Russell adds hustle to Cavaliers' post
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Burt Graeff
Plain Dealer Reporter
In 35-plus seasons, the Cavaliers do not have much to brag about -- one divisional title (1975-76) and two appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals (1976, 1992).
But naming former All-Star Campy Russell to a newly created position -- director of alumni relations -- is an obvious move at recognizing some of the noted players among the 260 who have appeared in at least one game since the franchise joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1970.
Russell, who averaged 16.1 points in two stints with the Cavaliers (1974-80, 84-85), was named to the post this past off-season.
"[Former Cavaliers All-Star] Austin [Carr] and I have said for a long time that this franchise has needed to do something to better connect with the players of the past," said Russell, a Cavaliers first-round pick in 1974.
"We're doing that. We're reaching out to the players of the past. We want them to know that they are welcome here."
In some cases, it has not been easy reconnecting with past Cavaliers. An example: it took one year of telephone calls, letters and considerable prodding from Russell to persuade World B. Free that he should bury the hatchet and return to be honored by the organization.
Free, the most flamboyant player in club history, departed on a sour note in the mid-1980s - when he and former General Manager Wayne Embry clashed. "I was not going to come back here," said Free, who was honored in halftime ceremonies at a recent game.
"I did not feel I was wanted, and I did not feel comfortable about coming back here."
Russell was relentless in his pursuit of Free, who averaged 23 points a game in parts of four seasons with the Cavaliers in the mid-1980s. "I told [Free] that we've all had disappointments in the past and all of us will have more in the future," Russell said.
"But, we've got new ownership here [Dan Gilbert] and things have changed. I finally convinced [Free] that there are a lot of people here who would love to see him come back."
Free returned, and was overcome by emotion at the halftime ceremonies that included former Cavaliers Russell, Carr, Larry Nance, Jim Chones, Bingo Smith, Barry Clemens and Sedric Toney.
"I am really happy I was talked into this," Free said.
Another disgruntled former Cav of note is Brad Daugherty, the franchise's lone five-time All-Star whose number - 43 - was retired in March 1997. Daugherty, upset at the way Embry was dispatched six years ago when the team was owned by Gordon Gund, has since passed at returning to any team functions.
"We want that to change," Russell said. "Brad has been contacted by the organization and he knows he's welcome back here.
For years, the Indians and Browns have had a strong alumni base. Russell has some catching up to do, but is confident he can match what Cleveland's other two major sports franchises have done. "These former [Cavaliers] players deserve to be recognized," he said, "and it's obvious the fans enjoy seeing them return."
Plain Dealer
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Burt Graeff
Plain Dealer Reporter
In 35-plus seasons, the Cavaliers do not have much to brag about -- one divisional title (1975-76) and two appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals (1976, 1992).
But naming former All-Star Campy Russell to a newly created position -- director of alumni relations -- is an obvious move at recognizing some of the noted players among the 260 who have appeared in at least one game since the franchise joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1970.
Russell, who averaged 16.1 points in two stints with the Cavaliers (1974-80, 84-85), was named to the post this past off-season.
"[Former Cavaliers All-Star] Austin [Carr] and I have said for a long time that this franchise has needed to do something to better connect with the players of the past," said Russell, a Cavaliers first-round pick in 1974.
"We're doing that. We're reaching out to the players of the past. We want them to know that they are welcome here."
In some cases, it has not been easy reconnecting with past Cavaliers. An example: it took one year of telephone calls, letters and considerable prodding from Russell to persuade World B. Free that he should bury the hatchet and return to be honored by the organization.
Free, the most flamboyant player in club history, departed on a sour note in the mid-1980s - when he and former General Manager Wayne Embry clashed. "I was not going to come back here," said Free, who was honored in halftime ceremonies at a recent game.
"I did not feel I was wanted, and I did not feel comfortable about coming back here."
Russell was relentless in his pursuit of Free, who averaged 23 points a game in parts of four seasons with the Cavaliers in the mid-1980s. "I told [Free] that we've all had disappointments in the past and all of us will have more in the future," Russell said.
"But, we've got new ownership here [Dan Gilbert] and things have changed. I finally convinced [Free] that there are a lot of people here who would love to see him come back."
Free returned, and was overcome by emotion at the halftime ceremonies that included former Cavaliers Russell, Carr, Larry Nance, Jim Chones, Bingo Smith, Barry Clemens and Sedric Toney.
"I am really happy I was talked into this," Free said.
Another disgruntled former Cav of note is Brad Daugherty, the franchise's lone five-time All-Star whose number - 43 - was retired in March 1997. Daugherty, upset at the way Embry was dispatched six years ago when the team was owned by Gordon Gund, has since passed at returning to any team functions.
"We want that to change," Russell said. "Brad has been contacted by the organization and he knows he's welcome back here.
For years, the Indians and Browns have had a strong alumni base. Russell has some catching up to do, but is confident he can match what Cleveland's other two major sports franchises have done. "These former [Cavaliers] players deserve to be recognized," he said, "and it's obvious the fans enjoy seeing them return."
Plain Dealer