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By George M. Thomas
Beacon Journal staff writer
POSTED: 09:42 p.m. EST, Nov 11, 2009
ORLANDO, FLA.: To some it might sound like noise, but to Cavaliers fans, it will be music to their ears.
LeBron James put a moratorium on talk of his impending free agency in the summer of 2010.
''I think, honestly, this free-agent talk is getting old,'' James said prior to Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic. ''It's getting old and I think it's probably the last time I answer anymore free-agent questions until the offseason.''
James' future has been the object of speculation for more than two years.
In New York, fans at Madison Square Garden encouraged him to make the leap to the Knicks.
The media asked the question — and rightly so — in multiple ways hoping to get some feel for what James will do for the next stage in his career. He will likely be the most sought after athlete in the history of the NBA.
James' response, which came after a couple of seconds pondering a question regarding whether he wanted to play with the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade, sounded as if it came more out of exasperation than anything else.
It also sounded definitive.
''I think I owe it to my teammates. I owe it to myself. It's just getting old,'' he said. ''I'm focusing on this season. This is going to be a really good season for us and I don't want to have distractions to my teammates, to my organization, to myself and to my family.''
West inactive
Delonte West made a surprise appearance on the inactive list for Wednesday's game against the Magic.
West, who has faced myriad issues this season, including dealing with his bipolar disorder and weapons charges from before the season started, was held out because he missed the team flight, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The Cavs didn't discuss the matter in detail, but said the move is part of the process to ensure West remains accountable for his actions.
West's return to the Cavs has been rocky at best. He's averaging 5.5 points since returning against the Charlotte Bobcats on Halloween night, when he was welcomed back warmly by the fans and scored 13 points.
Moon over Miami
Despite the fact that the Heat decided not to retain his services during the offseason, Jamario Moon said he's returning to American Airlines Arena with nothing but respect for his old team.
''They treated me nicely in Miami. It's just when free agency comes up, it's just a matter of the financial situation,'' he said.
''I guess they didn't have the money to sign me back, that's why I ended up in Cleveland.''
Still, Moon said he'll be looking to show his old team what it is missing.
''Every time you go against your old team, you want to play good,'' he said, ''and you want to make it competitive, so it's going to be fun to play those guys.''
George M. Thomas can be reached at sportswriterabj@sbcglobal.net. Read the Cavs blog at http://www.ohio.com/thomas. Follow Cavs coverage on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cavsabj and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CavsABJ
ORLANDO, FLA.: To some it might sound like noise, but to Cavaliers fans, it will be music to their ears.
LeBron James put a moratorium on talk of his impending free agency in the summer of 2010.
''I think, honestly, this free-agent talk is getting old,'' James said prior to Wednesday's game against the Orlando Magic. ''It's getting old and I think it's probably the last time I answer anymore free-agent questions until the offseason.''
James' future has been the object of speculation for more than two years.
In New York, fans at Madison Square Garden encouraged him to make the leap to the Knicks.
The media asked the question — and rightly so — in multiple ways hoping to get some feel for what James will do for the next stage in his career. He will likely be the most sought after athlete in the history of the NBA.
James' response, which came after a couple of seconds pondering a question regarding whether he wanted to play with the Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade, sounded as if it came more out of exasperation than anything else.
It also sounded definitive.
''I think I owe it to my teammates. I owe it to myself. It's just getting old,'' he said. ''I'm focusing on this season. This is going to be a really good season for us and I don't want to have distractions to my teammates, to my organization, to myself and to my family.''
West inactive
Delonte West made a surprise appearance on the inactive list for Wednesday's game against the Magic.
West, who has faced myriad issues this season, including dealing with his bipolar disorder and weapons charges from before the season started, was held out because he missed the team flight, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The Cavs didn't discuss the matter in detail, but said the move is part of the process to ensure West remains accountable for his actions.
