Full History Of Cleveland Cavaliers In Timeline From 1948

4 hours ago : Cavaliers Aim for Seventh Straight Win Against Hornets: Odds and Predictions

The Cleveland Cavaliers are pursuing their seventh consecutive victory as they face the Charlotte Hornets. The game preview includes odds, injury reports, and TV channel information. Experts provide predictions for the Cavaliers-Hornets game.

1948: Washington Capitols Team

In 2024, the Cavaliers achieved a 15-0 start, which is tied for the second-best start in franchise history, and the Cavaliers are the fourth team to achieve this milestone, after the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors team, the 1993-1994 Houston Rockets team, and the 1948-1949 Washington Capitols team.

1949: Washington Capitols Team

In 2024, the Cavaliers achieved a 15-0 start, which is tied for the second-best start in franchise history, and the Cavaliers are the fourth team to achieve this milestone, after the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors team, the 1993-1994 Houston Rockets team, and the 1948-1949 Washington Capitols team.

1964: Cleveland's Last Major Title Before 2016

In 1964, Cleveland had its last major professional sports title before the Cavaliers' championship in 2016.

1964: Last Cleveland Championship

In 1964, Cleveland had their last championship in major professional sports before the Cavaliers won in 2016.

1970: Inaugural Season

In 1970, the Cleveland Cavaliers began their inaugural season.

1970: Expansion Team Launch

In 1970, the Cleveland Cavaliers were founded as an expansion team, marking the start of their NBA journey.

1970: Original Jersey Colors

In 1970, when the Cleveland Cavaliers debuted in the NBA, the team's original jersey colors were wine and gold.

1970: Original Shades of Wine and Gold

The Cleveland Cavaliers returned to their original shades of wine and gold used from 1970 to 1983, influencing the design of new uniforms in 2010.

1974: Jersey Redesign

In 1974, the Cavaliers changed into the classic block lettering and checkerboard pattern synonymous with the "Miracle of Richfield" team of 1976.

1974: Move to Richfield Coliseum

In 1974, the Cleveland Cavaliers moved their home games from Cleveland Arena to the Richfield Coliseum.

1976: "Miracle of Richfield"

In 1974, the Cavaliers changed into the classic block lettering and checkerboard pattern synonymous with the "Miracle of Richfield" team of 1976.

1976: First Division Title and Playoff Appearance

In 1976, the Cleveland Cavaliers secured their first Central Division title, marking their first winning season and playoff appearance.

1980: Ted Stepien Purchases Franchise

In 1980, Ted Stepien acquired the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise.

1980: Don Ford Trade

In 1980, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded a 1982 first-round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for Don Ford and the 22nd overall pick.

1980: Jersey Redesign

In 1980, the gold shade was changed to metallic, the checkerboard pattern removed, and stripes placed above "Cleveland" and below the uniform number on the Cavaliers jerseys.

1980: Metallic Gold First Used

In 2022, the Cleveland Cavaliers reverted to the metallic gold first used from 1980 to 1983, and from 2003 to 2010.

1981: Start of Losing Streak

In 1981, the Cleveland Cavaliers experienced the start of a 24-game losing streak that would continue into the following season.

1981: Multiple Coaching Changes

In 1981, the Cleveland Cavaliers went through multiple coaching changes during Ted Stepien's ownership.

November 1982: 24-Game Losing Streak

Between March and November 1982, the Cleveland Cavaliers endured a 24-game losing streak, which was the NBA's longest at the time.

1982: Continuation of Losing Streak

In 1982, the Cleveland Cavaliers continued a 24-game losing streak that began in the previous season.

1983: Gund Brothers Purchase the Cavs

In 1983, George and Gordon Gund purchased the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise.

1983: Color Scheme Change to Burnt Orange, Blue and White

In 1983, the Cleveland Cavaliers changed their colors to burnt orange, blue, and white. The first uniform under this new scheme featured the Cavaliers logo with a basketball-shaped "V" and the player name sewn onto the back shoulder as a patch, with orange as the primary color.

