More Thoughts from Egypt: LeBron James Continues To Make Errors in Judgement

By Salma Mahmoud

After the recent back to back losses by the Cavaliers, for the second time this season, I was totally frustrated and disappointed. And as I suffer from low blood pressure, I decided to calm myself down by staying in bed and trying to remember the good memories of the team, just to feel happy, even for a while.

Cleveland began their 2008-09 season at 1-2, losing to the Celtics and the Hornets. However, they finished out November with a 13-2 record. They were second in league, tied with the Lakers at 39-9.We were all witnesses to LeBron’s exploits on the court. King James’ numbers were simply unbelievable.

He finished the season posting career-highs in field goal percentage and free throw shooting – 48.9% and 78%, respectively. LBJ was the only player in the NBA to average at least 1.5 steals, 1 block, and 1.5 three-balls per game.

Not forgetting he scored 52 points at Madison Square Garden, adding 11 assists and 10 rebounds. He became the first player since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (in 1975) to have a triple double while also scoring 50+ points.

Moreover coach Brown had done fine job in directing the Cavs. His commitment to defense had made the Cavaliers better than their talent indicated, but last season, when LeBron was finally surrounded by a supporting cast, Brown led his team to 66 wins. He has been named the “Red Auerbach Coach of the Year” in 2009.

Brown directed the Cavaliers to an NBA and franchise-best 66-16 (.805) record. With the 66 victories, Cleveland became just the 12th team in NBA history to win 66 or more games in a season. The Cavaliers also posted a 39-2 (.951) record at The Q, which tied for the second-best home record in league history. Their 27-14 (.659) road record tied for the second-best road record in the league this season.

Remembering  all that made me recognize why LeBron announced he will participate in the 2010 Slam Dunk Contest, when said to Cheryl Miller: “Right now I am preliminarily putting my name in the 2010 contest Saturday night.”

At that moment, I believe, not just his fans but most of the NBA fans were thrilled, because with LeBron’s participation there is a big chance players like Dwyane Wade might also consider participating. Wade and LeBron added to the dunk roster will make 2010 dunk contest (arguably) one of the greatest contests in All-Star history.

In 2008-09, the Cavs were a locomotive at full steam until put to a screeching halt by Superman and the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals.

To the surprise of the media and fans, the Cavs wheels of fortune turned around and it was thwarting. Unfortunately,for the Cavaliers, the season ended with a dunk in the face, a defensive collapse and a total breakdown of what made them the league’s best team in the regular season.

In game six, the Cavs’ will was broken, it’s confidence slammed by Dwight Howard scoring inside and the perimeter play of the Magic proved to be too much for the Cavs.

After they were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals, LeBron James left the court without the ritualistic hand shake following a hard fought series. He also refused to speak to reporters after the game. Not surprisingly, several sports columnists lost their minds, saying that LeBron was unsportsmanlike.

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“LeBron should be better than that. He said he e-mailed Dwight Howard after the game. Howard deserved better than that, Orlando deserved better and next time, LeBron James should do better.”

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(Courtesy of   msn.foxsports.com )

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Mahmoud covers the NBA for North Station Sports. Mahmoud is a Cavs fan (ouch) and offers a unique perspective of the Celtics rival from her home country of Egypt.