West's return to the Cavs has been rocky at best. He's averaging 5.5 points since returning against the Charlotte Bobcats on Halloween night, when he was welcomed back warmly by the fans and scored 13 points.
Moon over Miami
Despite the fact that the Heat decided not to retain his services during the offseason, Jamario Moon said he's returning to American Airlines Arena with nothing but respect for his old team.
''They treated me nicely in Miami. It's just when free agency comes up, it's just a matter of the financial situation,'' he said.
''I guess they didn't have the money to sign me back, that's why I ended up in Cleveland.''
Still, Moon said he'll be looking to show his old team what it is missing.
''Every time you go against your old team, you want to play good,'' he said, ''and you want to make it competitive, so it's going to be fun to play those guys.''
George M. Thomas can be reached at sportswriterabj@sbcglobal.net. Read the Cavs blog at http://www.ohio.com/thomas. Follow Cavs coverage on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cavsabj and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CavsABJ
Comments
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kjh*ak$jd#fa8!!, OH
Posted 09:58 PM, 11/11/2009
LeBenedict.
Stow, OH
Posted 11:25 PM, 11/11/2009
''I think, honestly, this free-agent talk is getting old,'' I completely agree with LeBron James. I just want to enjoy the basketball.
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:57 AM, 11/12/2009
Translation - I'm gone!
Akron, OH
Posted 08:29 AM, 11/12/2009
How about all the fans shut up about him leaving and be happy he is here and wants to stay here. Show him you want him to stay too. How many times has he said he doesn't want to leave Cleveland? He is building a legacy. When you watch the games you can tell that the entire team is having fun on the court. Some of you are crappy fans and it makes me sick. The Cavs ARE NOT the browns.
Louisville, OH
Posted 09:40 AM, 11/12/2009
Word has it he is honing his "Shaking hands when I lose" skills for now. And I get a HUGE laugh every time I hear about the so-called "suspense" behind this. He's signed, sealed and delivered to the Cavs. He will look back at that as a HUGE mistake in the future. The Knicks need him and he and that team are a perfect fit. It'll be interesting to see how many and what kind of out clauses he has in the contract. If the players union forces him to take the higher dollar amount, HOW is that exercising FREE Agency?
uniontown, oh
Posted 10:44 AM, 11/12/2009
He's got the money! What he wants now is the ring. Yea! He's gone!
Posted 10:59 AM, 11/12/2009
Trade him for 5 #1 draft picks.
Richfield, OH
Posted 11:48 AM, 11/12/2009
This is a non-story. LeBron is going to focus on this year. See where the Cavs are after the season, weigh his options and then make what he deems the best career decision.
Posted 11:59 AM, 11/12/2009
Great decision by Lebron. All this speculation is pointless and I'm glad as a team leader he understands its possible negative impact on the team. Now let's get on with trying to win a ring!
Canton, OH
Posted 12:14 PM, 11/12/2009
good decision by Lebron.
akron, oh
Posted 12:44 PM, 11/12/2009
Here we go again LADRAM LAMES getting more attention. Last time I looked he will get millions to stay and that is what he will do. I think it's pure fiction that hes not all about the money. And looking at his in your face look at me my boys and my money, There is no reason to believe that will change .Just ask the little kids crying about not getting a pair of that elite drama queen's 300$$ sneakers. He loves all of you people crying over him like he is GOD. I wish he would leave maybe his mug wont be seen as much in our every day lives. I can only hope and pray.
new york, ny
Posted 12:47 PM, 11/12/2009
Come on LeBron, NY needs a basketball championship to go with our baseball and superbowl rings. I'm sure arrangements could be made with wealthy locals to fly you back and forth to your mansion in Ohio if that is really a concern. I'd figure space could be found on Long Island for another palatial palace where you could mingle with the elite!! Or just live here on 5th.Ave. It's all good!!!
