The problem with being so great
The window is never open that long.

The Indians may have thought they had a shot at the World Series every year in the mid-to-late 1990s, but in reality, the only real chance to win it all was in 1997.

The Florida Marlins' pitching that year really wasn't any better than Cleveland's. But the Tribe didn't get it done. When Edgar Renteria's single hit the outfield grass, the window of opportunity was slammed in the Indians' face. They have never gotten back to the Fall Classic, while the Marlins sold off all their stars, rebuilt and won it all again in 2003.

I bring up this rather frustrating memory because the Cavaliers have reached a point in their era where only a championship will satisfy.

Did you see the game today? The Celtics looked old and were beat up, missing several key players. The Cavaliers took them apart, and took joy in doing so.

The Celtics are the defending champions.

The Cavaliers' will have homecourt advantage through all but the NBA Finals (though that could change for sure in a few days). They are 39-1 at the Q.

LeBron James is in his prime. Delonte West and Mo Williams and Zydrunas Ilgauskas make up the best supporting cast he's had.

It's all set up. It's all there for the taking.

But it's not assured. Anyone who thinks otherwise just hasn't been around this city long enough. People who talk to me about the Cavaliers always bring up the Lakers.

I'll worry about the Lakers when and if the Cavaliers reach the finals. Until then, I'll be chewing on my fingernails waiting for something to go wrong.

Still, the truth is that the Cavaliers have one loss at home -- to the best in the West, the Lakers. The Lakers are the only team the Cavs haven't beaten this year.

But here's the reality: This year's squad is the best basketball team in Cleveland history. The Cavaliers have already reached the finals.

The only thing left for this franchise is the big one.

And if the Cavs don't do it this year, then when? Everything has lined up. Next year, who knows what will happen. LeBron's contract will be up after the 2010 season, and though I hope he'll stay in Ohio, I'm just as certain there are powerful people who don't want him here.

If James and Co. can't do it this year, it's hard to see it ever happening for the franchise. And frankly, the way the Browns and Indians are going, one wonders if Cleveland will ever have a better, or another, chance at a world title.

The window is only open for so long.