22
Oct
5 min read
Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Profile: Five things you need to know
2016 NBA champions have enduring impact and rising young core
- Lebron James drafted by Cleveland in 2003, left in 2010, returned in 2014 to led the team to their 2016 championship
- Cavaliers overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors
- Emerging young stars carrying franchise into new era
The Cleveland Cavaliers are an NBA franchise based in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1970, they have won one NBA championship and made five NBA Finals appearances.
Key Details
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Year Founded: 1970
Home Arena: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Championships: 1 (2016)
Major Rivals: Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls
Australians who have played for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Matthew Dellavedova: Born in Maryborough, Victoria, Dellavedova began his NBA career with the Cavaliers in 2013. He was a key contributor to the team's 2016 NBA Championship victory. After stints with the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings, he returned to the Cavaliers in 2018 and again in 2020. Known for his tenacious defense and playmaking abilities, Dellavedova has been a fan favorite in Cleveland.
Dante Exum: From Melbourne, Victoria, Exum was traded to the Cavaliers in December 2019. He played with the team until January 2021, appearing in 30 games and providing depth at the guard position. Exum was recognised for his defensive versatility and athleticism.
Luke Travers: From Perth, Western Australia, Travers was selected by the Cavaliers with the 56th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. After continuing his development in Australia's NBL, he signed a two-way contract with the Cavaliers in August 2024. Travers is known for his versatility, capable of playing multiple positions, and is expected to contribute to both the Cavaliers and their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.
Identity
The Cavaliers have built their identity around tough, gritty basketball reflective of their blue-collar city. They emphasise strong defense and physical play, often led by dominant front court players. The team culture prioritises loyalty and connection to Northeast Ohio.
Cleveland's playing style has evolved over the years but generally features inside-out offense built around dynamic guards and versatile big men. The Cavs aim to control tempo, protect the paint, and wear down opponents over four quarters.
The franchise takes pride in developing homegrown talent and maintaining strong community ties. There's an underdog mentality that resonates with the fanbase and fuels the team's competitive fire against big-market opponents.
Legacy & Impact
The Cavaliers' greatest era came from 2014-2018 when LeBron James returned to lead the team to four straight NBA Finals. The pinnacle was their historic 2016 championship, coming back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the 73-win Golden State Warriors. This ended Cleveland's 52-year major sports title drought.
Earlier successful periods included the late 1980s/early 1990s teams led by Mark Price and Brad Daugherty. The 2000s saw playoff runs behind James in his first Cleveland stint. Current young stars like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley are leading a new era of contention.
Key franchise figures include Larry Nance Sr, Craig Ehlo, James, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Austin Carr, and longtime play-by-play announcer Joe Tait. The team has retired seven numbers to honour past greats.
Five Fast Facts:
- The Cavaliers were one of three expansion teams added to the NBA in 1970.
- Cleveland's first playoff appearance came in 1976, known as the "Miracle of Richfield."
- LeBron James was drafted first overall by the Cavs in 2003 out of nearby Akron.
- The team's 2016 title was the first by a major Cleveland sports team since 1964.
- Evan Mobley finished second in 2022 Rookie of the Year voting, signaling a bright future.
Club Timeline
1970: Cavaliers founded as NBA expansion team
1976: First playoff appearance and division title
1986: Brad Daugherty drafted first overall
2003: LeBron James drafted first overall
2007: First NBA Finals appearance
2016: Win NBA championship, defeating Warriors
2022: Return to playoffs led by young core
Key Statistics
All-Time Record: 2,012-2,300 (.467 winning percentage)
Championship History: 1 NBA title (2016)
Hall of Fame Players: 7
Retired Numbers: 7
Notable Records: Most wins in a season: 66 (2008-09)
Today
The Cavaliers are entering an exciting new era built around young stars Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. After making the play-in tournament in 2022, Cleveland broke through in 2023 to make the playoffs as the 4th seed before losing to the Knicks in 5 games.
With one of the NBA's most promising young cores and an innovative front office, the Cavaliers are positioned as a rising force in the Eastern Conference. The blend of emerging talent, veteran leadership, and strong organisational culture has Cleveland dreaming of sustained success and a return to championship contention in the coming years.