Willoughby, OH
Posted 12:51 PM, 11/12/2009
empowermentone1, JEALOUS MUCH??
gotta respect James, if we dont win a ring this year he is gone, I think!! but good for him, I would take a job offer somewhere else if its was a better opportunity for me!! wouldnt anyone?? its a job!! he is making more money from nike anyway!!
Wilmington, NC
Posted 12:54 PM, 11/12/2009
The same speculation occurred the first time he became a free agent yet he re-signed, now we go through it all over again. Yes I feel he is leaving and only due to a few simple statements he made not long ago.."I do not care about a max contract, only winning championships." That in and of itself only gives him an out when the time comes. Mark my words he will have some excuse as to why some other team is better suited long term for winning than here in Cleveland. Look, although he was born here and truly has a fondness for his H.S.-Those of us that are from here have a passion so deep that nothing can pull us away from our city and teams...look at Bernie, he did anything possible to play for his beloved city/team-win or lose he never would had left. Bron-another era another man..he reminds me of my H.S friend who being from here, always rooted for the more glamorous/winning team...oh one more thing he said, "no matter where I go, we'll win" say goodbye Cleveland to the Turncoat...and watch as he wins multiple rings in either N.J or N.Y. it is just so...this is how things go round here. Sad! And Dude-you are sad to allow those that worship you left hangin as you have already a nucleus and owner in place that gives you ever much a chance to win years to come as any other. You just stick your fingers in your ears and go, 'blah, blah ,blah, I ain't listenin!! Have fun and cannot wait to boo you louder than any other in the history of Cleveland sports.
akron, oh
Posted 01:08 PM, 11/12/2009
yea.. the more you are quiet about something the more it will happen. another question--saw a story that lebron said winning is more important than money--so why is he playing for big bucks? so if there is cap on a contract guess he won't really worry about $$ as long as he can win in NY. (hint didn't see this story in ABJ)
Akron, Oh
Posted 01:36 PM, 11/12/2009
Good call by the King of Akron...get over Big Apple, he ain't coming to NY..Knicks sorriest Sports Franchise in America, right behind the Browns & Raiders...
new york, ny
Posted 01:59 PM, 11/12/2009
and Indians....
Posted 04:37 PM, 11/12/2009
Chances Lebron will leave for the Knicks? ZERO. Are telling me that he'll leave to go to a LAST PLACE, DO NOTHING team and start over? He'll be retired by the time he starts winning championships.
But Lebron in a Magic uniform? Hmmmmm....
akron, oh
Posted 05:31 PM, 11/12/2009
lebron is leaving we all know it, and cleveland will return to the great mistake on the lake. then we can stink up the nba like we do the mlb and nfl sports we have to watch. good luck in ny bron hope you win several rings.
naples, fl
Posted 06:05 PM, 11/12/2009
Will Smith said it best. Welcome to Miami. No state tax or local tax. I agree he is going south. Orlando or Miami.
Hiram, GA
Posted 06:23 PM, 11/12/2009
Gee, once he leaves, we get to fawn all over again on the Indians and Browns. WOW!
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 07:06 PM, 11/12/2009
Heres a real simple way not to worry about it,Pay him what he'll get somewhere else.
Firestone Park - Akron, OH
Posted 07:48 PM, 11/12/2009
Why would he go to NY? So he can reunite with Larry Hughes? Bwa-ha.....verrry interesting.
If he does leave he will be second only to Art Modell who people will vilify around here. Might as well sell the palace off Rt. 18 then. He'll also be booed if he returns to STV-STM or the JAR to watch any games. Sad but true.
Richfield, OH
Posted 11:40 PM, 11/12/2009
Texas has low taxes.
Posted 04:16 PM, 11/13/2009
If Lebron leaves he will be villified even more than Modell. Modell was never beloved and was always like a sleezy car salesman. But Lebron has been our favorite son for years so his leaving will leave a very bitter taste and he will be hated here by most people for a long, long time. Especially if he doesn't win a title before leaving this year.
