Inspired By Cleveland’s Own Kid Cudi, Cavs Coin New Catchphrase To Make Focus Clear

J.B. Bickerstaff is using Cleveland native Kid Cudi's words to send an important message to the Cavaliers this season.

In sports, external expectations can be both a blessing and a curse.

On one end, it means you’re doing something right and people want to see you play. On the other, the minute you fail to live up to the hype, the positive perception comes crashing down in a blink of an eye.

Throughout his time as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, J.B. Bickerstaff has often downplayed “outside noise” when talking about his group. 

The only thing that matters to them, however, is the internal standard the team needs to meet. He made that abundantly clear as training camp began, echoing the lyrics of Cleveland native and Grammy award-winning artist Kid Cudi.

“There’s a term that we have kind of picked up on, it’s a surfing term: Ride your own wave," Bickerstaff stated on the first day of Cavs training camp. "The next man’s wave has absolutely nothing to do with the wave we are on. 

"That has been our message to our guys. No matter what happens, all we have to do is ride our own wave and focus on what is important to us and we will be the best we can.”

Dec 1, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; American rapper Kid Cudi attends the game between the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers at FTX Arena / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Bickerstaff drew inspiration from Cudder while listening to Surfin’ one day.

Now I ain't riding no waves. Too busy making my own waves, baby. I ain't riding no waves. Too busy making my own waves, baby. I ain't riding no waves. Too busy making my own waves, baby. I ain't riding no waves. Too busy making my own waves, baby.

Surfing on my own wave, baby. Surfing on my own wave, baby. Surfing on my own wave, baby. Surfing on my own wave

While it’s not an exact adaptation of the lyrics, the meaning is loud and clear. 

It's a nice tip of the cap to one of Cleveland's finest, and a fine mantra for the Cavs to live by.