The hype was almost too much to handle for Cavaliers forward LeBron James.
After the team’s shootaround on the morning of Oct. 30, he went home and followed his game-day ritual with a nap.
By game time, James was ready to play in one of the most-anticipated matchups in franchise history. He also fully grasped his part in the frenzied event.
‘I understand how much I mean to this team, this franchise, this city, this state,’ he said.
‘None of us should take this moment for granted. It’s one of the biggest sporting events ever. I know it is. (ESPN) ‘SportsCenter’ is here.’
It must be big.
James has returned to his roots.
‘That’s the path the man above has created for me and the journey I walk on,’ he said. ‘I take the responsibility I need to do on and off the floor as a role model.’
Contract updates
Cavaliers forward/center Tristan Thompson said there’s no news on his contract extension. The deadline for his extension is Oct. 31.
ESPN.com’s Marc Stein said the Cavaliers are close to an agreement on center Anderson Varejao’s extension. It could be a three-year deal worth about $30 million.
There is no deadline to get Varejao’s extension completed. It could extend into the regular season.
Lab experiment
The talent is obviously there.
The key to the Cavaliers’ success might be how it comes together as a team.
‘Chemistry is built off the floor,’ James said. ‘It comes naturally. There’s no book to build chemistry.’
Cavaliers forward Kevin Love said he thinks it will be a smooth transition.
‘Our talent will get us over the top,’ he said.
He talks, they listen
Love said James is the team’s vocal leader.
‘When he speaks up, people listen,’ he said.
Love said he hopes to become more of a leader the longer he’s with the team.
‘As time goes on, I’ll be able to step up and be vocal,’ he said. ‘It’s not going to be just one guy. It will be a collective unit for us.’
Excitement in the air
Cavaliers coach David Blatt said he’s ‘as excited as anybody.
‘This is the beginning of the journey,’ he said. ‘This will be unique. It marks the true return of LeBron James. This is a special day for a lot of people. The city is as excited and enlightened as it could be. It should be a wonderful moment for him.’
Nike video
Nike Basketball launched a new video titled, ‘Together.’ A press release said it celebrates the pride and emotion of James’ return to Cleveland with the motto, ‘One team. One city. One goal.’
It’s gotten rave reviews on social media.
