30 players who define each NBA franchise
By Adam McGee
156. . SF. Cleveland Cavaliers 2003-2010, 2014-present. LeBron James. #23. player
Honorable Mentions: Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, Zydranas Ilgauskas
When a generational superstar comes along in the NBA, it has a habit of sweeping fans into a frenzy. That effect gets multiplies tenfold when said talent happens to be from the very city that he will represent.
Just ask LeBron James. When an entire city burns your jersey to mark your departure, and then parties on the streets years later to mark your return it’s safe to say that a franchise may never have seen a player quite as important or talented before.
Such is the case for the Cavaliers too. At heart, they’re just a struggling, small-market, midwestern franchise. They just so happen to have one of the greatest athletes in the world at their disposal. It’s the fairytale story, but it still needs a final chapter.
When I see LeBron James, I see the best and most dominant player in the game. – Dwyane Wade
There can be no more seasons when James has to carry the team on his back. No more seasons where in spite of his best efforts they still fall short. Cleveland needs to win, and because they have LeBron James, you know what, they probably will.
Next: Dallas Mavericks