LeBron James’ decision to re-join the Cleveland Cavaliers has sent shockwaves across the NBA and drawn an outpouring of reaction from around the league.
Much of the response has been supportive of James and chief among those who are happiest to see the four-time MVP come home have, understandably, been members of the Cavaliers.
“First and foremost I’m happy for LeBron, because he made a very difficult decision,” said new Cleveland head coach David Blatt after his team’s 70-68 win in the Las Vegas Summer League on Friday.
“Obviously he made a decision from the heart more than anything else and I respect him for it and I’m joyful for it.
“Second of all, for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the state of Ohio – if you were around Cleveland today you would understand what I’m talking about – he just lifted a whole state by himself.
“When I learned about it, I wasn’t altogether surprised, particularly after reading what LeBron wrote, which was heartfelt and so indicative of the kind of person that he is; that just made it all the sweeter. I thought ‘I’m going to have an awfully good seat to watch the best player in the world play this year.’”
Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, whose famous letter following LeBron’s decision to leave Cleveland for the Miami Heat in 2010 called James a “coward”, took to Twitter to welcome him back.
“Welcome Home @kingjames,” tweeted Gilbert. “I am excited for the fans and people of Cleveland and Ohio. No fans and people deserve a winner more than them.”
Point guard Kyrie Irving and power forward Tristan Thompson also stated their excitement after receiving the news that James would join them.
“Welcome home @KingJames,” wrote Irving.
“Welcome back bro. Your city awaits you,” tweeted Thompson.
Meanwhile, the tone was much more sombre at Miami’s end. Team president Pat Riley, who had met with James in Las Vegas in an attempt to keep him with the Heat, expressed his disappointment in losing LeBron but remained steadfast in his belief that the franchise would remain competitive.
“While I am disappointed by LeBron’s decision to leave Miami, no one can fault another person for wanting to return home,” Riley wrote in an official statement.
“The last four years have been an incredible run for South Florida, Heat fans, our organisation and for all of the players who were a part of it. LeBron is a fantastic leader, athlete, team-mate and person, and we are all sorry to see him go.
“Over the last 19 years, since Micky [Arison] and I teamed together, the Miami Heat has always been a championship organisation; we’ve won multiple championships and competed for many others. Micky, Erik [Spoelstra] and I remain committed to doing whatever it takes to win and compete for championships for many years to come. We’ve proven that we can do it and we’ll do it again.”
Heat owner Arison wrote on Twitter: “I am shocked & disappointed in today’s news. However I will never forget what LeBron brought us for 4 years. Thanks for memories @KingJames.”
The Heat do appear to be retaining their two other franchise pillars in Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.
Bosh has agreed to a max contract with Miami, worth up to $118 million (Dh433.42 million) over five years. The power forward was also mulling over an offer from the Houston Rockets, but the deal was capped at four years and $88 million (Dh323.22 million) due to the collective bargaining agreement which favours teams wanting to retain their players.
Wade is also expected to re-sign with the Heat but has received interest from his hometown Chicago Bulls. The shooting guard has played his entire career with Miami after being drafted in the same class as James and Bosh in 2003.
After winning two championships and reaching four NBA Finals with Miami, James will turn his attention on vaulting the Cavaliers from the depths of the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland finished with a 33-49 record last season and won the NBA Draft Lottery for the third time in four years.
James will try to lead the Cavs to their first title in team history, as well as the first championship the city of Cleveland has seen in any sport since 1964.
