TV20 Sports Report
By: Christian Patterson
It was nothing but high spirits and anxious fans at Bar Louie in downtown Cleveland, Ohio as the Cavaliers organization hosted their official NBA Draft Lottery party. Tons of fans came out to show their support for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs entered this lottery knowing that they had a chance to be choosing as high as number 1, but no lower than number 6. They also possessed the number 19 overall pick and two of the first three picks in the second round, number 31 and 33 overall.
After interviewing a handful of Cavs fans in Bar Louie, I realized that most of them had their hearts set on the Cavs taking Otto Porter out of Georgetown University. Most fans think that Porter is the best fit for the Cavaliers who are in dire need of a small forward with a consistent outside shot.
While the picks were coming in, Cleveland fans got more and more excited because we made it to the top 3 without hearing our name called. Once they called the Orlando Magic’s name at number 2 the entire Bar Louie went crazy! Winning the number 1 pick made fans just as happy as making the playoffs. In some fans opinions this number 1 pick will ensure the Cavs to make the playoffs.
Nick Gilbert is definitely a lucky charm for the organization. The Cavs received the number 1 pick for the second time in three years. Ten years ago the Cavs won the lottery and landed the first pick to draft LeBron James. Then in 2011 the Cavs won another lottery and drafted Kyrie Irving at number 1. Now the Cavs have picked up another opportunity to help speed up the rebuilding process.
With four draft picks this year, and more first round picks to come, the Cavs are building through the draft and doing a great job at it!
“We were hoping regardless of what pick we got that this would be our last lottery,” Dan Gilbert said. “We thought originally after everything had to be reset that it would be a three-year process. You never know. It could be four. We thought three years, but having No. 1 and 19, we’ve got a pretty good chance of this being the last one for a while.”
I’m excited for the Cavs organization and our chances at building a playoff/championship contender team! With the right moves and Kyrie Irving leading this team, you never know we could be facing off with the Miami Heat in the Conference Finals in no time. At least that’s what I dream of!