Five Tiny Tidbits On: The Cleveland Cavaliers

It's hard to believe, but the NBA season is just around the corner. Let us celebrate with five tiny tidbits on each team. Today we begin with the Central Division, so do us a favor and send us your tips at [email protected].

• 1. Welcome To Hazmat Arena. The locker room facilities were so dirty and dilapidated at the team's first home, Cleveland Arena, that Boston guard John Havlicek used to shower and dress at his team's hotel, wearing his uniform to and from the game. He reportedly said he was afraid of contracting an infection from the locker room surfaces. Curiously, Havlicek willingly dressed and showered at Boston Garden, which was famous for having rats fall out of the ceiling. — (Thanks to Erik Cassano). • 2. What Da Hook Gon Be. Larry Hughes, winner of the Austin Carr Good Guy Award last season, accepted the honor while wearing a Vito Corelone Godfather t-shirt. He is friends with the rapper Nelly (appearing in the Dilemma music video) and was also mentioned in fellow St. Louis native Murphy Lee's song What Da Hook Gon Be.

• 3. Yo Yo Yo. Donyell Marshall is often mistaken for the rapper Ludacris. In fact, Marshall said that when he was in college, two girls asked him for his autograph at an airport, and he was shocked that he was so popular. It turned out they had mistaken him for Ludacris. He said he had removed his braids because of it.

• 4. Ambassador Of Pain. Cavs forward Anderson Varejao drew some serious ire from people at the FIBA Championships over the summer after he elbowed a Greek player and broke his jaw. Whether it was intentional is disputed, but the guy wants to sue Varejao. — (Thanks to Bryan Wood).

• 5. They Enter A Room Five Minutes Before She Does (Ba-Da-Boom). According to the book Cavs: From Fitch to Fratello, former team owner Ted Stepien (1979-83) was known to introduce his daughter with the line "Doesn't she have great tits?" — (Thanks to Erik Cassano)