Will the Cavs retire LeBron's #23 jersey?

[roffie]

IMO they should, would be silly not to or will they still be sour with him leaving?

[kennethgriffin]

they should retire it with "jordan" above the #23 to spite lebron and poke fun at the miami heat franchise

[get these NETS]

elway and jordan haunt cleveland

[tikay0]

Is this a serious question? As long as Dan Gilbert is the owner of that franchise, you wont see any semblance of Lebron James imagery in that arena.

[Kews1]

I think they will eventually. Even tho he left he did more for that franchise than anybody else has in history.

[G.O.A.T]

Eventually when time has passed. Never as long as James is still playing.

[Deuce Bigalow]

It will be a joke if they don't.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

I think they will eventually. Even tho he left he did more for that franchise than anybody else has in history.
This. Eventually they will do it.

Btw has Orlando raised Shaq's number?

[RoundMoundOfReb]

As far as I am concerned #23 should be retired league wide already like #99 in hockey.

[BlueandGold]

Who's choice would it be? If it's strictly the owner's choice I doubt this is going to happen

[Jimmy2k8]

It will be a joke if they don't.

But knowing how Cleveland teams operate, Cavs will find a reason to **** up and not retire Lebron's number.

[NumberSix]

As far as I am concerned #23 should be retired league wide already like #99 in hockey.
Why? It's a fcking number. You can't just keep retiring ever great player's numbers until there's nothing left.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Why? It's a fcking number. You can't just keep retiring ever great player's numbers until there's nothing left.
Not every great player. Just the consensus GOAT's #.

[alwaysunny]

Why? It's a fcking number. You can't just keep retiring ever great player's numbers until there's nothing left.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/90/Futurama_ep48.jpg

[FireDavidKahn]

Why? It's a fcking number. You can't just keep retiring ever great player's numbers until there's nothing left.
Maybe in 2400 that might be an issue

[OmniStrife]

They should, but they won't due to a severe case of rectal ache.

[blacknapalm]

you forget that dan gilbert is the owner? i actually think it hurts lebron's case if he wins another ring in miami. he'll be known as the 'one who got away'. i just can't see it. maybe there will be a crossroads later and gilbert will memorialize his cavs days and forget the whole 'decision'. given his attitude now, no way....

for some reason this reminded me of oj simpson. usc removed all reference to him in the sports hall...and this was after he was found innocent of murder. public perception is a strong enough force.

[RedBlackAttack]

He is universally disliked in Cleveland (and Ohio, for that matter). Why would we honor him?

Not going to happen. Nothing to see here. Move along.

[Myth]

Assuming Cleveland gets over the painful part, they will retire it because he holds all their records, got a couple MVPs, and led them to the Finals. But if the fans for some reason never get over it, even after LeBron's career is over, then there is no need because retirement ceremonies are as much for the fans as they are for the player.

[RedBlackAttack]

Assuming Cleveland gets over the painful part, they will retire it because he holds all their records, got a couple MVPs, and led them to the Finals. But if the fans for some reason never get over it, even after LeBron's career is over, then there is no need because retirement ceremonies are as much for the fans as they are for the player.
Not sure why the fans have to "get over" disliking a guy. You either like someone or you don't. Things like ceremonies and the retirement of numbers really are more for the fans than the player. It is the community's way of showing a player appreciation.

I see absolutely no way that this happens for James in Cleveland. It ended on just about the worst possible terms that any player/fan/organization relationship could. Why even go back there? It is a subject that Cleveland has tried really hard to put behind it. That is where it needs to stay.

There is a far better chance that Orlando retires Shaq's number and even that may be a long shot. He is undoubtedly the best player to ever wear a Magic uniform, he led them to a Finals, etc. There was no celebration for him in Orlando upon his retirement.

[Myth]

Not sure why the fans have to "get over" disliking a guy. You either like someone or you don't. Things like ceremonies and the retirement of numbers really are more for the fans than the player. It is the community's way of showing a player appreciation.

