Cazzie Russell

The first overall pick of the 1966 NBA draft and a key sixth man for the Knicks' 1970 championship team.

Cazzie Lee Russell (born June 7, 1944) is an American former professional basketball player and coach. An NBA All-Star, he was selected by the New York Knicks with the first overall pick of the 1966 NBA draft. He won an NBA championship with the Knicks in 1970.

Quick Facts

Team: Flagler Saints
Position: Assistant coach
League: Peach Belt Conference
Born: 7 June 1944
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
High school: Carver (Chicago, Illinois)
College: Michigan (1963–1966)
Draft round: 1

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.

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.