Top 10 Favorite Cavaliers of All-Time

[Stark]

Here's mine - I'm on the younger side of things so I never got to experience the early-90s powerhouse squads:

1. Matthew Dellavedova
2. Channing Frye
3. Kevin Love
4. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
5. Anderson Varejao
6. LeBron James
7. Cedi Osman
8. Richard Jefferson
9. Mark Price
10. Anthony Parker

 

[Randolphkeys]

Great topic! In no order...

LeBron - He may not be popular this month but there will be a statue in front of the Q someday.

Z - I worked at the Channel 3 sports desk when he was a rookie. Met him through there, and I'm pretty sure a package I helped put together was the first use of his nickname.

Varejao - I was into international hoops around that time, and Brazil was awesome. I was thrilled when the Cavs traded for him and he gave us a great career.

Love - Underappreciated during his run so far, but he chose to stay and cemented his place on my list. My uncle had a good parallel: He's what we all hoped Danny Ferry would be.

Delly - I loved watching him at St. Mary's. They were on the local sports station all the time. Sometimes you just know - that guy is going to be taking people's jobs.

Mark Price - He was such a relatable superstar, especially in Cleveland. Watching him drop over 20 with all those assists made every kid rocking a Super Cuts side part think they had a shot.

Larry Nance Sr. - He was the only elite athlete on those 1980s teams. He had the jaw dropping plays but became a solid jump shooter as he aged. I wore knee high socks when I played in his honor.

Brad Daugherty - Doesnt want to be linked to the franchise too much now, but when he was healthy he was the key to the Cavs turnaround. Just a beautiful back to the basket game.

Bobby Phills - He was the Delly story before Delly. Also a tremendous athlete, but a true two way player who played smart basketball. Still one of the most senseless losses. Yet another reason to hate David Wesley.

Kevin Restani - Who, you ask? He was a backup power forward who bounced around the league. He also worked as Dean of Students at one of my first teaching gigs. He loved tossing back a few, buying people shots of Rumpleminz, and talking about what the NBA was like in the late 70s and early 80s. He passed away in an old timers league game, RIP.

 

[rabman_gold]

Yeah, I don't have memories of those Price-Nance-Daugherty teams either. And while I remember watching some of the mid-90s Cavs teams (Brandon-era), I didn't pay much attention to the players at the time. My appreciation for individuals began after the 1997-98 season.

1. Andre Miller - A decent play-maker on a team historically known for its point guards. An underrated passer (and only Cav to lead the league in assists in 2002). My favorite moment was when he came alive during the 2000 Rookie-Sophomore game in the 2nd half. I sometimes wonder what it could have been if we drafted LeBron AND kept Miller.

2. Zydrunas Ilgauskas - Was a decent center in an era where centers ruled. Injuries costed him heavily. Was a 17-7 all-star when at his best (a shell of his former self after already having his feet restructured with surgery).

3. Anderson Varejao - Plagued with injuries as well (our Cavs big men could never stay fully healthy, could they?). But his relentless effort and hustle were gold on the late 00s Cavs teams. The LeBron and Andy pick-and-rolls were memorable (right after the LeBron and Z pick-and-pops).

No real order to the rest of the guys, but organized it anyways to the players I preferred:

• Tristan Thompson - Before getting his payday, I liked the effort and hard work he brought to each game. Will the Kardashian curse continue to ruin him?
• Matthew Dellavedova - A true winner. Gave us a great few years + a champion. His pick and roll with LeBron is memorable (my version of the Price-Daugherty/Stockton-Malone pick-and-roll).
• Ben Wallace - A hard worker, even past his prime. If only Yao Ming didn't kick him midway through the 2008-09 season... He might've been able to defend Dwight Howard down low.
• Larry Nance Jr - Slowly jumping up the list. Despite the ability to put up stats, is VERY unselfish. Similar to the earlier TT days, but smarter. I hope he continues to improve (and maybe surpass his father as a Cav).
• Baron Davis - The shot in the arm we needed after the trade deadline of 2011. The late-season game against the Heat is memorable.
• Channing Frye/Richard Jefferson - Hard to put one over the other. Both gave their all on the court as well as off (keeping the chemistry was important for the championship). A true Cavs mindset at heart (and very likable personalities).
• LeBron James - May not be popular in Cavs fans' mind, but he's the best Cav ever. He made me stop caring about stats after the 2004-05 season (the first and only Cav to ever put up a full 20-5-5 season, and followed that with the only 27-7-7).
• Kyrie Irving - May not be the best pure point guard in Cavs history, but a big game player nonetheless. The game 5 in 2016 (41 points) is almost as memorable as the shot he made in game 7.
• Kevin Love - His self-sacrifice for his other 2 star teammates allowed the Cavs to get by. Despite that, he still averaged 17-10 as a Cav and could get hot in hurry (34 points in the first quarter vs the Blazers is amazing).
• Dajuan Wagner/Darius Miles/DeSagana Diop - These three represent the worst of the early 2000s Cavs: Potential that's completely wasted. Or injured. Or unable to be anything more than the undeserved lottery-picks they became... (honorable mentions: Chris Mihm, Anthony Bennett)

