I was getting tired of watching LeBron James make every play, and 10 other guys' careers hang in the balance. I came out against games like that Knicks game where it was basically him playing nintendo while the team watched and he went off for I don't know/care how many. That's not how you prepare a team for the playoffs.
His game has matured since, but not full time. I really like the energy we play with on our best nights, the ball does move find guys more, every guy getting touches, involved, and then contributing. Seeing what Andy can do with other talented players, for instance, is one of the best things about seeing him on this team without LeBron.
Having LeBron does not make winning a sure thing by the way. It was team ball from a bunch of semi washed up vets (and recently injured Rondo) that almost took LeBron out last year, what was it game 7, tied after 3 quarters? The Heat didn't have a ton of comp last year with all the injuries to other teams clearing some of the way. They were the best team, and earned their ring, but even the Cavs of the future may be a stronger team than the 2011-12 Heat. It feels like you can get through the playoffs if you're more versatile, and an entire team's success doesn't hinge on one guy's elbow, for instance.
I think Kyrie controls tempo better than LeBron ever did, and he's arguable better when the game is on the line.
If LeBron wants to come here in free agency, I'm sure we'll find a spot for him. But I might enjoy the way this team plays more if we go some other route.
There are a million ways to skin a cat. 65 NBA Championships won so far. I haven't seen all of them, but the one with LeBron James for me wasn't the best one. I liked the Lakers C's battles in the 80's, the Bad Boys, the Rockets. These teams all won more than one ring playing together as a team. I think the players enjoy it more (they actually get to play) and play better for the team.
Don't underestimate the demoralizing affect of one guy's selfishness on the rest of a team. We've watched what happens to the ultra talented Lakers while Kobe shoots 30 shots per game. Those other guys become obsolete. Just don't want to risk that happening here even for one regular season game. The positive team feeling of our Cavs now is developing into part of our identity on the court. These guys play for each other and the love of the game. I hope we can, Grant can, continue to find guys that fit that mold going forward.