The Cleveland Cavaliers: A History of the Wine & Gold

by Vince McKee, Mary Schmitt Boyer (Foreword), Fred McLeod (Foreword)

Take a courtside seat with author Vince McKee as he dishes out the complete history of the Cleveland Cavaliers, from the founding of the franchise in 1970 to the triumphant return of LeBron James in 2014. Relive every major moment in team history. Highlights include draft picks turned all-stars, such as LeBron James and Brad Daugherty; coaching changes; heated rivalries; player departures; and dubious distinctions like "the Shot" and "the Stepien Rule." Get insight and analysis of every epic run from legendary sportscaster Joe Tait; players Austin Carr, Craig Ehlo and Larry Nance; and others as they reveal the untold true stories behind every major event in Cavs history.

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2014

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the most poorly written book I've ever read. It reads like it was written by a college journalism student that simply leafed through a media guide. Entire portions of Cavs history are folded into few lines that offer no real insight. Leading scorers and their PPG average are often all the author bothers to capture. The few insightful interviews are leaned on so much (seemingly in their entirety) that they ruin any flow in their specific chapters.

As an avid Cavs fan, I was excited for this book. Candidly, you can get a much better overview of Cavs history from 'It's Been A Real Ball', Joe Tait's autobiography. Given that the author is a sportswriter, it's shocking how poorly he writes.

[Dave Cottenie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding a balance in the history of a sports franchise is tough. Too detailed and a year by year synopsis can get tedious. Too vague and the reader is left wanting. This is a bit on the vague side. Although there is a good first hand perspective with some good primary quotations and interviews, there is a lack of detail. Some major points are glossed over including the changing of ownership from the Gunds to Dan Gilbert and transitions through general managers. The aftermath of “The Decision” and feeling of Clevelanders is well chronicled as is “The Return.” A decent, quick, read, probably more enjoyable for fans of the team rather than just general sports fans.

[Zach Moats · Rating 1 out of 5]

The rating speaks for itself. I don't really have any will to expound upon it.

[Kofi · Rating 5 out of 5]

crazy how they became a team off nothing and started a team and now have gained good players