As the new owner of the team, Dan Gilbert wanted to leave his mark on the Cavaliers as soon as possible. Consequently, the team quickly started using a new arena.
Not only that, Gilbert also achieved significant results in terms of personnel.
Signing Larry Hughes and Donyell Marshall, then poaching assistant coach Mike Brown from the reigning champions, the Spurs, and hiring the atypical Cavalier legend Danny Ferry to serve as the team's general manager.
Danny Ferry preferred to play in Italy rather than for the Cavaliers after being drafted.
What made Gilbert most proud was that he believed he had formed a special connection with James.
Herb Kohl might never be able to have that kind of connection with Frye, bound to cherish the two championships won by Frye till death.
And James? They could communicate, share their innermost thoughts, and even pursue free agents together.