The Cleveland Cavaliers were founded in 1970 and are known for their signature wine, gold, and navy blue colors. The franchise’s legacy is anchored by the historic 2016 NBA Championship, where they became the first team in league history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the Finals to end the city’s 52-year title drought. Dan Gilbert has served as the team’s majority owner since 2005.
LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Mark Price, and Brad Daugherty are among the generational greats who have defined different eras of Cleveland basketball. Here are the 10 greatest Cleveland Cavaliers players in NBA history.
List of the Top 10 Greatest Cleveland Cavaliers Players of All Time
10. Ron Harper
Ron Harper played for Cleveland from 1986 to 1989, averaging 19.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. He was an explosive scorer and elite defender who played a vital role in the Cavaliers’ success in the late 1980s. However, Cleveland controversially traded Harper to the Los Angeles Clippers in 1989, a move that many believe cost them a chance at a championship.
9. Bingo Smith
Bingo Smith was one of the original Cavaliers, playing from 1970 to 1979. He averaged 13.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game and 2.2 assists in 720 games. He was a key player in the “Miracle of Richfield” team that made the 1976 Eastern Conference Finals.
Known for his “Rainbow Jumper,” Smith was one of the first players to score over 10,000 points for the Cavaliers. His No. 7 jersey was retired in honor of his dedication to the franchise.
8. Kevin Love
Kevin Love played for the Cavaliers from 2014 to 2023, averaging 15.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Acquired in a blockbuster trade in 2014, Love formed the “Big Three” with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
He played a key role in Cleveland’s 2016 championship, making crucial defensive stops in Game 7. Love was a five-time All-Star with the Cavaliers and an elite stretch-four known for his three-point shooting and rebounding. His contributions helped the team reach the NBA Finals four consecutive times (2015-2018).
7. Austin Carr
Austin Carr, nicknamed “Mr. Cavalier,” was the franchise’s first superstar, playing from 1971 to 1980. He averaged 16.2 points, 2.9 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game and was named an All-Star in 1974. Carr played a crucial role in leading Cleveland to its first playoff appearance in 1976, known as the “Miracle of Richfield” season. He was the first player in Cavaliers history to surpass 10,000 career points. His No. 34 jersey is retired.
6. Larry Nance Sr.
Larry Nance Sr. played seven seasons with Cleveland (1988-1994), averaging 16.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. He was a two-time All-Star in Cleveland and was named to three NBA All-Defensive Teams. Known for his high-flying dunks, he won the first-ever NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1984. The Cavaliers retired Nance’s No. 22 jersey in recognition of his contributions to the franchise.
5. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving was the Cavaliers’ superstar point guard from 2011 to 2017, averaging 21.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2012 and became a three-time All-Star during his time in Cleveland.
Irving is best known for his clutch performance in the 2016 NBA Finals, where he hit the iconic Game 7-winning three-pointer over Stephen Curry. He was named the 2014 NBA All-Star Game MVP and played a crucial role in Cleveland’s championship run before being traded to the Boston Celtics in 2017.
4. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Zydrunas Ilgauskas played 12 seasons with Cleveland (1997-2010), averaging 13.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. The 7’3″ Lithuanian center overcame early career injuries to become one of the Cavaliers’ all-time greats.
A two-time All-Star, Ilgauskas is the franchise’s all-time leader in blocks and ranks top five in points and rebounds. He played a vital role alongside LeBron James in Cleveland’s 2007 run to the NBA Finals. His No. 11 jersey was retired in 2014, cementing his legacy with the franchise.
3. Brad Daugherty
Brad Daugherty was a dominant center for Cleveland from 1986 to 1994, averaging 19.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. The No. 1 overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, Daugherty was a five-time All-Star and was the focal point of the Cavaliers’ success in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He helped lead Cleveland to the 1992 Eastern Conference Finals. Unfortunately, injuries forced him to retire early at the age of 28. The Cavaliers honored his contributions by retiring his No. 43 jersey.
2. Mark Price
Mark Price was the Cavaliers’ elite point guard from 1986 to 1995. He averaged 16.4 points, 7.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 40.2% from three-point range. A four-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, Price was one of the best shooters in NBA history, joining the exclusive 50-40-90 club in 1989.
He played a crucial role in leading the Cavaliers to the 1992 Eastern Conference Finals. Price won back-to-back NBA Three-Point Contests in 1993 and 1994 and was a model of efficiency at the free-throw line, holding a career 90.4% mark.
Who is the Greatest Cleveland Cavaliers Player in Franchise History?
LeBron James is the greatest player in Cleveland Cavaliers history. Over 11 seasons with the franchise (2003-2010, 2014-2018), he averaged 27.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He led the Cavaliers to five NBA Finals appearances and delivered the franchise’s first and only championship in 2016, earning Finals MVP. A four-time NBA MVP (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013), James was a 10-time All-Star with Cleveland and made eight All-NBA First Team selections.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 Boston Celtics Players in NBA History
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the greatest Cavalier ever?
LeBron James. He led the franchise to five NBA Finals and its only championship in 2016.
How many NBA titles do the Cavs have?
One. They won the 2016 NBA Championship by overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Warriors.
Who hit “The Shot” in 2016?
Kyrie Irving. He made the go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute of Game 7.
Who is “Mr. Cavalier”?
Austin Carr. He was the team’s first superstar and remains a beloved franchise ambassador.
What are the team’s official colors?
Wine and Gold. These have been the primary colors since the team’s inception in 1970.
