Cup of Cavs: LeBron has a lot riding on the Olympics

Cavs news and links for Tuesday, July 23

There’s little Cleveland Cavaliers news to discuss today. Let’s start the morning by talking about Team USA’s shaky performances in their final tune ups.

The first sip

LeBron James’s legacy is set. He’s going to be 40 next December and is the all-time leading scorer. Everyone knows that he’s in the twilight of his career. The Los Angeles Lakers being an trainwreck make it so James doesn’t have any expectations for delivering team success.

That, won’t be the case for Team USA.

LeBron is the face of the men’s basketball team and one of the most prominent names in the Olympics. This is reflected in him being the men’s flag bearer in the opening ceremony later this week. The men’s basketball team is expected to win gold. If they don’t, it’ll likely be pinned on their most recognizable name.

Team USA’s final exhibitions haven’t been encouraging despite being the deepest and most talented team. James had to carry them over the finish line with a game-winner against South Sudan and he provided 11 points in the final four minutes against Germany. While James was the hero, they shouldn’t be in the position for that to be necessary even in exhibitions.

Team USA lacks an identity. They have the tools to play a wide variety of styles but choose none. They could be a team that prioritizes the three-ball over everything, they could be a jumbo-sized team that overwhelms opponents with their length, or they could go small and be the fastest, most skilled team in the tournament. Instead, they’re an incoherent mix that leaves them directionless.

It’s remarkable that James has been the best player on Team USA. But if they don’t grab the gold here, even if their shortcomings have nothing to do with LeBron, he will be remembered as being a part of the two men’s teams that didn’t secure the gold medal since NBA players began participating in 1992.

There’s nearly nothing LeBron can do on the court now that would tarnish his legacy. Everything from here is gravy. This 2024 Olympic team is the one exception. Not winning gold here would unfairly be remembered as a mark against LeBron. He’s been playing like he knows part of his legacy is on the line.

The second sip

Like any true Clevelander, Donovan Mitchell is obligated to wear a shirt with the city’s name on it when out of town.

Random Cavalier of the Day - John Battle

John Battle played for the Cavs from 1991-95 to close out his 10-year career. The 6’2” shooting guard averaged 7.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 196 games with the team. Battle is 81st in points for the franchise with 1,456. That’s one point ahead of Jumaine Jones.

The most memorable moment of Battle’s Cavs tenure is his fight with George McCloud of the Indiana Pacers in 1992.

Battle reportedly grabbed a “2x4” to confront McCloud after being punched in the face postgame.

From the AP:

As if the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 119-115 overtime victory over Indiana didn’t supply enough drama, the Cavs and Pacers had a fight outside the Cleveland dressing room after the game.

According to witnesses, John Battle and trainer Gary Briggs were at the door of the Cavaliers’ dressing room last night when Indiana’s George McCloud came up from behind and punched Battle in the face.

Bleeding from the mouth, Battle staggered backward and grabbed a board. At that point, a security guard stepped between the two players and broke up the fight.

I would note that a security guard broke this up and there wasn’t the need for a police presence.

Battle is married to R&B singer Regina Belle. According to Wikipedia, he’s also a pastor now.

Basketball on today

• US women’s national team vs. Germany - 3 PM on FOX
• TBT Basketball round of 16. Schedule here.

Cavs links

• What we learned from Summer League

Links of the day

• The moment Curry told LeBron he’d be Team USA flag bearer
• Olympics’ 50 best men’s basketball players for 2024 Paris Games, ranked
• Every USA Olympics flag bearer since 1908, now starring LeBron James
• NBA Summer League deep dive from The Ringer