1983: Metallic Gold First Used

In 2022, the Cleveland Cavaliers reverted to the metallic gold first used from 1980 to 1983, and from 2003 to 2010.

1983: Original Shades of Wine and Gold

The Cleveland Cavaliers returned to their original shades of wine and gold used from 1970 to 1983, influencing the design of new uniforms in 2010.

1985: Start of Playoff Appearances

From 1985, the Cleveland Cavaliers made the playoffs 10 times in 13 years.

1986: 1986-87 Team Anniversary

The 1986-87 Cleveland Cavaliers team's 20th anniversary was commemorated in 2006 and the 30th anniversary in 2016 with throwback orange uniforms.

1987: Blue Becomes Primary Color

In 1987, orange was relegated as a secondary color, and blue was used instead as the primary color for both the away and home uniforms of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

1987: Callback to 1987-1994 Style

The 2014-15 season's second alternate jersey was a callback to the 1987-1994 style.

1988: Blue Primary Color for Uniforms

In 1988, the Cleveland Cavaliers relegated orange as a secondary color and used blue as the primary color for their home and away uniforms.

1988: Best Season To Date

The 1988–89 season was the Cleveland Cavaliers' best season to date, finishing the regular season at 57–25.

1989: Minor Uniform Changes

In 1989, minor changes to the Cleveland Cavaliers uniforms included the city name on the blue away uniforms. The drop shadows were also removed.

1991: Second 57-Win Season

In the 1991–92 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers had their second 57-win season and reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

1992: Eastern Conference Finals Appearance

In 1992, led by players like Mark Price and Brad Daugherty, the Cleveland Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

1993: Houston Rockets Team

In 2024, the Cavaliers achieved a 15-0 start, which is tied for the second-best start in franchise history, and the Cavaliers are the fourth team to achieve this milestone, after the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors team, the 1993-1994 Houston Rockets team, and the 1948-1949 Washington Capitols team.

1994: New Logos and Uniforms with Move to Gund Arena

In 1994, coinciding with the move to Gund Arena, the Cleveland Cavaliers changed logos and uniforms, adding black in addition to the existing blue, orange, and white colors. The uniforms featured a blue splash in the abdomen area in front.

1994: Move to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

In 1994, the Cleveland Cavaliers started playing their home games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, located in downtown Cleveland.

1994: Updated "V-net" Logo Unveiled

In 2022, the Cleveland Cavaliers unveiled an updated "V-net" logo, merging the styles of the 1983–1994 and 1994–2003 logos with the current typeface.

1994: Houston Rockets Team

In 2024, the Cavaliers achieved a 15-0 start, which is tied for the second-best start in franchise history, and the Cavaliers are the fourth team to achieve this milestone, after the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors team, the 1993-1994 Houston Rockets team, and the 1948-1949 Washington Capitols team.

1994: Black Uniforms

In the 1994-1996 NBA season, the black uniforms were introduced. They were revived for the 2019-20 season as part of the Cavaliers' 50th season, as well as the 25th anniversary of the move to Gund Arena (now Rocket Arena).

1994: Callback to 1987-1994 Style

The 2014-15 season's second alternate jersey was a callback to the 1987-1994 style.

November 9, 1995: Introduction of Whammer the Polar Bear

On November 9, 1995, Whammer, a polar bear mascot, was introduced for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Whammer still makes occasional appearances throughout the season at Cavaliers games.

1996: Black Uniforms

In the 1994-1996 NBA season, the black uniforms were introduced. They were revived for the 2019-20 season as part of the Cavaliers' 50th season, as well as the 25th anniversary of the move to Gund Arena (now Rocket Arena).

