Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists and consistently look to update them when necessary and based on necessity. As such, we are delighted to present our post-2023-24 revision of our top 50 Cleveland Cavaliers.

As for all of our top 50 players in basketball, we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Basketball Association.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, Cleveland had a good season and continued to build around their young and dynamic team.  There was no new entrant but five elevations.

As always, we present our top five, which saw no changes:

1. LeBron James
2. Mark Price
3. Brad Daugherty
4. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
5. Larry NanceYou can find the entire list here.

Center and 2022 All-Star Jarrett Allen broke into the top 15 and is now at #11.  He was ranked at #22 before

The returning Tristan Thompson inched up one spot to #12.

Superstar Donovan Mitchell, who has only been a Cavalier for two years, rocketed up the list from #40 to #20.  Only in Basketball can we see that happen!

Guard Darius Garland advanced to #31 from #36.

Power Forward Evan Mobley went to #32 from #45.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

The Cleveland Browns have a storied history, with some of the most iconic quarterbacks ever to grace the NFL. These players didn’t just make a mark—they became legends. Below, we rank the top five quarterbacks who have defined the franchise.

Otto Graham: The Epitome of Greatness

Otto Graham's name is synonymous with excellence. Playing from 1946 to 1955, Graham led the Browns to an astonishing ten consecutive championship games, winning seven of them. His unique combination of a powerful arm and an unparalleled football IQ made him a nightmare for defenses.

Graham wasn't just playing football; he was redefining it. With three NFL championships and five All-Pro selections, his legacy remains unmatched. He set the standard for what it means to be a Cleveland Browns quarterback, and his influence still resonates in the franchise's DNA.

Bernie Kosar: The Heart of the Browns

In the mid-1980s, Bernie Kosar breathed new life into the Cleveland Browns. Drafted in a rare supplemental draft, Kosar quickly became the face of the franchise. His calm demeanor, coupled with his strategic brilliance, helped the Browns reach three AFC Championship games, the closest the team has ever been to making a Super Bowl. Known for his quick reads and mastery of the no-huddle offense, Kosar was a quarterback who could handle immense pressure.

During his tenure, the Cleveland Browns odds of making deep playoff runs were often favorable, thanks to his consistent performances. His records still stand as a testament to his skill, and his connection with the city of Cleveland remains deep, symbolizing the grit and determination that define the region.

Brian Sipe: The Kardiac Kid

Brian Sipe’s tenure with the Browns from 1974 to 1983 is often remembered for the heart-stopping moments he orchestrated on the field. Sipe wasn’t just any quarterback—he was the leader of the "Kardiac Kids," a team famous for its last-minute victories. His 1980 MVP season remains a highlight in Browns’ history, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Sipe’s risk-taking and never-say-die attitude endeared him to fans, and his legacy as one of the franchise’s most resilient leaders is secure.

Frank Ryan: The Championship Quarterback

Frank Ryan brought a championship to Cleveland, a feat that cemented his place among the Browns' greats. Playing from 1962 to 1968, Ryan’s leadership and precise deep passing were instrumental in the Browns’ 1964 NFL Championship victory. His ability to execute under pressure and his intelligent play-calling made him a fan favorite. Ryan’s career might have been shorter than others on this list, but his impact was profound, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise.

Baker Mayfield: The Modern Hope

Baker Mayfield, the Browns' first overall pick in 2018, arrived with a swagger and confidence that the franchise desperately needed. In his rookie year, Mayfield set the NFL record for touchdown passes by a rookie, and in 2020, he led the Browns to their first playoff win in over 25 years. His gunslinger mentality and ability to extend plays have made him a beloved figure among fans. Even though his tenure with the Browns was short, his ability to revitalize a franchise that had been struggling for so long and lacking consistent quarterback play was critical in getting the momentum moving in the right direction. Mayfield has since found success with Tampa Bay, who recently signed the quarterback to a long-term deal.

Conclusion

The Cleveland Browns have been home to some of the most remarkable quarterbacks in NFL history. From Otto Graham’s dominance to Baker Mayfield’s modern heroics, each of these players has left an indelible legacy. As the franchise continues to evolve, these quarterbacks will forever be remembered as the pillars of Cleveland Browns history.

Two weeks ago, Barry Bonds was inducted into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame along with Jim Leyland and Manny Sanguillen.  Naturally, reports would ask him about the Baseball Hall of Fame afterward.  Bonds tone was a lot different than it had been in previous years:

“I don’t have to worry about those things no more.  I want to hang around my grandchildren and children.  Those hopes?  I don’t have them anymore.”

Bonds, who failed to make it into the Baseball Hall of Fame via the writer’s ballot, appeared on his first senior's ballot, where he received so little support that his vote total was not publicized.  This indicates that the respective senior’s committee holds him in less regard than the writers did, thus leaving him worse off than before.

Bonds seems at peace with that.

He remains #1 on our Notinhalloffame Baseball list of those to consider for the Baseball Hall, and it looks like he will stay there for a long time.

Regular visitors of Notinhalloffame.com know that we are slowly working on the top 50 of every major team in the NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB. Once that is done, we will examine how each team honors its past players, coaches, and executives. As such, it is important to us that the University of Minnesota will be inducting eight new members into their Athletic Hall of Fame.

They will be inducted on September 6.

The newest members are:

Nicole Chimko-Fahey, Women’s Track & Field, 1996-99:  The Canadian was a three-time All-Big Ten champion in discus and javelin and was a two-time All-American.

Eric Decker, Football & Baseball, 2006-09: Decker was a two-time All-Big Ten Selection as a Wide Receiver and accumulated 3,119 Yards and 24 Touchdowns.  He would later play professionally and was on Denver’s 2013 AFC Championship Team.  Decker was also drafted twice in the Major League Baseball Draft.

Tori Dixon, Women’s Volleyball, 2010-13:  Dixon was a two-time AVCA All-American and three-time All-Big Ten Selection.  She had 1,479 career kills for the Golden Gophers.

Laurie Kaiser Sund, Women’s Gymnastics, 1983-86:  Kaiser Sund was a three-time All-Big Ten Selection and won the Big Ten Floor Exercise in 1984 and 1986 and the Vault in 1984.

Amanda Kessel, Women’s Hockey, 2010-13 & 2016:  Kessel led Minnesota to three straight National Championships (2011-13) and was a two-time All-American.  She also won the WCHA Player of the Year, the WCHA Rookie of the Year, and the 2013 Patty Kazmaier Award.  She also represented the United States in three Olympic Games, winning two Gold Medals, and owns four World Championship Gold Medals.

Don Lucia, Men’s Hockey Coach, 1999-2018:  Lucia guided the Golden Gophers to five Frozen Fours, winning two National Championships (2022 & 2003).  He also led the school to four WCHA Regular Season Titles, four Big Ten Titles and had an overall record of 457-248-73.

Harsh Mankad, Men’s Tennis, 2000-02:  From India, Mankad was the first player in school history to obtain a number one NCAA rank.  He was the 2002 Big Ten Player of the Year and a three-time First Team All-Big Ten Selection.

Joel Maturi, Athletics Director, 2002-12:  Maturi became the first AD in school history to oversee both the Men’s and Women’s programs.  Over his tenure, the Golden Gophers won five National Titles and 45 Big Ten/WCHA Championships.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the impending members of the University of Minnesota Athletic Hall of Fame.