All my Facebook memories in 2010 show proof of me straight-up trashing the guy. However, I spoke of this in a previous article and it proves even more true after the Cleveland Browns quarterback being officially named.

LeBron had validity.

What do I mean by that?

Well, the teams he carried throughout his first seven years of his career in Cleveland did not have much help. The ownership did nothing to allow him to become a true competitor and honestly, him carrying the 2007 Cavs to The Finals against the San Antonio Spurs should get the man an award of some sort with that terrible help.

Even so, at the time, obviously no one knew he’d come back and 2016 would happen with him coming through on a promise he made for Cleveland.

I never thought, in regards to sports and specifically in The Land, the pure hatred of a player or even a person just involved somehow would be more profound. Now it’s even disgust of the Browns themselves, because of this Deshaun Watson decision. What an absolutely stupid choice with no validity being made and so many reasons why this shouldn’t happen.

However, with LeBron, everyone hated him so much cause they certainly still wanted him leading the team. With Watson, this proved it’s exactly the opposite and the fans hate him so much because of his alleged past history, the waste of extremely high contract money, his straight-up horrific play on the field, his injuries and those comments he made against the fans of his team that should never have been made.

So, this is not like we’ve seen many times in sports. Where a player is not the most righteous man with his behavior, but despite that, the fans still love him because he is actually good at what he does on the field/court. Watson not only is a waste of so much money, but also failed to stay healthy and, worst of all, is straight-up not good when he does play.

LeBron was the exact opposite. Recently, I’ve spoken of how much I admire how LeBron carries himself as a person. Certainly, I didn’t love his recent team-choosing golf outing rage bait this basketball offseason. However, at least random women aren’t accusing him of terrible crimes.

Back in 2010, sure, social media existed. I posted on Facebook as a teenager and voiced my opinions. Now, with things such as Twitter X and such, it’s incredible to see just how much is out there, honestly. Looking around, I have never seen such blatant hatred for a man with valid justification as to why. LeBron was actually smart to go to Miami and it was just hard for us fans to admit that was the truth and he did prove it over the years.

But this is the worst part of it all. It wasn’t Watson’s choice, but the coaching staff and ownership that picked him, completely ignoring the fans’ views on the now-starter.

I honestly would not blame anyone for boycotting the Browns. I even saw people requesting suggestions on a different team to root for… Now, I will continue to root for the Browns and this isn’t trying to put myself on a high horse. Even when LeBron left, I still rooted for a Cavs team that was absolutely terrible without him.

But never in my life would I actually accept a person’s true idea of switching teams or just not caring. With this move by the Browns and its lack of validity, I am not surprised that a portion of a fan base of people likely loyal since they were born is so disgusted by this decision that they are willing to change their entire set of values when it comes to NFL Football.

As I said before, this is a 99-1 issue. Where very, very few fans have any means of defense for why it happened.

I am still in shock that this is how the lead-up to the season occurred. Still, I understand why I hated LeBron, but at least he had validity for his choice. Currently in Cleveland, it ceases to exist.

The post Deshaun Watson Vs. 2010 LeBron – This HUGE Difference appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .

My parents and brothers every day tell me, “That’s an excuse.” So I’m used to the phrase. However, on a much different note, there were even excuses for LeBron James leaving Cleveland to join forces in Miami with the Heat.

Sure, at the time, it was the biggest transformation from love to hate that I have ever seen. I always say, be thankful LeBron decided to return to Cleveland after the city treated him for much of the four years after.

The quote that Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson said in the second preseason press conference that triggered all fans is, “It has nothing to do with the performance. It’s a little bit personal. I think that’s a disrespectful thing. I’m going to keep whatever I feel with me and my family internally on how I feel about that. Just move on.”

I still can’t believe he let himself slip and admit his hatred for Browns fans that certainly reciprocate the feelings back to him. What’s even crazier is he has absolutely no excuses as LeBron did.

-LeBron was amazing all of his time in Cleveland to start his career.

-LeBron truly did not have a supporting cast to win the title.

-LeBron didn’t do anything allegicly illegal that made fans hate him.

—

You know with politics, people will say, “Oh, that’s an 80-20 issue.” This means 80% of all people agree. Well, I’m starting to think dislike and hatred for Deshaun Watson is a 99-1 issue. This means that there really aren’t any excuses for him to be liked still.

-First, there are those terrible allegations against him that people already disliked him because they came out.

