Four months after “The Letter”, LeBron’s return becomes reality
October 30, 2014Cavs vs Knicks Behind the Box Score: Not the start we were hoping for
October 31, 2014I don’t know what is going to happen tonight. More often than not, when one is looking forward to an event of some sort, there is and end game in mind. But with this—the Cleveland Cavaliers taking the floor for the first time in what is the 2014-15 regular season—all of the anticipation has been more focused around the unknown. What will the team look like together? How will the new coaching staff handle the rotation? What will the player introduction video be?
Every team is granted a regular season. Cleveland has long been a town where Opening Day is celebrated with incredible fervor as it is a restart button that immediately wipes away the records of the past. Every team gets a clean slate, regardless of what occurred a season ago or in the months that were to serve as downtime. But with the Cavaliers, these Cavaliers, this isn’t just the celebration of new beginnings—it’s the city-wide kicking down of the door that transitions us all from black and white to full-blown color. Ernest Byner may have fumbled. Jose Mesa may have blown that save. Craig Ehlo may still be in the fetal position somewhere on in Richfield. None of it matters. Not today.
[Related: The New LeBron James Nike commercial will give you chills]
Today is about the future. The entire summer—the cupcakes, the planes, the trades and the covert lunches with free agents—comes to an end at 8 p.m. tonight. From that point forward, the focus shifts, not on every sequence or quarter or half or game, but on April through June. Eighty-two steps, some bigger than others; each with their own unique outcome. The team will have it’s own trials and tribulations, and their work begins now. But you—the fans—get to soak in every minute knowing that you’ve put in your time. At 8 p.m. tonight, punch out. There’s an six-month-long happy hour calling your name.
This post will serve as your open thread for tonight’s action. Many of us will be in house to watch the new era of Cavaliers basketball tip off in person, but many more of us will have to watch from various locations across the world. For those not at the game or one of the 40-plus watch parties across the region, let’s have our own right here. We don’t do these often, but some events—like those that bring in Kendrick and Jay and Justin and Beyoncé—are simply bigger than others. I don’t know what will happen tonight, once the pre-game parties have come to an end and the chalk has been tossed. But I do know that, one way or another, it’ going to be special. Let’s soak it all in together.
The future is finally here. Go Cavs.
14 Comments
Cavs. LeBron. Cavs LeBron.
What if they win this year? Does that mean we’re no longer “waiting for next year”? In the literal sense of the word, every second that passes means there’s a new “next year” awaiting, thereby making the name of this ever-relevant. But in the figurative sense, wherein as a Cleveland fan we are waiting for that one championship, when we finally get one, are we no longer waiting?
In reality, I just don’t want to have to update my bookmarks.
Waiting For Next Year, the mantra, changes to Waiting For The Next Title! Greedy!
Ugh. DO NOT try to weave the Browns into this narrative. The Cavs are the high profile team in town. The Tribe at least sniffed the playoffs last year and had back to back winning seasons. The Browns haven’t even accomplished that modest feat since ’89! Focus on the teams that are actually doing something! GO CAVS!!!
The excitement of the Cavs winning a hypothetical championship and the potential for more will surely keep us forever WFNY.
The Browns were in the playoffs after the 2002-03 season.
I was referring to just having back to back winning seasons. A rare feat for the lowly Browns. Really not trying to focus on them, it’s Cavs Time NOW!
PEAK CAVS! ITS SO LOUD!
The best thing about being up here is the lack of Knicks fans.
Cabs! Cabs! Cabs! Cabs! Cabs!
Fellow Cabs fans, don’t take any gruff from people that are chastising you for partying like “you already won something.” You did. It’s called dignity and it’s delicious.
Christmas ale too smooth.
Yeah yeah, basketball game, I know. But are you guys up for turning this into the first ever WFNY Grey’s Anatomy open thread? Anyone?
UN-DER WHEL-MING *clap clap clapclapclap*
First quarter showed flashes, though.