Papabear Says

Cavs Owner: LeBron Leaving Is A One-In-A-Million Chance

Apr 01, 2009 4:09 PM EST From The Real GM
Cavaliers' owner Dan Gilbert conducted a candid interview with the Plain Dealer this week and touched on the possibility of LeBron James leaving Cleveland in 2010.
"The truth is, I just don't even think of that that way," said Gilbert when asked what he thinks his franchise would be worth without James. "This is a long-term investment. We want to make the Cleveland Cavaliers a perennial champion and contender. We want people to be part of the franchise for long periods of time if they fit our culture, no matter who they are, whether it's LeBron or anybody that contributes.
"I haven't really gone through and literally said that if our superstar weren't to be here what would [the franchise value] be the next day because in the one-in-a-million chance that that would happen, that wouldn't be the time you would be evaluating that anyway."
Gilbert also touched on how the franchise is run and why it will remain an attractive place for James.
"Everything's philosophically driven. We just say, 'Look, if we can create the best environment, the best franchise, a winning franchise in a city that I think loves its sports teams, then we're in the best chance and opportunity to not only keep our greatest people but to attract others.' . . . To me, it'll take care of itself."

PS Lebron is staying in Cleveland!! Let't put this to rest.

At best its a long shot.

Best thing is for The cavs to win this year and next.

Why? The only place would be to go down from there.

Lebron can say he wants new challanges and has lived his whole life in Ohio and wants a change. A "nothing personal" kind of thing.

I'll take a mil to one odds on that bet!

I don't know where Gilberts business is these days and how far over the cap he can go before it really hurts.

If IM trying to sell season tix for next year I say everything positive. Lebron is going to do the same so nothing that comes out of his mouth or Gilberts is valid until he signs an extension.

Some say Lebron-to-NY is a given. Others say "not in a million years. Guess that happens when NO ONE HAS A FREAKING CLUE BECAUSE THERE IS MORE THAN A YEAR LEFT TO FIND OUT!

And to think there will be a hundred more articles claiming to know what Lebron will do.

Who FREAKING cares? The Knicks have more important issues, like finishing the season bad enough to get a nice pick and then using it the right way. And thats only the start.

Posted by Bonn1997:

Posted by SupremeCommander:

What were his Carlos-Boozer-leaving odds?

Exactly

yeah, if its "one-in-a-million-" why the hell hasnt he signed? What's the hold up?

Gilbert, or whatever his name is, is just trying to quell the rumors and mitigate the distraction at this point --- that statement of his is complete b.s and he knows it.

I'm not saying he's definitely coming or anything, but the odds are certainly better than a million to one.