After six long seasons of failures in the playoffs, LeBron James finally reached his lifelong dream of winning an NBA Championship on Thursday night, defeating the young Oklahoma City Thunder in five games. As he said, “It’s about damn time”.
He also ended the endless discussion and debate about his ability – or inability – to carry a team over the top, averaging 28.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 7.4 assists in the NBA Finals. If anything, James proved that his game is somehow still evolving, showing a dominant post game that was seldom seen in past years. It prompted just about everyone to give the man his due.
One man that did not and most likely will never give James any due is Dan Gilbert – the majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers – who congratulated the Miami Heat without a single mention of his former franchise-star:
As many of you remember, Gilbert made a promise to his fans that everyone knew he could not keep, in all caps, Comic Sans style: “I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE. You can take it to the bank.”
Hopefully, you didn’t take anything to the bank because the promise has officially been broken. Gilbert also took a shot against James after watching him lose in the 2010-2011 NBA Finals against the Mavericks:
Unfortunately, he was wrong about this too, because ultimately, the “shortcut” worked. Gilbert’s bitterness towards James is perfectly understandable, given James’ childish behavior leading up to free agency and his ultimate decision to leave, which led to the demise of the Cavaliers franchise last season.
Like everyone else, though, perhaps it’s time for Gilbert to move on from it all. His anger has led to nothing but false statements and broken promises. To his credit, he did congratulate the Heat, which should count for something. His franchise has a bright future ahead with Uncle Drew Kyrie Irving, and the team will have the fourth overall pick in the upcoming draft. Things can only go up from here for Gilbert and the Cavaliers.
For LeBron James’ self reflection, click here.
For Marquis Teague interview, click here.
For all blog items, click here.
Ummmm, LeBron acted like a child? LeBron got that sorry franchise a trip to the finals by himself! He asked for help and what did he get??? Antwan Jameson??? Dan is a gr8 owner? R u kidding me? He was CHEAP and LeBron called him on it! He honored his 7 year contract, so he wasnt obligated to stay. Owners can trade players at ANY time, but people talk crap when a player finishes his contract WITHOUT a holdout and leaves cuz his TEAM’S owner (not his) doesn’t want to pay for the pieces to win a championship? Wheredeydodatat? SMH!
This reads as an attack on Dan Gilbert. I think he’s a fantastic owner, and I would still be bitter if were him as well. You ESPN guys are way too quick to hug LeBron’s nuts.
Gilbert is a terrible owner. Get your head out your ass, dumbfuck. U MAD?!
All caps and an interrobang is a sure way to show that you’re mad.