J.R. Smith’s monumental gaffe in Game 1 of the Finals was probably the nail in the coffin for the Cleveland Cavaliers — and LeBron James. The Philadelphia 76ers should be the favorites to land James as a free agent this summer and here’s why.
Cleveland was 4.5 seconds away from winning Game 1 at Golden State, and more importantly building confidence against the Warriors in this series. Then the wheels fall off the wagon. George Hill, an 80 percent foul shooter, misses the second free throw that would have given the Cavaliers a one-point lead.
The Cavs’ J.R. Smith grabbed the rebound and inexplicably dribbled away from the basket in an attempt to run out the clock. By the time Smith realized the game was tied, it was too late for Cleveland to get a good shot and the game went into overtime.
One look at LeBron James on the bench waiting for the overtime told the story. James knew his Cavilers had a small window to close out Game 1 and they couldn’t close it. J.R. Smith made a mistake that most junior high school basketball players couldn’t fathom making. Golden State realizing that they were let off the hook, took advantage and blew out Cleveland in overtime.
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The numbers don’t lie — Cleveland will now have to beat Golden State four out of six games to win the title and that is probably not going to happen. LeBron James will be a free agent this summer and it’s this writer’s opinion that, unless the Philadelphia 76ers screw up by keeping Bryan Colangelo, LeBron James should become a 76er.
THE EVALUATION PROCESS
What is most important to LeBron James is his legacy. Winning championships is certainly part of the legacy-building process, however James has a streak going that is extremely impressive — playing in the Finals for eight consecutive years.
James will only go to a team ready to win now. If James goes to west to the Lakers or Houston, he’ll still have to get through Golden State to get to the Finals. In addition, the perception would be James is leaving Cleveland to form a superteam similar to Miami, which won’t go over well with the casual NBA fan.
Staying in the Eastern Conference is an easier path to the Finals. James certainly would not go to Boston or Toronto, which leaves only Philadelphia as a team ready to win now.
Frankly, James staying in Cleveland at this point isn’t likely even if the Cavilers look to “retool” in the offseason for another run. James probably has a tough time just looking at J.R. Smith, let alone playing with him yet another season.
Both Korver and Hill are older and Kevin Love is injury-prone. Tristan Thompson is more of a distraction than anything else.
James’ relationship with Cavilers owner Dan Gilbert is fractured and James has said that he will not be discussing player personnel with Cleveland management this summer, which translates to “I may be leaving”.
If James came to Philadelphia, he could take on the role as “mentor” to the young Sixers and more importantly hold both Simmons and Embiid accountable when their play gets sloppy. James would not be required to play 35 plus minutes per night and could step up when necessary.
Adding James to the 76ers all but guarantees Philadelphia at worst a conference finals showdown with Boston and probable first championship series showing since the ’01 A.I. team.
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Why don’t we take some billboards out in Cleveland that state “THANK YOU J.R.” with a Sixers logo underneath. That should go over big.