LeBron James has never been guarded like this.
With armed security personnel and the Cavaliers' mascot, Moondog, watching over their safe arrival, 10,000 LeBron James souvenir bobblehead dolls were delivered in an armored truck to Gund Arena on Monday.
While the real James was in Chicago getting ready to play the Bulls, the limited-edition bobbleheads were stored away before being given to fans attending today's game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Like everything else bearing James' likeness, name or jersey number on it, the bobblehead has already caused a stir among collectors eager to get their hands on one of the replicas of Cleveland's rookie star.
Two days before it's even available, the giveaway bobblehead is already drawing bids of nearly US$30 on eBay.
"The bids on that are going to be crazy," said Brian Williamson, a bobblehead collector from Pittsburgh. "I don't think you'll be able to get one for under US$50 because of how popular LeBron is."
There are already several James bobbleheads available on the retail market. The Cavaliers' team shop at the Gund sells five different versions, but this one is unique because only 10,000 will be handed out.
"There is a whole sector of collectors who want just the giveaways," said Bill Miko of ImageWorks, a consulting firm who helped the Cavaliers plan the promotion. "Last year, people flew to Houston just to get the Yao Ming giveaway. I expect there to be people on the streets after the game trying to buy the bobbleheads from people as they come out of the Gund."
Upon entering the 20,000-seat arena, fans will be handed a voucher they can redeem at one of three designated areas to get their bobblehead. Team president Len Komoroski said the distribution points will be stationed by security guards as well as uniformed police officers to keep things orderly.
"We want to make sure nobody tries to run off with any of them," he said.
Late last season when the team announced it was returning to its original wine-and-gold color scheme, overzealous fans tore through boxes during a T-shirt giveaway. This time, the Cavs are taking necessary precautions to guard against a similar problem.
Because of the giveaway, Komoroski is expecting fans to arrive earlier than usual for the 7pm tipoff. Doors will open at 5:30pm.
Bulls 92, Cavaliers 81
At Chicago, Kirk Hinrich outplayed his more-heralded rookie counterpart, LeBron James.
Two days after becoming the first rookie with a triple-double this season, Hinrich came close to a second with 22 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. When Hinrich left with less than a minute to play, Bulls fans gave him a standing ovation.
James had 18 points, but he shot just 7-of-17 with three rebounds and three assists.
Grizzlies 81, Spurs 80
San Antonio had nowhere to turn without its biggest star.
With Tim Duncan sidelined by a leg injury, the Spurs struggled down the stretch and lost 81-80 at home to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The Spurs made only one field goal in the final 9 minutes and 27 seconds.
And while they lauded Memphis' defense, it was clear that Duncan's absence was a huge factor.
"We have to give them credit, though for the great defensive pressure," said Manu Ginobili, who finished with 15 points and a career-high nine assists. "We stopped moving the ball ... There was no movement, so we couldn't take open shots."
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