Campy Russell is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for nine seasons. He was born on January 12, 1952, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended the University of Michigan, where he played college basketball.
Russell was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 1974 NBA draft. He played for the Cavaliers for six seasons, from 1974 to 1980, and was one of the team's top scorers during that time. He was known for his versatility on the court, as he could play both small forward and shooting guard positions.
In 1980, Russell was traded to the New York Knicks, where he played for three seasons. He continued to be a solid contributor for the Knicks, averaging double-digit points per game in each of his three seasons with the team.
Russell's best season in the NBA came in 1978-79, when he averaged 21.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game for the Cavaliers. He was named an NBA All-Star that season and was also named to the All-NBA Second Team.
In addition to his NBA career, Russell also played for the United States men's national basketball team. He was a member of the team that won the gold medal at the 1974 FIBA World Championship in Puerto Rico.
After retiring from playing basketball, Russell remained involved in the sport as a coach and executive. He served as an assistant coach for the Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks, and also worked as a scout for the Phoenix Suns and the Detroit Pistons. He was also the director of player development for the Cavaliers from 2005 to 2010.
Overall, Campy Russell had a successful career in the NBA, playing for two teams and earning recognition as an All-Star and All-NBA player. He also had the opportunity to represent his country on the international stage, and has continued to contribute to the sport of basketball in various roles since retiring as a player.
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