Written by Richard Hanes

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It really is unfortunate that I would even have to write an article on this topic, but we all do live in Cleveland.  Tonight on Twitter a spirited debate broke out about whether Cavs fans should root for the playoffs this season or root for the NBA Draft Lottery.  Some of Twitter's better Cavs Tweeps were involved including the one and only Sam Amico @SamAmicoFSO, as well as a few other characters like myself, @WayneEmbrysKids, @realcavsfans, @demeatloaf, and @mikeyfivebucks.  Arguments were presented in grand Twitter fashion for both sides of this coin.  On one hand if the Cavs made the playoffs this season we could revel in the sweet taste of NBA Draft success with Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson.  On the other hand you have those, that like myself, believe its not about success this year, but long term, sustainable success through acquiring young dynamic players through consecutive lottery picks.  There really is no actual right or wrong answer as one Tweep pointed out, because what we root for really doesn't matter. 

Coach Byron Scott is going to try to win every game.  Its his job, but that's what makes being a fan fun.  We can think about the big picture and talk about what our teams really should do, and probably what they would love to say, if they weren't concerned with image or ticket sales year in and year out.  So for those of you on the side of the coin that says we need to lose and get at least one more high end lottery pick, here a few rules on how to do so with a little bit of honor.  The good news is that since we are Clevelanders feel free to apply these to the Browns as well!  Enjoy!

1)  Never actually "cheer" out loud for a Cleveland Team to lose while at the game. 

2)  Do NOT openly root for whoever our Cleveland Team is playing over Twitter or Facebook.  (There is no need to cheer them on)

3)  If you are going to root for losing ensure you also hope for competitive contests in which we do not embarrass ourselves.

4)  While your at it also root that you at least see growth and progress out of players you believe will be here when we actually are in a position to win.

5)  NEVER EVER EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE ROOT TO LOSE TO THE FOLLOWING TEAMS!  EVER

      a)  The Steelers

      b)  The Miami Heat

      c)  The Yankees

Note:  I am also strongly against hoping a CLE team loses to the Ravens, Bengals, Tigers, or Pistons.  It depends on what mood I'm in or how many adult beverages I have had.  If you do feel the need to root for a CLE team to lose to one of these "fringe" teams keep it to yourself, or it better be the difference between Andrew Luck or not Andrew Luck.

6)  If you are rooting for the Indians to lose games for higher MLB draft pick you should try to get out of the house more.  There is really no point in losing in MLB. 

In fact.....

7)  Do not root for a CLE team to lose in baseball.  EVER.  Makes no sense.  You cannot logically defend it.  Do not try to.

8)  Never root for a CLE Team to go winless for a season or break any actual losing streak.  Its cute to own a record, but not that cute.

9)  Understand when its time to stop rooting for losing and root for the winning.  This is tricky.  I may dedicate a whole post just to this.  We will see.

10)  Finally root to lose only so that it improves our chances to win over the long haul. 

For a bonus rule never "Root" to lose while in Australia.  It means you will fail at something I think you rather succeed at no matter what.  Confused?  Google "Rooting" and check out the Urban Dictionary meaning for a chuckle.

Thats it Cleveland.  Ten simple rules that will guide you through losing seasons and allow you to root for losing with some dignity.  In the end we all want to celebrate a championship together but it may take some extra losing to get there.

Cheers!