NBA Draft Lottery Results 2011: Cavs Get First and Fourth Overall Picks

For what seems like the first time in forever, the basketball gods have smiled on Cleveland.

In Tuesday nights NBA draft lottery, the Cavaliers were supposed to come away with the second and eighth overall selections.  They could have even done as bad as fifth and eighth.

Then, a funny thing happened.  Cleveland got lucky.

What was supposed to be the eighth overall pick in the draft shortly became the seventh, sixth, fifth, and then eventually fourth, leapfrogging the Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards.

When the fourth pick was finally announced, a small eruption could be heard from local sports bars from all across Northeast Ohio.

The best, however, was yet to come.

Down to the Timberwolves, Jazz, and Cavaliers for the final three selections and a chance at the number one overall pick, suddenly the realization set in that this could be a very special night for Cleveland.

With Dan Gilbert, Bernie Kosar, Joe Haden, and Josh Cribbs all looking on, the final envelope was revealed.

The first selection in the 2011 NBA draft would be going to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Now the real debate begins.

Kyrie Irving or Derrick Williams are a lock to go first and second overall, but in which order?  Who will be available at number four when the Cavaliers select next?

For months, Cavs fans have waited for this day.  They suffered through last summer.  They suffered through 26 straight losses.  They put up with the media's bashing of the supposed terrible trade for Baron Davis, the same one which has now landed the Cavaliers the fourth overall pick in the draft. 

Cavs fans, it's been a long year.

The best, however, is yet to come.