The 2006-07 NBA season was a remarkable one for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Led by their iconic superstar, LeBron James, the Cavs would finish the regular season with a 52-30 record; good for 2nd in the Eastern Conference after the 53-29 Detroit Pistons. This version of the Cavaliers would be the first time Cleveland has ever advanced to the Championship series in the franchise’s history.
Cleveland Cavaliers 2007 Roster
After losing out to the Detroit Pistons in the previous season’s Eastern Conference Finals, the ohio sportsbook promos certainly favored this Cleveland roster in playoff success especially with a more-experienced LeBron. Here’s the full roster listed by their jersey number:
| # | Player | Pos | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel Gibson | PG | 6-2 | 190 |
| 3 | Sasha Pavlović | SG | 6-8 | 220 |
| 4 | David Wesley | SG | 6-0 | 190 |
| 6 | Shannon Brown | SG | 6-4 | 205 |
| 11 | Zydrunas Ilgauskas | C | 7-3 | 238 |
| 14 | Ira Newble | SF | 6-7 | 220 |
| 17 | Anderson Varejão | C | 6-11 | 273 |
| 19 | Damon Jones | PG | 6-3 | 185 |
| 20 | Eric Snow | PG | 6-3 | 190 |
| 23 | LeBron James | SF | 6-9 | 250 |
| 24 | Donyell Marshall | PF | 6-9 | 218 |
| 27 | Dwayne Jones | PF | 6-11 | 250 |
| 31 | Scot Pollard | C | 6-11 | 265 |
| 32 | Larry Hughes | SG | 6-5 | 184 |
| 90 | Drew Gooden | PF | 6-10 | 250 |
Let’s look deeper at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster for the 2007 season, focusing on the nine players who logged the most minutes that year.
The Starting Lineup
1. LeBron James (Small Forward): The clear leader of the Cavaliers, LeBron James, had a career-defining season in 2007. Even though his averages of 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game dipped from his previous season, LeBron led the team to a 50-32 again and into the NBA Finals.
Though the Cavs would lose to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2007 Finals, LeBron would ultimately bring Cleveland’s first NBA title in his second stint with their 2016 roster.
2. Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Center): The 7’3″ Lithuanian center was a vital interior presence for the Cavaliers, contributing 11.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.
3. Larry Hughes (Shooting Guard): Hughes brought defensive tenacity and chipped in 14.9 points per game, offering support to LeBron James.
4. Drew Gooden (Power Forward): Gooden was a consistent force on the boards, averaging 8.6 rebounds per game while scoring 11.1 points per game.
5. Eric Snow (Point Guard): Snow’s leadership and steady hand at point guard facilitated ball movement and defensive stability for the Cavs.
Key Bench Players:
6. Daniel Gibson (Shooting Guard): Nicknamed “Boobie,” Gibson emerged as a clutch three-point shooter and played a significant role in the postseason.
7. Anderson Varejão (Power Forward/Center): Varejão provided energy and hustle off the bench, recording 6.8 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
8. Ira Newble (Small Forward): Newble was a defensive specialist, often tasked with guarding the opposition’s best player.
9. Shannon Brown (Shooting Guard): Brown, a young talent, showcased his athleticism and contributed with sporadic scoring and defense.
The Cavaliers’ regular season performance in 2006-07 wasn’t mind-blowing as far as their record was concerned; finishing with a 50-32 record, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference. LeBron James’s individual brilliance was complemented by the solid play of role players, and coach Mike Brown’s defensive strategies kept opponents at bay. The team’s success was further highlighted by their 11-game winning streak, which marked one of the longest in franchise history.
Moving on to the 2007 NBA playoffs, the Cavaliers’ journey was nothing short of thrilling. They made it to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. LeBron James was a one-man wrecking crew, often carrying the team on his back. The most defining moment included his iconic Game 5 performance against the Detroit Pistons, where he scored 48 points, including the game-winner in double overtime.
However, despite their valiant efforts, the Cavaliers fell short in the NBA Finals, getting swept by the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs’ experience and defensive prowess proved to be too much for the young Cavaliers. Nonetheless, the season was a major stepping stone for the franchise and solidified LeBron James’s status as a basketball legend.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2007 roster was a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, led by the incomparable LeBron James. Their remarkable regular season and thrilling playoff run demonstrated their potential to become a dominant force in the NBA. While they fell short in the Finals, that season remains a defining moment in the franchise’s history and a testament to the enduring legacy of LeBron’s first stint in Cleveland.
