The Cleveland Cavaliers, the NBA community, and Northeast Ohio lost a major member of its community on Wednesday after the passing of Joe Tait, the longtime Cavaliers broadcaster who was the voice of the team from the start of the franchise in 1970 until 2011. Several people from across the NBA community, particularly though with roots in Northeast Ohio, shared their sadness over the loss of Tait, who had recently been in hospice after a lengthy battle with kidney disease and liver cancer, according to the Associated Press.
Perhaps the biggest NBA figure with Northeast Ohio roots, LeBron James, was one of the many who mourned the loss of Tait on Wednesday.
Rest In Paradise my friend!! You’ll be extremely missed here! 🎙🙏🏾👑https://t.co/uY76i2LpcF
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 10, 2021
Although James is with the Lakers now and maybe with them for the rest of his career, his connection with Northeast Ohio and the Cavaliers franchise will last beyond his playing career. The loss of Tait, to both James and many around the NBA community, was about much more than just basketball.
Not Joe Tait too 😔
— Larry Nance Jr (@Larrydn22) March 10, 2021
Getting to know Joe Tait after growing up listening to him was a joy. For 2-3 games every season he’d let me sit with him & listen on an extra headset, usually on West Coast. It transported me back to childhood & reminded me how great he was. RIP.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) March 10, 2021
