Realistically, what else could the Cavaliers have done to show LeBron James that they want to win?
Yes, there have been three disappointing postseasons since LeBron James held up the Eastern Conference championship trophy in the summer of 2007. But as James ponders his free-agent options, Terry Pluto has a simple question: Didn't the Cavaliers do everything James asked in building a title contender?CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When it comes time for the Cavaliers to sit down for perhaps their final meeting with LeBron James, they should ask the MVP this question, "What else could we have realistically done to make this a better situation for you?"
Owner Dan Gilbert, General Manager Chris Grant and James have been together for five years. He knows they have paid the price to win, having one of the NBA's top three payrolls over the last three seasons. James also knows the Cavs have consulted him before making major deals for Shaquille O'Neal and Antwan Jamison. He also is aware that as an assistant to former GM Danny Ferry, Grant has been very active in trade talks over the years.
A new $25 million practice facility, state-of-the-art dressing room and a first-class approach to virtually every part of the franchise has been business as usual since Gilbert bought the team 51/2 seasons ago.
Because James knows the Cavs so well, he can see their weaknesses and warts. James doesn't know who are the jerks in Chicago, the selfish players in Miami, the guys who don't work hard in New York. Every team has problem players. James needs to dig deep as he considers potential new teammates.
Don't just take their word that "we have great guys who just want to win," as most owners and general managers will be telling him during this week's recruiting process.
Some teams will say, "Just ignore the way we've been doing business, because we're ready to change with you."
Can James be sure of that?
It's much easier to create salary cap space than play to win, which has been the Cavs' mission since reaching The Finals in 2007. James should know that.
Every team has its warning signs, including the Cavs as they try to decide between Byron Scott and Brian Shaw as their new coach -- with the inexperienced Shaw seemingly having the edge. But elsewhere, it's alarming that veteran and respected general manager Rod Thorn is leaving New Jersey just as the Nets change ownership. Chicago has a rookie coach in Tom Thibodeau and an ownership that never wanted to go far over the luxury tax, as Gilbert does nearly every season.
The Knicks? They have a free-spending owner who consistently spends money the wrong way. New York has missed the playoffs nine years in a row -- no other team has that dubious distinction.
Miami has Dwyane Wade, and not much else. Pat Riley is an experienced and strong executive. There have been some rumors that he'll return to coaching once again, but will he actually do that at the age of 65? The coach is Erik Spolestra, who is hardly Pat Riley in his prime.
Yes, the Heat won the title in 2006. In the last four seasons, they are 4-12 in the playoffs.
The Nets have hired a veteran coach in Avery Johnson, but they'll play the next two years in Newark as they build an area in Brooklyn. They need a new general manager.
Since Michael Jordan left the Bulls after winning the 1998 title, here's a list of NBA champions: Lakers (5), Spurs (4), Pistons (1), Heat (1) and Celtics (1). It's a lot harder to assemble a winner than most players and fans realize.
New York can sign two free agents to maximum contacts. The Nets, Bulls and Heat are moving in that direction.
The Heat think they can find a way to retain Wade along with signing Chris Bosh and James. That sounds like putting together a new Big Three, but will there be enough basketballs to go around? Who handles the ball in crunch time, Wade or James?
Meanwhile, what can the Cavs do for James now? Bosh would love to play with James. Bosh's team, Toronto, would prefer to put together a sign-and-trade deal rather than lose Bosh for nothing besides salary cap space. Toronto likes J.J. Hickson and Anderson Varejao, along with some expiring contracts such as those of Delonte West, Jamario Moon or Anthony Parker.
Ask James how he'd like to play on the frontline with Bosh and Varejao, with Antwan Jamison coming off the bench? Or Hickson, Jamison and Bosh, if Varejao is part of the deal.
The Cavs can pay him up to $30 million than anyone else. He can stay home, where he actually will become even a bigger hero than ever -- while playing under less pressure.
Is it a perfect situation? No.
But that's also true of the other teams trying to sign him.