Cleveland Cavaliers Legends

Last Updated on December 23, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake

Here is a list of Cleveland Cavaliers Legends, featuring players and contributors who have shaped the history of the franchise:

Position: Small Forward
Years Played: 2003–2010, 2014–2018
Achievements:
- NBA Champion (2016)
- NBA Finals MVP (2016)
- 4× NBA MVP (2× with Cavaliers: 2009, 2010)
- 14× NBA All-Star (with the Cavaliers)
- Cavaliers all-time leader in points, assists, and steals
LeBron is the greatest player in franchise history and is known for leading the Cavaliers to their first and only championship in 2016, erasing a 3–1 deficit in the Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

Position: Point Guard
Years Played: 1986–1995
Achievements:
- 4× NBA All-Star
- All-NBA First Team (1993)
- One of the best free-throw shooters in NBA history (90.4% career average).
Price was the heart of the Cavaliers in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for his shooting, playmaking, and high basketball IQ.

Position: Center
Years Played: 1986–1994
Achievements:
- 5× NBA All-Star
- All-NBA Third Team (1992)
- Cavaliers all-time leader in rebounds before being surpassed by LeBron James.
Daugherty was a dominant big man and the centerpiece of the Cavaliers’ successful teams in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Position: Center
Years Played: 1997–2010
Achievements:
- 2× NBA All-Star
- Cavaliers retired his jersey number (#11).
- Franchise leader in blocks.
Ilgauskas was a beloved figure in Cleveland, known for his loyalty to the team, scoring ability, and resilience after overcoming serious foot injuries.

Position: Point Guard
Years Played: 2011–2017
Achievements:
- NBA Champion (2016)
- 6× NBA All-Star (3× with Cavaliers)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (2014)
- Made the iconic game-winning shot in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.
Irving was an elite scorer and ball handler who played a pivotal role in the Cavaliers’ 2016 championship run.

Position: Power Forward
Years Played: 1988–1994
Achievements:
- 2× NBA All-Star (1× with Cavaliers)
- 3× NBA All-Defensive Team
- Cavaliers retired his jersey number (#22).
Nance was known for his high-flying dunks, defensive skills, and versatility.

Position: Shooting Guard
Years Played: 1971–1980
Achievements:
- NBA All-Star (1974)
- Cavaliers retired his jersey number (#34).
- Known as the original franchise star.
Carr was one of the Cavaliers’ first standout players and remains an ambassador for the team.

Position: Shooting Guard
Years Played: 1982–1986
Achievements:
- Known for revitalizing the Cavaliers in the early 1980s with his scoring and leadership.
Free’s arrival brought excitement and hope to the franchise during tough times.

Position: Power Forward / Center
Years Played: 2014–2023
Achievements:
- NBA Champion (2016)
- 5× NBA All-Star (2× with Cavaliers)
- Key contributor during the Cavaliers’ championship run, providing rebounding and shooting.
Love was an integral part of the “Big Three” alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.

Position: Shooting Guard
Years Played: 1986–1993
Achievements:
- Known for his hustle, defense, and versatility.
- Unfortunately remembered for Michael Jordan’s famous “The Shot” in 1989, but he remains a respected player in Cavaliers history.

Position: Point Guard
Years Played: 1991–1997
Achievements:
- 2× NBA All-Star
- Known as one of the most underrated point guards of his era.
Brandon was a consistent playmaker and scorer for the Cavaliers in the 1990s.

Ron Harper: A high-flying guard during the 1980s who later found success with other teams.
John “Hot Rod” Williams: A reliable sixth man and key contributor in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Anderson Varejão: Known for his hustle, rebounding, and energy during his long tenure with the Cavaliers.

These legends have left an indelible mark on the Cavaliers’ history, contributing to their legacy and defining key eras of the franchise.