Following another disappointing season in 2002-2003 season the Cleveland Cavaliers were rewarded with the first pick in that years draft and the right to draft high school phenom LeBron James. Previous to “King James” rein over Cleveland the cavs were an after thought in the NBA world. Through seasons of one and done playoff appearance and others of pure futility Cleveland was never thought as a marquee team in the league. James who was the most anticipated and touted prospect in NBA history went first overall to the Cavaliers in what some call(and I agree) as the turning point in the franchise. James went on to win Rookie of the Year but the team still failed to make the playoffs. The following year tea hopes were higher as the built around James almost making the Playoffs but failing to once again. Finally in 2005 the Cavs reached the playoffs for the first time since 1998 going all the way to the conference finals where James achieved many “youngest ever to..” records showing the city he is a star. The Cavaliers continued to progress including sweeping their first two round opponents in this years NBA Playoffs. This may seem like a Cavs history lesson that you don’t care about, but there is relevance to the Islanders. James not only helped revive a “down in the dumps” franchise but has helped start to revive an entire city. This past Sunday ESPN’s Outside the Lines did a feature on LeBron and what he truly means to the city of Cleveland. Naming the segment “The Chosen One” ESPN focused on not only the revival of the team but of a city that has been crippled by the economic downturn the country has faced. Helping to bring back life to this blue-colored American city. James and the teams success has started to revive the downtown Cleveland area, bringing back business to nightclubs and restaurants. Also bring Cleveland together as one to root on their cavs, making Cleveland seem more like a thriving city than one of the cities hit hardest by the economy. With the Cavalier history/information session over its time for me to make the connection. LeBron James helped not only save a franchise but he is starting to save a city. Cleveland is beginning to make an economic turn around with the help of “King James” and the Cavs success. The Islanders need a superstar that can save the franchise and push the county and town governme
nts to move on the Lighthouse project. If the Islanders draft Tavares on June 26th and are able to build up a supporting cast that can succeed, you will not only see a bigger spike in attendance but you will see hockey come alive like it did back in the 01-02 season. With unemployment at 8.9% in April The Lighthouse project is needed project to help put people to work. If the project can get under way and you have a winning product on the ice you will see an influx of people come to the “Nassau Hub” working, shopping, and living, like we have seen in Cleveland in the downtown area as the Cavaliers have become a force to be recon with. Long Island can thrive with the help of Tavares and the Islanders, with the Lighthouse stuck in political limbo Tavares could be the man to help push it into reality. Some may ask why use the cavs as a comparison instead of an NHL team like the penguins or capitals who after drafting franchises players both have become constant cup contenders. Well the cavs have had the same success in their respective sport, but there is more to the cavs story than just basketball there is civic pride and example of how a player on a sports team can help revive and inspire an entire city. Long Island and the Islanders can look to Cleveland as an example just what a star player can do, and if the Islanders decide not to Draft John Tavares it’s a missed opportunity they may never get back. (The first thing we should do if we draft Tavares is come up with a good nickname.)
nts to move on the Lighthouse project. If the Islanders draft Tavares on June 26th and are able to build up a supporting cast that can succeed, you will not only see a bigger spike in attendance but you will see hockey come alive like it did back in the 01-02 season. With unemployment at 8.9% in April The Lighthouse project is needed project to help put people to work. If the project can get under way and you have a winning product on the ice you will see an influx of people come to the “Nassau Hub” working, shopping, and living, like we have seen in Cleveland in the downtown area as the Cavaliers have become a force to be recon with. Long Island can thrive with the help of Tavares and the Islanders, with the Lighthouse stuck in political limbo Tavares could be the man to help push it into reality. Some may ask why use the cavs as a comparison instead of an NHL team like the penguins or capitals who after drafting franchises players both have become constant cup contenders. Well the cavs have had the same success in their respective sport, but there is more to the cavs story than just basketball there is civic pride and example of how a player on a sports team can help revive and inspire an entire city. Long Island and the Islanders can look to Cleveland as an example just what a star player can do, and if the Islanders decide not to Draft John Tavares it’s a missed opportunity they may never get back. (The first thing we should do if we draft Tavares is come up with a good nickname.)
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