Cleveland Cavaliers: 15 best forwards of all-time

Robert “Bingo” Smith was one of the more versatile players in the Cavaliers rotation back in his day. At 6-foot-5, Smith had the ability to play the wing, as well as the off-guard position with his playmaking ability.

Originally drafted by the then-San Diego Rockets during the 1969 NBA Draft as the sixth overall pick, Smith was later drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 1970 expansion draft after his rookie season. He ended up spending 10 seasons with Cleveland, making three playoff appearances that included a deep run in the 1976 playoffs.

During the 1976 NBA Playoffs, Smith led the Cavaliers with a career-high 27 points in a decisive Game 4 victory over the Boston Celtics, 106-87, to even the series at 2-2. They ended up losing the series, but Smith made his impact felt with that performance.

In his time with the Cavaliers, Smith averaged 13.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists as an all-around playmaker for the team. His best season came in 1974-75 when he averaged 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals per contest, while shooting a career-high 48.3 percent from the floor.

The only 40+ point game of his career came during that season, although he did come close with two 30-point games as well. On Nov. 6, 1974, Smith racked up a career-high 41 points on 17-of-24 (70.8 percent) shooting from the field.

Smith’s No.7 jersey currently hangs in the rafters, as one of the original members of the Cavaliers. He’ll go down as one of those players who set the tone for this franchise in a positive direction during the early days of its existence.