James leads the class.


Riley leads a group that includes Managing General Partner Micky Arison and Andy Elisburg, senior vice president/assistant general manager of basketball operations. They gathered Thursday evening near the far right corner in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel lounge.

The atmosphere was casual. Riley and members of his group were barely audible from a distance of six-feet away. The discussion was certainly
about Friday's meeting with James.


When approached, Riley asked for a moment while he continued to conduct business.




Shortly after two members of Riley's party called it a night, Leon Rose, James' agent, entered the room and joined Riley and Elisburg. More than likely, Rose will participate in today's meeting with the Heat, but apparently neither side could wait.


So why the rush?


Rose and Riley talked for nearly 45 minutes. Their conversation ended around 12:20 A.M. Just before leaving, Riley would only address the Cleveland Cavaliers new coaching hire.


"I'm not surprised," said Riley, about new Cavaliers coach Byron Scott. "He's a good choice. He'll do a wonderful job."


Riley is familiar with Scott, who won three NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers under then coach Riley.


 


 


 

LeBron Rumor Mill: Jay-Z offers James fragrance, clothing lines

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he New York Post's Fred Kerber reports that Jay-Z's pitch to his friend included proposed clothing and fragrance lines, along with opportunities in entertainment.

jay-z.jpgJay-Z reportedly offered LeBron James his own fragrance and clothing line to join the Nets.
Chasing down rumors about LeBron James' basketball future could be a full-time job. Every day we'll compile a list of the rumors we're hearing about James and his next contract. Just remember these are just rumors, not necessarily facts.

Fact or fiction . . . or friction

Because Cleveland was ground zero for the influx of free-agent news and rumors Thursday, it's a little difficult to separate fact from fiction. Or should that be friction? But we gave it the old college try.

• The New York Post's  Fred Kerber reports that Jay-Z's pitch to his friend included proposed clothing and fragrance lines, along with opportunities in entertainment.
 
• In an article for Bloomberg, Erik Matuszewski cites Forbes' report that the average NBA franchise is worth $367 million and then quotes Michael Cramer, the former president of baseball's Texas Rangers and hockey's Dallas Stars who teaches sports business at New York University, as saying that if James leaves: “I wouldn't be surprised if the Cavaliers in a year or two are below the league average in terms of value. One player has a tremendous impact, especially in the NBA, and especially when you're talking about one of the top two or three visible, recognizable players not only in the league, but in all of professional sports.”

Former Portland Trail Blazers President Bob Whitsitt told Matuszewski, “If I asked today what could you sell the Cavaliers for, obviously the first question is, ‘Is LeBron on the team or not?' If he's not on the team, you're probably going to be looking at something that starts with a 2, maybe $250 million. If he's on the team, you're looking at something that starts with a 5.”

But Russ Granik, who recently retired as the NBA's deputy commissioner after 30 years with the league, told Matuszewski: “Having a player of LeBron's caliber is going to improve the way your team plays and is going to provide more in the short term in ticket sales, sponsorship revenues and maybe even TV revenues. But when you're talking about assets that are worth $300 million on up, I don't think it would have that much effect on that valuation. I think that's crazy.”

Rick Burton, the David Falk professor of sports management at Syracuse University, agreed and told Matuszewski: “It may be a while again before Cleveland puts the right pieces in place, but is the asset value going to go down? Not necessarily, if the health of the league is strong, the ratings from the Finals are up and the economy comes back around.”


Brazilian youth soccer team might have minds on World Cup, not Continental Cup

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"It's like a holiday in Brazil when the soccer team plays," said Colegio head coach Marco Antonio Pereira. So the youth soccer team at the Continental Cup might be a little distracted.

brazil-continental-cup-soccer-team.JPGView full sizeThe boys from Brazil, the Colegio Santo Americo, march into Don Shula Stadium at John Carroll University with other teams participating in the Continental Cup on Thurs. July 1, 2010. The 12 year old boys play soccer in the international youth tournament.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- There's 56 international youth soccer teams competing at the AC Milan Continental Cup Soccer Tournament today through Sunday but only one team -- Brazil -- still has a personal interest in the World Cup.

Not good news for Rodrigo Carvalho and Luiz Eduardo, since both will have their personal streaks broken when Brazil plays Netherlands at 10 a.m. today in a World Cup soccer game.

That's because Carvalho and Eduardo and their 12U teammates will be playing Columbia at about the same time in a Continental Cup soccer game at Willoughby's Lost Nation Sports Park.

