Zach Baker is still holding out hope that Lebron James will be the man to save the Cavs -- and Cleveland pride.
By Zack Baker
210 west Writer [send email]
One week does not a career make.
But as the Monkees (ugh) once sang, “I’m a Believer.”
For two consecutive evenings, I stayed up watching the Cavaliers, or as
they may be called for the next few years, “Lebron’s team.”
After this, I have come up with a few conclusions:
- James is the most exciting thing to happen to Cleveland since the mayor set his hair on fire.
- There is nothing that this guy can’t do on the court. He can shoot,
pass and steal. He struggles with free throws, but that’s the equivalent of
seeing Jennifer Aniston and telling her she has chubby ankles.
The point is this. The Cavaliers will get really good, really fast. The
only thing that will derail James is an injury, which as a Cleveland fan, I
am expecting at any moment.
It’s not supposed to be like this for us, and every fan knows it.
I called up my best friend during the first Cavs game, and we were
laughing hysterically the entire conversation: “How did this happen?”
Cleveland has never really had a bona fide superstar in my lifetime.
Albert Belle could have been, but his temper and sometimes inconsistent
defense prevented it.
Roberto Alomar was the best player I have ever seen in a Cleveland
uniform (in any sport), but he seemed disdainful of the spotlight, and took a
low profile upon his arrival. (I still screamed in rage when the Indians
traded him. I will never forgive Indians management for it.)
Shawn Kemp could have been a superstar had he stayed away from Taco
Bell.
Andre Rison … oh never mind.
Added to the hype of Lebron is the fact that he is from Akron, making
him a virtual hometown hero. James could be to the Cleveland sports scene
this decade what Bruce Springsteen was to rock and roll in the 1970s.
A lot of pressure for an 18-year old, no?
There are men and women who at the age of 30 couldn’t handle such
pressure.
For Cleveland’s sake, for Lebron’s sake, I hope he can.
Forgive me for dreaming of championship banners in a packed Gund Arena.
I’m a believer.