The Cleveland Cavaliers deserve a deep rewind | CHOSEN Director's Cut

Before we watch LeBron James and company finally bring an NBA championship to the city of Cleveland, we need to understand how much torture this fanbase has gone through over the last several decades. We need to rewind. Like, really, really rewind.
CHOSEN was first released in 2021 as a three-part series. This director's cut is re-edited with remastered audio to flow as one, continuous piece. It's a movie!
Written and produced by Seth Rosenthal
Directed by Jiazhen Zhang
Designed by Michael Das and Phil Pasternak
Additional editing by Ryan Simmons
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[@Cheezus22]

To all those at Secret Base: I'm not from Cleveland. I'm not a LeBron fan. I'm not even a basketball fan. But I watched this, all of it, with my undivided attention. Not while I was working or playing a game or doing something else. Sit down in my chair and watch it from start to finish. You want to know why? Because you produce the very best sports content ANYWHERE and have been for years. Amazing video. Love you folks and all the work you do! Your #1 Fan!

[@Sludgehammer138]

They can make the most mundane seeming thing seem like an Oscar worthy drama

[@AmericanHearts]

They are the single best channel on KZbin.

[@ryanc11703]

Same I had things I wanted to do but nope. Were watching all of this.

[@jluchette]

What a perfect day for an SB upload. Lately I’ve re-watched the entire Vikings, Falcons, & Mariners, documentaries. “People you’re paying to be in shorts” was next, and this morning I finished Dave Stieb. I can’t count how many times I’ve watched any of those but I commit from start to finish every time and am enthralled every time. This is the perfect day for an SB upload. Happy 2024 everyone!

[@LostScribe]

It's crazy because everytime I rewatch one I say It's my favorite of the bunch. Then I rewatch another and That one becomes my new favorite.

[@ryanrazo]

Every good SB Nation video is our favorite, and then they surprise us by giving us a better one.

[@HoopTY303]

I love them all for sure but Dave Stieb is my favorite (SPOILER ALERT) if by favorite we mean the one I became the most emotionally enraptured in. Seriously my eyes grew tingly when he got his no-hitter even though I already knew what would happen it still got me right in the 👁️👃👁️ 🥲

[@mike04574]

It’s just a full reupload of a series from 2 years ago

[@ethanniedorowski116]

An yet ​@mikal0457 its pretty good

[@drewiiz6220]

As a Cleveland sports fan, I cried in my room when the Cavs won. Jumping up and down . My neighbor was also super happy. May she rest in peace now but we watched Baseball, football and basketball games together as die hard sports fans. She is a big part of my fabric . She was amazing she would love this.

[@michaelfilippelli7412]

That title will always be a stamped memory, us as clevelanders did not take that title for granted

[@recoveringsam8675]

Dude, literally same lol. I was crying and jumping too

[@recoveringsam8675]

I’m thankful that my step uncle, a life long die hard Cleveland fan, got to see the Cavs win it before he ultimately died of cancer

[@stillthebest2521]

Get a grip

[@pickles-_-4942]

@@stillthebest2521L

[@trentonnewman9683]

Hell yeah we’re back. Probably my favorite of these documentaries you guys have made, so excited to watch it once again.

[@user-tu3gp4ro1e]

this account really has bots because what is this comment lmao

[@justincarreras7753]

🤖

[@mike04574]

It’s from 2021. We ain’t back

[@theBlackBearrrr]

One interesting moment about the 16 cavs is that Mo Williams was able to come back and win a ring. That was awesome to see

[@KLiQsan]

Always love the supercuts, appreciate all the work this team does.

[@MrLp1980]

Still proud to see the city of Cleveland get a title. It was similar to seeing my Saints finally get a Super Bowl after so much of losing. We had a million half at the parade and a week before Mardi Gras in 2010. Imagine the Browns bringing a Super Bowl to that city of Cleveland. I will literally travel to Cleveland to see that parade. I know that would be epic.

[@DARC-87]

Our 1971 first round, I believe first overall pick Austin Carr, still works for the Cavs. Like more than 50 years. And he's such a beloved figure around here.

[@canes4ever162]

So does campy russel

[@paulzollinger6343]

Born in '61, I was a fan since soon after inception. I'd endured the Stepien era, but only for a bit. I checked out and wandered back when he was gone. No idea how the Cavs survived him...

[@monsiogabar525]

It was a great touch putting the Fred's and AC's commentary at the end instead of the usual Mike Breen call. Had goosebumps when the video finished.

