While I agree with everyone that the move for Love and subsequent contracts for TT, JR, and Shump were what Lebron pushed for, and has hampered us to a degree, it does not absolve Gilbert for the shit show he has created this offseason. Those moves made sense at the time. And as of this offseason, Gilbert could have just spent a few more million on Griffin and then we wouldn't look like a crumbling organization. Hell, at the very least, if you are going to can him, don't do it right before the draft and free agency begins. He could have done it months ago and had someone else lined up and ready to go.
Firing Griffin and then being blown off by an inexperienced Chauncey Billups has left the entire organization with egg on its face. Then trying to pass off the signings of used up Jose Caulderon, ever inconsistent Jeff Green, and totally unproven Cedi Osman as improvements makes it even worse. I have no idea, other than just blind allegiance, how anyone can look at the moves we've made so far and not say we have gone backwards.
Now hopefully there are still moves to come and Gilbert is still trying to make a splash with a trade for Melo and/or a buyout with Wade. If not, it really looks like Lebron leaving is a foregone conclusion, and a lot of the blame would sit on Gilbert's shoulders. At the very least, if he had just paid Griffin, and still missed on the big offseason splash he could have deflected some blame to Griffin. Now everything rests squarely on him. And we all know the chilly relationship he has reforged with Lebron has always been on thin ice.