The Cleveland Cavaliers history is filled with ups and downs, defining moments, and unforgettable players. Since entering the NBA in 1970, the franchise has built a strong identity in Cleveland Cavaliers basketball. From early challenges to becoming champions, the team has created a legacy that inspires fans and remains a key part of basketball culture.
Established
1970
City
Cleveland
League History
1970 - Present / National Basketball Association
Team History
1970 - Present / Cleveland Cavaliers
Nickname
Cavaliers - The Cleveland Cavaliers history have been a staple of the NBA since their inception in 1970. The team’s unique nickname has become synonymous with success and greatness, but few people know its origins.
The name “Cavaliers” was chosen by owner Nick Mileti after he attended a game between his hometown Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish teams. He noticed that both teams had nicknames derived from military terms, so he decided to do something similar for his new basketball franchise. After some research, Mileti settled on “Cavaliers” as they represented nobility and courage - two essential traits for any successful sports team!
Cleveland Cavaliers Origin
In addition to being inspired by military terms, the name also pays homage to Cleveland's rich history of cavalier culture during colonial times when French settlers first arrived in Northeast Ohio centuries ago. The city is home to many historical sites related to this era, including Fort Laurens, located near Bolivar, which George Washington himself built! This connection makes sense, given how important it is for any professional sports organization today to remain true to its roots while striving towards excellence at all costs – just like those early colonists did hundreds of years ago!
Overall, there are plenty of reasons why fans should be proud when they root on their beloved Cavs every night, no matter what happens out their court or off-court drama may arise throughout the season after season because deep down inside, everyone knows they represent more than just another basketball team: They stand testament courage & honor through thick thin - something we can all appreciate regardless who wins loses each time around... Go Cavs!!
Championship
NBA Championships 1
2016
Arena
2020 - Present / Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
2005 - 2019 / Quicken Loans Arena
1994 - 2004 / Gund Arena
1974 - 1994 / Coliseum at Richfield
1970 - 1974 / Cleveland Arena
Owner
2004 – Present / Dan Gilbert, Usher Raymond, Gordon Gund
1983 – 2004 / Gordon and George Gund III
1980 – 1983 / Ted Stepien
1979 – 1980 / Joe Zingale
1970 – 1979 / Nick Mileti
- 1970
- 1980
- 1983
- 2003
- 2010
- 2014
- 2016
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Expansion in Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers first began to play in the NBA in 1970 as an expansion team under the ownership of Nick Mileti. Playing their home games at Cleveland Arena under the direction of head coach Bill Fitch, they compiled a league-worst 15–67 record in their inaugural season. The team hoped to build around the number one 1971 draft pick Austin ... -
Ted Stepien Ownership
In 1980, after just a few months, Zingale sold the team to Nationwide Advertising magnate Ted Stepien on April 12, 1980. The new owner oversaw the hiring and firing of a succession of coaches and was involved in making a number of poor trade and free-agent signing decisions. The result of Stepien’s questionable trading acumen was the loss of several ... -
The Gunds Take Over
Though Stepien eventually threatened to move the franchise to Toronto and rename it the Toronto Towers, brothers George and Gordon Gund purchased the franchise in the mid-1980s and decided to keep the team in Cleveland. Shortly after purchasing the Cavaliers in 1983, the Gunds changed the team colors from wine and gold to burnt orange and navy blue. Furthermore, they ... -
The First LeBron James Era
Several losing seasons followed which saw the Cavaliers drop to the bottom of the league and become a perennial lottery draft team. After another disappointing season in 2002–03, the Cavaliers landed the number one draft pick in the NBA Lottery. With it, the team selected local high school phenomenon and future NBA MVP LeBron James. As if celebrating a new ... -
LeBron Leaves for Miami
With the Cavaliers out of the playoffs, the focus then turned to James’ impending free agency. On July 8, 2010, James announced in a nationally televised one-hour special titled The Decision on ESPN that he would be signing with the Miami Heat. The repercussions of this announcement left many in the city of Cleveland infuriated and feeling betrayed. A number ... -
The Return of King James
On June 25, 2014, James opted out of his contract with the Heat, officially becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1. On July 11, he revealed via a first-person essay in Sports Illustrated that he intended to rejoin the Cavaliers. In contrast to The Decision, his announcement to return to Cleveland was well received. On July 12, he officially ... -
NBA Finals Winner 2016
The 2016 NBA Playoffs were the postseason tournament of the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s 2015 – 2016 season. The tournament ended with the Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers defeating the Western Conference champion Golden State Warriors 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals. LeBron James was named NBA Finals MVP.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Cleveland Cavaliers History
The Cleveland Cavaliers history is one of passion, resilience, and unforgettable moments. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the team competes in the NBA as part of the Eastern Conference Central Division. Since their founding in 1970, the Cavs have showcased some of the game’s biggest stars, including LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Mark Price, who helped define Cleveland Cavaliers basketball.
The Cavaliers played their first NBA game on April 4, 1970, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 111–105 at the Richfield Coliseum. That arena was their home until 1994, when they moved to the modern Quicken Loans Arena, widely known as “The Q.”
In 1975, Austin Carr became one of the franchise’s early legends. He later earned induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, becoming the first Cavalier to receive that honor. Carr also led the team’s all-time scoring list until LeBron James broke his record in the 2007–08 season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Achievements
By the early 2000s, the team struggled to reach the playoffs. In 2003, ownership brought in head coach Paul Silas to spark a turnaround. The arrival of LeBron James that same year in the NBA Draft marked a new era for the franchise. Despite initial challenges, the Cavaliers gained momentum. In the 2005–06 season, they reached the playoffs and battled the Washington Wizards in a six-game opening series. While they fell short, it signaled progress. Later roster moves, including drafting Kyrie Irving and adding stars like Antawn Jamison and Anthony Parker, strengthened the squad. Although early playoff exits followed, the pieces for future success were coming together.
The greatest highlight in Cleveland Cavaliers history came in 2016. With LeBron James leading the way, and Kyrie Irving delivering clutch performances, the Cavs won the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. This victory ended Cleveland’s 52-year championship drought across all major sports, a moment celebrated throughout Ohio and the nation. The Cavaliers have since remained a competitive force, inspiring generations of fans.
To learn more about the team’s full journey, visit the Cleveland Cavaliers Wikipedia page.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
7 / Bobby “Bingo” Smith
11 / Žydrūnas Ilgauskas
22 / Larry Nance
25 / Mark Price
34 / Austin Carr
42 / Nate Thurmond
43 / Brad Daugherty
– / Joe Tait
*Blue is this team’s history