In its 45th season in the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers have had a number of notable point guards, but only a few of them have truly lasted long enough with the team to have had an impact over the course of their career. Two of those that come to mind were Hall of Famers Lenny Wilkens and Walt Frazier, but both were on the downside of their career when they joined the Cavs for two final seasons during the 1970’s.
The fact that Kyrie Irving began his career with the Cavaliers and conceivably could end it with the team, means he belongs on any top point guard list for the time being.
That still leaves four spots, so here’s our list staring with number five:
5. Terrell Brandon
Brandon was the Cavaliers’ first-round pick in 1991, the 11th pick overall out of Oregon. During his early years, he served as a backup to Mark Price, but still garnered a spot on the NBA All-Rookie team in 1992.
It wasn’t until his fourth season that Brandon began to take over the point guard slot, with new head coach Mike Fratello phasing Price out. That year, he averaged 13.3 points and 5.4 assists per game.
Over the next two years, Brandon blossomed into a top point guard, boosting his scoring and assist averages to 19 and six, respectively. During both of those campaigns, he was selected to the All-Star Game, the first time coming when the game was held at what was then known as Gund Arena.
After the 1997-98 season, Brandon was dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a three-team deal in which the Cavs received forward Shawn Kemp from the then-Seattle Supersonics. Brandon would go on to also play for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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