What a night!! What a night … Seeing Nick Gilbert’s face light up, and then watching him dance in celebration as the Cavs again plucked the #1 pick made the trip unforgettable again! … Jeff Cohen, one of the Cavs majority owners, was in the sequestered room where the ping pong balls were pulled … he actually knew the Cavs good fortune about 7:30 p.m., nearly an hour and a half before we all saw, as you did, the Cavs had secured the top pick … Jeff could not email, text, or call anyone of the great news, as all forms of communication had to be turned in, prior to the drawing … That’s mental toughness!!!
The Cavs by far had the largest contingent at the Lottery, including Machine Gun Kelly, Michael Symon, Tony Rizzo, Andy Baskin, Mike Snyder, Wine and Gold United member, Gerry Burma, and lottery contest winner, Tate Moore to name just a few … and it’s why you have to believe in karma … you could just feel it in the room … and to watch each team stay in their slots, made the heart beat faster … and when the Cavs logo did not go at #4, you knew the Wine and Golders were in great shape … Then, the Wizards and Magic logos were unveiled, Nick’s face lit up!!! The memory of Rizz yelling and enjoying the moment was one of the indelible memories off the night … check out the interviews from last night … just too much fun.
Nick’s celebration had to have one request fulfilled … Cheeseburger, fries and a milk shake from the absolutely packed, Shake Shack in New York City … the manager, cooks and cashiers all had been watching the Lottery in the kitchen, and knew right away who the 16 man contingent was wearing the bow ties … (and yes, the burger was out of this world!!!)
But think about it, 2 #1 picks in 3 years … the statistical odds of that, is off the charts! Nick has done it again …
Now, the Cavs have options, being in the driver’s seat … plus add the #19 slot, as well as #31 and #33 overall, and the assets continue to build … Dan G was beaming of course because the future is being laid out, for a long successful run, and to be a part of it, is going to be something special … so, enjoy the ride, and get set for the draft on June 27th…
A Cavs night wrapped up neatly in a bowtie!