Hello.
In this case, we’re focusing on the final seconds of Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, with the Cleveland Cavaliers on the verge of defeating the Golden State Warriors to win the first championship in the 46-year history of the franchise.
Over the course of like two hours, divided into three parts, we’re going to tell you just how long and tortuous the Cavs’ 46-year title quest was, and how the unfortunate lessons of those prior eras help one appreciate what it took to reach the mountaintop in 2016.
To appreciate Kyrie and the power of the draft, we need to go back to the first chapter of Cavaliers history: expansion and building in the 1970s, the legendary “Miracle at Richfield” playoff run in 1976, and the regrettable, ramshackle early 1980s when Ted Stepien utterly ruined the team with his wild ownership and disregard for draft picks.
Gund appointed Wayne Embry and Lenny Wilkens to rebuild and lead the so-called “Team of the ‘90s,” a beautifully constructed, harmonious squad that looked poised to take over the league …
The Cleveland Cavaliers needed to value draft picks and make savvy trades to reach contention, but above all else, they needed a legendary player to choose them.
In between chapter releases, we will provide opportunities for you to ask questions, learn more about the history of the Cavs, and get some insight into our process and decision-making and stuff.