History of Cleveland Cavaliers in Timeline
The Cleveland Cavaliers, established in 1970, are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. Competing in the NBA's Eastern Conference Central Division, the Cavs have called three arenas home: Cleveland Arena (1970-1974), Richfield Coliseum (1974-1994), and currently, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (1994-present), which they share with the NHL's Cleveland Monsters. Businessman Dan Gilbert has owned the team since 2005.
1964: Cleveland Browns Win NFL Championship
In 1964, the Cleveland Browns won the NFL Championship, marking the city's last major professional sports championship until the Cavaliers won the NBA championship in 2016.
1964: Cleveland Wins its Last Major Sports Championship
Prior to the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2016 victory, the city of Cleveland had not won a major sports championship since 1964.
1970: Cleveland Cavaliers Debut in NBA
In 1970, the Cleveland Cavaliers debuted in the NBA.
1970: The Cavaliers Begin Play
The Cleveland Cavaliers began play as an expansion team in the 1970-71 season.
1970: The Cleveland Cavaliers are Founded
The Cleveland Cavaliers were founded in 1970 as an expansion team in the NBA.
1974: Cavaliers Change Jersey Design
In 1974, the Cleveland Cavaliers changed their jersey design to the classic block lettering and checkerboard pattern.
1974: The Cavaliers Move to the Richfield Coliseum
In 1974, the Cleveland Cavaliers moved from Cleveland Arena to the Richfield Coliseum.
1976: The 'Miracle at Richfield'
In 1976, the Cavaliers defeated the Washington Bullets 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This series was remembered for the 'Miracle at Richfield'.
1976: The Cavaliers' First Winning Season and Playoff Appearance
In 1976, the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first Central Division title, marking their first winning season and playoff appearance in franchise history.
1980: Ted Stepien's Controversial Trades
During his tenure as owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Ted Stepien engaged in controversial trades, including sending a 1982 first-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Don Ford and the 22nd overall pick in 1980.
1980: Cavaliers Update Jerseys Again
In 1980, the Cleveland Cavaliers updated their jerseys again, removing the checkerboard pattern.
1980: Ted Stepien Buys the Cavaliers
Ted Stepien purchased the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1980.
1980: Cavaliers First Use of Metallic Gold
The Cavaliers first used metallic gold in their color scheme from 1980 to 1983.
1981: A Period of Poor Performance for the Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers went 66-180 between 1980-1983 under Ted Stepien's ownership.
1981: Six Coaching Changes
The Cleveland Cavaliers went through six coaching changes during Ted Stepien's time as owner, including four changes during the 1981-82 season.
November 1982: The End of a 24-Game Losing Streak
The Cleveland Cavaliers' 24-game losing streak, which spanned from March to November of 1982, was the NBA's longest losing streak at the time.
1982: The Cavaliers' 24-Game Losing Streak
During the 1981-82 and 1982-83 seasons, the Cavaliers endured a 24-game losing streak.
1983: George and Gordon Gund Buy the Cleveland Cavaliers
George and Gordon Gund purchased the Cleveland Cavaliers from Ted Stepien in 1983.
1983: George and Gordon Gund Purchase the Cavaliers
George and Gordon Gund purchased the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1983.
1983: Cavaliers End First Use of Metallic Gold
The Cavaliers ended their first use of metallic gold in their color scheme in 1983, which was later reintroduced in 2003.
1985: The Cavaliers' Playoff Run
The Cleveland Cavaliers made the playoffs 10 times between 1985 and 1998.
1988: The Cavaliers' Best Season to Date
The 1988-89 season was the Cleveland Cavaliers' best season to date.
1991: The Cavaliers Reach the Eastern Conference Finals
The Cleveland Cavaliers had their second 57-win season in 1991-92 and reached the Eastern Conference Finals that year.
1992: The Cavaliers Reach the Eastern Conference Finals
The Cleveland Cavaliers reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 1992.
1994: Cavaliers Introduce 'V-Net' Logo Inspiration
The Cavaliers introduced a logo in 1994 that would later inspire the updated 'V-net' logo unveiled in 2022.
1994: The Cavaliers Move to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
The Cleveland Cavaliers started playing their home games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in 1994.
November 9, 1995: Whammer Debuts as Cavaliers Mascot
The Cavaliers' polar bear mascot, Whammer, was introduced on November 9, 1995, and still makes occasional appearances at games.
1997: The Start of a Six-Year Playoff Drought
After their playoff appearance in the 1997-98 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers endured six consecutive losing seasons without making the playoffs.
