The saga of LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers nearly reached its closing chapter this summer. After announcing his departure from the Lakers, the forward considered the Cavaliers as one of his possible destinations, though he ultimately left them with a certain sense of disappointment by opting for Philadelphia. A disappointment that, according to Koby Altman, the franchise’s president, should not be the dominant feeling given the team’s reality.
«We can’t rely on a single thing. We have many positive aspects in our development to worry about that» he said at the press conference preceding the start of the training camp. «I don’t want to downplay the magnitude of LeBron’s decision, but I believe we have solid foundations in terms of talent and personnel and that we can build a solid cycle regardless of what happened».
Better Than a Year Ago?
Altman actually aimed to highlight the good work done over the summer, noting that, apart from what happened with James, the franchise has performed well. The arrival of Peyton Watson has added young talent, the three-year, $96 million re-signing of Harden has modestly reduced the payroll, and in general the sense is that the Cavaliers are now in a better position than a few months ago. And that is what the executive wanted to emphasize.
«We have to keep perspective and go step by step before asking whether this summer has been a success or a failure. Do we have a better team? Have we looked to the future? Do we have more financial flexibility and a more sustainable roster? The answer to all those questions leads me to say that yes, it has been a success despite that decision».
Therefore, in Cleveland they consider that there are other situations more worthy of triggering alarms than the decision of a single player. And, after returning to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since, precisely, LeBron’s departure, they now want to keep moving forward.
«We would be in a tougher situation if the doubts had to do with talent, with our process or with how we are working day by day. But we are in a position where the rest of the teams have to try to catch us. When you have been among the four best, it is the others who have to improve to reach your level. We are already at that level, but we still want more».