 

[Nathan S]

1. LeBron James
2. Anderson Varejao
3. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
4. Kevin Love
5. Delonte West
6. JR Smith
7. Kyrie Irving
8. Richard Jefferson
9. Channing Frye
10. Matthew Dellavedova

EDIT: Not hating on the oldies btw, just doesn't feel right to rank people I didn't actually see live.

 

[3 Ball...GOT IT]

In no particular order:

Kevin Love
JR Smith
Jeff McGinnis
Kyrie Irving
Channing Frye
Matthew Dellavedova
JJ Hickson
LeBron James
Cedi Osman
Dion Waiters

Honorable Mention: Lester Hudson

 

[Phills14]

I agree this is fun

Top 10

1. Bobby Phills... Was there any doubt here? He worked himself up from last player on the bench to a legit starter and I always appreciated his effort.
2. Larry Nance Sr... The guy wasn't a superstar but I guarantee every team in the league wanted him on their squad
3. Mark Price... Nuff said
4. LeBron... He was a pleasure to watch. What an amazing player and might be the best to ever play the game
5. Zyrdrunas... He's a nice guy on and off the court. A loyal Cavalier. Fought back from career threatening injuries to his feet. What's not to like?
6. Ron Harper... Should have never traded him. The Cavs had something brewing with him Price/Daugherty/Nance/Hot Rod
7. Terrell Brandon... All around good player. Floor general. I just enjoyed watching him play
8. Kevin Love... I love how he rebounds from below the rim.
9. Ricky Davis... He was crazy. He shot at his own basket to get the rebound and a triple double. But he was the only thing worth watching on those dreadful teams
10. Andre Miller... He just went out there and did his business and his best years with the Cavs


Not Top 10
1. Carlos Boozer... I mean can anyone else top this list?
2. Danny Ferry... We traded Harper for him? C'mon!
3. Eric Snow... Literally could not do anything
4. Bobby Sura... He flat out pissed me off. Cocky attitude when he did nothing to earn it
5. Dion Waiters... AND ONE!
6. Omri Casspi... He was the late 2000's version of Bobby Sura
7. DeSagana Diop... The guy shouldn't have even been drafted let alone in the top 10. It was painful watching him attempt to play basketball
8. Lester Hudson... He had like 3 good game and was already working on his HoF induction speech
9. Trajan Langdon... 2nd Alaskan on this list. He's not an asshole like the first one but this assassin didn't come anywhere close to his mark
10. Mike Sanders... The mid 80s small forward version of Eric Snow.

 

[Randolphkeys]

10. Mike Sanders... The mid 80s small forward version of Eric Snow.

I hated Mike Sanders deeply. I guess his role was supposed to be the best one on one perimeter defender, but he provided nothing on offense. Worst of all: Embry protected in the expansion draft and exposed... Dell Curry, who went on to be the all time Hornets scoring leader. Imagine if Steph grew up in Northeast Ohio with Larry Nance Jr. Makes me want to spit.

 

[6.19.2016]

I agree this is fun

Top 10

1. Bobby Phills... Was there any doubt here? He worked himself up from last player on the bench to a legit starter and I always appreciated his effort.
2. Larry Nance Sr... The guy wasn't a superstar but I guarantee every team in the league wanted him on their squad
3. Mark Price... Nuff said
4. LeBron... He was a pleasure to watch. What an amazing player and might be the best to ever play the game
5. Zyrdrunas... He's a nice guy on and off the court. A loyal Cavalier. Fought back from career threatening injuries to his feet. What's not to like?
6. Ron Harper... Should have never traded him. The Cavs had something brewing with him Price/Daugherty/Nance/Hot Rod
7. Terrell Brandon... All around good player. Floor general. I just enjoyed watching him play
8. Kevin Love... I love how he rebounds from below the rim.
9. Ricky Davis... He was crazy. He shot at his own basket to get the rebound and a triple double. But he was the only thing worth watching on those dreadful teams
10. Andre Miller... He just went out there and did his business and his best years with the Cavs


