Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 15 draft picks in franchise history

We’re throwing it was back with Campy Russell. Russell was drafted with the eighth overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft.

Russell played six seasons in Cleveland, signed with the Knicks, then returned to Cleveland where he finished his career with a season in which he played just three games. With re-occurring knee injuries, Russell’s career was shortened, but not before he made a significant impact on the Cavaliers.

At his peak, Russell averaged 21.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. He finished his career top-10 in points for the Cavaliers and was a pioneer for Cleveland basketball, one reason Russell breaks the top-10 on our rankings.

Russell helped lead the Cavaliers to their first three playoff appearances and helped take them to their very first conference final. While Russell isn’t remembered by most, but was a phenomenal player at a time when players of his skill were few and far between.

Russell was elected to just one All-Star Game in his six seasons with the Cavaliers.