1997: Cavaliers' Last Postseason Appearance Without LeBron James Before 2021
The 1997-1998 season was the last time a Cleveland Cavaliers team without LeBron James qualified for the postseason before 2021.
1998: Cavaliers' Last Playoff Appearance Without LeBron James Before 2023
1998 marked the Cleveland Cavaliers' last playoff appearance without LeBron James on the team before making it again in 2023.
1998: The End of a Playoff Run
The Cleveland Cavaliers made the playoffs 10 times between 1985 and 1998.
1999: The Beginning of a Playoff Drought
Between 1999 and 2005, the Cavaliers failed to make a playoff appearance.
2002: The Cavaliers Tie for the Worst Record in the NBA
The Cleveland Cavaliers finished the 2002-03 season 17-65, tied for the worst record in the NBA.
November 5, 2003: Moondog Debuts as Cavaliers Mascot
The Cavaliers' mascot, Moondog, inspired by Cleveland radio DJ Alan Freed, made his first appearance on November 5, 2003.
2003: LeBron James Drafted by Cavaliers
In 2003, the Cleveland Cavaliers had the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, selecting future NBA MVP LeBron James.
2003: Cavaliers Reintroduce Metallic Gold
The Cavaliers reintroduced metallic gold to their color scheme in 2003 after previously using it from 1980 to 1983.
2003: The Cavaliers Draft LeBron James
The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted LeBron James with the top overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft.
2004: Cavaliers Use Checkerboard Throwback Jerseys
In the 2004-2005 NBA season, the Cleveland Cavaliers used throwback jerseys with the gold checkerboard pattern.
2004: Moondog Selected as NBA All-Star Mascot
Moondog, the Cavaliers' mascot, was selected as an NBA All-Star in 2004, following his initial selection in 2003.
January 3, 2005: Cavaliers Sold to Dan Gilbert
On January 3, 2005, the Cleveland Cavaliers were sold to businessman Dan Gilbert for $375 million.
March 1, 2005: Sale of Cavaliers to Dan Gilbert Finalized
On March 1, 2005, the sale of the Cleveland Cavaliers to businessman Dan Gilbert was finalized.
March 2005: Dan Gilbert Buys the Cleveland Cavaliers
Dan Gilbert purchased the Cleveland Cavaliers in March 2005.
2005: The Cavaliers Return to Playoff Contention
Behind LeBron James and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the Cavaliers became a regular playoff contender again by 2005.
2005: The End of a Playoff Drought
Between 1999 and 2005, the Cavaliers failed to make a playoff appearance.
2006: Cavaliers Begin Playoff Streak
Starting in 2006, the Cleveland Cavaliers made the first of five straight playoff appearances, which lasted until 2010.
2007: Cavaliers Open Cleveland Clinic Courts
The Cavaliers opened their practice facility and team headquarters, Cleveland Clinic Courts, in 2007.
2007: The Cavaliers' First NBA Finals Appearance
The Cleveland Cavaliers made their first appearance in the NBA Finals in 2007 after winning their first Eastern Conference championship in franchise history.
2008: Cavaliers Use "Feathered C" Throwback Jerseys
During the 2008-2009 NBA season, the Cleveland Cavaliers used throwback jerseys with the gold "feathered C" design.
2008: Cavaliers Set Franchise Record for Wins
During the 2008-2009 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers won a franchise-record 66 games.
2008: Cavaliers Debut Mash-Up Uniforms for CavFanatic Nights
From the 2008-09 season, the Cavaliers started wearing special 'mash-up' uniforms on select 'CavFanatic Nights', combining styles and color schemes from different eras.
2009: Cavaliers Set Franchise Record for Home Wins
During the 2008-2009 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers set a franchise record with 39 home wins.
July 8, 2010: LeBron James Announces Departure from Cavaliers
On July 8, 2010, LeBron James announced he would be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to sign with the Miami Heat.
November 27, 2010: Sir C.C. Debuts as Cavaliers Mascot
Sir C.C., a swashbuckler character, debuted as a mascot for the Cleveland Cavaliers during a game on November 27, 2010.
2010: Cavaliers' Playoff Streak Ends
In 2010, the Cleveland Cavaliers' five-year playoff streak came to an end.
2010: LeBron James Leaves the Cavaliers
LeBron James left the Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat in 2010.
2010: Cavaliers End Second Use of Metallic Gold
The Cavaliers ended their second use of metallic gold in their color scheme in 2010, before reintroducing it again in 2022.
2011: Cavaliers Draft Kyrie Irving
In 2011, the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted Kyrie Irving with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft.
