NBA analyst Chris Broussard infamously ‘seconded’ the Sports Illustrated article that stated LeBron James is coming home.
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Probably, one of the greatest stories in NBA history, King James’ homecoming in Cleveland. The 1st pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, James was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. A highly touted high school player, the 18-year old was on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
The kid from Akron didn’t disappoint and was crowned rookie of the year as he averaged 20.9 PPG, 5.9 APG, 5.5 RPG, and 1.6 SPG in his debut year. James shot an impressive 41.7% from the field.
In his first 7 seasons with the Cavs, the superstar won 2 league MVPs, a scoring title, and was a multiple-time All-Star. However, James didn’t have much success during the post-season playing for Cavs.
Though the 4x MVP did make his NBA Finals debut in 2007 but was swept by the highly seasoned squad of the San Antonio Spurs.
During the summer of 2010, James was a free agent and decided to take his talents to South Beach. Known as the decision, it was one of the highly controversial televised shows in ESPN history.
In his 4 seasons with the Miami Heat, James won back-to-back titles and was crowned Finals MVP in each case. Thus after capturing 2 rings alongside Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the superstar felt it was time to deliver his promise to the city of Cleveland.
LeBron James: “I’m coming home.”
In an open essay to Sports Illustrated’s Lee Jenkins, the 4x NBA champion gave a detailed explanation as to why he decided to return home.
Below are some excerpts from the letter.
“I always believed that I’d return to Cleveland and finish my career there. I just didn’t know when. After the season, free agency wasn’t even a thought. But I have two boys and my wife, Savannah, is pregnant with a girl.” said James.
He continued,
“I started thinking about what it would be like to raise my family in my hometown. I looked at other teams, but I wasn’t going to leave Miami for anywhere except Cleveland. The more time passed, the more it felt right. This is what makes me happy.”
“I feel my calling here goes above basketball. I have a responsibility to lead, in more ways than one, and I take that very seriously. My presence can make a difference in Miami, but I think it can mean more where I’m from.” said the superstar.
During an episode of ESPN’s Sportscenter, Chris Broussard confirmed the news saying, “He’s going back to Cleveland.” Broussard added that his decision to return was in the making for a while now.
The 17x All-Star did deliver on his promise to the city, ending their 52-year old championship drought. In one of the best NBA Finals ever, the Cavs overcame a 3-1 deficit and were crowned 2016 NBA champions.
James was crowned the Finals MVP, with the Cavs becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals.