1997: Tweaked Numbers and Lettering on Uniforms

From 1997 to 1999, the numbers and lettering on the Cleveland Cavaliers uniforms were slightly tweaked. On home uniforms, the word "CAVS" and numbers were black with orange lines, while on road uniforms, the word "CLEVELAND" and numbers were white with orange lines. The blue splash moved from the right leg to the left leg.

1997: Last Playoff Appearance for Six Years

In 1997, the Cleveland Cavaliers made a playoff appearance before beginning a six-year stretch without playoff contention.

1997: First Time Team Qualified For Postseason Play

In the 2021-22 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers marked the first time a non-LeBron-led team qualified for postseason play since the 1997-98 season.

1998: End of Playoff Streak

In 1998, the Cleveland Cavaliers' streak of playoff appearances ended.

1998: First Time Team Entered The Playoffs

On March 26, 2023, the Cavaliers clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs, making this the first time since 1998 that the team entered the playoffs without LeBron James.

1999: Tweaked Numbers and Lettering on Uniforms

From 1997 to 1999, the numbers and lettering on the Cleveland Cavaliers uniforms were slightly tweaked. On home uniforms, the word "CAVS" and numbers were black with orange lines, while on road uniforms, the word "CLEVELAND" and numbers were white with orange lines. The blue splash moved from the right leg to the left leg.

1999: Start of Playoff Drought

From 1999, the Cleveland Cavaliers failed to make a playoff appearance until 2005.

1999: Cleaner Uniform Look

In the 1999-2000 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers opted for a cleaner look, eliminating the splash and adding an orange and blue line that runs through the shorts. The home jerseys featured the team nickname and the uniform numbers are in blue with black lines, while the away jerseys featured the city name and the uniform numbers in white with blue lines.

2000: Cleaner Uniform Look

In the 2000 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers continued with a cleaner look for their uniforms, featuring the team nickname on home jerseys and the city name on away jerseys, along with specific color schemes for lettering and numbers.

2002: Usage of Uniforms Ends

In 2002-03 the jerseys featuring the team nickname on home jerseys and the city name on away jerseys were used for the last time.

2002: Tied for Worst Record in the NBA

The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the 2002-03 season with a 17–65 record, tied for the worst record in the NBA.

November 5, 2003: First Appearance of Moondog

On November 5, 2003, Moondog, the Cleveland Cavaliers' mascot inspired by Alan Freed, made his first appearance.

2003: Drafting LeBron James

In 2003, the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted LeBron James as the top overall pick.

2003: Switch to Wine-and-Gold Scheme

In 2003, the Cleveland Cavaliers switched to a modified version of the team's classic wine-and-gold scheme: metallic gold and a crimson shade of wine with navy blue added. The home uniform was white with "Cavaliers" in wine lettering with gold trim.

2003: Metallic Gold First Used

In 2022, the Cleveland Cavaliers reverted to the metallic gold first used from 1980 to 1983, and from 2003 to 2010.

2004: Moondog as NBA All-Star Selection

In 2003 and 2004, Moondog was an NBA All-Star selection.

2004: Throwback Uniforms for 30th Anniversary

In 2004, the Cleveland Cavaliers used gold checkerboard uniforms as throwbacks to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the "Miracle of Richfield" team.

January 3, 2005: Dan Gilbert Purchases Team

On January 3, 2005, businessman Dan Gilbert purchased the Cleveland Cavaliers for $375 million.

March 1, 2005: Sale to Dan Gilbert Finalized

On March 1, 2005, the sale of the Cleveland Cavaliers to Dan Gilbert was finalized.

March 2005: Dan Gilbert Purchases Team

In March 2005, Dan Gilbert purchased the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team.

2005: Navy Blue Alternate Jersey

In 2005, the Cleveland Cavaliers introduced a navy blue alternate jersey with the word "Cleveland" and player details in white lettering with gold trim, along with a wine, gold, and navy blue checkerboard trim. This was primarily worn during road playoff games.