Not Top 10
1. Carlos Boozer... I mean can anyone else top this list?
2. Danny Ferry... We traded Harper for him? C'mon!
3. Eric Snow... Literally could not do anything
4. Bobby Sura... He flat out pissed me off. Cocky attitude when he did nothing to earn it
5. Dion Waiters... AND ONE!
6. Omri Casspi... He was the late 2000's version of Bobby Sura
7. DeSagana Diop... The guy shouldn't have even been drafted let alone in the top 10. It was painful watching him attempt to play basketball
8. Lester Hudson... He had like 3 good game and was already working on his HoF induction speech
9. Trajan Langdon... 2nd Alaskan on this list. He's not an asshole like the first one but this assassin didn't come anywhere close to his mark
10. Mike Sanders... The mid 80s small forward version of Eric Snow.

Pretty amazing that Lasagna Flop stayed in the league as long as he did - 12 seasons, incidentally ending in 2013 about the time 7-footers started diminishing in value. Hey, he came into the league with experience playing alongside Melo and against LeBron, so he had that going...

Bobby Sura and Omri are, incidentally, two of our biggest connections to the Dubs, besides of course Doogie Howser Kerr, Del Curry, Varejao, and the 2nd best ever to grow up in Akron in Nate Thurmond, so no wonder they are unlikable.

Bron, Kyrie, Love, Old Z, Dre Miller, Delly, and Nance Jr/Sr are staples on all the "good" lists here and I agree. Interesting to see Dion and Les Hudson make both good and bad lists.

 

[Scholar]

The lot of ya are making me feel old as your lists are devoid of "Miracle" players. Hard for me seeing lists without Bobby "Bingo" Smith and Austin Carr. I can still hear in my head Joe Tait shouting "Bingo for three". Anyways, in no particular order, Bingo Smith, Austin Carr, Nate Thurmond, Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, Larry Nance, Andy Varejao, Kevin Love, Delly, Z. Honorable mentions: Kyrie Irving, Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, Baron Davis. There is no Lebron because I truly don't like the "person" Mr James is. He is an amazing basketball player when he wants to be but, He is such a friggin drama queen. He is responsible for some of the very best and very worst basketball that I have seen out of the Cavaliers.

 

[stowfan]

In no particular order:

Kevin Love
JR Smith
Jeff McGinnis
Kyrie Irving
Channing Frye
Matthew Dellavedova
JJ Hickson
LeBron James
Cedi Osman
Dion Waiters

Honorable Mention: Lester Hudson

I see you have Dion on that list. I'm really sorry he didn't have a better career. He may have been the nicest guy ever to wear a Cavs' uniform.

I don't know how many times I saw pictures of him with a big smile on his face doing a photo with some random fan, at say a Boston Market or some place. When he was hurt and in street clothes he would stay behind when the team went into the locker room and sign autographs. I can't say the same about almost all the others.

 

[NMCav]

1. Ricky Davis - Shooting at his own bucket to get a cheap rebound for a triple double is legendary. Still one of my fave memories of Cavaliers basketball.

2. Zydrunas Illgauskaus - self explanatory.

3. Baron Davis - One of my fave players ever. Led us to a victory over the Heat. He was here a short amount of time but it was fun.

4. Kevin Love - Dude took so much shit from the media and a lot of fans wanted him traded. But dude Stayed loyal to the city and never cried about the trade rumors or the media backlash.

5. LeBron James - Dude left us twice. Dude also won us a championship. Well I'm not happy he left for the bright lights of LA I respect all he's done for the Cavaliers.

6. Anderson Varejao - Best hair in team history. Amazing hustle. Idk how you could not like Varejao just a all around good dude.

7. Andre Miller - I always loved his game. Still bummed we traded him way back when.

8. Channing Frye/Richard Jefferson - I'm throwing them in as one person. U of A grads who brought a stabilizing presence for the team and played what ever role was asked of them.

9. Daniel Gibson - Played basketball the same way as me. Hit threes. Play no defense, doesn't pass, but let me lineup for a three and drain it. Yeah he wasn't great but since he played the same game as me I was always a fan.

10. Mo Williams - Dunked all over Paul Pierce. Was that his only career dunk? Either way that cemented him as one of my favorites.

