UPDATE: Official Cavs D-League Affiliate in Canton!!

     As reported yesterday, The Cleveland Cavaliers today unveiled their new D-League affiliate team in Canton, OH. Cavaliers' owner Dan Gilbert may own and operate the team, but it's up to us, the fans, to name it.

     "Having the ability to own and operate a D-League franchise in Canton once again illustrates our ownership's outstanding commitment to creating a culture of success," Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant said. "Player development is at the core of our process and being able to operate our own franchise so close to home will place us in the most strategic position to take an active part in the player development process."


     Of the 30 teams in the National Basketball Association, the Cavaliers are only the 5th team to directly own and operate their own D-League affiliate.  Last season, the Cavaliers shared the Erie Bayhawks with the Toronto Raptors as both teams' D-League affiliate.  However, the Bayhawks have recently signed an exclusivity agreement with the New York Knicks.  In response to that exclusive contract, Cavaliers' owner Dan Gilbert made moves to install a new D-League team in Canton, which will replace the New Mexico Thunderbirds in the 16 team Developmental League.  The new, as of yet unnamed team, will play their home games at the Canton Memorial Civic Center, which is located at 1101 Market Ave North, Canton Ohio.


     Said Canton Mayor William J. Healy, II, "This is an incredible opportunity for the citizens of Canton to experience professional basketball in their hometown, and I am grateful that the Cavaliers recognized Canton as an ideal market for their next generation of basketball operations."

   So, Cleveland fans, the next step in this new D-League franchise's life rests with us.  We can submit our suggestions for a team nickname at www.CantonNBA.com or on twitter, @NBACanton, and Facebook.  I assume that the most popularly submitted/best nicknames will be compiled into a poll at a later date for fans to vote on a definitive name for the fledgling franchise.  Stay tuned to Cleveland Star for more information as it becomes available.


What do you think this means for the Cavaliers franchise as a whole? What will you be suggesting as a possible nickname for this new member of the Cavaliers family? Let us know in the comments below!