I see absolutely no way that this happens for James in Cleveland. It ended on just about the worst possible terms that any player/fan/organization relationship could. Why even go back there? It is a subject that Cleveland has tried really hard to put behind it. That is where it needs to stay.

There is a far better chance that Orlando retires Shaq's number and even that may be a long shot. He is undoubtedly the best player to ever wear a Magic uniform, he led them to a Finals, etc. There was no celebration for him in Orlando upon his retirement.

I don't think their fans have to get over it. I'm just saying that there have been other players who have left on bad terms (not usually this bad) and time heeled things enough to acknowledge the accomplishments despite the shortcomings. And LeBron on the Cavs did so much more than Shaq on the Magic IMO (2 MVPs plus 1 Finals plus countless team records over 7 years > 1 Finals in 4 years). But if Cleveland fans never get over it and never retire LeBron's number, that is no sweat off my back.

[RedBlackAttack]

I don't think their fans have to get over it. I'm just saying that there have been other players who have left on bad terms (not usually this bad) and time heeled things enough to acknowledge the accomplishments despite the shortcomings. And LeBron on the Cavs did so much more than Shaq on the Magic IMO (2 MVPs plus 1 Finals plus countless team records over 7 years > 1 Finals in 4 years). But if Cleveland fans never get over it and never retire LeBron's number, that is no sweat off my back.
"Getting over it" =/= Indifference

To me, Cavs fans would almost have to become indifferent about James in order to invite him back for a celebration of his career. I believe fans are truly "over it" when they stop dwelling on the whole thing and are fully invested on what the franchise is currently doing.

In fact, I think inviting James back here for something like that would be a sign that they are still too caught up in what he is doing. He can have his 6 retired in Miami. That is where he chose to spend his prime.

[Myth]

"Getting over it" =/= Indifference

To me, Cavs fans would almost have to become indifferent about James in order to invite him back for a celebration of his career. I believe fans are truly "over it" when they stop dwelling on the whole thing and are fully invested on what the franchise is currently doing.

In fact, I think inviting James back here for something like that would be a sign that they are still too caught up in what he is doing. He can have his 6 retired in Miami. That is where he chose to spend his prime.

If LeBron moves back to Cleveland after retiring, or just continues to play a role in community events, there may be enough people who care to push for it. They'll hate him as long as he is an active player not in Cleveland, but he could slowly transition to a community activist after retirement. He still does plenty in Akron. 2 MVPs is pretty tough to overlook for a franchise when considering jersey retirements. They'll at some point retire a jersey and some fans will question "We are retiring this guys number, but we still can't retire LeBron's?" Of course, there will never be a consensus, but I could see enough of a push in the distant future. I personally have no investment in it though, and dislike LeBron, so I have no problem if LeBron never gets a ceremony in Cleveland.

[Soundwave]

My bet is when his career is winding down and he's won his titles in Miami, he will sign a 1-2 year deal with Cleveland to bring things full circle.

[Pushxx]

My bet is when his career is winding down and he's won his titles in Miami, he will sign a 1-2 year deal with Cleveland to bring things full circle.

LOL why the hell would Cleveland want a declining LeBron after he finished his legacy on another team?

Nobody in Cleveland should or does want him back. He did them dirty by making a joke of how he left the city. If he didn't have a special and a party, Cleveland wouldn't have reason to stay bitter for long.

Lettuce be cereal...LeBron brought this on himself.

[Soundwave]

LOL why the hell would Cleveland want a declining LeBron after he finished his legacy on another team?

Nobody in Cleveland should or does want him back. He did them dirty by making a joke of how he left the city. If he didn't have a special and a party, Cleveland wouldn't have reason to stay bitter for long.

Lettuce be cereal...LeBron brought this on himself.

Why wouldn't they want him back if he was still a useful player? Even in his late 30s, his passing ability and size will make him at least as effective as a Grant Hill is today and then some.

Orlando would've taken Shaq in the last two years of his career I'm fairly certain. In 8-10 years that TV special will be ancient history, it's already feels like ages ago.

