The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a draft night stunner by selecting UNLV prospect Anthony Bennett with the #1 overall pick. With an NBA-ready body and off-the-charts athleticism but just one year of college experience, there’s no telling how good Bennett might become. But the Cavalier brain-trust has proven itself more than capable of evaluating talent. Drafting Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson in the last three seasons has the Cavs set up for the next decade. The Cavs are back in contention.
A Brief History
Founded in 1970 as part of the NBA expansion plan, the Cleveland Cavaliers have won three division titles and one conference championship but are still in pursuit of their first ring.
Over the decades the Cavs have featured stars such as Brad Daugherty, Mark Price, Walt Frazier and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played. Cleveland fans don’t need to be reminded of this, but the greatest period in Cavs history is the LeBron James era. The Ohio native and current Heat star put Cleveland back on the map as he emerged as one of the game’s all-time best.
But now, three full seasons removed from James’ departure, the Cavaliers under owner Dan Gilbert are ready to pick up where LeBron left off. With one of the most explosive point guards in the league leading the way, Mike Brown’s return to the bench and some of the best young talent in the association, the Cavs are ready to rise.
Now it’s Time to Win
The Cavaliers enter 2013-14 with plenty to be excited about. Built around budding superstar Kyrie Irving, the Cavs boast a plethora of dynamic young talent including Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller. After a lost season with the Philadelphia 76ers, Andrew Bynum steps into the mix with an incentive-laden contract. If he can recapture the form that had him in the “best big man in the NBA” conversation, the Cavaliers quickly become one of the scariest teams in the league.
In the heart of downtown Cleveland, right next to Progressive Field (home of the Cleveland Indians), the Cavaliers play their home games at Quicken Loans Arena. Opened in 1994 (when it was known as Gund Arena), the Q should be rocking this season as the Cavs hope to deliver their first playoff bid since 2010. Get out on the town and watch the new look Cavs with guaranteed savings from ScoreBig.
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