Cavs Free Agency: Irving Extended, LeBron coming home?

Feb 16, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Eastern Conference forward LeBron James (6) of the Miami Heat tries to take the ball away from guard Kyrie Irving (2) of the Cleveland Cavaliers during practice for the 2013 NBA all star game at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 27, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; James Blair poses with a “Come Home LeBron” t-shirt before the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

GETTING REALISTIC

Looking at this from a realistic standpoint, the Cavs are underdogs. Yes, there’s the very real allure of coming home and being a hero for your home franchise, but aside from that, there are much better options out there for James. The Heat could come back together with the “Big Three” all returning. James could team with Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles or come together with Carmelo Anthony wherever he may land.

The Cavs don’t boast an impressive squad of superior basketball players right now. Is the potential there? Absolutely. If they get performance from the three No. 1 overall picks they’ve had in the last four years, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with — but we know that’s easier said than done.

Still, we’re talking about a professional athlete who’s been to the mountaintop more than once. He’s been the league’s Most Valuable Player, he’s been the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player and he’s won an Olympic Gold Medal. He’s one of the most recognizable stars in the world and will have global appeal no matter where he plays. There’s just one thing he (and numerous others before him) hasn’t been able to do — bring Cleveland a championship.

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