[Owl]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/90/Futurama_ep48.jpg
Bluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurn!

Anyway, as to OP's question it won't happen at this time and would be weird if it did.

Ultimately you would suspect they might otherwise they would have to ignore one of only two periods of sustained success in franchise history (and this was the greater one, as much as I like the Daugherty, Price, Nance team). It would require Brad Gilbert to either sell the franchise or get over himself though.

[unknowns8]

my bet is that dan gilbert is praying that kyrie irving has a freakin awesome career and takes a few of lebrons records - personal and team records - and gives him a legit reason to retire kyrie's jersey before retiring lebrons

[pauk]

Jersey? Hah... they should have a statue of him there, they just had a top 12 (with GOAT potential) player of all time there for 7 years one-man-armying them to franchise records over and over.... I can guarantee you the Cavs will NEVER again have anything near the player Lebron was or anything near a player being able to bring such immediate team impact success no matter what garbage he had around him (Finals/ECF/#1 seed etc.)... unless they luckily enough somewhere far in the future one time recieve an extremly well rounded/deep team that can overachieve at least once...

That franchise didnt have what it took to keep and keep happy a "GOAT potential" type of player, he was patient for 7 years, enough was enough....

[Nash]

He is universally disliked in Cleveland (and Ohio, for that matter). Why would we honor him?

Not going to happen. Nothing to see here. Move along.
You guys are so lame. "OMG he left us, hate him!!!!!!"

[SyRyanYang]

Jersey? Hah... they should have a statue of him there, they just had a top 12 (with GOAT potential) player of all time there for 7 years one-man-armying them to franchise records over and over.... I can guarantee you the Cavs will NEVER again have anything near the player Lebron was or anything near a player being able to bring such immediate team impact success no matter what garbage he had around him (Finals/ECF/#1 seed etc.)... unless they luckily enough somewhere far in the future one time recieve an extremly well rounded/deep team that can overachieve at least once...

That franchise didnt have what it took to keep and keep happy a "GOAT potential" type of player, he was patient for 7 years, enough was enough....
great, here we go:rolleyes:

[pauk]

great, here we go:rolleyes:

Just speaking the truth.

[Apogee]

LOL why the hell would Cleveland want a declining LeBron after he finished his legacy on another team?

Nobody in Cleveland should or does want him back. He did them dirty by making a joke of how he left the city. If he didn't have a special and a party, Cleveland wouldn't have reason to stay bitter for long.

Lettuce be cereal...LeBron brought this on himself.

wtf is Lettuce be cereal? New high school trend?? :facepalm

[NumberSix]

wtf is Lettuce be cereal? New high school trend?? :facepalm
:applause:

[goldcrow]

It's gonna be an effigy of Lebron in that 23 jersey in the rafters now that he's won a title outside of Cleveland.

[miamiandorlando]

Not sure why the fans have to "get over" disliking a guy. You either like someone or you don't. Things like ceremonies and the retirement of numbers really are more for the fans than the player. It is the community's way of showing a player appreciation.

I see absolutely no way that this happens for James in Cleveland. It ended on just about the worst possible terms that any player/fan/organization relationship could. Why even go back there? It is a subject that Cleveland has tried really hard to put behind it. That is where it needs to stay.

There is a far better chance that Orlando retires Shaq's number and even that may be a long shot. He is undoubtedly the best player to ever wear a Magic uniform, he led them to a Finals, etc. There was no celebration for him in Orlando upon his retirement.


doesn't dwight have more records and actually got them a win in the finals?

[D.J.]

If it does happen, it won't be any time soon. I highly doubt it happens as long as Dan Gilbert is owner.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

Eventually when time has passed. Never as long as James is still playing.
when the fck has a jersey number been retired while the player is still actively playing in the nba?

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

IMO they should, would be silly not to or will they still be sour with him leaving?
WHY should they, iyo?

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

You guys are so lame. "OMG he left us, hate him!!!!!!"
^^^ this is why you are considered to be one of the worst posters in this forum.