"This will be the first time we won't be able to watch Brazil play in a World Cup game this year," said Carvalho, who, like his cousin, is 12 years old and a defensemen for Colegio Santo Americo.

No big deal to the average American, but it's huge to a Brazilian.

"It's like a holiday in Brazil when the soccer team plays," said Colegio head coach Marco Antonio Pereira, through interpreter/team host Roberta Barbur.

"Stores, factories, businesses, schools, everything closes because everyone is somewhere watching the game," he said.

Seems like the perfect time to pull a robbery.

Not.

"Ten guys dug a tunnel between a house and the bank when Brazil played last Friday," said Pereira. "Their intention was to rob the bank as soon as the game started.

"Fortunately, law enforcement found out and caught the guys right before game time."

The Carvalho family has watched every World Cup game at Eduardo's house.

"There's tons of food, beverages and a lot people over the house," said Eduardo. "Fireworks go off all over the place whenever Brazil scores a goal.

"It's one big party."

This is one party Colegio Santo's 16-player, two-coach, one-chaperone contingent will miss the game because accommodations were not made in order to watch the ESPN-televised game either live or tape-delayed.

They're hoping their Continental Cup game will be finished in time to catch the second half.

"I will be focused on my game, but in my heart, I will be hoping Brazil wins in the World Cup," said Eduardo.

Updates during halftime of their game are planned, but nothing's certain. Two players have cell phones, making it a sure thing they'll be the most popular individuals on the team.

"Texting is not a big thing in our country, but they'll probably try to call their parents to get the score," said Pereira. "Those players have been informed their cell phones are to be turned off and in their bags once the game starts."

Pereira isn't worried the players might try to hide the phones, because their game uniforms don't have pockets.

"We trust they will do the right thing," Pereira said.


Tribe players weigh in on LeBron's future: Indians chatter

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The NBA’s free agency summer tour officially began Thursday. Later that morning, five Indians relievers and designated hitter Travis Hafner weighed in on where LeBron James might end up.

Travis HafnerView full sizeTravis Hafner doesn't even want to venture a guess on where LeBron James might end up.

Clubhouse confidential: The NBA’s free agency summer tour officially began Thursday. Later that morning, five Indians relievers and designated hitter Travis Hafner weighed in on where LeBron James might end up.

Hector Ambriz: “I think he’s staying in Cleveland, but they’re going to have to get somebody.”

Frank Herrmann: “He’s staying. He was always staying, but he’s doing this to look even better.”

Chris Perez: “Chicago. Good team in a good city that’s close enough to Akron. New York’s too big for him.”

Joe Smith: “Chicago. If he’s going to win a championship right away, he’s got to go to a team that can bring in another guy. I’m not sure Cleveland can do that.”

Tony Sipp: “I was thinking about New Jersey, so he could team up with Jay-Z, or Chicago. But I’ll say Miami.”

Hafner: “I have no idea. I really don’t. I have no sources.”

From the pitch: Shelley Duncan, the Indians’ World Cup expert, is excited about the remaining matches.

“All the big dogs got through,” he said. “I like Argentina to win. Normally I’d say Brazil, but Netherlands is looking really good.”

Patriotic lids: The Indians and Athletics will wear stars-and-stripes caps for their weekend series.

Stat of the day: The Indians-Blue Jays series is tied, 181-181.

Dwyane Wade visits with Bulls, Nets; Bosh gets courted; and crazy Day 1 deals: NBA free agency links

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Dwyane Wade is listening to offers from interested teams, as is Chris Bosh. Meanwhile, Amar'e Stoudemire may be out in Phoenix while the money flies for second teir - and less - free agents.

dwyane-wade.JPGView full sizeDwyane Wade is the clear No. 2 in this summer's free agent arms race.
If teams flush with cap space can't land LeBron James this summer, they'll likely turn to the second-best player on the market: Dwyane Wade. While Wade is expected to stay in Miami, that doesn't mean he's not willing to listen to offers. Wade was in Chicago yesterday hearing from the Bulls. Says the Boston Herald:

"Dwyane Wade and his representatives spent about two hours with the Bulls, hearing their recruiting sales pitch as the most awaited free agent period in NBA history got under way in earnest.

"Later, Wade met with the New Jersey Nets, coming away from that session 'impressed,' just as he was by the Bulls’ presentation.

"'So far, so good, very informative,' his agent, Henry Thomas, said of teams' pitches so far."

But that wasn't the only meeting taking place in Chicago involving the Heat. The team also met with Chris Bosh, according to the same report:

"Later yesterday, Wade’s old boss, Pat Riley, fixed his sights on forward Chris Bosh, who met with the Heat brass in Chicago.

