NBA History: Best Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee from each franchise

Best Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee from each NBA franchise

INGLEWOOD, CA- JUNE 7: Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles against Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls during Game Three of the 1991 NBA Finals on June 7, 1991 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1991 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Lenny Wilkens, Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Best Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee: Lenny Wilkens

By the time Lenny Wilkens was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 1972, he’d already accomplished enough to earn a rightful spot as one of the best floor generals in the game. An eight-time All-Star before his arrival, Wilkens balanced his point guard duties better than most and continued that trend during his brief stint with his latest team.

Those operating at the 1-spot are tasked with running the offense and facilitating the basketball. The best at the position combine their playmaking prowess with an ability to score the basketball as well. A crafty lefty, Wilkens was methodical with his movements, never in a rush to get anywhere but always ready to attack an open lane.

Only 6’1” and approximately 180 pounds, that craftiness served him well amongst some of the big men he was forced to score over within the restricted area. Wilkens shot 45.6 percent from the field as a member of the Cavaliers, a modest mark given the difficulties he must have faced at such a diminutive size.

By the time Wilkens had arrived in Cleveland, the Cavs organization was just three years old with no more than 23 wins. It was a losing trend that would continue during his two-year stint but not without a few bright spots along the way.

Wilkens averaged 18.5 points, 7.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds a night. He even made his ninth and final All-Star appearance during the 1972-73 campaign at 35 years of age. There may not have been much to cheer for during the early stages of Cleveland’s basketball franchise, but Wilkens made sure to maintain his level of greatness to provide some form of entertainment.