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Austin George Carr (born March 10, 1948[1]) is an American former professional basketball player who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and Washington Bullets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is known by Cleveland basketball fans as "Mr. Cavalier". He was part of the Notre Dame team which defeated the UCLA Bruins on January 19, 1971, which was UCLA's last defeat until being beaten by Notre Dame exactly three years later, breaking the Bruins' NCAA men's basketball record 88-game winning streak.

Key Information

Early career

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Carr grew up in Washington, D.C., and attended Holy Redeemer School, and later Mackin Catholic High School. At Mackin, Carr teamed with All-City guard Tom Little, who made some national All-American teams before starring at the University of Seattle. As a Junior All Met, Carr scored 475 points in 24 games. During Carr's All Met senior season, he scored 600 points and along with Sterling Savoy, led the Paul Furlong coached Trojans to the Catholic League title over DeMatha. Carr was named Parade All-American along with other 1967 seniors such as Artis Gilmore, Howard Porter, Jim McDaniels, and Curtis Rowe, all of whom became major college stars.

College career

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Carr, circa 1969

The 6-foot 4-inch (1.93 m), 200 lb (91 kg) shooting guard first came to prominence as a highly recruited player for the University of Notre Dame, arriving after having scored more than 2,000 points during his high school career. Carr lived up to his lofty billing by ending his three-year career at Notre Dame with 2,560 points (an average of 34.5 points per game), ranking him fifth all-time in college basketball history at the time of his departure.[2] During his final two seasons, Carr became only the second college player ever to tally more than 1,000 points in a season, joining Pete Maravich in that select group. Carr holds NCAA tournament records for most points in one game (61 vs. Ohio in 1970), most field goals in one game (25), and most field goals attempted in one game (44). He has three of the top five scoring performances in NCAA tournament history. His record scoring average of 50 points per game in seven NCAA playoff games has yet to be broken.

Carr has been featured in several "all-time best" lists for his successful college career at Notre Dame. In 2008, ESPN named Carr the 22nd greatest college basketball player of all time.[3] In 2010, Bleacher Report listed Carr as the 21st greatest college basketball player of all time.[4] Carr was featured in another Bleacher Report article in 2013, this time being named the 12th most dominant college basketball player in history.[5] In March 2020, Carr was featured on ESPN's "SportsCenter Special: College Basketball's Greatest of All Time" 64-player bracket, which celebrated the best men's and women's college basketball players ever.[6] A March Madness styled bracket that was voted on by fans, Carr was listed as a 16 seed, with his career accomplishments at Notre Dame being pit against those of Breanna Stewart from UConn. In November 2020, ClutchPoints published their list of the 25 greatest college players of all time, with Carr listed as the 20th best player of all time.[7]

NBA career

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NBA draft

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Carr moved onto the professional ranks as the first overall selection of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1971 NBA draft. Carr was also selected in the 1971 ABA Draft by the Virginia Squires, but signed with the Cavaliers on April 5, 1971.

Rookie season and early NBA career

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Carr's first season in the NBA was marred by a series of injuries that limited his output. During the 1971 preseason, he broke his foot and missed the first month of the season. Less than one month after returning to the court, he was sidelined again by another foot injury, missing another seven weeks. Upon his return, he began to display the skills which made him the top selection in the NBA draft and was named to the 1972 NBA All-Rookie Team.[8] Following the conclusion of his first season, Carr had surgery to clear up any lingering foot problems.

The arrival of Lenny Wilkens prior to the start of the 1972–73 campaign gave Carr a solid partner in the backcourt, helping the Cavaliers improve by nine games in the win column. Carr's best statistical season came the following year, when he averaged a career-best in points (21.9), assists (3.8), free-throw percentage (85.6%), and minutes per game (38.3), while also averaging 3.6 rebounds and appearing in 81 games.[8] Carr's performance on the court resulted in him being selected to the 1974 Eastern Conference All-Star team, his only All-Star Game appearance.

Two months into the 1974–75 season, Carr suffered a knee injury that put him out of the lineup indefinitely. His absence in the lineup likely prevented the Cavaliers' from capturing their first-ever playoff berth, as they finished with a 40–42 record and fell just one game short of qualifying for the 1975 playoffs.