[@MikeGreiner-bt7pw]

I’ve watched each and every super cut numerous times . As a guy who lives 10 mins outside Cleveland I’m anticipating some tears watching this lmao. we’re all so used to losing that I really can’t put into words how important winning was for us after lebron came back home. Thanks for the hard work you put into making these videos really can’t overstate how happy I am you’re delving into my hometown cavs

[@vincenth.8793]

Did you know… that Craig Ehlo had another chance to defeat MJ and the Bulls in the ‘96 Finals with the Sonics, but lost that series as well.

[@varlaamthecreator4325]

Wait, really??

[@20Unknown]

This is a DEEP rewind, love it.

[@varlaamthecreator4325]

My fam and I are Warriors fans, so the 2016 Finals hurt for us, but we all agree that the Cavs DESERVED these finals. After such a long, turbulent history of failure, they at last were able to get it done. Huge props to the SB crew for such an in-depth, well-researched series; I’ve watched it at least three times!

[@DARC-87]

One of the greatest NBA what ifs. Dajaun Wagner/ LeBron James led Cavs squad.

[@J2J25]

Masterpiece of a video honestly. Storytelling, pacing, structure. Amazing job

[@chiefkeef6269]

that one championship for Cleveland means more than even all 3 of Golden State’s combined in my opinion

[@brandan2468]

If both teams were healthy and no suspensions, warriors win in 5… IN MY OPINION

[@ishaansingh4950]

@@brandan2468saying that cavs would’ve won 2015 if kyrie and love didn’t get hurt. so who knows if 2016 warriors would’ve ever happened if they didn’t win. it’s hard to say who wins and doesn’t at the end of the day the warriors got 3 and bron got arguably the greatest ring ever. all worked out

[@kanyeeast1340]

@@ishaansingh4950I’d say our best shot was 15. Can’t take away GS success tho, those teams were unfair lol

[@aidannegri8979]

Had to rewatch cause this is just peak.

[@carlostaylorjr4268]

This hit different when you from Cleveland 🥹

[@kapowjam3462]

"Nate Thurmond ... Has a shooting eye" "Gus Johnson ... Wildcats' spearhead" I want more sports coverage like this

[@matthewrobert1810]

Perfect thing to download and watch on the way back from Florida. Thank you guys. This is one of my favourite series you ever did

[@joeburrowenjoyer09]

I watched this series when it came out and im rewatching it now because it is incredible. One thing I've noticed is how the music fits so well. Great Job to the composers of the music!

[@Sapphire04]

This is brilliant. Do another series like this for Messi and Argentina winning World Cup 2022

[@BigBlack81]

...honestly, I feel Dorktown would do it better. Not because Rewinder COULDN'T...but 4-5 hours of Argentina done by the Dorktown bois?! EPIC CONTENT. ⚽🥅🏆

[@pyroglyphies]

uploaded on Lebron's 39th birthday! another binge watch for me!

[@LeBeautiful]

LEBRON DAY AND DROPPED THE *PERFECT* VIDEO. Lovely deep rewind.

[@wakkawakkagaming3710]

I can vividly imagine ESPN buying the sharing rights to this and broadcasting it. It would fit right in with the quality of NFL Films and ESPN Classics

[@austinwingett7362]

I still can't get over how good all your videos are. This is why I love KZbin you all make documentary level content for us for free it's so awesome.

[@ivnmrtnz]

How did you know I kept rewatching this one again and again endlessly

[@Adamlofreso]

Seth and SB, thank you for posting this today. I am a life long Cavs fan since the Larry Hughes days. It’s been a tough year and a really rough end to the year. I needed this today. Thank you so much.

[@BrianDawe]

This was one of the best sports documentaries I’ve ever seen. Beyond impressive. ESPN could use you guys!

[@SanityStick]

Ahhh, what a great way to start the long weekend! Y'all are the best in the business as far as I'm concerned, and I hope you continue to grow and prosper in 2024.

[@derekneaz-nibur407]

Wonderful to have this as a supercut, SB always taking care of us

[@JC-tu6hc]

What a RIDE!! Great script.

[@MrNascone]

Love it! Thank you for making this! Go Cavs!!!

[@lukechiarieri3269]

Love your content. Happy new year SB nation ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@asymptoticspatula]

These documentaries are so amazing. I saw this upload and thought, "Hmm I can watch 15 or 20 minutes of this..." and here I am 2 hours and 20 minutes later. So good.

[@Boomhauersdad]

Most amazing thing about lebron is his ability to stay out of trouble. Had the right mindset from the get go

[@AllThingsDope007]

I enjoyed this so much! Great job🙏🏾

[@mmittenzable]

I accidentally watched all of this and it was worth every min...great video

[@DARC-87]

Bro, this is the first time I'm pausing to read these newspaper clippings. It's so dope guys, you've done such great work. Seth, such great work on the horn, homie.