-Next, he has been absolutely terrible when playing quarterback for the Browns.

-Additionally his contract is five years, 230 million dollars.

—

Now, this isn’t necessarily on him in getting hurt and missing over an entire season, but it is till a fact that it happened causing him to be useless, of course…

We all remember when LeBron returned back to Cleveland for the first time from Miami and that was absolutely wild. I think the hatred for Deshaun is going to be worse and the craziest part is he still is on the team everyone loves. That’s the difference between this and the LeBron hate.

Unlike Lebron, I don’t see a future of winning for Deshaun and he needs to leave by getting cut. I literally posted the idea of wondering iy fans possibly will be boycatting going to games or even not watching the team or buying merchandise because of this situation.

The Browns host the Patriots in the final preseason week this Thursday at 8pm. Yes, it is in Cleveland. I really wouldn’t be surprised if his reception is almost as bad as the LeBron return many years ago.

Scrolling through social media is insane just seeing the absolute vile and authentic hatred for Watson without anyone defending what he’s done or said. LeBron had his people that said the Cavs didn’t do its part. While ignored by most, it had its validity.

This one does not.

The post Deshaun Watson: The 2010 LeBron James Hate Wasn’t Even Like This appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .

It probably has its perks, but also the realization that not only are you older, but you have to find ways to fill the gaps in life. I, personally, am not at that stage but have had unique “circumstances,” we’ll say, that make me feel in a lot of ways what that type of life is…

Both Nick Chubb and LeBron James were/are both incredible players on Cleveland teams. Nothing about personality and respect, but purely play.

I wrote an article a while ago with the argument that maybe this LeBron delay to his announcement was representing him planning a retirement. While he did say in his written diatribe that he “thought he was done,” but that obviously changed with the 76ers signing; it shows the thinking was there…

Anyway, I’ve always loved Chubb for how straight up and mellow he is as a person despite his greatness in his sport for the Browns. He knew this was the time to retire and simply posted something authentic to end his career. The love for Chubb is not just me; it was displayed throughout the entire social media sphere and has been that way throughout his entire career.

LeBron. Chubb knew when it was time. What exactly are you doing here?

If you win a championship in Philly, every fan calls you a ring-chaser.

The only reasonable move I saw was the “storybook” return to Cleveland for a final run before hanging it up.

I understand playing basketball for you is part of simply the love for the game, but you yourself made it out to be for the best opportunity to win. This move pissed off the entire City of Cleveland and changes your legacy for life, even with some personal forgiveness from me, mainly due to the 2016 NBA Finals win.

Nick Chubb simply said it’s time to move on. I did what I can. I’m not making a huge show about this, but being straight up and authentic about my choice and ending my play. My big question about this quiet guy is if he’ll want to be on some broadcast for future games or an analysis on a network.

Nick, I should be like you and just stay quiet and normal. My parents and brothers would certainly agree.

Anyway, thanks for being one of my favorite players in my life for the Cleveland Browns. Your play was so incredible, but the way you carried yourself was even more admirable. I hope to see you contributing in the city within your means. I know you will be welcomed anywhere at any time. I can’t wait to hear about your next chapter.

And, hey. Maybe LeBron will invite you to go golfing sometime! HAHA

If interested, this is the link to my LeBron article forgiving him because of remembering 2016:

CLICK HERE

The post Nick Chubb Did What LeBron James Should’ve Done appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .

The post WATCH: NEWEST CAVALIER PEYTON WATSON HIGHLIGHTS!!! appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .

I was pissed and disgusted about his behavior leading up to this choice.

Frankly, with time, everything gets dwindled a bit. The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers title was over 10 years ago now and is more of just a great memory compared to how some reacted just after it happened and beyond in those days. Just think about that parade just after it happened.

A recent debate people are talking about is whether LeBron should get a statue in Cleveland. I said my prediction is he will, but it will simply be delayed years after he actually retires. Additionally, I feel this “hate” in general from fans like myself will dwindle as the years pass.

One can still love someone even if you don’t disagree with all choices. From family to friends to co-workers, it’s human nature. I think this is a big example of that case.

I think a forgotten factor by fans is that in 2014, LeBron did not HAVE to come back. He could’ve re-signed with the Miami Heat or looked for a different team. This is the same guy that took hate and had an entire Cleveland arena of fans yelling and hating him. Not saying that was wrong cause I was one of those people, but for him to even want to come back is different than how everyone would feel and even decide after dealing with that pure disgust.