2005: Introduction of Navy Blue Alternate Uniform

In 2005, the Cleveland Cavaliers introduced a navy blue alternate uniform.

2005: End of Playoff Drought

In 2005, the Cleveland Cavaliers made a playoff appearance, ending a drought that started in 1999.

2005: Return to Playoffs

In 2005, with LeBron James and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the Cleveland Cavaliers returned as a regular playoff contender.

2006: Playoff Streak Begins

From 2006 to 2010, the Cleveland Cavaliers made five straight playoff appearances.

2006: Orange Uniforms Used Again

In 2006, the orange version of the uniform was used again as part of the 20th anniversary of the 1986-87 Cleveland Cavaliers team.

2006: Tribute to First NBA Finals Appearance

The navy blue alternate from 2005-2010 was brought back as its "Classic" uniform in the 2025-26 season, paying tribute to the franchise's first NBA Finals appearance in the 2006-07 season.

2007: Opening of Cleveland Clinic Courts

In 2007, Cleveland Clinic Courts, the Cleveland Cavaliers' practice facility and team headquarters, opened in Independence. The facility includes two full-size basketball courts, a weight room, offices, and medical facilities. Naming rights are held by the Cleveland Clinic.

2007: First NBA Finals Appearance

In 2007, the Cleveland Cavaliers made their first-ever appearance in the NBA Finals after securing their first Eastern Conference championship.

2008: "Mash-Up" Uniforms on CavFanatic Nights

From the 2008-09 to the 2011-12 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers wore special "mash-up" uniforms – combining the style from one era with the color scheme of another – on select "CavFanatic Nights".

2008: Throwback "Feathered C" Uniforms

In 2008, the gold "feathered C" uniforms were used again as a buildup to the then-upcoming 40th season of the Cavaliers.

2008: Franchise-Record Regular Season

In the 2008–09 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers won a franchise-record 66 games, including a franchise-best 39–2 record at home.

2009: Blue Uniforms Tribute 1988-89 Team

In 2009, the blue versions of the uniforms were worn as part of the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise's 40th anniversary and as a tribute to the 1988-89 team.

2009: Addition of Shaquille O'Neal

In the 2009–10 season, despite the addition of Shaquille O'Neal, the Cleveland Cavaliers failed to return to the Eastern Conference Finals.

July 8, 2010: LeBron James Announces Move to Miami

On July 8, 2010, LeBron James announced in a nationally televised special titled "The Decision" that he would be signing with the Miami Heat.

November 27, 2010: Debut of Sir C.C.

On November 27, 2010, Sir C.C., a swashbuckler character, debuted during a Cleveland Cavaliers game.

2010: LeBron James Leaves for Miami

In 2010, LeBron James announced he was joining the Miami Heat, leading the Cavaliers to finish last in the conference the following season.

2010: Debut of New Uniforms

In 2010, the Cleveland Cavaliers debuted new uniforms to coincide with the team returning to the original shades of wine and gold used from 1970 to 1983. The home uniform is white with a wine-and-gold horizontal stripe trim, and the road uniform is wine-colored with the same stripe trim.

2010: End of Navy Blue Alternate Uniform Use

In 2010, the Cleveland Cavaliers stopped using the navy blue alternate uniform.

2010: End of Playoff Streak

In 2010, the Cleveland Cavaliers' streak of playoff appearances ended after five straight seasons.

2010: Metallic Gold First Used

In 2022, the Cleveland Cavaliers reverted to the metallic gold first used from 1980 to 1983, and from 2003 to 2010.

2011: Rebuild Begins with Kyrie Irving

In 2011, after a 19-win season, the Cleveland Cavaliers began a rebuild around Kyrie Irving, whom they selected first overall in the NBA draft.

2011: Cavaliers Draft Kyrie Irving

In 2011, the Cleveland Cavaliers won the top pick in the NBA draft lottery and selected Kyrie Irving.

2011: Heat Win Title

In 2011, the Miami Heat won the NBA title.

