Cavaliers: All-Star Tails

All-Star Tails

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March 3, 2005 - Moondog -

Can we get a few more days in February?
For what I am told is the shortest month, February had no dearth of excitement and activity. I’d like to request a few more days in February next year. I am sure the marketing folks upstairs can look into that. Seven home games filled a twenty-two day span, but I guess that is better than the thirteen day span in January with no home games. Winning five of seven keeps Gund Arena in the column of a “tough place to play” for any visiting team….and thus keeps the dog on the good side of Coach Silas.

Hardwood Classics
Like a lot of fans I am really enjoying the Hardwood Classic Games. Not only do we get to dress up like Austin Carr and Campy Russell with the sweet Gold uniforms, but the crafty folks in marketing have turned those games into throwback nights, complete with swinging 70’s threads and teased 80’s hair. If you have missed the first couple, we have a couple left (March 8, April 5 and 14).

All-Star Weekend
For the second time in as many years I had the honor of representing the Cavaliers at the NBA All-Star Weekend as an Eastern Conference All-Star Mascot. What a wild weekend. I had the chance to perform with the best the NBA has to offer, like the Phoenix Suns Percussion Squad, the Sonic Boom Team (b-boys), Emcee Big Mike (Sacramento), the Nuggets Dance Team, and mascots like Clutch (Houston) and Rocky (Denver)….on top of that stars like Destiny’s Child and Kelly Clarkston rounded out the entertainment.

For me the highlight was working the All-Star game and giving Beyonce a lick from Puff Dog….which I did right before her 6 foot 350 pound security guard could grab a hold of me.

Fetching a new pair of slippers
For those of you who haven’t heard, Moondog got a new boss this month as well. On February 28th Gordon Gund said goodbye to the fans after over 20 years as owner and on March 2nd Dan Gilbert said hello. While I only met Gordon a handful of times, he was a genuine class act and I appreciate what he has done for the team and the city. And after 3 days with Dan Gilbert, I can only imagine what the Cavaliers will have in store for Cleveland in the years to come. When you look around the league at the teams who are really making a splash in the community and on the court, you look at teams like Dallas and Sacramento. Those teams have young fiery owners (Cuban and the Maloofs) who are competitive and spirited….and now we have one too. Stay tuned.

Halfcourt Challenge: The Battle of PR
I don’t mind being bested on the court….but it seems like I am being bested by better PR in Denver. My rival mascot (and fellow all-star) Rocky (Nuggets) has been making a splash in regards to his half-court shooting prowess….including a mention in the USAToday last month and some glowing comments from the Nuggets website. According to Nuggets.com Rocky has some effect on the Nuggets winning games even (which mathematically didn’t make much sense to this dog).

Well according to ClevelandCavaliers.com (on this page in fact) the dog is shooing BETTER than the amazing (and self-proclaimed Supermascot) Rocky. While Rocky has made his shot in 13 of 24 GAMES (while taking multiple shots in a game)….the dog is shooting 13 of 26 SHOTS (as of March 1) and has made his halfcourt shot in 12 of 13 GAMES in which he has attempted it. Choke on that mountain lion. So if you want to go by games: Rocky = 54%. Moondog = 92%. If you want to count per shot…..well Rocky isn’t counting shots it sounds like.

Actually, I really respect Rocky as a mascot…but I am not ready to forfeit the title of best half-court shooter just because he spends more time publicizing his lobs. As I told Rocky at the All-Star Game….any time….any place….Let’s Go. I will let you know if he responds.

Peace.

--Moondog