Cleveland Cavaliers: Richard Jefferson Brought Lil Kev Back

Richard Jefferson brought Lil Kev back for the Cleveland Cavaliers postseason run.

Yesterday, Richard Jefferson posted a familiar face on his Snapchat app. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ favorite mascot, Lil Kev.

Lil Kev is back!! @KJG_NBA (via Richard Jefferson snapchat) pic.twitter.com/ef0HYagtJI
— Simon Hannig (@S_Hannig) April 15, 2017

Is it possible that this is the Cleveland Cavaliers secret weapon? Past adding a usable center in Edy Tavares, a locker room leader in Dahntay Jones, having more practice time and past the talent that the Cleveland Cavaliers have on paper, there still seemed to be a piece missing. Something that was “off” about the Cavs this season.

Could it be that the group, whose chemistry hasn’t always been the greatest, was missing a rallying cry that the whole team could get behind?

Last season, Lil Kev was the symbol of unity, success and perseverance for the Cleveland Cavaliers as they entered the playoffs. A cut-out from a Tommy Bahama magazine, Lil Kev looks eerily like Kevin Love and that’s what makes the magic work. Not only does it provide comedic relief for the group, a form of catharsis, but it’s a trick the Cleveland Cavaliers play on their mind.

By focusing on Lil Kev, who is like the baby brother of the group, they’re less apt to let their frustrations turn them against each other.

I remember when my baby brother was born.

My little sister and I were friendly but, of course, we also had a lot of arguments and fights. When my little brother was born though we were both focus on him and amused by him to the point where, in retrospect, I know he became a focal point of our lives. We weren’t going to argue in front of him and we always wanted to do things together with him as a group.

As we got older, we wanted to take care of him and set an example for him. Bickering with each other didn’t factor into that. Even in times we disagreed, the idea that we were a family and, specifically, that we were each other’s protectors prevailed.

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We’re talking about human beings versus laminated cut-outs of course but I’m sure that chemistry, on this level, is an inexact science. I can see how Lil Kev brings the Cavs together.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin gathered quotes from the Cavs about Lil Kev in a story he did on the Cavs’ mascot last May:

"Said Frye: “I think it’s funny. I think it’s something that brings us together as a team. Lil’ Kev is an integral part of what we’re doing. He’s the guy from behind the scenes.”"

Tristan Thompson also believes Lil Kev helps bring them together:

"“It’s just fun,” said Thompson. “It’s just us enjoying being around each other. We’re with each other more than we’re with our families, so great times, laughs, s—- and giggles with your teammates makes the whole process even sweeter. It’s just us being a family, that’s all it is. Being with your brothers.”"

Last postseason, Richard Jefferson had this to say about Lil Kev:

"“He’s an important part of our group and what we got going on here and we’re going to really need him to do some big things down the stretch."

The Cleveland Cavaliers will need Lil Kev to play a big role for the team again.

Last season, the biggest issues surrounded David Blatt and Kevin Love. This season, the biggest issues seems to be the camaraderie in general.

In what’s been a tough and, likely, a draining season, the Cavs have unraveled at the seams at times. There’s nothing like a visit from your baby brother to bring the family together again though, just take my word for it.

In my opinion, Lil Kev will make a difference for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the postseason. Keeping the Cavs’ spirits up, even in trying times, will be key for this unit to come out of the NBA playoffs as the champions.

What do you think about Lil Kev being back for the playoffs? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.