2011: "Mash-Up" Uniforms on CavFanatic Nights

Until the 2011-12 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers wore special "mash-up" uniforms – combining the style from one era with the color scheme of another – on select "CavFanatic Nights".

2012: Addition of Alternate Gold Jersey

In 2012, the Cleveland Cavaliers added an alternate gold jersey with "CAVS" in wine on the front, wine lettering on the name and number, white socks and shoes, and the same stripe trim as the other uniforms.

2012: Heat Win Title

In 2012, the Miami Heat won the NBA title.

2013: Cavaliers win the top pick in NBA draft lottery

In 2013, the Cleveland Cavaliers won the top pick in the NBA draft lottery.

2013: Heat Win NBA Title

In 2013, the Miami Heat, with LeBron James, won the NBA title.

2014: Addition of Second Alternate Jersey

For the 2014-15 season, a second alternate jersey was added, which is navy blue with "CAVS" and the player's number in wine with gold trim, the player's name on the back of the jersey in gold and the "Sword C" logo on the side of the pant legs. This navy blue is a callback to the 1987-1994 style.

2014: LeBron James Returns to Cleveland

In 2014, LeBron James made his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers after four seasons with the Miami Heat.

2014: LeBron James Returns

In 2014, LeBron James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers after four seasons in Miami.

2014: Third Top Pick in NBA Draft Lottery

In 2014, the Cleveland Cavaliers won their third top pick in the NBA draft lottery in four years.

2015: Start of Finals Appearances

From 2015 to 2018, the LeBron-led Cleveland Cavaliers made four consecutive NBA Finals appearances.

2015: "Miracle of Richfield" Throwback Uniforms

In 2015, the "Miracle of Richfield" gold uniforms were used again on special "Hardwood Classic" nights to commemorate the Miracle of Richfield team's 40th-anniversary celebration.

2015: Unveiling of Two Alternate Jerseys

In 2015, two alternate jerseys were unveiled. One was a second wine uniform similar to the road jersey but featuring the mid-1980s Cavs logo. The other was a black sleeved uniform.

2015: Warriors Team

In 2024, the Cavaliers achieved a 15-0 start, which is tied for the second-best start in franchise history, and the Cavaliers are the fourth team to achieve this milestone, after the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors team, the 1993-1994 Houston Rockets team, and the 1948-1949 Washington Capitols team.

November 2016: "Cavaliers Way" Renaming

In November 2016, in honor of the Cleveland Cavaliers winning the NBA Championship, the city of Independence renamed the section of Brecksville Road leading to the team's practice facility "Cavaliers Way".

2016: Wearing Black Sleeved Uniform in Championship Game

In 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers famously wore a black sleeved uniform in the title-clinching Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

2016: Cavaliers Win NBA Championship

In 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Championship, marking their first title in franchise history and Cleveland's first major sports title since 1964.

2016: Orange Uniforms Commemorate 30th Anniversary

In 2016, the orange version of the Cleveland Cavaliers uniform was used again, as part of the 30th anniversary of the 1986-87 team.

2016: Warriors Team

In 2024, the Cavaliers achieved a 15-0 start, which is tied for the second-best start in franchise history, and the Cavaliers are the fourth team to achieve this milestone, after the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors team, the 1993-1994 Houston Rockets team, and the 1948-1949 Washington Capitols team.

2016: Influence of 2016 Finals Jerseys on New Uniform

The Cavaliers "statement" uniform in 2017 is inspired by the black-sleeved jerseys worn during the 2016 NBA Finals

2016: Black Uniforms and the 2016 NBA Championship

The black Statement uniform – a nod to the black uniforms worn during the team's 2016 NBA championship run – displays a wine "Cavs C" logo outlined in gold on the front of the jersey, gold names and numbers, and a gold "V-net" logo on the left leg of the shorts.

