Links to the Present: “They Don’t Call Him the King for Nothing” Edition

Cleveland’s professional sports teams are having the time of their lives right about now. From the Cavs still celebrating their first championship in The Land in over 52 years to the Indians trying to win their first World Series since 1948, it’s almost hard not to keep reliving the excitement of it all.

So, in honor of the Tribe’s thrilling 1-0 Game 3 win in Chicago last night, I’m kicking off the links with Indians ace reliever Andrew Miller. In an article on theplayerstribune.com, Miller spoke about his time in Cleveland and how he feels like the journey that brought him here was meant to be. After sharing his love for the city, his team and the fans, Miller talks about LeBron James and how the excitement James has brought to Cleveland has influenced his love for the city even more. Miller said:

“It’s been a blast to have that support from the Cavs, and, without question, LeBron is the man when it comes to hyping up our fans. I think the only way our stadium could be louder than when they show him on the jumbotron would be if we were to walk one off to win the World Series. That’s it.”

It really is amazing to see a city come together and someone like LeBron have such an impact onto so many people. He’s already done so much for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio that even something small like getting your community hyped up just puts the icing on the cake.

Not only does LeBron pay his dues of getting Cleveland hype, but he most importantly works on his full-time job of being a Cavalier and getting his players started with the 2016-2017 season.

After beating the Knicks 117-88 in their first regular season game, it looks like the Cavs are starting the new season off on the right foot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayR329NAb_0

With someone like LeBron who finished off with a triple-double against the Knicks, it’s easy to see why so many people — especially those from Northeast Ohio — look up to someone as driven, talented and passionate about his hometown as him.

“At this point,” [James] said, “if you are not from here, live here, play here, dedicate yourself to Cleveland, it makes no sense for you to live at this point. Cleveland against the world!”

Yes, that’s arguably the best basketball player on the planet telling people that if they’re not from Cleveland their lives make “no sense.” What a difference a year can make.

In other links…

•LeBron James becomes a superhero, courtesy of Marvel’s Dr. Strange.

•Andre Iguodala tells the story of “The Block” from his perspective. “When he blocked it,” Iguodala said, “I thought someone got shot.”

•If the Indians can pull off a World Series win, Dwayne Wade will have to get himself some tribe gear. I think he’d look pretty snazzy.

•Tristan Thompson said it’s ‘not a surprise’ he was drafted ahead of Jonas Valanciunas. Of course he did. No player is ever going to question his high draft selection. Of course, Thompson got to back up his words and had a strong outing in the Cavs 94-91 win over the Raptors in Toronto Friday night.