"'It was good. It was good, real good,' Bosh said outside his agent's office in downtown Chicago."

Seeking Bosh's attention

The Houston Rockets are trying to get in on the Chris Bosh sweepstakes. Writes Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle:

"The Rockets are on Chris Bosh’s 'radar.'

They are trying to get in the room.

"Bosh met with Rockets general manager Daryl Morey in Dallas late Wednesday night and also had preliminary talks with representatives from the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls. He then flew to Chicago, where his agent Henry Thomas is based, to begin meetings that Thomas characterized as more substantial than the initial conversations in Dallas.

"Morey worked to get on that guest list, too, while also beginning recruiting efforts with a potential backup center, Bulls free agent Brad Miller.

"Talks with Bosh, however, seemed to stall, with Thomas quickly downplaying the importance of the meeting Morey did get with the 6-10 forward.

"'(The Rockets) dropped something off to him and chatted briefly,' Thomas said. 'They will be on the radar.'"

More from out West

The Suns agreed to terms with their free agent forward - just not the one you're thinking of. From Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic:

"Channing Frye agreed to re-sign with the Suns for five years and $30 million, $8 million more than the Suns figured to pay."
As for that other free agent forward in Phoenix, Coro writes:

"Amar'e Stoudemire has yet to get the five-year offer from the Suns he wants, making a league source call a return to Phoenix 'highly unlikely.' He met two hours late Wednesday with Miami, and his agent said he received a better offer from another team Thursday and plans to go to New York for a meeting Monday with the Knicks."
Throwing money around

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News sums up Day 1 of NBA free agency by looking at some of the more bizarre offers and signings of the day:

"Atlanta offered borderline star/borderline blah player Joe Johnson a full-out max deal–6 years, $119M - and he hesitated taking it.

"Memphis agreed to a 5-year, $80M deal with the high-flying but always erratic Rudy Gay.

"Milwaukee agreed to a 5-year, $39M deal with swingman John Salmons and a 5-year, $32M deal with forward Drew Gooden – his eighth team in nine seasons, by the way.

"By the way, the Gooden deal is my nominee for dumbest deal of the day, though I realize there are several great competitors for the honor.

"Toronto agreed to a 5-year, $34M deal with center Amir Johnson.

"Minnesota agreed to a stunning 4-year, $20M deal with the one and only Darko Milicic."

New York says LeBron could earn billions with Knicks: View from the other side

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The Knicks' meeting with James lasted two hours, and the major themes were New York's endless energy -- and the chance for "The King'' to reap as much as $1.94 billion in salary (from a five-year max deal) plus endorsements if he bolts Cleveland and finishes his career with the Knicks.

LeBron JamesFree agent basketball player LeBron James, left, is driven out of the IMG building in downtown Cleveland, after meeting with representatives of the New Jersey Nets and the New York Knicks basketball teams on Thursday, July 1, 2010. (AP Photo/Jason Miller)
New Jersey and New York made their cases to LeBron James on Thursday, while Miami and the L.A. Clippers step up to the plate today. Finally(?), on Saturday, Chicago and the Cavaliers make their pitches.

If truth is merely a point of view, how are those cities feeling about their chances to land LeBron? Let's take a look how each home newspaper is treating the story.

New York Post

"[The meeting] lasted two hours, and the major themes were New York's endless energy -- and the chance for "The King'' to reap as much as $1.94 billion in salary (from a five-year max deal) plus endorsements if he bolts Cleveland and finishes his career with the Knicks.

That astonishing number comes from a study commissioned by the Knicks from the marketing consultant Interbrand.

It outshines the estimated $700 million James would likely earn in Cleveland, the $690 million he'd make in Chicago or the $600 million he'd pocket in Miami, the study showed."

Steve Politi, The New Jersey Star-Ledger
"Nobody should be looking down their noses at the Nets any more, least of all the team that has spent much of the past four decades doing exactly that. If the Nets have to settle for a consolation prize this month, they’ll do so with this somewhat comforting knowledge: They sure looked like the better option from the New York market."

The New Jersey Star-Ledger

"[Nets] owner Mikhail Prokhorov and the five associates who accompanied him to Cleveland today came away from their historic meeting with LeBron James believing the Nets “are definitely in the game,” a team official familiar with the talks revealed after conferring with several members of the team’s chief recruiters.

According to one Nets official, James also gave them a candid warning that the team should prepare to have enough room under the salary cap to afford two maximum-value contracts should he decide that New Jersey is his next destination."


