The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, the team that pulled off the most improbable comeback in NBA Finals history, are reuniting in Europe for their 10-year anniversary, and the celebration just got a massive injection of energy with the arrival of two more key members of that historic squad. Matthew Dellavedova and Iman Shumpert have joined LeBron James and the rest of the crew in France, turning what was already a nostalgic trip into a full-blown championship reunion. Video footage emerging from the gathering shows the unmistakable joy and brotherhood that defined that team, with James himself visibly hyped to see his former teammates walk through the door.
The reunion, which has been playing out across Scotland and now France, took a dramatic turn when Dellavedova and Shumpert made their surprise appearance. In the footage, James can be heard exclaiming, “Y’all thought this trip was over,” as the two players embrace the group. The energy is electric, with shouts of “Boys for life” and “We back at it” echoing through the scene. It is a vivid reminder of the bond forged during that grueling seven-game series against the Golden State Warriors, a bond that clearly has not faded with time.
LeBron James, who led the Cavs with a legendary performance in Game 7, including the iconic block on Andre Iguodala, was seen celebrating with his former teammates as if no time had passed. The video captures James pointing out how much younger players have grown, joking about one of the younger members of the entourage getting taller. “Look at my youngest boy. Wow. Got taller,” James said, laughing. The camaraderie is palpable, a testament to a team that defied 3-1 odds to bring Cleveland its first major sports championship in 52 years.
The reunion has not been without its moments of competitive fire, even a decade later. In a separate clip from Scotland, J.R. Smith went live on Instagram and was confronted with a hypothetical question about the 2026 New York Knicks taking on the 2016 Cavs. Smith did not hold back. “Bro, we smacking them, bro. Stop it. Stop it. It’s not even a game,” Smith said, dismissing the comparison outright. He then broke down the matchup, asking who would guard LeBron James and Kevin Love, and declaring that the Cavs would dominate at every position.
The debate quickly escalated, with Smith pointing out that the 2016 Cavs would handle the hypothetical matchup with ease. “Who is guarding Brunson? Me. I guard him. Then we going to put Trump on him. Then what? Then what?” Smith said, referencing a teammate. He continued, “Who’s guarding Kay Love? Bro, if you don’t knock it off, OG is guarding Braun. You seen what happened the last time he did that.” Smith’s passionate defense of his team’s legacy underscores the pride that still burns within this group of champions.
The trip has been a whirlwind of activities, from golf outings to poolside hangouts, with the team embracing the European summer. At one point, the group was seen enjoying a pool party, with James taking a moment to survey the scene. “Just take a look around the pool. Take a shot. Don’t get no hair in the enjoy yourself. You know what I’m saying? Have a little drink,” James said, laughing. The relaxed atmosphere is a stark contrast to the intensity of the 2016 Finals, but the competitive spirit remains just beneath the surface.
Channing Frye, another member of that championship team, offered a toast to the group, reflecting on the journey. “Here’s a cheers to myself for Carrie and LeBron and the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals. And I was so exhausted. They went and won the finals for me. So, we get to celebrate together. Cheers, Channing,” Frye said. The moment captured the essence of a team where every player, from the stars to the role players, contributed to the historic achievement.
The reunion has also sparked playful banter about the team’s younger members, with James joking about height pills and the physical transformations over the years. “You know them pills you supposed to give to kids? It’s like the height pills. He took a bunch of those,” James said, pointing to a younger member of the group. The laughter and teasing are a hallmark of a team that spent countless hours together on the road, in the locker room, and on the court.
As the group prepares to continue their European adventure, the video footage serves as a powerful reminder of what that 2016 championship meant, not just to Cleveland, but to the players themselves. The bond between LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Matthew Dellavedova, Iman Shumpert, and the rest of the roster is unbreakable. They are not just former teammates; they are brothers for life, and this reunion in France is proof that the magic of 2016 is still very much alive.
