Universal Justice - Cleveland Awarded Top Pick in the Draft

July 8, 2010.  That was the date of the now infamous "Decision" special that aired on ESPN in which Ohio's native son, Lebron James, declared he would be taking his talents to South Beach.  What immediately followed was a media frenzy of fan reactions ranging from those of jubulation in Miami to near riots in Cleveland and other Ohio towns, complete with Jersey fueled bonfires.  But, perhaps most notable of the reactions stemming from Lebron's departure were the words of anger and venom spewed by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert on the very next day after his franchise player, his golden goose, his link to immortality, flew the coop.  In a letter to the fans on 09 July, Gilbert let loose on James, calling James' move "bitterly disappointing" and a "shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown 'CHOSEN ONE' ".  But out of all of the frustration and feelings of betrayal that Gilbert expressed in his letter, what got the most eyebrow raises were his declarations that the Cavaliers would bring home the championship gold before Lebron ever brought Miami a title.



Dan Gilbert


And to be honest, I don't think that you can really be upset with Gilbert's comments.  He said what every fan (save those of you in South Beach) wanted to say.  Lebron was living the so-called dream; playing for his hometown team, in the state he grew up in and had called home all his life.  Lebron stated that his decision wasn't motivated by money, since Cleveland could match any offer Miami made, but rather by a desire to win.  That probably cut Gilbert and the Cleveland faithful more than anything.  No one, and I mean no one, wants to win championships more than Ohio professional sports teams and their fans.  They are the most snake-bitten ball clubs in the world, and their fierce loyalty and determination get put to the test year in and year out by the futility of the Bengals, Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians.  Lebron, as a product of this culture, should have understood that more than anyone.  I think Gilbert, along with all the fans in Cleveland, were counting on that understanding to bring him back.  He was hometown hero who would make good on all of their devotion and reward them with that long awaited title.  When he bolted for a warmer climate and better views, Gilbert reacted honestly and said what every fan of the Cavs wanted to say.  He should never have to apologize for what he said.

However, after a 19-63 campaign in the immediate aftermath of the Decision, which also saw the team set a new NBA record for futility by losing an amazing 26 games straight, you almost have to look at Gilbert's comments and laugh.  But, guess what?  After struggling through such a horrendous year in which the Cavs faithful never dwindled and the team still sold out their home games night after night, Cleveland was awarded the top pick in the 2011 NBA Draft Lottery.  Not only that, thanks to a mid season trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, they also hold the 4th overall pick.  Now you have to look at this set of circumstances and see that Karma Gods shining down on Cleveland just a little bit here.  For them to have a pick as high as #4 is one thing, but to have a #1 in addition to that is the universe's way of telling Cleveland that even the sun shines on a dog's ass somedays. 

Unlike other sports, draft picks in the NBA can have an immediate and definitive impact on a franchise from Day 1.  Basketball is one of the few "team" sports where one individual can be so decisive.  Three years ago, Derrick Rose went to Chicago and took them to the playoffs immediately while winning rookie of the year honors.  Fast forward to today, and he's the youngest MVP in league history and led the Bulls to the league's best record and (most likely) an NBA Finals appearance.  The league is full of stories just like that.  Even Lebron's time in Cleveland ran the same course, with him winning ROY and two MVP awards as well as three division titles for a club that had never known consistent success.  One player can truly make the difference in basketball; the Cavs have a chance to get two top 5 talents in the same draft and immediately return to legitimacy.   

Now that's karma for ya!