Maybe the Cavaliers will prove to be more exciting to watch this season, at least as far as the national fanbase is concerned.
Not that any of that matters. All that matters to Cavs fans is that they enjoy watching the home team — and by all accounts, and based on the traffic to this very website, they do.
As one reader once said to me, “When it comes to the NBA, all people really care about is their own team.”
I’ve also found that to be true. For instance, I doubt most Cavs fans would be interested in taking in a Grizzlies-Hornets game on a Tuesday night. But if the Cavs played either of those teams, it’s reason to drop what you’re doing and tune in.
That is unlike the NFL, where a Browns fan (I assume there are still a few left) would probably be willing to watch a game between, say, the Saints and the Chargers. People just love football.
The NBA, on the other hand, is what you would call a “niche” sport. People often just do pay attention to their own team — and little else. That’s not a fact, just a theory. But it’s one I’ve developed after two decades of covering the NBA. Call it an “educated guess.”
Anyway, what’s the point of all this, you ask? Perhaps there isn’t one. It’s just that HoopsHype recently released its NBA League Pass Rankings, listing the most exciting teams to watch, 1-30. They ranked the Cavs at No. 18. So, middle of the road, or slightly worse than middle of the road.
“A good team, albeit at times not all that exciting of one, maybe the hiring of new head coach Kenny Atkinson will breathe some life into a Cleveland Cavaliers offense that was quite mundane in 2023-24,” wrote HoopsHype’s Frank Urbina. “The Cavs do have a fun backcourt in Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, and the continued growth of Evan Mobley could make Cleveland sneaky fun to watch in 2024-25.”
Cleveland did go on the road and score 136 points in a 30-point win over the Toronto Raptors to open the season on Wednesday. The Cavaliers undoubtedly looked more exciting than at most times last year in the process. It was a fun game to watch if you’re a Cavs fan.
As for fans of other teams, well, it doesn’t really matter. If you’re a Cavs fan, you appreciate the Cavs and only care if they do well. If they do that, it will be plenty exciting enough.
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I would tune into the Grizz…. two words…. JA Morant !
But MUCH more talent on the CAVS… If they can keep that movement up.
Cav’s should be ranked MUCH higher if they continue what they displayed already this week ! ! ! !