As quickly as Nike hoisted their LeBron James ‘Cleveland’ Banner in 2014, it was removed. No longer adorning the façade of a Sherwin Williams facility, the banner’s removal carried with it a weight greater than it’s 2,600-pound frame.
Its fall signaled the end of a monarchy – House James, Cleveland, first of his name. The Cavaliers lost the most identifiable piece of their identity and logic would suggest that more of Cleveland’s roster would follow.
However, Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman has expressed his intent for the 2018-19 season: Cleveland isn’t tanking, at least not on purpose.