Cleveland Cavaliers’ Missed Opportunity in the 1985 NBA Draft

In the 1985 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers aimed to bolster their team by selecting a big guard, with Chris Mullin from St. John’s emerging as a prime candidate. Mullin, celebrated as the Player of the Year, fit the Cavaliers’ criteria perfectly. Barry Hecker, the Cavs’ scout at the time, lauded Mullin as the draft’s best big guard, praising his shooting skills and team-oriented play. Hecker compared Mullin’s instincts to those of Larry Bird, emphasizing that despite not being the fastest player, his game sense made him an invaluable asset.

However, the Cavaliers never had the opportunity to select Mullin, as the Golden State Warriors picked him seventh overall. Left with other options, Cleveland passed over notable players like Joe Dumars and Karl Malone. Instead, they chose Charles Oakley, a decision that did not sit well with fans. Oakley never played for the Cavaliers, as he was traded to the Chicago Bulls, along with Calvin Duncan, in exchange for Ennis Whatley and Keith Lee, the 11th overall pick.

Keith Lee was one of Hecker’s favored prospects. Standing at 6-foot-10, Lee was seen as a potential scoring and rebounding force. Despite concerns about his attitude, Hecker believed in Lee’s ability to succeed in the NBA. Unfortunately, Lee’s tenure with the Cavaliers was underwhelming. Over two seasons, he averaged 6.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, far from the impact player the team had hoped for.

Lee’s career with the Cavaliers was further hampered by a leg injury that sidelined him for the entire 1987-88 season. He briefly returned to the NBA with the New Jersey Nets but never regained his form. Reflecting on their choices, it’s clear the Cavaliers missed a significant opportunity. Although Mullin was off the board, selecting either Joe Dumars or Karl Malone would have dramatically changed the franchise’s trajectory.

In retrospect, the Cavaliers’ draft strategy in 1985 is a classic example of what might have been. Mullin went on to have a stellar career with the Warriors, while Dumars and Malone became NBA legends. Cleveland’s gamble on Oakley and the subsequent trade for Lee failed to deliver the desired results, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the NBA Draft and the lasting impact of such pivotal decisions.