[@stblanco516]

This will be Seth’s best work for sure. I’m not even a Cavs fan and I enjoy this. Thank you Seth

[@terrenceliburd8655]

I remember being half sleep, but hearing Red Aurbach on NBC tv discussing the 86 draft. Someone asked Red about Walter Berry and Red minced no words " ahh he's ok but Brad Daughtary is better than him and is going No.1 in this upcoming draft". I said to myself how dare he diss Big Walt. Walt slid all the way down to I think 14 to the trail blazers who immediately traded him to the Nets. He went the Spurs, Rockets then poof he was out the league.

[@user-jw5qj8kv2y]

It's a shame that LeBron James didn't win a championship with the Cavs in the 2000s. At that time, the Cavs didn't have many superstar players other than LeBron.

[@ButterCBA]

I am so glad I clicked play. This is a fascinating in-debt look into the Cavs history. Wonderful work!!

[@jsmpsnn]

RESPECT!!!!! Thank you for your hard work.

[@Kaine47]

I’ve watched this several times it’s really such an amazingly put together piece

[@patrickharrison1212]

Not even a Cleveland fan. Tears 😭

[@mriidulbhatia]

woahhhhhhh a 2 hr full feature chosen best thing to end the year💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@RajatSubhraKarmakar]

Watched it before when it came out in three parts. Now watched it again.. I loved it. Perhaps the best channel in YT is SB

[@blaisemceneany1664]

Insane work on this one. Love Cleveland sports history. Would love to see one on the browns and their recent success ! Regardless, awesome job here gents 🤝

[@kw1726]

The original 3 part was so well done. Just amazing

[@mynameisdub6232]

This was really good. I watched it in full twice. Big NBA historian but I learned a ton about the Cavs I didn’t already know. Early 2000’s is the era i grew up on I really thought dajuan wagner had next.

[@zombie7232]

I wonder what the next chosen documentary is gonna be. It can span into the NFL, MLB or stick with the NBA as Denver or Toronto could make a good topic, awesome videos and been here since y’all where SB Nation but man y’all are one of the best on here happy 2024 from Texas 🙏

[@jojijoestar7233]

NFL: I reckon Philadelphia MLB: Cubs and Rangers for sure NBA: Nuggets NHL: Not too knowledgeable here but the Capitals or Golden Knights

[@zombie7232]

@@jojijoestar7233 would love to see the cubs or rangers one I don’t follow baseball like that but I know it took ages for both the rangers and the cubs to win, to add to the NFL we could see maybe a saints one ase from what I’ve seen they where a very bad franchise with some shining moments either way the go it’s gonna be a good one for sure.

[@benheal6466]

Great work Seth! Fantastic video

[@ashtondownes284]

never stop these ❤️

[@4eve-R]

thank you for this secret base

[@siphillis]

That setup to the 2007 Finals punchline was simply incredible. A movie-like rise above Detroit, then harsh reality-check by San Antonio.

[@johnchiu]

You guys never cease to amaze with your astounding storytelling

[@CurtisAutery]

Well done! This was "Fighting in the Age of Loneliness" levels of awesome.

[@PLJuju]

Made me emotional. I watched the game with my buddy back then. Now we lost touch. Hope he’s doing ok. Those were the glorious days.

[@CarlosContreras]

Amazing! 2+ hours long, but it is so entertaining that it is a shame when it is over.

[@romey2fresh]

This deserves a Emmy

[@Evs78101]

Thanks Secret Base for the NYE-Eve gift 😊

[@jake_in_the_control_room3205]

Ted Stepien would be played by Steve Carell in a movie about the Cavs. The buffoonery is too good.

[@devshah480]

Was watching this today when coincidentally I scroll past the report of Dejan Milojević getting hospitalized. He just passed away😔 RIP❤️🙏🏽

[@larteylaryea3136]

This whole video was dope from start to finish, SB did it again!

[@user-tu3gp4ro1e]

now how would you know that if it's 2 hours longa and just dropped 20 mins ago at best? lmfao bot

[@vwboy2012]

I learned more from you than my doctor. Thank you!

[@GatCat]

Cleveland still has some form of stank attached to their franchise. But Lebron did it. He removed a portion of that stank, and for a while and unlike my closet, they were stankless. Impressive.

[@xxjackirblackbloddxx7377]

there BETTER be a Nuggets deep rewind on the way cuz this content is awesome and they deserve it

[@Puvwilmo00]

I still can’t believe content of this consistently high quality is completely free.

[@CXLYBCRZ]

Just watched the entire how to make a basket documentary the other day. Now im blessed with this

[@streetsweeper8831]

Great video learned a lot here

[@AX1A]

awesome please do this for all teams- especially the Nets

[@tempota7792]

I only had to endure 2 hours of the 3rd hand nightmare and emotional rollercoaster, and i dont even really care about Cleveland or Ohio. Imagine the 47+ years of grueling torture, the ups and downs, the win and loss and win again of Lebron, as a native Clevelander. Well earned, Cleveland. Well earned, LeBron. Thank you for giving us all a monumental page in history.