2017: Switch to Nike-Designed Uniforms

Beginning in the 2017-18 season, all NBA teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, switched to Nike-designed white "Association" uniforms and "Icon" uniforms in the respective team's primary color. The Cavaliers' jerseys also include a Goodyear "Wingfoot" logo as part of a sponsorship deal.

2017: Introduction of Nike "Statement" Uniform

In 2017, Nike provided the Cleveland Cavaliers with a third, alternate uniform called the "Statement" uniform, which is black with dark gray pinstripes and wine-colored accents. This jersey is a nod to the team's former black-sleeved jerseys worn during the 2016 NBA Finals.

2017: Inclusion of Black in Logos

In 2017, the Cleveland Cavaliers included the color black in their logos to commemorate the 2016 NBA Finals victory.

2017: Trade of Kyrie Irving

In the 2017–18 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas and other assets.

2017: Postseason Basketball

In the 2021–22 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers qualified for postseason basketball for the first time since 2017–18.

2018: End of Finals Appearances

In 2018, the LeBron-led Cleveland Cavaliers ended their streak of four consecutive NBA Finals appearances.

2018: First Time Team Entered the Playoffs

On March 26, 2023, the Cavaliers clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs, making this the first time since 2018 that the team entered the playoffs.

2019: Introduction of Wall of Honor

In 2019, the Cleveland Cavaliers introduced the Wall of Honor, which honors former players and other personnel, and is located in the newly added North Atrium of the renovated Rocket Arena.

2019: Revival of Black Uniforms for Anniversary

In 2019, the Cleveland Cavaliers revived the 1994–1996 black uniforms for the 2019–20 season as part of the Cavaliers' 50th season, as well as the 25th anniversary of the move to Gund Arena (now Rocket Arena).

2020: Bickerstaff Promoted to Head Coach

In the 2020–21 season, J.B. Bickerstaff was promoted to head coach of the Cavaliers.

2021: Play-In Tournament Appearance

In the 2021–22 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers finished 44–38 and qualified for the NBA play-in tournament, marking their first time in the event.

2022: Updated Logo and Color Scheme

In 2022, the Cleveland Cavaliers unveiled an updated logo and color scheme, removing navy blue and reverting to the metallic gold first used from 1980 to 1983, and from 2003 to 2010. The "C-sword" alternate logo was retired, and an updated "V-net" logo was also unveiled.

March 26, 2023: Cavaliers Clinch Playoff Spot

On March 26, 2023, the Cleveland Cavaliers clinched a spot in the NBA playoffs with a 108–91 win over the Houston Rockets.

October 25, 2023: Myles Garrett Buys Minority Stake

On October 25, 2023, defensive end Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns purchased a minority ownership stake in the Cavaliers.

November 17, 2024: Cavaliers Achieve 15-0 Start

On November 17, 2024, the Cleveland Cavaliers achieved a 15-0 start, which is tied for the second-best start in franchise history.

November 19, 2024: Celtics End Cavaliers' Winning Streak

On November 19, 2024, the Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 120–117, ending their 15–0 start and 15-game winning streak.

2024: Other Statistics

As of the 2024-25 NBA season, other statistics (regular season) are being recorded for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2024: Qualified for the 2024 NBA Playoffs

In 2024, The Cleveland Cavaliers qualified for the NBA Playoffs as the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference, defeating the Orlando Magic 4–3 in the first round, but losing to the Boston Celtics 4–1 in the Conference semifinals.

2024: Cavaliers beat "Season Start" win-streak

On November 6th, 2024 the Cleveland Cavaliers beat their all-time franchise "season start" win-streak, beating the New Orleans Pelicans 131-122 for a season record of 9-0.

2025: Return of Navy Blue Alternate as Classic Uniform

In the 2025-26 season, the navy blue alternate uniform from 2005-2010 was brought back as its "Classic" uniform, paying tribute to the franchise's first NBA Finals appearance in the 2006-07 season.