This Day In Cavs History: Rookie Austin Carr Makes NBA Debut

Cleveland Cavaliers legend Austin Carr made his debut 52 years ago on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, Spencer Davies is going to turn back the clock to milestone moments and important dates in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ past with “This Day In Cavs History.” Whether they’ve been good, bad or sad, these events were significant in the franchise’s 53-year existence.

Selected with the first overall pick in the 1971 NBA Draft, Notre Dame guard Austin Carr came into the league with heavy expectations as the Cavs top rookie that season. Missing the first 16 games of the campaign with a broken foot, the promising young talent made his debut 52 years ago on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Facing Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain and coming in with a 4-12 record, Cleveland did not have its best night at the office vs. one of the best teams in the NBA. Carr did not either in his debut with limited time. He scored five points and grabbed three rebounds, going 2-for-7 from the field in nine minutes.

The Cavs fell by a final of 108-90 where they were outscored by 15 in the second and third quarters combined.

Unknown Date 1973; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Cleveland Cavaliers guard (34) Austin Carr in action against the Atlanta Hawks at the Omni during the 1973 season / Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Of course, Carr’s first game would not be indicative of the career he would have for the wine-and-gold. That season, he made the NBA All-Rookie Team, averaging 21.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 43 games played. From there and on, plenty of memories were made with the wine-and-gold.

Carr ended up being tabbed “Mr. Cavalier” for his contributions to the franchise, getting his No. 34 jersey retired along with his Miracle at Richfield teammates Bingo Smith and Nate Thurmond.

Nowadays, Carr is on color commentary for the Cavs with Bally Sports Ohio as one of the most beloved members of the franchise’s family.