It seems like an eternity, but eight years ago on a sunny day in Cleveland, Ohio the fortunes of the Cavalier franchise were changed forever. That of course was the day the Cavs won the NBA Draft Lottery and the right to pick first in the 2003 draft, that pick became Lebron James. We know first hand in this city how much one player can change the trajectory of a team, good or bad. This makes tonight’s Draft Lottery special.
No one can argue that this past season may have been one of the most emotionally draining for Cavs fans. From “The Decision” to the December 2nd debacle to the record setting 26 game losing streak, this city needed SOMETHING to hold out hope for. The Cavalier front office began to give fans something to cheer about when it made the trade deadline move for Baron Davis and the Los Angeles Clippers’ unprotected first round pick in this June’s Draft. With a little luck it is possible that the Cavs could hold the first and second pick in this year’s draft which would give the team a much needed jump start towards respectability. However it must be noted that it is also possible that the team could pick as low as fifth and eleventh.
Whatever the result, it is paramount that the Cavalier front office does their due diligence and picks quality players no matter where they fall. Cavalier owner Dan Gilbert has endeared himself to fans for his tenacity and burning desire to bring a championship to this city. Mr. Gilbert seems to despise losing and scoffs at the notion that the Cavs are even rebuilding at all! Dan shows an unbridled confidence in his General Manager Chris Grant and Head Coach Byron Scott and empowers them to make aggressive decisions that will put this team in a position to win sooner rather than later. That confidence is contagious and it seems to have spread to the fan base, most fans believe in Dan Gilbert and his ability to do what he promises to do.
Fans in this city have suffered a lot of humiliation this NBA season, hopefully with a few good bounces the only “Decision” we will have to worry about will be who the Cavs take with the first AND second pick!
The NBA Draft Lottery airs tonight at 8:30 pm on ESPN
