Split Decision: How Dan Gilbert Should Have Handled LeBron James

Watching the LeBron-fest last week and reading the childish words of Dan Gilbert that followed, it is tempting to write both off as complete hopeless egomaniacs. Perhaps that is true, but the fans of Cleveland deserved a better message.

Here is my attempt followed by the real letter.

A Suggested letter:

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Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, LeBron James has decided to “take his talents to South Beach.” While he will be missed and we wish him well, we will continue to work toward bringing the NBA championship to Cleveland.

Before we move on, let me now express my own disappointment and four reasons why so many of us feel such a deep sense of betrayal.

1. Was it necessary to make a spectacle of rejecting Cleveland? LeBron is from here and knows how much pride we have in our teams and homegrown players. The spectacle last night, by design, had one winner and one loser (and a few disappointed hopefuls). The pain LeBron brought to his hometown by this narcissistic display should have been obvious to him. It was a shameful display, but it does make it easier on us to catch a glimpse of his character, putting his own desire for attention blindly ahead of those of his former neighbors, fans, and supporters.

2. Leave, but leave something behind. By all appearances, LeBron made his decision to leave Cleveland some time ago, perhaps as far back as the Olympic Games in China. If Cleveland didn’t have what he needed to satisfy him—even though the deal we offered would have paid him $30 million more than the deal he signed—why not agree to a sign and trade so the Cavaliers would get something in return? Leaving nothing but memories behind inflicts the most pain possible on Cavalier fans.

3. If LeBron was ever interested in staying, why not work toward building a winner here? If LeBron would have committed to Cleveland, it would have sent a signal that would have attracted top free agents. Having one foot in and one foot out sent a signal of uncertainty that left us all in limbo.

4. The “King” never reached the throne and never will. While it is possible, perhaps likely, that the all-star team being assembled in Miami will win one or more championships, LeBron would be but one actor in the performance—not the lead. The great players have teams built around them. Jordan. Magic. Bird. Kobe. Duncan/Robinson. Russell. Olajuwan/Drexler. Erving. Isiah. All built championships where they were drafted (in the case of Dr. J., his first NBA team after the merger) and all overcame tremendous obstacles. While LA and Boston are traditional champions, both were down when their key players were drafted. San Antonio, Houston, Detroit, and Chicago were far from synonymous with championships before their “King” came on the scene. LeBron never reached that level and, now, never will. It is unfortunate for him, despite his many talents, and unfortunate for those of us who believed in him. Perhaps he has found a shortcut to a championship, and, if so, perhaps he will find there are no shortcuts to being an immortal champion.

My deepest thanks to the loyal Cavalier fans for your support and please know that we are in this with you. There is disappointment now, but brighter days are ahead. Our goal of a championship has not changed and we will not waver in our pursuit.

Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

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The real Dan Gilbert Letter:

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Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his “decision” unlike anything ever “witnessed” in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

“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.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our “motivation” to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that’s simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown “chosen one” sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And “who” we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called “curse” on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former “King” will be taking the “curse” with him down south. And until he does “right” by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day….

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue….

Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers

 

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This article is from the blog: Pokelahoma

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