 

[Simmy]

Thought I'd change it up a bit and put a different spin on this thread:

Favorite player I never saw live: Austin Carr just because he's AC. My "Carr #34" jersey was basically the only Cavs jersey I ever wore in public during the LBJ years to avoid any potential "bandwagon" nonsense that may have come my way.

Soft spot because of a particular play: Mo Williams annoyed me off the court but that Godfather theme used to give me shivers. I'll never forget this play:


We had nothing to play for that year and yet this highlight has always stuck with me, probably because it ended the losing streak if I remember correctly? Donald Sloan also gets an honorable mention. I have no idea why I liked him - just did.

Favorite on-court Cavs: Delly gets the gig without question, just because he could've been our mascot in another life. The pure embodiment of hustle, grit, hard-work and determination, and he was a fellow countryman.

He hasn't been in my good books for a while, but Kyrie Irving was about as mesmerizing as any player not named LeBron James that I've ever had the privileged of watching. Also born in Australia , he's the only Cav I've ever met in person and will probably always be the guy whose wine and gold highlights package I'll forever watch.

Favorite off-court Cavs: Like most of you, it's RJ and Channing without a doubt. I'd probably have the two of them at the top of my top 10. What's interesting though, is that in an age not dominated by social media and the Internet, we may have never been given such an intimate insight into how these guys think and behave. But it's because of this (Snapchat, Road Trippin', the way they talk about the game of basketball and their Beavis and Butthead routine) that has them topping my list.

Outside of those two, Andy definitely gets an honorable mention. He gave everything to this city and this franchise and I can't help but feel like he was heartbroken when we cut ties with him to make way for Channing. He kept things together during those rough 4 years (even when he was injured) and always inspired hope in our basketball team. Tristan also owes a great deal of his career to the way Varejao helped craft his offensive rebounding.

Guy most likely to be added to my favorites list one day: Larry Nance Jr. I'm basically the unofficial leader of the LNJR fan club at this point. Guy has been everything I've ever wanted from a Cav - loves the city and the state of Ohio, he's intelligent and articulate, has a sense of humor and can ball out. If I had a top 10 he'd already be on it, but given that he's only been around for half a season, I felt it would've been an unfair inclusion.

 

[Jstock12]

Damn, no love for Martynas Andriuskevicius? How quickly people forgot those 9 total minutes...

 

[FrontPageNews]

Andre miller- first cavs all star level player that I watched as a kid

Delly- love hustle

Jr- pre 2017 he was amazing. Never felt out of a game when he was in

Moz- best big man defender I’ve seen before he got hurt

Wade- it was only a half of a season but he played better defense than anyone else on that team and did a great job leading our 2nd team.

Wesley persons- I have no real idea why I like him but I always did as a kid. Great 3 point shooter before being a 3 point shooter was cool.

Andy- who doesn’t love Andy?

Z- very aggravating player to watch at times but he was an all star.


Frye- great personality and he opened up our offense to be damn near unstoppable.

RJ- great personality and played his role very well.

HM- LeCoward, cryknee, pussy hands love.

 

[Sumac13]

1. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
2. Hot Rod Williams (had plastic action figure and card)
3. Andre Miller (watched him play at U. of U. while living in UT).
4. Ron Harper (had a giant poster of him).
5. Sasha Pavlovic
6. Brad Daugherty
7. Larry Nance Sr.
8. Delonte West (always hoped he would get his shit together)

Two for whacky characters

9. Edgar Jones (for quotes alone)

"All talent has limitations, and I don't have any."

"I didn't develop. I evolved. First, I was a defensive specialist. Then I incorporated the shot-blocking and then threw the dunking and jump-shooting into the mix. I came up with a dominating, exterminating, germinating, postulating machine.''

“I’m not talking any more. That’s it. No more words. It’s over. Wanna know the deal? Mum is the word here. My game talks and conversation walks. It’s just that I’m basically a quiet guy who keeps to himself. I don’t like to talk.”

10. Derrick Chievous: (From the PD) "Nicknamed "Mis-Chievous." Wore a bandage on various parts of his body for no apparent reason. Often the first player in the locker room before a game, he would put on a teammate's jersey and lie down in front of his locker, again for no apparent reason. Once had Paul Mokeski autograph a pair of Mokeski's shoes, then wore them during the game, even though they were the wrong size. Took some journalism courses at Missouri and always reminded reporters he knew as much about the profession as they did. Who knows? Maybe he did."