While We’re Waiting… Chris Paul, LeBronJames.com, Robaire Smith and Ross Atkins

While We’re Waiting is WFNY’s way of saying “Hey, we’re not really awake and ready for the day yet, but here are some quality Cleveland sports links anyway.” Enjoyed an article or post recently? Send it over via our staff e-mail: tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Let’s start off with your daily dose of Cleveland Cavaliers trade rumors, focusing on Hornets guard Chris Paul: “First off, I do know that the Chris Paul to the Cavaliers idea is, and has long been, a dream rumor around here for a few years now, and I’m not here to say it’s by any means “likely.” I also know the idea has been completely shot down just about as quickly as it comes up every time it does, so to be clear, I’m just thinking out loud right now.” [Brendan Bowers/Stepien Rules]

In case you were not aware, the biggest announcement in the 2010 NBA Free Agency period will come via a recently renovated website. Big credit to our very own Scott for publicizing this one: “Allegedly, LeBron James’ decision will come via the newly remodled LeBronJames.com. Meta. #Cavs” [WFNYScott/Twitter]

As a reminder, the Cavaliers are organizing a fan tunnel before their 11:00 a.m. meeting with LeBron James in downtown Cleveland today. Check out FearTheSword for more information.

One of the best Cavs writers out there, John Krolik, investigates Byron Scott’s claims of running a fast-paced offense with LBJ in the middle: “New Cavaliers coach Byron Scott was introduced at a press conference on Friday, and appealed to LeBron James’ desire to run on the court and stay in his hometown off of it.” [ProBasketballTalk]

A former Akron Beacon Journal columnist explores what the Cavaliers will say during their morning meeting with LeBron: “Four teams have made their pitch to LeBron James, the NBA’s most sought-after free agent. Two more get their chance Saturday, with the Chicago Bulls taking the coveted final slot at 2:30 p.m. The team that has had James for the past seven years gets its chance at 11, and it sounds like the Cleveland Cavaliers might bring Dorothy along.” [Patrick McManamon/NBA Fanhouse]

Never great to hear news like this come from the Cleveland sports world: “On Thursday, Robaire Smith was charged with possession of a firearm in a commercial airport. The charge comes from a November 2009 incident at Bishop Airport, during which Smith had a loaded Belgium 5.7mm caliber handgun in his carry-on luggage.” [Mike Florio/ProFootballTalk]

Yahoo! Sports ranked the Cleveland Browns as having the worst backfield in the NFL last month and this blogger responds to the accusations: “Until Harrison proves he can be a force to be reckoned with over the course of a 16-game season, and until we see what kind of production guys like Hardesty, Peyton Hillis, and James Davis bring to the table, I too will try to remain cautiously optimistic.” [Steve DiMatteo/Dawg Pound Daily]

Stephanie Storm of the Akron Beacon Journal is back from vacation and is here with another Q&A segment alongside Cleveland Indians farm director Ross Atkins. Check out his take on “a handful of prospects in the Tribe organization – from two new players obtained in a trade to current Tribe first baseman Matt LaPorta.” [Tribe Matters]

The Indians bullpen has been tremendous recently and here is a big reason for the drastic change: “Last month, I was not only calling for Rafael Perez’s roster spot, I was calling for his head. His ERA was 7.20, his WHIP was worse, he looked nothing like the dominant lefty we saw in 2007 or even the still very good one the Indians had in 2008. I believed Eric Wedge’s abuse of Perez from 2007-2009 had finally caught up to Perez, and that he was ruined as a pitcher. Looks like I spoke too soon.” [Ed Carroll/Deep Left Field]

(Photograph above of LeBron James, Chris Paul and the head of Olympic teammate Jason Kidd is courtesy of NBAE via Getty Images)