[DStebb716]

He's by far, without a doubt or a sliver of opposition, the greatest player in Cleveland basketball history. Behind only Jim Brown as the greatest Cleveland athlete of all time.

[Fudge]

"GOAT Potential"

:roll:

[CelticBaller]

it's going to end up being burned and cause a major fire

[Mr. Incredible]

Very doubtful. But #6 will be sitting nice in Miami's rafters.

[PickernRoller]

I don't see this happening. Retiring his jersey is like shitting on their faces after this fail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVtqZgfFKgQ

[Kiddlovesnets]

They should, hes after all by far the best player in their shitty franchise history.
:D

[PickernRoller]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z76wA9CMQo0

and somewhere half way around the world Pauk and Lebron23 were fapping raw.

[PickernRoller]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTgNlIEY_fw&feature=fvwrel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs6tQYka3ZA&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs6tQYka3ZA&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUah53_Sks4&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s97QNSdfuas&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTgNlIEY_fw&feature=fvwrel

(^this one just too much)

If you let LBJ dick riders here rewrite history soon enough you'll be wondering when your @ss became gay. My hats off to Cleveland nation for their efforts.

[SilkkTheShocker]

They should, hes after all by far the best player in their shitty franchise history.
:D


Aren't you a Nets fan? You really shouldn't be talking about shitty franchises

[outbreak]

Doubt it,
only minor chance is if he moves back after retiring and does something huge in the community there.

[AK47DR91]

Once Dan Gilbert is gone, or whenever they bury the hatch.

It'll happen, but it might take a long time.

[Freedom Kid7]

They should. I mean, yeah he left in a terrible manner but he gave it his all, was a great player for them, the face of the franchise (as well as the city), plus he made the Cavs a serious contender for the first time. If Clyde's number is in Portland after he failed to win (and if Barkley's is retired in Philly after he couldn't win), I'm fairly certain LeBron's will be in Cleveland.

[lilgodfather1]

His jersey will likely be retired, but not for another 10 years or more until he is done playing.

To the guy that said #23 should be retired like 99 there is a huge difference between hockey and basketball. Gretzky is 100% unquestionably the greatest hockey player of all time, where as in basketball there are other players that you can say are greater than MJ, and actually make a good case for. Wilt was better statistically, Russ won more rings, Magic was better, etc. In hockey Gretzky has MORE assists than any other player has points (goals + assists). Gretzky got over 200 points in one season, the league leaders now adays are around 120 at the high end.

Gretzky is simply a greater GOAT than MJ who left the door open for someone to push through and top him. Gretzky on the other closed the door, installed 30 locks, a bio scanner, and proceeded to create a bomb shleter 50 stories below the earth's surface made of solid diamond.

For those that don't understand what I mean because you are 14 i'll spell it out simpler. MJ will someday be surpassed as GOAT, where as Gretzky isn't being touched.

[Lebron23]

Once Dan Gilbert is gone, or whenever they bury the hatch.

It'll happen, but it might take a long time.


He will buy Dan Gilbert. I am sure in less than 10 years. Dan Gilbert's son will be the team owner of the Cavaliers.

[StateOfMind12]

The only way this happens is if Lebron returns to Cleveland after his contract is up or something like that and he ends up winning a title for them.

If LeBron never does anything with or for Cleveland again then he will never have his jersey retired especially as long as Dan Gilbert is the owner.

The truth is that if LeBron went back to Cleveland, fans in Cleveland would be happy to have them back. None of them would like to admit this but it is true. Everything would be forgotten and they would probably consider retiring his 23 number immediately since he wears #6 now. lol

[Lebron23]

The only way this happens is if Lebron returns to Cleveland after his contract is up or something like that and he ends up winning a title for them.

If LeBron never does anything with or for Cleveland again then he will never have his jersey retired especially as long as Dan Gilbert is the owner.

The truth is that if LeBron went back to Cleveland, fans in Cleveland would be happy to have them back. None of them would like to admit this but it is true. Everything would be forgotten and they would probably consider retiring his 23 number immediately since he wears #6 now. lol

I think LeBron will stay with the Heat. The Heat are now a winning franchise with 2 NBA titles in the last 6 years. It's much easier to recruit a player in Miami.