[@theena]

Just at the half way point, and I am pausing to say this. Seth, this is astonishingly well written, narrated and edited. The writing, in particular, goes from merely good sports writing to an almost magic realist feel to it: to non-hoopheads, the threads connecting MJ, LeBron, Steph to Cleveland, would almost be too far-fetched and yet. It's almost like the basketball gods had deemed the team to reach unchartered nadirs just so they become the chosen land for the second-greatest player of all time to be born there, and take them to the championship. Fantastic work, all of you. Can't wait to see what you people have in store for next year. Happy New Year.

[@alexstevens8665]

Already know this is going to be a banger!

[@alexstevens8665]

Also please do some more football (soccer) deep dives. Maybe one on the Manchester United Fergie era? Love from the UK ❤

[@paul24reyes]

A perfect upload for my glorious kings birthday

[@fritopendejo5181]

I’m from Cleveland and know the Cavs were “chosen” to win in 2016. I was already done with the NBA by then, actually all professional sports. They’re all rigged in some way for one goal, money. Whether it’s for the Vegas line or to give a star a needed push in order to keep them relevant so business can continue uninterrupted.

[@jojijoestar7233]

Inb4 the Browns win it all this year

[@TheWorld-MyOyster]

So glad to see someone that’s actually from the city acknowledge this!! Like, good for Cleveland, but at the same time, those finals were so obviously orchestrated to end the way they did from the start. That’s always going to be the most bitter Finals run in history for me because they purposefully put a deep stain on the legacy of a team with the greatest season in NBA history for the benefit of ONE single player’s story which by that point had already been cemented & had the audacity to complain about the monster that was created as a result of their own meddling. That was some REAL nasty work.

[@weeman987654321321]

They passed on Jermaine o Neal too he's good af

[@jakeandrews82]

god i love this channel

[@cephassagpio3570]

Y’all deserve an Oscar 👏

[@johnf1235]

Such a great documentary!

[@DESOUSAB]

Easily the best NBA content on the internet. It isn't even close.

[@jerichopajo5452]

This video deserve a 1 mil views what a video..

[@koihoi1989]

Very well done

[@markjackson6431]

Rewinder: 2006 Orange Bowl 3OTs Beef History: Lindros vs Flyers Organization Overlap: Greatest College Football Coach (Saban) and the Greatest NFL Coach (Belichick) coaching in the same division Untitled: Reggie Miller Untitled: Ken Griffey Junior Untitled: Jim Kelly Collapse: Early 90s Bills Untitled: Red Sox Players (particular Yaz) Prism: Steph Curry and all those mid major players Rewinder: The Catch By Willie Rewinder: Hank Aaron and Bonds breaking the respective HR record Untitled: Don Nelson

[@yellkell-]

I've watched this 5 times already, let's go for 6

[@eoofun5243]

Re-re-watching this masterpiece. How is this free?!!!

[@RazorTooths]

Can you please make a Nuggets version of this? It'd be awesome!

[@tim.noonan]

I’d be very down for a series of docs about franchises’ histories prior to their first chip. Especially those more long-suffering franchises not unlike the Cavs here. As a Pats fan I wouldn’t expect anyone to want to document the team pre-‘Evil Empire’ but there’s for sure some crazy stories prior to Belichick and Brady. Toronto and Denver in the NBA, the Eagles - I’m sure the folks at Secret Base could tell some compelling stories about all these teams, and it’s an angle they haven’t really covered except for this video here.

[@letsgoooo9200]

I’m down for it

[@mineseargent2482]

Thank you SB!

[@OsmosisMiller]

17:33 I'm sorry but that had me laughing entirely way too hard at that. Anyways, I'm glad you guys decided to throw the whole thing together.

[@Anonymous-gy4lp]

😂😂😂😂

[@AnIvchenko]

This is an amazing documentary. LeBron is unique really

[@tombrady2829]

I already watched this so many tines

[@donaldhepburn3984]

All time great youtube video

[@larrygrossman8021]

Monumental. Well done

[@bangaamen501]

Secret base at it again 🔥

[@mambaarmy]

the ending always gets me

[@NicklausLouis]

1) I would love to see a documentary about the Mavs string of bad lottery luck but still somehow managing to land Dirk and Luka. 2) I would hate to see one about the Spurs and all of their lottery luck. But I would definitely hate-watch it for sure.

[@TheClosetMonster1]

when is there gonna be a deep dive like this about the cubs struggles and relief in this same legendary sports year

[@MistaYo9221]

do more of these documentaries please!