The Cleveland Cavaliers have had an unreal campaign this season. They started off with a clean stretch: a 15-0 run, becoming the fourth team in the league’s history to have such a start. And three months into the season, they have a 31-4 record, leading the league. Why are we stating these facts, though? They should be common knowledge by now, right?

Right? Well… sure (hopefully!).

But does this give ‘The 216’ the same amount of attention as other hot teams? No, right? Why is that? Even Darius Garland scratches his head in confusion.

In what was more of a statement than a genuine query, Garland expressed his disbelief at the lack of national attention given to his team following tonight’s comfortable win over the Hornets. “Don’t know why. Wish I knew the answer to that. The group that we have, the style of basketball we play, we’re exciting … you’d think we’d be getting (more love nationally).” 

Well, this wasn’t anything new. The Cavaliers and several other small-market teams have gone through this issue for a long time in this league. Compared to the population and media market of big cities like Los Angeles, they seemingly have very little coverage. However, this season, it’s different. The Cavs are literally the most successful team of the season and that definitely required the limelight it deserved.

Moreover, the Cavs suffered a significant loss in media attention twice in the last two decades. Well, we all know why. It was when LeBron James left for the Miami Heat in 2o10. The fans openly showed their disappointment. Following that, James gave the Cavs fans the best experience on his return, taking them to the Finals four years in a row. However, after his exit in 2018, the team has again gone off the radar.

Will the mighty $648 billion worth of American media ever give the Cavs the required attention? The answer remains unknown.

Before Darius Garland’s plea, a Cavs star went all out for media attention

The Cavaliers managed to put up a perfect roster without making any fuss in the trade market. The team has dominant players, shooters, and orchestrators and, most importantly, it doesn’t need star power to fuel the team. However, the only thing they don’t have is the media attention.

Popular reporters Chris Fedor and Ethan Sands addressed the issue in the latest episode of the Wine and Gold Talk podcast. In which, Fedor dropped some crucial insights about the Cavs players’ struggle with the lack of media availability.

Evan Mobley, the team’s dominant forward, recently paid the price for it too. Chris Fedor said, “Evan Mobley stayed back in Los Angeles so that he could do a TV appearance on NBA Today with Malika Andrews, trying to get him a little bit of shine.” Following the win over the Lakers, the star had to stay back in LA after his team’s departure for the media attention. Truly a disrespectful sight.

Moreover, Fedor addressed the disparity in the number of reporters in the locker room post the home and away games. It’s something that the league needs to address. In search of viewership, the league shouldn’t sideline the talent.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.