Steadily, every year, attendance levels at the Gund gradually begin to plummet as Cleveland fans everywhere look for the light at the end of the dark tunnel.   Cavs’ fan everywhere feels as if their heads are perennially hung low. Over the past few years, General Manager Jim Paxon has desperately sought out a winning basketball team here in Cleveland. Still yet to find the right combination, Paxon has revamped the Cavalier roster seemingly every year.

Just when you may think, however, that Cleveland basketball is a lost cause and as a fan, you may want to have nothing more to do with it, I ask that you hear me out on a few reasons this may be a year to watch.

• A new voice on the sidelines this year.  After going through their third coach in the last three years, they had yet to find the man to lead them to victory. This may be their man. John Lucas has shown all the attributes to be a head coach on the NBA level. After assisting for the Denver Nuggets, the Cavaliers feel that Lucas is ready to once again take on a head-coaching job and bring back the winning ways to Cleveland.
• Andre Miller. This young star out of Utah has shown glimpses of being an all-star point guard. With a little bit of surrounding help, this kid could show his full potential of being a top NBA player, and really shine on the once dim Cav’s offense.
• The acquisition Tyrone Hill could prove to be a huge asset. Bringing his veteran leadership and winning ways from the Sixers, he could prove to be invaluable down low.
• The overlooked player of the Sixers deal, Jumaine Jones. This young small forward from the Sixers never really got a chance to prove himself in Philadelphia. In Philadelphia he played limited time, and hopes to show that he can be a contributor when he gets the chance.
• Trading for veteran Michael Doleac should be a huge help. The veteran center can start to help fill a huge void for the recovering Zyndrunas Illguaskas, and could fill in so that Chris Mihm can start developing as a power forward. He can also contribute as a big man while the number 8 pick in the draft DeSagana Diop develops into being the top center that Cavalier officials believe he will become.
• The recent signing of free agent Bryant Stith. Stith a streaky shooter, as well as a great defender, should help solidify the backcourt, and add veteran leadership. Since he all ready played under new coach John Lucas in Denver, he is use to the method of Lucas’s coaching.

With a new head coach, a young core of talented players combined with veteran leadership, and some new faces all over the organization, hopefully this squad will give us something to watch and look forward to for years to come.