Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
It’s been a full week since LeBron James announced his decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers instead of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
That doesn’t leave much time for fans to gather their feelings. Still, we asked you earlier this week if James’ decision has negatively changed how
you feel about him.
Cavs fans made themselves clear. This one hurt.
Nearly three-fourths of voters answered that James has negatively altered his connection to Cleveland with his decision to join the 76ers. The fans who participated in our poll said that they feel more negative about James now than before.
That’s understandable. No one wants to feel like a second or third option. Cleveland’s been through this feeling before, and it’s never fun.
Most of the fan base had likely made peace with James potentially ending his career in Los Angeles. But it was hard not to feel hopeful that a homecoming was on the table once James announced he was leaving the Lakers. The results of this decision were always going to be disappointing if the answer wasn’t Cleveland.
That said, I’d hope that no one is taking this too far.
James already fulfilled his promise to Cleveland. He’s done so while remaining true to Northeast Ohio through his various donations and community-building events. This isn’t someone who has abandoned his hometown. He just doesn’t want to end his career here.
It’s okay to feel disappointed by that. And it’s okay to feel like this relationship was more one-sided than you thought. Cavs fans were ready to welcome him with open arms, and instead, he’s leaving them hanging once again.
I’d be interested to see how this poll might change in a year. Feelings are as intense as they’ll ever be coming off the heels of the decision. Perhaps time will heal all wounds.
The Cavs certainly aren’t as screwed as they were the last time James burned them with a decision. Cleveland is still 10th in championship odds according to FanDuel and has the advantage of continuity that some other teams in the mix won’t be afforded next season.
