CLEVELAND — On March 30, the Cleveland Cavaliers were slated to release their fifth and final bobblehead celebrating the 50th anniversary of the franchise.
Due to a delay in shipping caused by the coronavirus, however, the release of the highly anticipated Channing Frye and Richard Jefferson combo bobblehead won't be happening as originally expected.
On Monday, the Cavs announced that the Frye and Jefferson bobbleheads won't be ready in time for their March 30 matchup with the Phoenix Suns. The delay is due to a manufacturing delay in China related to COVID-19 (coronavirus).
According to the Cavs, fans who have purchased tickets to the March 30 contest will still receive the bobblehead "once the needed production capabilities resume and shipment dates are determined."
Selected by a fan vote earlier this season, the Frye and Jefferson bobblehead will represent the "Championship Era and Beyond" era (2011-present) of Cavaliers basketball. Throughout the season, the Cavs have released a series of bobbleheads paying homage to various eras of the franchise's history, including:
- The Early Years 1970-1983: Austin Carr
- The Richfield Coliseum Era 1983-1993: Mark Price
- The Gund Arena Era 1994-2003: Zydrunas Ilgauskas
- The New Wine & Gold Era 2003-2010: Daniel “Booby” Gibson
- The Championship Era and Beyond 2011-Present: Channing Frye & Richard Jefferson