7 best second-round draft picks in Cavaliers history

No. 3: Hot Rod Williams, 45th pick in 1985 Draft

Labeled with the ubiquitous moniker of “John Williams” it’s no wonder his family thought to give him a nickname; “Hot Rod” came from the engine-like noises he made as a baby. Years later it fit perfectly as the young basketball player was fast, powerful and tended to run hot. Despite a dominant college career, multiple non-basketball issues swirled around him and likely caused him to drop in the draft; a trial for charges of point shaving caused him to miss his rookie year.

Williams eventually found his way to the court with the Cleveland Cavaliers, who had taken him a year earlier with the 45th pick in the draft. This time the Cavs found out what they had instantly, as Williams started all 80 games as a rookie, averaging 14.6 points and 7.9 rebounds.

The 6’11” power forward would play nine seasons with the Cavaliers, filling out a backcourt with Larry Nance and Brad Daugherty. That trio, along with the No. 1 player on this list, would make the playoffs again and again without ever breaking through to the NBA Finals in an Eastern Conference ruled by first the Bad Boys Pistons and then the Michael Jordan Bulls.

Even so, Williams’ career was a stout one. He averaged double-digit scoring in every year with the Cavs, and he is fifth in franchise history with 58.3 win shares. That three-headed frontcourt was a terror for opposing teams, and Williams holds a special place in Cavaliers history.