The Sixer Sense
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Worst Gets to Know First: A Cleveland Cavaliers Discussion

By Josh Wilson

Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O
Jun 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with the Larry O /
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Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Jones celebrates during the NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Jones celebrates during the NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Okay, last question. The Cavaliers currently have James Jones and Chris Andersen on their roster, both players that were on the roster during James’ reign with the Miami Heat. Is this at all weird for Cavs fans, to be reminded of the time that he ditched Northeastern Ohio for South Beach, or is that crazy thinking?

Rakos:

"That’s an interesting question and I actually never thought of it that way. I never saw James Jones as a reminder of that tough time as a Clevelander when LeBron left. I just look at him as LeBron’s great friend, as well as an incredible teammate, leader and veteran presence that has helped the younger guys grow and overall has helped the Cavs come together. Similarly, I don’t think of Miami when I see Chris Anderson. I see another veteran with championship experience and a much-needed enforcer for the team. In general, I think there’s a lot of misconception out there about Clevelanders and their feelings about LeBron leaving. I would say most of the people I know or talk to agree with me that, even though it broke our hearts, we understand why LeBron left and wish he hadn’t left in that way, but are just happy he came home."

Ferguson:

"The only way I can really judge this is based off of my friends from Cleveland, where I grew up. Everything I’ve gathered on social media and from talking with people leads me to believe that LeBron leaving is an afterthought. His decision to return to Cleveland eased a lot of that pain from when he left, especially by making it to the NBA Finals in his first season back. Now that he’s won a championship in Cleveland, there’s no shot that this brings back anything negative. Besides, Cavs fans love Champ and he has a great relationship with LeBron."

Next: What Makes Joel Embiid Special?

Again, big thanks to King James Gospel and Mikaela Rakos for talking Cavs and Sixers with us. For two teams that were so far apart in ultimate success last year, we sure covered a lot of ground!