Couldnt Lebron have man-ed up and actually spoke in the press conference?

[Fafnir]

TP.

Where is that markketch guy that talked about this team like they were the best thing since sliced bread all season?

I love watching people eat crow.  Slurp it up, buttercup.

Their regular season was just as good as the Celtics regular season last year.

Great teams get beat. After all the C's of last year came very close against the Cavalier's. Again this was a factor of them matching up very well. Just as the Magic did.

Well even with identical regular seasons records of 66-16, these same 10 experts picked the Lakers to beat the Celtics 9-1, yet all 10 of them pick the Cavs.  They were wrong 19 out of 20.

That was in the Finals. It makes more sense to look at the ECF predictions. Though quite a few picked Detroit in that too.

[2short]

he didn't even congratulate the magic...just walked off...

this is the big thing to me, just saw the post interview where he comes right out and says why should he shake their hands
i have lost respect for him, spoiled baby, stern must have said you & kobe will be in finals and you'll get even more endorsements

[MMacOH]

I didn't take the time to read through this whole thread, I didn't feel like seeing all of the Cavs suck posts.  But, to comment on Lebron....if you remember. he also stormed off the court last year after the Boston series.  I think the frustration of carrying the Cavs through the playoffs gets to him and he just leaves before he says anything he will regret.

I wish he would at least shake hands, but he is only 24.  He will learn humility with age

[nickagneta]

I have no problem with LeBron not giving an interview or even publicly congratulating the Magic. If he went to their locker room after and went around shaking hands with them then, that's great. There's no law that says you have to do this stuff in the public's view.

But to not do anything and then to make the comments he did that basically compare what he does for a living(professional athletics) to a fight in the playground shows a lack of maturity that I just never thought was there. Organized athletics on every level teaches sportsmanship and handshaking and congratulations of one's opponent after a game.

Golf with the handshake after 18. Hockey with the lineup at center ice. Baseball with the handshake at home plate. Football with the meeting on the field afterward and giving a pat on the back to the guy you were just trying to beat the hell out of for 3 hours. Boxing with the hug after the fight. And basketball through the levels from youth league straight up to college ball, players have always congratulated their opponents on a game well played.

Really disappointed in LeBron's comments. Shows me a sense of entitlement and conceit that I always suspected was there but would never get actual proof on because he is so careful about the way he markets his image. That's just one of the more immature, pompous, poor sportsman-like comments I've seen come out of a player that wasn't a Pittsburgh Steeler after being beat by the New England Patriots. Maybe it has to do with that part of the country.

[crownsy]

LeBron did his best to advance in the Finals but he was too alone. I give him credit for his effort and amazing plays.

Still, I agree, LeBron clearly lacks respect and fairplay for his opponents, he did the same thing last year after the loss in Boston. I can understand that he is frustrated, mad, etc, but at least you can show some respect to your opponent... he didn't say anything to the Magic players, he just walked off the court, head down. Kobe did hug the Celtics even after getting crushed in game 6.

Just another reason to make me dislike LeBron, the "character" as opposed to the player. Arrogant and disrespectful.

I agree with you except the "too alone" part in the first sentence.  Cleveland has some solid role players and a deeper bench than Boston did.

The problem is, it's hard for those role players to do anything when a certain someone dribbles 20 seconds off the clock before hoisting up some garbage shot.  His "team"mates truly are witnesses.

Where amazing happens...

come on man, are you seriously going to contend that the cavs other players showed up this series?

Outside of AV, who had 2 ok games, all their vaunted three point shooting couldn't hit the broadside of a barn, and they made absolutely no plays when they had the chance.

all year i was of the opinion that once they faced a good defensive team in the playoffs (and the magic are the best) that could force the role players they have to try to win it, they would fail.

That team needs a second star, not a fake all star like mo Williams.

[MMacOH]

I do understand why he didn't stick around.  I mean the Magic were mocking the Cavs and their 'photo' pre-game ritual after the game.  I wouldn't stick around for that either

[Bankshot]

I do understand why he didn't stick around.  I mean the Magic were mocking the Cavs and their 'photo' pre-game ritual after the game.  I wouldn't stick around for that either

Lebron has no right to say anything about disrespect after the Cavs were laughing and dancing on the sidelines after they got up big in game one, only for the Magic to come back and beat them. LOL

[crownsy]

I do understand why he didn't stick around.  I mean the Magic were mocking the Cavs and their 'photo' pre-game ritual after the game.  I wouldn't stick around for that either

But...But the magic assured me they were more professional than that when they had got all miff'd we celebrated a game winning shot!

was rashad aware of these shingagins? I'm sure he would have set hsi teammates straight on this kind of behavior. he had only the harshest words for teams that would act that unprofessionally.  

