The Cleveland Cavaliers 1972–73 were led by Bingo Smith, whose scoring anchored the offense, while Rick Roberson supplied strong rebounding and complementary frontcourt production. Austin Carr emerged as another important scorer, and Lenny Wilkens directed the attack with his playmaking. The statistics indicate a team that relied on balanced scoring, dependable work on the glass, and experienced backcourt leadership to generate consistent offensive production.
Served as the team’s lead ball‑handler and primary playmaker, leading the roster in assists while also scoring at a 20.5 ppg clip — anchoring the Cavaliers’ offense.
All‑Star (1973)
Austin Carr
Primary Scoring Wing / Off‑Ball Scorer
37.8
High
20.5
4.5
3.4
–
14.20
Main offensive scoring option aside from the point guard — his scoring load helped provide needed punch on a modest Cavs roster.
—
John Johnson
Two‑Way Wing / Secondary Scorer‑Rebounder
34.3
Medium‑High
14.4
6.7
3.8
–
12.45
Gave the team solid two‑way production: scoring, rebound support, and secondary playmaking. Provided key depth on the wing and inside.
—
Rick Roberson
Starting Big Man / Defensive Backbone & Rebounder
34.3
Medium
12.6
11.2
2.2
–
13.00
Anchored the frontcourt with strong rebounding (11.2 rpg) and inside presence — a reliable two‑way big even if not a high-volume scorer.
—
Dwight Davis
Emerging Frontcourt Contributor / Young Forward
26.6
Medium
9.4
7.0
1.5
–
9.00
As a rookie, provided decent scoring, rebounding, and energy; earned recognition as part of the All‑Rookie First Team — signaling promise for the future.
All‑Rookie First Team
Cornell Warner
Reserve Big Man / Frontcourt Depth
19.5
Low‑Medium
5.7
7.5
1.0
–
7.10
Provided minutes as a backup center/power forward, offering rebound support and interior depth.
—
Jim Cleamons
Backup Guard / Role‑Player Ball‑Handler
17.4
Low
5.7
2.1
2.6
–
5.20
Acted as a secondary ball‑handler and bench guard, modest offensive output but useful for rotation stability.
—
Barry Clemens
Reserve Wing / Spot Minutes Contributor
15.5
Low
6.5
2.9
1.6
–
5.50
Provided occasional scoring and spacing off the bench; a role player giving depth at the forward/wing spot.
—
Bingo Smith
Bench Wing / Scoring Spark
14.6
Low
8.2
2.7
1.5
–
6.20
Showed ability to contribute offensively in limited minutes — a scoring spark off the bench.
—
Charlie Davis
Very Limited SG Depth
14.3
Very Low
7.3
0.8
1.7
–
4.90
Played very limited games; provided minor scoring in spot action, but minimal overall impact.
—
Steve Patterson
Third‑string Center / Minimal Role
11.5
Very Low
2.8
3.7
0.8
–
3.65
Served as a deep rotation big — modest contributions in limited minutes when needed.
—
Walt Wesley
Fringe Rotation Big Man
9.2
Very Low
3.0
3.2
0.6
–
3.40
Appeared in only 12 games; contributed occasionally but had no sustained role.
—
Bob Rule
Deep Bench Frontcourt
9.0
Very Low
2.9
2.2
0.8
–
2.95
Provided spot frontcourt minutes; little statistical impact over the course of the season.
—
John Warren
Minimal SG Depth
7.3
Very Low
3.2
1.1
0.9
–
2.60
Did not have a substantial role; provided minimal bench guard depth.
—
Dave Sorenson
Minimal Frontcourt Depth
12.9
Very Low
2.7
3.7
0.5
–
3.45
Very limited games (10) and minutes — negligible season impact.