Miami Herald
"[Heat President Pat] Riley was hopeful that his recruiting party would have included at least two other members -- Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. But after a day of pitches that fell short of landing commitments from some of its other top free agent targets, the Heat swoops in on James hoping to impress the most sought-after player on the market."

Jerry Crowe, Los Angeles Times
"NBA executive of the year wouldn't be honor enough if Neil Olshey got LeBron James to sign with the Clippers. Shrewd roster-shaping by Olshey's mentor and predecessor, Mike Dunleavy, and luck both good and bad positioned the Clippers to be granted an audience with the King. Of course, they're still longshots to land him."
Chicago Tribune
"Sources said the Bulls are considering bringing local business leaders from Fortune 500 companies to the meeting to appeal to James' business sense. At the very least, ideas on how to market James globally via local businesses will be pitched.

But the biggest sales points -- to James, Wade and Bosh -- center on basketball, the city, the Bulls' rich history and worldwide brand recognition and a ready-to-win core featuring Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah."

Who do you think has the best shot at landing LeBron James? We want to hear your comments.

Cavaliers fans react to Day 1 of LeBron's free agency, Byron Scott's hiring

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Check out what fans are saying as LeBron James' free agency hits its second day.

lebron james.jpgView full sizeLeBron James goes up for a reverse dunk during a game against Philadelphia.

Another day of meetings for LeBron James today as the holiday weekend approaches. With the Heat and Clippers in town - and the Bulls and Cavaliers looming tomorrow - here are what fans are saying in the comments section of cleveland.com's free agency stories:

In response to Pat Riley reportedly meeting with LeBron James' agent last night, andympa53 says:

"Does everyone realize that the Heat only have two players currentlyunder contract? Even if they signed all three (James, Wade, Bosh) you are looking at having liabilities at every other position on the court as they will be forced to sign a bunch of league minimum guys. You need to be at least eight deep for the playoffs. Nine or 10 deep is better to get through the regular season."
In response to teams coming out of meetings with LeBron confident they are ahead, texasmike doesn't buy it:

"What else are these teams gonna say? 'We made our presentation to LeBron and he laughed at us and walked out.' Every team is going to say they nailed it and they're going to sign him. LeBron's the only one who knows what he's going to do."
And, finally, in response to the Cavaliers' hiring of Byron Scott, tsbuoy understands why the Cavs went with Scott, but isn't the long term prospects:

"Brian Shaw may turn out to be the next truly great coach and might have been the better choice if there was less of a sense of urgency in terms of retaining LeBron. My main concern is that Byron Scott may become the NBA's answer to Billy Martin, who had the knack of making mediocre teams better almost instantly but always wore out his welcome in a few years."

Like Browns DL Shaun Rogers, fellow DL Robaire Smith found with loaded gun in carry-on at an airport

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Browns defensive end Robaire Smith faces gun charges for having a loaded gun in his carry-on at Bishop Airport in Flint, Mich. in November. He was also with Shaun Rogers in April when Rogers was arrested for having a loaded gun in his bag at Cleveland Hopskins Airport.

 

rsmithjk.jpgBrowns defensive end Robaire Smith is facing gun charges after forgetting he had a loaded gun in his carry-on at Bishop Airport in Flint, Mich. in November.

CLEVELAND -- Browns defensive Robaire Smith, who was with fellow defensive lineman Shaun Rogers when he was arrested for having a loaded gun in his carry-on at the airport, is now facing charges for the same thing, the Flint Journal reported today.

 But if you're wondering why Smith didn't learn from Rogers' mistake, Smith's incident happened first.

 Smith, 32, was going through security at Bishop Airport in Flint, Mich. on Nov. 6 when a loaded gun was found in his carry-on. Rogers was arrested April 1st after a loaded gun was found in his bag at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. He pleaded not guilty and is awaiting a court date.

 Smith, who was heading to Atlanta, was carrying a Belgium 5.7 caliber gun, which  had between 15 and 17 rounds in the magazine but no bullet in the chamber, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton told the Flint Journal.

 Like Rogers, Smith told airport security he forgot the gun was in his bag. The gun was confiscated and he was released pending further investigation. Leyton issued the charge on Thursday, misdemeanor possession of a firearm in a sterile area of a commercial airport. It carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

 Smith’s attorney, Frank J. Manley, told the Flint Journal it's an unfortunate incident and that Smith has been a role model for his hometown of Flint.

 The Browns are still awaiting word from the NFL on possible disciplinary action against Rogers.

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