National Basketball Association
Cleveland Cavaliers
Eastern Conference/Central Division
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History of the Cavaliers
Entering their 38th season in the NBA, the Cavaliers began their NBA life at the bottom finishing the season 15-67. It would not be until the 1975/76 season that the Cavs would post a winning record going 49-33 and sauntered into the post season, which would be short-lived as the Boston Celtics eliminated them in 6 games.
Over the next 30 years the team would seem to be in perpetual rebuilding mode until the 2003 Draft. Then Coach John Lucas, who over the prior couple of years had been watching high school phenom Lebron James, so much so that he invited him to an informal Cavs workout - much to the dismay of the NBA who fined Lucas $150,000 and suspended him for 2 games. Lucas was convinced and the Cavaliers drafted Lebron with the number 1 pick.
The impact Lebron would make on the franchise and the NBA was immediate. The team would finish 9th in ticket sales and Cavs merchandise would fly off the shelves reminiscent of one Michael Jordan. He would lead his team but fell one game short of making the playoffs.
Lebron would continue to compete and finally cracked into the playoffs in 2006 and has led them every year since. The 2005 season opened with a new GM, Danny Ferry and a new Head Coach in former Spurs Assistant Mike Brown and the team quickly resigned Lebron to a contract extension that will carry through 2010.
The Cavaliers have made 16 playoff appearances in 38 seasons, were Division Champions one time in 1976. The team has made it into the Conference Finals 3 times (1976, 1992 and 2007), and have been to the NBA Finals one time in 2007.
The Cavs have had 5 Hall of Famers on their roster, (Coach Chuck Daily-1981/82, Walt Frazier-1977-1980, Nate Thurmond- 1975-1977 and Lenny Wilkins as a player- 1972-74 and as a Coach 1986-1993.
The team has retired 6 jerseys: #7-Bingo Smith, #22 Larry Nance, #25 Mark Price, #34 Austin Carr, #42 Nate Thurmond and #43 Brad Daughtery.
Team Awards include a Coach of the Year Award for Bill Fitch in 1976 and a Rookie of the Year Award in 2004 for Lebron James.
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Quicken Loans Arena
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NBA Basketball
Eastern Conference
| Atlantic Division | Central Division | Southeast Division |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | Chicago Bulls | Atlanta Hawks |
| Brooklyn Nets | Cleveland Cavaliers | Charlotte Bobcats |
| New York Knicks | Detroit Pistons | Miami Heat |
| Philadelphia 76ers | Indiana Pacers | Orlando Magic |
| Toronto Raptors | Milwaukee Bucks | Washington Wizards |
