We reported earlier that Charles Oakley would be in attendance for the Knicks road match-up with the Cleveland Cavaliers. What we weren’t aware of was that he would be a personal guest of Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert.
On several levels this falls into the narrative of Dan Gilbert coming off as self absorbed, childish and small. All this done by taking a not so veiled shot at the Knicks organization and James Dolan on a nationally televised game. Make no mistake, this will be buzzing on sports radio and television while snatching up headlines. On a night where Boogie Cousins debuts for the Pelicans, the league once again becomes the focus for something off of the court.
Over the years we have seen Gilbert for who he truly is. His self entitled attitude is what gave him the motivation to pen a poorly themed letter aimed at LeBron James the night of “The Decision”. It’s also why LeBron would barely glance his way in the Cavs championship parade.
The Cavaliers are viewed as a functional organization because of LeBron James. They were a mess when he left and even upon his return show flashes of incompetence. James Dolan is as unlikable a sports owner as they come outside of Donald Sterling. Gilbert’s actions however show a lack of class and better judgement to bring negative attention back to the NBA, just weeks after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Michael Jordan eased tensions between Oakley and James Dolan.