Thanks to excessive media coverage everyone knows that Lebron has made his monumental decision to return to Cleveland. This time, Lebron released his decision via an online Sports Illustrated article where he stated motivations behind his decision to return. Altruistic incentives such as being a community figure, serving as a role model, and doing what is best for his family were a few of his motivators to return home. Also in his statement, Lebron expressed his gratitude and thanks for experiences in Miami, along with his adoration for his teammates. All of this shows the signs more mature Lebron who aims to embrace a community, that lets face it, has seen better days.
Better yet, Lebron likened his decision to “take his talents to South Beach” to a highschooler leaving their hometown to attend college to develop his skills, knowledge, talents, and mature; a transitional experience that Lebron forgo by declaring his eligibility for the 2003 draft. Similar to a college student post graduation, Lebron, aware to how positively his impact would mean for his community, returns home for all the right reasons
Many people, especially the Cleveland Faithful, will never forget Lebron’s decision to return home because his decision provides hope to a community that sure could use some. Lebron’s decision is great for many blue collar cities similar to Cleveland for numerous reasons. Take for example a city like Memphis, a blue collar city that certainly has seen brighter days. Here are four reasons why Lebron’s Decision to return to Cleveland is great for Memphis.
1. There is no place like home.
Most people would agree that Miami is a more attractive city than Cleveland on the surface but in Lebron’s case the benefits of being near his family and friends coupled with accomplishing great things in his hometown meant more than living in the glamorous Miami. That is why Lebron’s decision to return home shows the world that our hometowns warrant a very special place in all of our hearts. Also, his decision shows youths across the world that there is no place like home, something any Memphis can identify with.
Most people would agree that Miami is a more attractive city than Cleveland on the surface but in Lebron’s case the benefits of being near his family and friends coupled with accomplishing great things in his hometown meant more than living in the glamorous Miami. That is why Lebron’s decision to return home shows the world that our hometowns warrant a very special place in all of our hearts. Also, his decision shows youths across the world that there is no place like home, something any Memphis can identify with.2. Keeping local talent
- It is always the prerogative of any city to keep the local talent because it embeds progression and fuels growth for years to come. Also, cities that have higher concentrations of talents locals who choose to stay in their cities statistically have more engaged communities. Memphis, specifically would greatly benefit from keeping its local best and brightest here in the Mid-South so that our community can continue to burgeon and show promise. The decision for Lebron to return home shows millennials, who are more mobile than any previous generation, that they can return home and positively impact their hometowns.
3. Good Role Model for Children
- Lebron understands that his decision to return to Cleveland in lieu of returning to Miami will present numerous challenges. One of those being that he is no longer surrounded with experienced NBA champions. Cleveland is a team full of young whipper snappers like Kyrie Irving and Andrew Wiggins-if they decide to keep him- but according to Lebron he is ready for the challenge. Memphis is a great city but that doesn’t mean it isn’t void of challenges. From a struggling school system, to a unbalanced budget, and a history of political corruption, Memphis could use some help in numerous areas. Help from people who are up for a challenge and want to make a positive impact in a lovely community. That is why when the mass public witnesses Lebron choose the more difficult road over the easy path it encourages people to push themselves and aspire for greatness.
4. Lebron Stayed in the East
- Lebron’s decision to stay on a team in the Eastern Conference instead of move to an already uberly competitive Western division is fantastic for our home town heroes, the Memphis Grizzles. The Grizzles are a consistent playoff contender looking to get over the hump and become a serious player to make it to the NBA finals, which would have become more difficult if they had to out play any team led by Lebron. Until Lebron had made his decision, as a serious Grizzles fan, I was still anxious he might migrate to a Western Conference Team.
Lebron’s decision to stay on a team in the Eastern Conference instead of move to an already uberly competitive Western division is fantastic for our home town heroes, the Memphis Grizzles. The Grizzles are a consistent playoff contender looking to get over the hump and become a serious player to make it to the NBA finals, which would have become more difficult if they had to out play any team led by Lebron. Until Lebron had made his decision, as a serious Grizzles fan, I was still anxious he might migrate to a Western Conference Team.