CAVS.SPACE

A couple weeks ago, Indiana Pacers co-owner Melvin Simon passed away. Alongside brother and co-owner Herbert, the two helped keep the Pacers in Indianapolis back in 1983. The pair then led the team to continuous improvement for a number of years. Their management drafted Hall of Fame hopeful Reggie Miller and brought in other successful players as well as several prominent coaches, including Boston Celtic and Indiana State legend Larry Bird, Detroit Piston and Indiana legend Isiah Thomas, and Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown. The team peaked in 1999-2000, when it moved into a new arena and later reached the NBA Finals, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers. Off the court, Simon was known primarily for his contributions to the real estate industry. In particular, he and his brother helped popularize indoor shopping malls. Simon and his family also contributed a good amount to education, charity, and politics. Simon did spend a short time working as a movie producer as well. He is the t...

The Cleveland Indians have had a rough season. The Cleveland Browns are having a bad season right now. Games like Sunday's Browns loss to the Ravens makes me (as well as a myriad of Cleveland sports fans) eager for the start of the NBA season and Cavalier basketball. The Indians and the Browns have been putting up similar records the past few years: namely, a winning record here or there with a handful of losing seasons. While the Browns seem to change the Head Coach and the General Manager every 3-4 years, the Indians have ridden Eric Wedge since 2003 and Mark Shapiro since the end of 2001. Thankfully, the Cavaliers followed up a horrendous season in 2003 by winning the 1st pick in the NBA Draft and taking local prodigy LeBron James. After new owner Dan Gilbert hired current Head Coach Mike Brown and current General Manager Danny Ferry, the team made the playoffs for the first time in 8 years in 2006. Although the team advanced to the Finals in 2007, the team appears to have...

The Cavaliers are on the brink of elimination, trailing the Orlando Magic 3-1 in the Best of 7 Eastern Conference Finals. The Cavs have been somewhat shaky in this series, including reverting to the 'Lebron-ball' (aka 'Lebron and Four Guys') offense. Yet, they have managed to take each game down to the wire. On the other hand, the Magic seem to be playing the best basketball they have played all season. If the Cavaliers continue to make adjustments as they had done for Game 4, they can put the pressure back on Orlando. While the Cavaliers have looked tentative, nervous, and scared throughout this series (as could be seen through their body language and facial expressions), they finally seemed to overcome this at the end of Game 4. Meanwhile, for the first time in the series, Dwight Howard (among others) had a look of fear in his eyes during the overtime period last night. On this off day in between games, the Cavaliers need to adjust their strategy against the Magic. He...

Sadly, this year may mark the end of the runs of the San Antonio Spurs and the Detroit Pistons. The two teams have been highly successful over the past 10 years, but injuries, aging, and stagnation have contributed to both teams' first round exits this season. Perhaps the offseason will breathe life into the two aging rosters, but they must beware that the rest of the league has finally caught up to them.

In the past couple of weeks, the Cavaliers have had a couple award winners announced. First, Mike Brown was named the NBA's Coach of the Year. Then, LeBron James was named the league's Most Valuable Player. Both earned their respective awards, and it is great to see them get the recognition they deserve. Yet, as both Brown and James have regularly declared, their recognitions received throughout this season are a reflection of the team's hard work and accomplishments. They know that, for the Cavaliers to win the NBA Championship, the whole team (coaches, players, etc.) must contribute. More importantly, they believe and trust that the whole team can contribute. As a result, Cavs fans and many others now believe and trust that the whole team can contribute. Tomorrow, Brown's, James's, and the rest of the team's pursuit for one goal continues...

Eric Snow has officially been released by the Cavaliers due to a career-ending knee injury. Snow had been unofficially retired, although it was only a matter of time before the NBA was able to give the Cavaliers clearance for the roster move and the ensuing salary cap space. For his career, Snow averaged 6.8 points per game, 5.0 assists per game, and 1.1 steals per game. He was well-known for his unselfishness, defense, and overall knowledge of the game. His best seasons were with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he became the starting point guard alongside 2000-2001 MVP Allen Iverson. In addition to playing for the Cavs and Sixers, Snow also played for the Seattle Supersonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder). Each team made it to the NBA Finals with Snow on its roster. Snow's presence in Cleveland has been greatly appreciated. Aside from spending most of last season as an unofficial assistant coach, the Canton-McKinley High School and Michigan State University alumnus has been a...

Recently, another beloved NBA owner passed away. Family, friends, and Detroit Pistons fans bid farewell to longtime owner Bill Davidson. Outside of basketball, Davidson was a major contributor to business education at the University of Michigan as well as Jewish education and scientific research (both domestic and international). An inductee of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Davidson had the pleasure of having three Pistons teams win the NBA Championship. In the current struggling U.S. economy, the Pistons franchise remains a bright spot for the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan. Thanks to Bill for his contributions. Rest in peace, sir!