The Cleveland Cavaliers history as a franchise doesn’t quite stack up to the historic franchises in the NBA. However, they have had excellent players at each position. Today, we rank the top 10 centers in Cavaliers’ history.
The four-year stretch in the second LeBron James era, from 2014-18, was the greatest run in franchise history. Outside of the four consecutive finals appearances, the Cleveland Cavaliers only have one other finals appearance in franchise history, 2007, where they were promptly swept by the San Antonio Spurs.
Despite the fact that they don’t have a deep history as a franchise, they do have really good players at every position.
There’s been previously ranked the top 10 guards, and top 15 forwards in Cavs franchise history, and both lists are very good.
Now, we are moving on to the top 10 centers. With the power forward and the center position being so interchangeable, especially recently, you will see a few players who were on the top 15 forwards list.
Checking in at number 10 is Elmore Smith. Smith was the former number three overall pick by the Buffalo Braves in the 1971 NBA Draft. His best seasons were far and away his two seasons with the Braves as he averaged 17.8 points and 13.8 rebounds per-game per Basketball-Reference.
Smith played his final three seasons in the NBA in Cleveland. He helped the Cavaliers earn two playoff bids in his three years.
Over the course of his career in Cleveland, Smith only averaged 21.3 minutes per-game per Basketball-Reference. Despite his low minute share, he had career per-game averages in Cleveland of 10.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per Basketball-Reference.