But the biggest thing is he came back and not just played four great seasons, but was able to come back from down 3-1 to beat the one of the best teams arguably assembled in 2016 in the Golden State Warriors. He gave Cleveland, as a whole, its first championship in many years and was incredible for the entire four years he came back. Additionally, he personally made the greatest play in defensive history (circumstance included) with “The Block” in Game 7.

That’s why he will probably get the statue. That’s why people’s current hate will die down over time. That’s why when he retires your opinion could have been changed of the man because of recent behavior, but winning the championship must always be remembered even as time passes.

This is why I am pointing this out. I am you, literally making my feelings felt about my disapointment and disgust with this offseason and decision. But sometimes it takes remembering what that person did for you in the past when it comes down to a decision about the person overall.

Lastly, I don’t believe he’s done in Cleveland.

Relax, I’m not talking about anything on the floor. I believe LeBron will do something to help the City of Cleveland with either a large donation or helping an organization thrive. Making the perception change for the good once it’s all set and done on the floor.

But now, it’s time to focus on this actual current Cavs roster.

The post Love or Now Hate LeBron: Don’t Forget About 2016 appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .

Hezonja is a native of Dubrovnik, Croatia. He was picked fifth in the 2015 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. Hezonja never made a huge impact during three seasons in Orlando. He then spent a season each in both New York and Portland. Over his five seasons in the NBA, Hezonja averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

Two of Hezonja’s more memorable moments in the NBA came during his time with the Knicks. He dunked over Giannis Antetokounmpo and also blocked a potential game-winning shot by LeBron James.

Hezonja has spent the last four seasons playing in Spain with Real Madrid. He was named the MVP of the Spanish league this past season, averaging 17.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 1.9 APG. His squad also won the Liga ACB championship in 2024 and 2025. Hezonja also played for Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos before signing with Real Madrid.

Hezonja should have every opportunity to earn minutes in Kenny Atkinson’s rotation this season. He is a good shooter coming off screens and dribble hand-offs. Although he is not an elite athlete, he is adept at getting to the rim. Hezonja utilities fadeways, step-backs, and up-and-under moves to score over taller defenders.

Hezonja could be a good fit playing alongside Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. He should get some open catch-and-shoot threes as defenders collapse on Mitchell and Harden. Hezonja is not a great defender, but has enough athleticism to at least compete at that end of the floor. Hezonja could be utilized off the bench for his scoring, an area that the Cavaliers struggled with at times last season.

Signing Hezonja does not mean the Cavaliers are done making moves. They have been linked to Jonathan Kuminga, and still have Max Strus and Dennis Schroder on the roster as valuable salaries to include in trades. “Super Mario” may not be the missing piece the Cavaliers need to compete for a championship, but he should be able to provide solid play on the wing in 2026-2027 for Cleveland.

The post Cavaliers Find Wing Help With Signing of Mario Hezonja appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .

Instantly, when the question of “Should and/or will LeBron James get a statue put up with him in Cleveland?” comes up, the steadfast “yes” fans will instantly cite the 2016 Championship he brought to Cleveland. And that’s fair, as he completely fulfilled his promise by winning it all when coming back to The Land. However, here’s the other side.

My personal opinion has drastically changed about LeBron James. This was even before the FINAL 76ers’ announcement came out. I hated the golf videos, hated the concert videos, hated the waiting game, hated that he wasn’t busy deciding but having chill time instead. And then, of course, the curveball announcement to go Ring Chase in Philly. It just reinforced something we already knew.

He’s all about himself…

Looking back to 2010 and LeBron went from being an idol in Cleveland to Ring Chasing in Miami and this whole city hated his guts. I see on Facebook memories of myself and friends literally making videos trashing him 16 years ago.

Personally, I respect the title just like most do. Even so, the way he ditched Cleveland initially, left again for the Lakers and then this whole show in the offseason reminds me that the way he operates was not always in the best benefit for the City of Cleveland.

Thus, if it were up to me, I would say that I don’t want one. Especially with this offseason behavior and what he ended up deciding to do instead of the storybook ending here at home.

Another point that I didn’t even connect the dots on yet is true. In 11 total seasons in Cleveland, he only won one title. This isn’t a Michael Jordan-type of success in Chicago. So should he be celebrated to the level of erecting a statue?

