I've already stated that Dan Gilbert's "letter" was one of the dumbest moves an NBA owner has ever made, but if you haven't seen just how idiotic he sounds, here's your chance. Here are some of the highlights from the "letter" Cavalier's owner Dan Gilbert sent to the media last night:
-- "You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.": After the display put on last night by the city of Cleveland, I don't feel even remotely bad for the city. I feel bad for the individuals who didn't make fools of themselves and were genuinely hurt by the decision. I don't feel bad for the people out burning LeBron merchandise and whining about being "betrayed" while stumbling drunk through downtown, and especially not for Dan Gilbert. He had plenty of opportunities to bring in players that showed up and contributed when it mattered, but he failed. While every other team in serious contention to land LeBron made moves to accommodate him, Gilbert did nothing. -- "I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER 'KING' WINS ONE": Yes, he typed this in all caps. And yes, he really did say that. If Gilbert thinks he's even guarenteed a playoff berth without LeBron, he's mistaken. With Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison leading your team, don't expect to make it too far, Dan. After this horrible excuse for a "letter", no free agent is coming to this franchise to only be blasted for moving on after they give the team everything they have. Not only does this make Gilbert look arrogant, it's going to progressively look worse with every title James picks up before the Cavaliers.
-- "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.": So let me get this straight: You have more motivation to win without the best player in the history of your franchise than you had with him? What exactly is Gilbert going to do with his new "motivation"? Is he going to go out and sign Richard Jefferson to replace the greatest player your franchise has ever seen? Could he put together a deal to acquire Al Jefferson, since Minnesota now appears willing to move him for anything? That's pretty much the best case scenario for Dan Gilbert and Cav's fans, so good luck getting that championship before LeBron.
-- "Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.": And what do you call the past seven years he spent for your franchise trying to win a title with almost zero help? Now he has the chance to form the best trio in NBA history, one that makes his pairing with Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison look like a death sentence comparatively. While Williams and Jamison are solid players, they aren't going to bring you a championship when they are your second and third best players. However, Dan Gilbert likes his odds with them as his first and second best players on the team. I'm pretty sure LeBron paid his dues to put himself in the best situation to win. It's not his fault Miami offered a much more intriguing situation than Gilbert could provide.
-- "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.": Was Dan Gilbert sober when he wrote this "letter"? I honestly doubt the "basketball gods" could care less about the city of Cleveland. Sports curses don't switch cities with players, just ask Chicago Cubs fans. In Cleveland's case, it's not even a curse. It's just a combination of poor ownership and being stuck in a small market (compared to other major cities). If Cleveland couldn't land any superstars to pair with one of the greatest players in NBA history, why would things be any better without LeBron? I don't see Cleveland enticing Carmelo Anthony to sign next summer with the promise of playing alongside Mo Williams.