One more reason i can't stand the magic, there a bunch of hypocrites who try to play the "no respect" or "classless" card worse than any team ive seen, and yet show zero respect or class towards opponents.

I dislike the cavs for the same reason i dislike the chargers (act like theve done something, actually haven't.) but i can't stand when teams are that blatantly hypocritical like the magic.

though i will be rooting for them whole heartily for about 2 weeks. Anyone but LA in my book. 

[Fafnir]

LeBron did his best to advance in the Finals but he was too alone. I give him credit for his effort and amazing plays.

Still, I agree, LeBron clearly lacks respect and fairplay for his opponents, he did the same thing last year after the loss in Boston. I can understand that he is frustrated, mad, etc, but at least you can show some respect to your opponent... he didn't say anything to the Magic players, he just walked off the court, head down. Kobe did hug the Celtics even after getting crushed in game 6.

Just another reason to make me dislike LeBron, the "character" as opposed to the player. Arrogant and disrespectful.

I agree with you except the "too alone" part in the first sentence.  Cleveland has some solid role players and a deeper bench than Boston did.

The problem is, it's hard for those role players to do anything when a certain someone dribbles 20 seconds off the clock before hoisting up some garbage shot.  His "team"mates truly are witnesses.

Where amazing happens...

come on man, are you seriously going to contend that the cavs other players showed up this series?

Outside of AV, who had 2 ok games, all their vaunted three point shooting couldn't hit the broadside of a barn, and they made absolutely no plays when they had the chance.

all year i was of the opinion that once they faced a good defensive team in the playoffs (and the magic are the best) that could force the role players they have to try to win it, they would fail.

That team needs a second star, not a fake all star like mo Williams.

Delonte West showed up for most of the series. He had to guard much bigger players and did a good job of it overall. He was also the best of all the Cavs offensively, other than LeBron.

[crownsy]

LeBron did his best to advance in the Finals but he was too alone. I give him credit for his effort and amazing plays.

Still, I agree, LeBron clearly lacks respect and fairplay for his opponents, he did the same thing last year after the loss in Boston. I can understand that he is frustrated, mad, etc, but at least you can show some respect to your opponent... he didn't say anything to the Magic players, he just walked off the court, head down. Kobe did hug the Celtics even after getting crushed in game 6.

Just another reason to make me dislike LeBron, the "character" as opposed to the player. Arrogant and disrespectful.

I agree with you except the "too alone" part in the first sentence.  Cleveland has some solid role players and a deeper bench than Boston did.

The problem is, it's hard for those role players to do anything when a certain someone dribbles 20 seconds off the clock before hoisting up some garbage shot.  His "team"mates truly are witnesses.

Where amazing happens...

come on man, are you seriously going to contend that the cavs other players showed up this series?

Outside of AV, who had 2 ok games, all their vaunted three point shooting couldn't hit the broadside of a barn, and they made absolutely no plays when they had the chance.

all year i was of the opinion that once they faced a good defensive team in the playoffs (and the magic are the best) that could force the role players they have to try to win it, they would fail.

That team needs a second star, not a fake all star like mo Williams.

Delonte West showed up for most of the series. He had to guard much bigger players and did a good job of it overall. He was also the best of all the Cavs offensively, other than LeBron.

I'll give D west his due, he did what he could, but IMO, until that team gets a legit secondary threat (and mo aint it, he is a good PG for that team, but they need a talented secondary go to star) they aren't going anywhere once they face good defensive teams.

As much as i don't like them, I'm glad the magic advanced from a beat LA prospective. I think LA would have found it very easy to make Clev's role players beat them, and it wouldn't have happened.

At least the magic have a dominate big man and several legit threats (turk, lewis) to back him up.

[Fafnir]

LeBron did his best to advance in the Finals but he was too alone. I give him credit for his effort and amazing plays.

