One year ago, guys like Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith weren’t just like-able fan favorites. They were Cleveland legends and heroes in the city’s sports history.
Fans cried along with J.R. through their TV screens watching him reflect on what it meant to win a championship for his parents.
Fans chanted for RJ to play one more year and practically begged him to come back during the Championship Celebration.
Frye went from a guy who was brought in to replace fan favorite Anderson Varejao to quickly winning over the city’s hearts.
Fans praised “Double T” for his heart, hustle, and rebounding, constantly pointing out how “underrated” he was.