2011: Cavaliers End Mash-Up Uniform Tradition
In the 2011-12 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers stopped wearing their special 'mash-up' uniforms for 'CavFanatic Nights'.
2011: LeBron James Wins Back-to-Back NBA Championships with the Miami Heat
LeBron James won back-to-back NBA championships with the Miami Heat in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.
2012: LeBron James Wins NBA Championship with Miami Heat
In 2012, LeBron James won his first NBA Championship with the Miami Heat.
2012: LeBron James Wins Back-to-Back NBA Championships with the Miami Heat
LeBron James won back-to-back NBA championships with the Miami Heat in the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.
2013: LeBron James Wins Second NBA Championship with Miami Heat
In 2013, LeBron James won his second NBA Championship with the Miami Heat.
2013: The Cavaliers Win the NBA Draft Lottery
The Cleveland Cavaliers won the top pick in the NBA draft lottery in 2013.
2014: LeBron James Returns to Cavaliers
In 2014, LeBron James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers after four seasons with the Miami Heat.
2014: The Cavaliers Win the NBA Draft Lottery
The Cleveland Cavaliers won the top pick in the NBA draft lottery in 2014.
2015: Cavaliers Use "Miracle of Richfield" Throwback Jerseys
During the 2015-2016 NBA season, the Cleveland Cavaliers used throwback jerseys with the gold "Miracle of Richfield" design.
2015: Cavaliers Begin NBA Finals Streak
In 2015, the Cleveland Cavaliers made the first of four straight NBA Finals appearances.
November 2016: Independence Renames Road to Cavaliers Practice Facility
In November 2016, the city of Independence renamed the section of Brecksville Road leading to the Cavaliers' practice facility 'Cavaliers Way' to honor the team's NBA Championship victory.
2016: Cavaliers Win Game 7 of the 2016 Finals in Black-Sleeved Jerseys
In 2016, the Cavaliers won Game 7 of the NBA Finals while wearing black-sleeved jerseys, which inspired their later 'Statement' uniform.
2016: Cavaliers Win First NBA Championship
In 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first NBA championship in franchise history, defeating the Golden State Warriors.
2016: Cavaliers' Black Statement Uniform Honors 2016 Championship Run
The Cleveland Cavaliers' black Statement uniform, introduced in 2017, serves as a tribute to the black uniforms worn during the team's 2016 NBA championship run.
2017: Cavaliers Switch to Nike Uniforms
Beginning in the 2017–18 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers switched to Nike-designed uniforms, including white 'Association' and wine-colored 'Icon' uniforms. They also featured a Goodyear 'Wingfoot' logo as part of a sponsorship deal.
2017: Cavaliers Introduce 'Statement' Uniform
In 2017, the Cleveland Cavaliers introduced a third, alternate uniform called the 'Statement' uniform. The black uniform with dark gray pinstripes was a nod to the team's black-sleeved jerseys worn during their 2016 Finals victory.
2017: Cavaliers Trade Kyrie Irving
In 2017, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics.
2017: Cavaliers' Last Playoff Appearance Before 2021
The 2017-2018 season was the last time the Cleveland Cavaliers reached the postseason before 2021.
2018: Cavaliers' Last Playoff Appearance Before 2023
2018 marked the Cleveland Cavaliers' last playoff appearance before making it again in 2023.
2018: Cavaliers' NBA Finals Streak Ends
In 2018, the Cleveland Cavaliers made their fourth and final straight NBA Finals appearance, losing to the Golden State Warriors.
2019: Cavaliers Introduce Wall of Honor
In 2019, the Cavaliers introduced the Wall of Honor at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to honor former players and personnel.
2021: Cavaliers Return to Postseason
In the 2021-2022 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers qualified for the NBA Play-In Tournament, marking their first postseason appearance since 2018.
2022: Cavaliers Update Logo and Color Scheme
For the 2022–23 NBA season, the Cavaliers unveiled an updated logo and color scheme. This included removing navy blue, reverting to metallic gold, retiring the 'C-sword' logo, and introducing an updated 'V-net' logo.
October 25, 2023: Myles Garrett Buys Ownership Stake in Cavaliers
On October 25, 2023, it was announced that Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett had purchased a minority ownership stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers.
March 29, 2024: Last Cavaliers Roster Transaction
The last transaction involving the Cleveland Cavaliers roster occurred on March 29, 2024.
April 14, 2024: Latest Update for Cavaliers Points Scored
As of April 14, 2024, the data for the Cleveland Cavaliers' points scored during the regular season was last updated.
2024: Cavaliers Enter 2024 NBA Playoffs
The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the 2024 NBA Playoffs as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
