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Tweet of the Day: LeBron James Is Coming Home

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lebron-james

What can one write where all has practically been written already? What was once a 100-percent confirmed source has now confirmed itself. LeBron James is leaving the Miami Heat behind and returning to Cleveland to play for the Cavaliers.

James made Decision 2.0 known with an Instagram photo and an essay published on Sports Illustrated.

In his essay, James addressed why he left Cleveland four years ago:

I went to Miami because of D-Wade and CB. We made sacrifices to keep UD. I loved becoming a big bro to Rio. I believed we could do something magical if we came together. And that’s exactly what we did! The hardest thing to leave is what I built with those guys. … Nothing will ever change what we accomplished.”

Why he wants to return:

When I left Cleveland, I was on a mission. I was seeking championships, and we won two. But Miami already knew that feeling. Our city hasn’t had that feeling in a long, long, long time. My goal is still to win as many titles as possible, no question. But what’s most important for me is bringing one trophy back to Northeast Ohio.”

“I always believed that I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn’t know when. After the season, free agency wasn’t even a thought. … I looked at other teams, but I wasn’t going to leave Miami for anywhere except Cleveland.”

James also addressed the differences between himself and Cavs owner Dan Gilbert:

To make the move I needed the support of my wife and my mom, who can be very tough. The letter from Dan Gilbert, the booing of the Cleveland fans, the jerseys being burned — seeing all that was hard for them. My emotions were more mixed. It was easy to say, ‘OK, I don’t want to deal with these people ever again.’ But then you think about the other side. What if I were a kid who looked up to an athlete, and that athlete made me want to do better in my own life, and then he left? How would I react? I’ve met with Dan, face-to-face, man-to-man. We’ve talked it out. Everybody makes mistakes. I’ve made mistakes as well. Who am I to hold a grudge?”

The level of maturity in his words certainly reflect the growth experienced as a man during his time with the Heat. Gilbert, who met with him last week to discuss their differences face-to-face, welcomed James back.

James refrained from promising a title, as he once did four years ago in Miami.

I’m not promising a championship. I know how hard that is to deliver. We’re not ready right now. No way. Of course, I want to win next year, but I’m realistic. It will be a long process, much longer than it was in 2010.”

In contrast with Gilbert’s letter four years ago, which seemed like a childish tirade, James’ essay is thoughtful, heartfelt and emotional. It reads like a loving letter to a long-lost friend. It ends simply, with him accepting his new purpose.

In Northeast Ohio, nothing is given. Everything is earned. You work for what you have. I’m ready to accept the challenge. I’m coming home.”

With his essay (and subsequent decision) behind him, the world around him reacted.  

A few NBA athletes seemed to echo relief that free agency could now carry on.

Philadelphia 76ers rookie Joel Embiid, who had been James’ biggest Twitter recruiter, opted to appeal on behalf of his college teammate Andrew Wiggins before assuring everyone that James will not win a title. He then, jokingly, congratulated himself for almost successfully recruiting him.

And, while some bemoaned the media coverage, others simply gave their congratulations.

Still, even with James now firmly set to rejoin Cleveland, there are many questions left unanswered. What will Cleveland do to transform the roster into a title contender now? What will happen with Chris Bosh and the Houston Rockets? What will Carmelo Anthony do?

All in due time. Perhaps, by the end of the night there will be some finite answers. At least, for now, we can rest knowing that LeBron James has made his Decision and will be going home … the native son is going back to Ohio.

 

 

Previous Tweet Posts:

Tweet of the Night: Chris Broussard And Adrian Wojnarowski Provide LeBron Updates, Sheridan Stays Firm

Tweet of the Day: Amid Free Agency Chaos, Bosh Enjoying Basketball Without Borders

 

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Michael Brumagin writes the Tweet of the Day for SheridanHoops.com and is also a correspondent for BleacherReport.com.

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