Cleveland Cavaliers: 15 best forwards of all-time
Campy Russell. 3. player. 156. . SF. (1974-80, 1984)
Michael Campanella (Campy) Russell is a recognizable face if you’re familiar with the Cavaliers broadcast crew. Russell currently serves as a TV analyst on the FOX Sports Ohio pregame and postgame show, as well as the Director of Alumni Relations for the franchise. Before that though, he was a dominant player on the hardwood.
Russell was drafted eighth overall in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Cavaliers out of the University of Michigan. Back when leaving school early was less popular, Campy had other plans after averaging 23.7 points and 11.1 rebounds as a junior with the Michigan Wolverines.
He was eased gradually into his role with Cleveland, averaging just 11.1 minutes of action as a rookie, but things changed for him down the line. Russell put up 15.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game during his second year in the league, as he instantly became a key piece in the rotation.
During his lone All-Star season (1978-79) with the Cavaliers, he put up a career-high 21.9 points along with 6.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals per contest.
A knee injury unfortunately ended Russell’s career early but he left behind a considerable number of accolades. For his career, he averaged 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game.
He was part of a team that won the first ever Central Division title in team history, alongside current co-analyst and former teammate Austin Carr, Jim Chones, Bingo Smith and Nate Thurmond.
He currently ranks 10th all-time in franchise history in points (6.588) and field goals made (2,480). His stat-sheeting stuffing days may be over, but his legacy remains in Cleveland sports lore.