Cazzie Russell

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Russell played five seasons for the Knicks (1966–1971) and is remembered primarily as the sixth man. He scored 4,584 points in 344 games for New York. He started only 25 games his rookie season, 45 in his second, and a career-best 46 games in 1968–69 before a season-ending fractured right ankle. His playing time diminished in his last two years due to a fractured ankle and wrist, starting only 33 games combined over those two seasons.

In Their Own Story

In New York, Russell started only 25 games during his rookie season of 1966–67 but saw increased action the following year. His best statistical output came in 1968–69, where he started 46 of 50 games as a small forward, averaging 18.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while logging 32.9 minutes. That season ended abruptly when he suffered a fractured right ankle in late January against the Seattle SuperSonics. Over his five years with the Knicks, he played in 344 games, scoring 4,584 points. While often remembered as a sixth man during his final two seasons due to injuries and roster changes, he was instrumental in the team's success before being traded on May 7, 1971, to the Golden State Warriors for Jerry Lucas.

Reader's Guide

Russell was drafted first overall by the Knicks in 1966. He was named to the 1967 All-Rookie Team and won the NBA Finals in 1970. He was traded to the Golden State Warriors on May 7, 1971, for Jerry Lucas. He later played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, ending his NBA career in 1978.

Did You Know?

• Russell was the first player from Illinois to be named Mr. Basketball USA.
• He averaged 30.8 points per game in 1966, a Michigan record for scoring in a season.
• His number 33 jersey was retired by Michigan in 1989.
• He served in the Fighting 69th Regiment of the New York Army National Guard during the 1960s.
• Russell was ordained as a Baptist Minister in 1989.