Jim Paxson

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Lore & Background

Paxson's college career at the University of Dayton was marked by excellence, earning him three-time team MVP honors. As a senior, he averaged more than 23 points per game to secure All-America status, following averages of 17 and 18 points as his junior and sophomore years, respectively. His path to the pros began with a personal hurdle: when trying out for the Dayton Flyers, he could not afford athletic shoes until athletic director Thomas Frericks loaned him a pair. After his playing days ended in 1990 at age 32, Paxson joined Portland's front office as assistant general manager before moving to Cleveland in September 1998 as vice president of basketball operations.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Jim Paxson is defined by specific milestones rather than a single dramatic game-winning shot. In February 1988, after spending nine seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers (1979–1988), he was traded to the Boston Celtics. He spent two full seasons with Boston from 1988 to 1990 before retiring. His playing accolades include All-Star selections in 1983 and 1984, along with All-NBA Second Team honors in 1984. Post-retirement, his career shifted entirely to management. He was promoted to general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1999, serving until he was fired in April 2005. During his six-year tenure as GM, the Cavaliers won exactly 185 games and lost 307.

Reader's Guide

Fans should note that Jim Paxson's connection to the Cleveland Cavaliers is strictly administrative; he never played for them. He served as their general manager from 1999 to April 2005, a period where the team finished with a record of 185 wins and 307 losses. His basketball life began in Kettering, Ohio, and continued at the University of Dayton before his 1979 draft by Portland. In July 2006, he returned to the game as a consultant for the Chicago Bulls, where his brother John works as an executive. His legacy includes induction into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and being named to the University of Dayton's All-Century Team in 2004.

Did You Know?

• Paxson was the 12th overall pick in the 1979 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.
• He left Portland as the team's all-time leading scorer when traded to Boston in February 1988.
• As a college senior at Dayton, he averaged more than 23 points per game.
• During his six years as Cleveland's general manager (1999–2005), the team lost 307 games and won 185.
• He was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1998.