Cleveland Cavaliers: The Best Player In Each Season Of The 21st Century.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a storied journey throughout the 21st century, filled with ups and downs, iconic players, and unforgettable moments. While the franchise has seen its fair share of struggles, it has also been home to some of the greatest talents in NBA history, most notably LeBron James. From the early 2000s to the post-LeBron era, the Cavaliers have been shaped by the players who led them on the court each season.
2000-01 Season – Andre Miller
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Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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Stats: 15.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Achievements And Awards: None
The 2000-01 season saw Andre Miller emerge as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ best player. In just his second NBA season, Miller displayed excellent court vision and playmaking abilities, averaging 8.0 assists per game, which placed him among the league’s leaders in that category. His ability to distribute the ball and control the tempo of the game made him a standout on a Cavaliers team that was struggling to find its identity.
Miller also contributed 15.8 points per game, becoming a reliable scorer while still focusing on getting his teammates involved. The Cavaliers finished the season with a 30-52 record, missing the playoffs, but Miller’s development as a floor general provided a glimmer of hope for the franchise moving forward.
2001-02 Season – Andre Miller
Andre Miller, Cleveland Cavaliers
Credit: Fadeaway World
Stats: 16.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 10.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Achievements And Awards: NBA Assists Leader
Andre Miller took another leap in his third season, establishing himself as one of the top point guards in the league. He led the NBA in assists, averaging a career-high 10.9 assists per game, while also contributing 16.5 points and 4.7 rebounds. Miller’s ability to create opportunities for his teammates made him the clear leader of the Cavaliers.
Despite Miller’s outstanding individual performance, the Cavaliers finished the season with a disappointing 29-53 record, again missing the playoffs. The team struggled to surround Miller with the talent needed to compete in a tough Eastern Conference. Following the season, Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, signaling the start of another rebuild for Cleveland.
2002-03 Season – Ricky Davis
Ricky Davis, Cleveland Cavaliers
Credit: Fadeaway World
Stats: 20.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Achievements And Awards: None
The 2002-03 season was a challenging one for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but Ricky Davis emerged as the team’s most dynamic player. Davis averaged 20.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, leading the Cavaliers in both scoring and assists. His ability to score from anywhere on the court and his flashy style of play made him a fan favorite, even as the team struggled.
The Cavaliers finished the season with a 17-65 record, the worst in the NBA, which ultimately led to them winning the draft lottery and selecting LeBron James in the following draft. Despite the poor team performance, Davis’s individual contributions stood out, as he was the only bright spot in an otherwise bleak season.
2003-04 Season – LeBron James
LeBron James 2009 Cleveland Cavaliers
Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 20.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Achievements And Awards: NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA All-Rookie First Team
The 2003-04 season marked the arrival of LeBron James, one of the most highly anticipated rookies in NBA history. LeBron did not disappoint, averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award. His impact was immediate, as he transformed the Cavaliers from a bottom-dweller into a competitive team.
LeBron’s versatility and ability to contribute in every aspect of the game were on full display throughout the season. The Cavaliers improved their record to 35-47, showing significant progress with their new star at the helm. Although they missed the playoffs, LeBron’s rookie season laid the foundation for what would become one of the most successful periods in franchise history.