So, obviously my choice is not what The City does. But what do I think will happen?

Well, he’ll finish off his career. Retire and then, in the future, do something for Cleveland to remove the sour taste this decision caused. Like a huge donation to a cancer company that makes people happy with him. Before I get DESTROYED, I would be happy with him doing something like that as well. But with LeBron, there’s always an endgame.

After that, as time passes, a decision will be made for a statue once that or something else positive is done here and will ultimately happen.

TO CLARIFY: I have zero sources on this and it’s merely an opinion.

Lastly, I posted this exact question on the Cleveland Sports Talk Twitter X. I thought like seven people would reply, but 550 replies were made! A huge thank you to everyone who supports the brand, regardless of your opinion!

***I pray no one needs to read this, but the pictures of the LeBron statue are not real.

The post OPINION: The LeBron James Statue Debate appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .

As a lifelong Cleveland Cavs fan, I am very disappointed in LeBron’s final decision! Instead of trying to create a storybook ending for him and his fans here in Northeast Ohio, he decided to go to possibly the worst fan base in the United States to the people of Philadelphia, where they booed Santa Claus at the halftime of an Eagles game and where they wanted to fire the Super Bowl winning coach of the Eagles Nick Sirianni just nine months after winning the Super Bowl!

LeBron has no connection to Philadelphia; however, in Cleveland, he was beloved. Elementary school kids, teenagers, yuppies, hardworking blue-collar workers, secretaries, teachers, office workers, business execs, senior citizens- everyone is disappointed in the decision that LeBron made. He has disappointed an entire region since Cleveland is the only pro basketball team in the state of Ohio and beyond. In my opinion, I do not want to ever see LeBron back on the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has had his chances. He has done Cleveland no favors and Cleveland owes him no more favors.

I will boo him when I see him at the next Philadelphia 76ers-Cleveland Cavaliers game this coming Fall. LeBron has no real feelings for this city and state; he just uses this city and state as a way to enrich his brand. LeBron’s record here in Cleveland is not very good. One NBA championship in eleven years for someone who is supposed to be one of the top two or three players of all time is unacceptable. The fact that LeBron has spurned his hometown team three times out of four tries is also unacceptable. I do not see comparable superstars such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, or Larry Bird doing a team this dirty, let alone his hometown team. In Cleveland, we are used to letdowns in sports and this is just another one of them. I hope the Cleveland Cavaliers do their best in order to show LeBron that he made a huge mistake in the summer of 2026… 

BP In Pepper Pike 

Senior NBA Writer

The post LBJ: The Decision 4.0 appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .

J.J Hickson

The 19th overall pick in the 2008 draft came out of the gate strong. In four games, Hickson averaged 19.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 1.3 BPG while shooting 55% from the field. The former McDonald’s All-American followed this showing with a similar summer league performance two years later. He averaged 19.3 PPG along with 6.3 RPG. Unfortunately, his stellar summer league play wouldn’t translate to the regular season. Hickson, marred by inconsistency, put up nine points and five rebounds per game during his three years in Cleveland before being traded to Sacramento.

Anthony Bennett

There’s an argument to be made that Anthony Bennett is the worst number one overall draft selection in American sports history. At one point in time, however, he was an intriguing prospect for the Cavs. He made his summer league debut in 2014, a year after being drafted. In four games, he averaged a solid 13.3 points, albeit with subpar shooting splits of 42/25/60. These struggles from the field, combined with lackluster defensive effort, were a precursor to Bennett’s NBA career. His career 4.4 PPG is the second-lowest average by a number one overall pick in NBA history.

Andrew Wiggins

Even though he would never play a regular-season game with Cleveland, SF Andrew Wiggins had a memorable summer league showing for the Cavs. The 2013 National High School Player of the Year led the Cavs in points (15.5), steals (1.3), and blocks (1.5). Similar to his summer league teammate Anthony Bennett, Wiggins’ scoring ability was overshadowed by inefficiency. He shot 40 percent from the field and a dismal 15 percent from beyond the arc. Wiggins’ time in Cleveland would end before it officially started, as he was traded to Minnesota shortly before the start of the regular season. Wiggins would go on to become a solid starting-caliber player, becoming a one-time All-Star and NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors.

