It’s a whole new look for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they begin training camp for the new season. One of the three pillars of the team, Kyrie Irving, is now a member of the Boston Celtics. But some new players bring their own talents.
Kevin Love and LeBron James say they’ve never seen a summer like this past one when so many top level payers have switched teams. The latest move is Dwayne Wade opting out of his contract with Chicago. He’s a close friend of James who says he’d love to have Wade in Cleveland.
In the meantime, the Akronite may be in even better shape than last year. James said he had the best off-season of his career.
“The basketball jones and the basketball fever was put back in me early in July, and its crazy to say that my 12 year old and my 10 year old can inspire me and they did.”
New Cavalier Derrick Rose is looking to make a statement this year after playing well last year on the weak New York Knicks.
“I’ll be happy playing basketball again. I’m back in a winning environment. The franchise and everybody here has one common goal and that’s to win the championship.”
The Cavs say new point guard, Isaiah Thomas, won’t be back from his hip injury until January but he’s optimistic after a mini camp with Cavs players in Santa Barbara.
“Being around these guys, you see why they win and you see why they are in the Finals each and every year. The camaraderie of this team is just amazing.”
And newcomer Jose Calderon, a veteran player, also noted Cleveland is a team that has fun.
TRUMP
On a more serious note, James was asked about his twitter fight with President Trump over the weekend. James says he was disgusted with Trump’s criticism of football players who kneel during the national anthem and accused the president of dividing the country. James has embraced his own status as a role model but says the President has divided the country.
“That of course ties into the freedom of speech and freedom of expression that our country is blessed to have.”He doesn’t understand the power that he has being the leader of this beautiful country. He doesn’t understand how many kids – no matter the race -- look up to the president of the United States for guidance, for leadership, for words of encouragement. He doesn’t understand that.”
James said the president has an opportunity to bring people of different races together but “he doesn’t care.”