Still, I agree, LeBron clearly lacks respect and fairplay for his opponents, he did the same thing last year after the loss in Boston. I can understand that he is frustrated, mad, etc, but at least you can show some respect to your opponent... he didn't say anything to the Magic players, he just walked off the court, head down. Kobe did hug the Celtics even after getting crushed in game 6.

Just another reason to make me dislike LeBron, the "character" as opposed to the player. Arrogant and disrespectful.

I agree with you except the "too alone" part in the first sentence.  Cleveland has some solid role players and a deeper bench than Boston did.

The problem is, it's hard for those role players to do anything when a certain someone dribbles 20 seconds off the clock before hoisting up some garbage shot.  His "team"mates truly are witnesses.

Where amazing happens...

come on man, are you seriously going to contend that the cavs other players showed up this series?

Outside of AV, who had 2 ok games, all their vaunted three point shooting couldn't hit the broadside of a barn, and they made absolutely no plays when they had the chance.

all year i was of the opinion that once they faced a good defensive team in the playoffs (and the magic are the best) that could force the role players they have to try to win it, they would fail.

That team needs a second star, not a fake all star like mo Williams.

Delonte West showed up for most of the series. He had to guard much bigger players and did a good job of it overall. He was also the best of all the Cavs offensively, other than LeBron.

I'll give D west his due, he did what he could, but IMO, until that team gets a legit secondary threat (and mo aint it, he is a good PG for that team, but they need a talented secondary go to star) they aren't going anywhere once they face good defensive teams.

As much as i don't like them, I'm glad the magic advanced from a beat LA prospective. I think LA would have found it very easy to make Clev's role players beat them, and it wouldn't have happened.

At least the magic have a dominate big man and several legit threats (turk, lewis) to back him up.

I disagree that they couldn't have won it this year. Against elite defensive teams they would have struggled in a 7 game series, yes. But They were an elite defensive team, but not against the Magic. Their inability to match up with Howard, and their lack of any long perimeter players killed them.

[crownsy]

LeBron did his best to advance in the Finals but he was too alone. I give him credit for his effort and amazing plays.

Still, I agree, LeBron clearly lacks respect and fairplay for his opponents, he did the same thing last year after the loss in Boston. I can understand that he is frustrated, mad, etc, but at least you can show some respect to your opponent... he didn't say anything to the Magic players, he just walked off the court, head down. Kobe did hug the Celtics even after getting crushed in game 6.

Just another reason to make me dislike LeBron, the "character" as opposed to the player. Arrogant and disrespectful.

I agree with you except the "too alone" part in the first sentence.  Cleveland has some solid role players and a deeper bench than Boston did.

The problem is, it's hard for those role players to do anything when a certain someone dribbles 20 seconds off the clock before hoisting up some garbage shot.  His "team"mates truly are witnesses.

Where amazing happens...

come on man, are you seriously going to contend that the cavs other players showed up this series?

Outside of AV, who had 2 ok games, all their vaunted three point shooting couldn't hit the broadside of a barn, and they made absolutely no plays when they had the chance.

all year i was of the opinion that once they faced a good defensive team in the playoffs (and the magic are the best) that could force the role players they have to try to win it, they would fail.

That team needs a second star, not a fake all star like mo Williams.

Delonte West showed up for most of the series. He had to guard much bigger players and did a good job of it overall. He was also the best of all the Cavs offensively, other than LeBron.

I'll give D west his due, he did what he could, but IMO, until that team gets a legit secondary threat (and mo aint it, he is a good PG for that team, but they need a talented secondary go to star) they aren't going anywhere once they face good defensive teams.

As much as i don't like them, I'm glad the magic advanced from a beat LA prospective. I think LA would have found it very easy to make Clev's role players beat them, and it wouldn't have happened.

At least the magic have a dominate big man and several legit threats (turk, lewis) to back him up.

I disagree that they couldn't have won it this year. Against elite defensive teams they would have struggled in a 7 game series, yes. But They were an elite defensive team, but not against the Magic. Their inability to match up with Howard, and their lack of any long perimeter players killed them.

Which says to me they would have gotten killed in the finals, since LA boasts the same kind of match up problems (gasol when he's the 4, also odom) for the cavs.