Jordan McRae

Prior to Meleek Thomas, it was Jordan McRae who had the highest PPG average in Cavs summer league history. The 2016 summer league saw McRae score 24.3 PPG, the third-highest in the league. His ability to put the ball in the basket was never in question; doing so efficiently was, however. He shot 37 percent from the field and 29 percent from three. Despite the lackluster shooting, the former Tennessee Volunteer would lead Cleveland to the Las Vegas NBA summer league semifinals, where they would eventually fall to Chicago 85-79. McRae would play sparingly during his two years in Cleveland, playing in 52 games and starting in just five.

LeBron James

When talking about performances from Cavs players, no list is complete without a certain someone. In 2003, an 18 year-old LeBron James made his official NBA debut in the Orlando Pepsi Pro Summer League. He recorded 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists in 23 minutes. James’ talent was fully on display throughout his first summer league experience, as he would average 15.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists. The Akron native would go on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history. His resumè would go on to include a laundry list of accomplishments such as 22 consecutive All-Star selections, 21 All-NBA selections, four NBA championships, as well as becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in points. His greatest accomplishment, however, might be his role in breaking Cleveland’s 52-year major pro sports championship drought when he led the Cavs to an NBA title in 2016.

Playing well in the summer league could point to a player’s future impact in the league; however, when a career backup C Ante Žižić (20.5 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 63% FG) considerably outplays future franchise cornerstone PF Evan Mobley (11.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 34% FG), it’s wise to take these stats with a grain of salt. It’s worth noting that due to the 2011 NBA lockout and a hand injury in 2012, star PG Kyrie Irving never participated in any summer league games.

Out of the ten point guards with the highest summer league points per game average, only three (Damien Lillard, John Wall, Tyrese Maxey) have ever been selected as an All-Star. It’s safe to say that even with his recent offensive masterclass, history isn’t exactly on Thomas’ side. So, to answer the question, is Meleek Thomas Cavs summer league G.O.A.T.? The stats do, in fact, confirm this. More importantly, he is a raw, developmental player with a promising upside. With proper coaching and more polish to his game, Thomas could be the steal of the draft and a useful player for years to come.

The post Is Meleek Thomas The Greatest (Summer League) Cavalier Of All Time? appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .

My brothers are saying that I don’t have to say it; they already know.

The point is that I don’t have sources for this LeBron James article and am giving my own opinion and perspective based on what I have read. But I think it’ll be worth your time just to consider what I was saying.

The news is that LeBron chose the Philadelphia 76ers to play with for his final season in the NBA. He wrote a long statement that will be at the bottom of this article explaining everything. Here is why this is such a puzzling move:

In the statement, he talks about how originally he thought he was going to retire at the end of this past season and that he had played the final game of his historic career. It would have been very reasonable and respected if he had chosen that route and retired, especially if he didn’t make fans wait such a long time to finally hear the news. After all, he is 41 years old. Here is why this is such a red flag for me and what my conspiracy is.

Knowing LeBron, not personally, but as a fan who has seen him growing up my entire life, he’s pretty set in his ways. So in this statement, as I said, he believed he was going to retire. I am curious to know what the real reason was that he chose to go the other route and why he waited weeks to announce a decision.

LeBron is a smart guy. It’s shown on the basketball floor, in addition to his natural ability and simply how he speaks to the media. So this is my biggest question for him…

Why choose to play for the 76ers when you know you’ll lose a ton of respect and be labeled as a “Ring Chaser” by fans across the league? I had alluded to this idea in a previous article, but it was just referencing the Golden State Warriors as his choice and not the 76ers…

What do I think happened?

I think it was retirement for a long time. James wanted the attention, conspiracies, speculation…all about him and his choice. But what I believe is that a company/person contacted him and expressed their desire for him to play this year in Philly. That the city needs the money and his coming there would be great for them overall. However, what’s in it for LeBron?

I believe something down the road will be given to him since this was his choice. An opportunity after his career, money invested in his way, that type of idea.

Sure, the 76ers are a great team. But what’s the benefit if he wins the championship? He’ll probably be hated even more by Cleveland fans and beyond. That’s why this decision is so puzzling to me, especially with his personal admission of retiring before changing his mind.

I wrote a lot of articles this offseason and beyond. I was right on some, wrong on others. Thanks for joining me on this long ride that didn’t end well for Cavs fans. Stick with Cleveland Sports Talk for great content on everything about our teams!

Statement Posted On 7/24:

The post The LeBron James Conspiracy To Make You Wonder appeared first on Cleveland Sports Talk .