[It's A VC3!!!]

I think LeBron will stay with the Heat. The Heat are now a winning franchise with 2 NBA titles in the last 6 years. It's much easier to recruit a player in Miami.
I wouldn't be so sure. By the time LeBron can be a FA, Wade will be playing 5 games a year due to injury or probably retired. Kyrie on the other hand will be one of the top 4 players in the league by then. Teaming up with Kyrie could add him another ring or two.

[NumberSix]

They'll retire it the week after retired billionaire LeBrons James buys the Cleveland Cavaliers.

[Kurosawa0]

Yes, right after LeBron retires in 2020... from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

[Lebron23]

Yes, right after LeBron retires in 2020... from the Cleveland Cavaliers.


He's only 35 yrs.old in 2020. I think LeBron will have the same longevity of a Karl Malone.

[stallionaire]

He's only 35 yrs.old in 2020. I think LeBron will have the same longevity of a Karl Malone.
Wow imagine if he just signed for the minimum after the Cavs beefed up and Kyrie had experience. Papa LeBron would lead them to a few rings :pimp:

[28renyoy]

LeBron will buy the team someday. He's one of the richest athletes in the world right now.

You're such an idiot. He will never make enough money from basketball to buy a team. The only reason Jordan/Magic can afford to be majority owners are because of business ventures.

[Lebron23]

Wow imagine if he just signed for the minimum after the Cavs beefed up and Kyrie had experience. Papa LeBron would lead them to a few rings :pimp:


I love to see LeBron play with LeBron James Jr. Father and Son doing some damage in the NBA.

[Lebron23]

You're such an idiot. He will never make enough money from basketball to buy a team. The only reason Jordan/Magic can afford to be majority owners are because of business ventures.


STFU Joyner82. LeBron is the richest Olympian. LBJ don't have a gambling problem. He will still be rich after he retires in the NBA. The guy has a lot of endorsements, and he knows how to handle his business ventures.

[Kurosawa0]

Wow imagine if he just signed for the minimum after the Cavs beefed up and Kyrie had experience. Papa LeBron would lead them to a few more rings :pimp:

I really do think LeBron goes back there in 2014. They should have cap space, some good, young talent and I think LeBron has the desire to do it. Imagine if he wins a ring or two in Miami and then goes back to Cleveland and wins one. That would be as fascinating a career as anyone has had. With the monkey off his back about winning a ring, I could easily see LeBron loving the idea of returning to Cleveland and finishing his career there.

[HomieWeMajor]

I think LeBron will stay with the Heat. The Heat are now a winning franchise with 2 NBA titles in the last 6 years. It's much easier to recruit a player in Miami.
I agree

[MP.Trey]

Lol maybe #6 and #23 will both end up retired now.

[LBJ 23]

I really do think LeBron goes back there in 2014. They should have cap space, some good, young talent and I think LeBron has the desire to do it. Imagine if he wins a ring or two in Miami and then goes back to Cleveland and wins one. That would be as fascinating a career as anyone has had. With the monkey off his back about winning a ring, I could easily see LeBron loving the idea of returning to Cleveland and finishing his career there.


Nostradamus

[Kukoc]

Both no 23 and LeBrons new Cavs number will be retired.
That is for sure

[Uncle Drew]

He's expected to wear #32 though.

[Meticode]

Both no 23 and LeBrons new Cavs number will be retired.
That is for sure
I'll be surprised if they retire two numbers. I expect they would retire the number he wears if he comes back and wins championship.

[Kukoc]

I'll be surprised if they retire two numbers. I expect they would retire the number he wears if he comes back and wins championship.


I wont. Lets be real. No 23 in Cleveland will for always be LeBrons number.
Nobody will or have been wearing it since LeBron.

LeBron derverse to have 2 numbers retired.

[Wally450]

I say no for 23 and pending what he does for them in this go around, I say yes.