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Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 Things To Be Thankful For In 2015

By Jamyson Frierson

Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; General view of Quicken Loans Arena prior to game six of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; General view of Quicken Loans Arena prior to game six of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 8, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert speaks during the jersey retirement ceremony for Zydrunas Ilgauskas (not pictured) at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert speaks during the jersey retirement ceremony for Zydrunas Ilgauskas (not pictured) at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dan Gilbert

Outside of the city of Cleveland, I don’t think anybody would celebrate having an owner especially if it’s Dan Gilbert. Unfortunately, many NBA fans still see Gilbert as a villain. They see him as a nosy owner who overreacted to “The Decision” and as a person who writes letters in Comic Sans. They might have those negative views and opinions, but in Cleveland he means a lot more.

In a city that is constantly beaten down and battered nationally, he has did everything he could to stand up for it. For example, after “The Decision” I didn’t see the letter as offensive or wrong, I saw it as an owner representing Cleveland Cavaliers fans and combining all of their emotions into one.

Even if it was for a minute or a day, that letter eased the animosity and loathsomeness fans had towards LeBron James and showed them Gilbert had their backs more than ever.

But as the old saying goes, “Time heals all wounds.” During the James frenzy of 2014, social media sites such as Twitter were going crazy with speculation. People were even able to track his jet to Florida. Gilbert denied that he was going to Miami to talk to James, but it is alleged that his trip there was to reconcile things with James before he came back to the Cavaliers.

The national media was irate about him considering a comeback after what Gilbert said to him. Some even went as far to say that Gilbert had a “slave owner” mentality, which is a complete reach. He will always have a negative image among a few people, but it’s doubtful he’s in this industry to make friends.

He then showed how badly he wants the team to win by spending $175.6 million combined on re-signings and free agency. Gilbert even re-signed sixth man and now starter Tristan Thompson to a five-year, $82 million deal. Statistically, he hasn’t lived up to it, but the season is still early. That signing added to the Cavaliers having the highest payroll in the NBA. He might just be the owner, but I think any fanbase would take somebody that is dedicated and as passionate about winning as Gilbert.

Next: 1. LeBron

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