If i were danny ferry (and i dont know how good this hickson kid is, thats a question for mac, mabey they already have a 4 with the foot speed to cover guys who can stretch the floor) I am selling out for a defensive lock down 4. AV is ok, but he can't defend 4's who can stretch the floor. Lewis and KG make him look the fool.

[Fafnir]

LeBron did his best to advance in the Finals but he was too alone. I give him credit for his effort and amazing plays.

Still, I agree, LeBron clearly lacks respect and fairplay for his opponents, he did the same thing last year after the loss in Boston. I can understand that he is frustrated, mad, etc, but at least you can show some respect to your opponent... he didn't say anything to the Magic players, he just walked off the court, head down. Kobe did hug the Celtics even after getting crushed in game 6.

Just another reason to make me dislike LeBron, the "character" as opposed to the player. Arrogant and disrespectful.

I agree with you except the "too alone" part in the first sentence.  Cleveland has some solid role players and a deeper bench than Boston did.

The problem is, it's hard for those role players to do anything when a certain someone dribbles 20 seconds off the clock before hoisting up some garbage shot.  His "team"mates truly are witnesses.

Where amazing happens...

come on man, are you seriously going to contend that the cavs other players showed up this series?

Outside of AV, who had 2 ok games, all their vaunted three point shooting couldn't hit the broadside of a barn, and they made absolutely no plays when they had the chance.

all year i was of the opinion that once they faced a good defensive team in the playoffs (and the magic are the best) that could force the role players they have to try to win it, they would fail.

That team needs a second star, not a fake all star like mo Williams.

Delonte West showed up for most of the series. He had to guard much bigger players and did a good job of it overall. He was also the best of all the Cavs offensively, other than LeBron.

I'll give D west his due, he did what he could, but IMO, until that team gets a legit secondary threat (and mo aint it, he is a good PG for that team, but they need a talented secondary go to star) they aren't going anywhere once they face good defensive teams.

As much as i don't like them, I'm glad the magic advanced from a beat LA prospective. I think LA would have found it very easy to make Clev's role players beat them, and it wouldn't have happened.

At least the magic have a dominate big man and several legit threats (turk, lewis) to back him up.

I disagree that they couldn't have won it this year. Against elite defensive teams they would have struggled in a 7 game series, yes. But They were an elite defensive team, but not against the Magic. Their inability to match up with Howard, and their lack of any long perimeter players killed them.

Which says to me they would have gotten killed in the finals, since LA boasts the same kind of match up problems (gasol when he's the 4, also odom) for the cavs.

If i were danny ferry (and i dont know how good this hickson kid is, thats a question for mac, mabey they already have a 4 with the foot speed to cover guys who can stretch the floor) I am selling out for a defensive lock down 4. AV is ok, but he can't defend 4's who can stretch the floor. Lewis and KG make him look the fool.

Gasol is a tough cover, but he's not the match up problem that Howard is. You don't need nearly as much strength to cover him. AV/Ben/Smith or even Z would have had a much easier time. Odom would have been a problem though, if he showed up at all.

[jv_squad]

This isn't a new practice for Lebron.  He quickly stormed off the court last year against the Celtics without any hugs or handshakes; although, he did stick around for the press conference where he showed a lot of class. 

Personally I feel bad for the guy after he had such an amazing season. I can understand his not wanting to stick around after it all ended so quickly. 

I thought the Pistons were classless when they walked off the court in 1991 against the Bulls.  Of course, that was even before the game was over if, I recall...

[MMacOH]

Cavs would have fared much better against the Lakers.  Lewis and Hedo are very tall and stretch the floor beyond the 3 point line.  Gasol doesn't pose that same problem.  

The Cavs tried the approach of make Rafer beat you to win and that is what he did for the first 4 games.  You have to give the Magic credit in this series.  They shot better than 40% from 3 (I believe they were much closer to 50% in their wins) and Howard shot 75% from the line.  The Magic were playing basketball at their peak level.  They can roll any team in the league when they are playing that way...just look at game 7 in Boston.  

As for Hickson, he is still loaded woth potential but that is it for right now.  He was injured near the end of the year so it is hard to get a good read on him yet.  He is very young though and has the ablity to become a year in and year out all star if he focuses and puts the work in.  This offseason will give the Cavs are very good look at what type of player he is