"Miracle of Richfield" and other playoff years (1975–1978)

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The following season during the 1975–76 campaign, Carr helped lead the Cavaliers to their first winning season, Central Division title and playoff appearance in franchise history. This marked the first of three straight playoff appearances for the team, with Carr playing a key role in the team's success throughout this period. In the 1976 Eastern Conference Semifinals, their first playoff series in franchise history, the Cavaliers defeated the Washington Bullets 4–3 in a close, back-and-forth seven-game series. Cleveland won Game 7 by a score of 87–85, after Cavaliers guard Dick Snyder hit a go-ahead shot with 4 seconds left in the game. The Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history, where they would lose to the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics in six games. Although the Cavaliers didn't advance past the second round of the playoffs, the 1975–76 team became revered throughout Northeast Ohio and is hailed as one of the most notorious teams in Cleveland sports history. The Cavs run to the playoffs and series win over the Washington Bullets became known locally as "The Miracle of Richfield." Carr averaged 11.8 points in 13 games during the 1976 playoffs.

After appearing in just 41 and 65 games the previous two years, Carr played in all 82 games in the 1976–77 season for the first time since his second NBA season. He averaged 16.2 points per game, an increase of 6.1 points from the previous season. Carr's strong play helped lead the Cavaliers back to the playoffs, where they were eliminated in the first round by the Washington Bullets in a close three-game series. Carr once again played in all 82 games in the 1977–78 season, helping the Cavaliers reach the playoffs for a third consecutive year. They faced off against the New York Knicks in the 1978 playoffs, losing in two games. Carr averaged playoff career-bests in points (17.5), rebounds (4.0), steals (1.0) and minutes per game (34.5).

Later career

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Carr played two more seasons with the Cavaliers. He had a strong 1978–79 campaign, averaging 17 points per game and shooting a career best 47.5% from the field in 82 games. However, the Cavaliers would finish with a 30–52 record and fail to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1975. The Cavaliers also failed to reach the playoffs the following year in 1980, Carr's final season with the team. Throughout his 9-year tenure with Cleveland, Carr averaged 16.2 points, 3 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. In 1979-1980 his final season as a player for the Cavaliers he won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award and is known as a pilar in the community.

The 1980–81 season would be Carr's last as an NBA player. He played with the Dallas Mavericks and Washington Bullets, appearing in 47 total games. He retired in 1981, finishing with career averages of 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.[8]

NBA career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1971–72 Cleveland 43 — 35.8 .426 — .760 3.5 3.4 — — 21.2
1972–73 Cleveland 82 — 37.8 .446 — .822 4.5 3.4 — — 20.5
1973–74 Cleveland 81 — 38.3 .445 — .856 3.6 3.8 1.1 .2 21.9
1974–75 Cleveland 41 — 26.4 .468 — .840 2.6 3.8 1.2 .0 14.5
1975–76 Cleveland 65 — 19.7 .442 — .791 2.0 1.9 .6 .0 10.1
1976–77 Cleveland 82 — 29.4 .457 — .795 2.9 2.7 .7 .1 16.2
1977–78 Cleveland 82 — 26.7 .438 — .813 2.3 2.7 .8 .2 12.3
1978–79 Cleveland 82 — 33.1 .475 — .816 3.5 2.6 .9 .2 17.0
1979–80 Cleveland 77 — 20.7 .465 .333 .738 2.1 1.9 .5 .0 11.8
1980–81 Dallas 8 — 9.6 .250 — .500 1.1 1.1 .1 .0 2.0
1980–81 Washington 39 — 14.9 .388 .000 .640 1.3 1.3 .4 .1 4.9
Career 682 — 28.8 .449 .154 .804 2.9 2.8 .8 .1 15.4
All-Star 1 0 5.0 .000 — — 1.0 .0 .0 .0 .0

Playoffs

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1976 Cleveland 13 — 21.0 .478 — .611 1.8 2.0 .5 .2 11.8
1977 Cleveland 3 — 27.7 .282 — .333 3.3 3.3 .7 .3 7.7
1978 Cleveland 2 — 34.5 .370 — .938 4.0 2.5 1.0 .5 17.5
Career 18 — 23.6 .426 — .691 2.3 2.3 .6 .3 11.8

Post-playing career

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Broadcasting career and other milestones

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Austin Carr (left) and Fred McLeod calling a Cleveland Cavaliers game in 2012.
Carr in 2023

Today, Carr serves as the Director of Community Relations for the Cavaliers and is also a color commentator on the team's broadcasts on Fanduel Sport’s Network. Carr's #34 is one of seven jerseys retired by the Cavaliers.

It was announced on April 2, 2007, that Carr was inducted to the second class of the College Basketball Hall of Fame, along with Dick Groat, Dick Barnett and numerous coaches.

On February 21, 2008, Notre Dame recognized Carr, their all-time leading scorer, during the Pittsburgh – Notre Dame men's basketball game.[9]

Signature calls

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  • He throws the hammer down! – for a Cavs slam dunk
  • He hits it deep in the Rock (or name of the arena for road games)! – for a Cavs three-pointer
  • Get that weak stuff outta here! – for a Cavs blocked shot[10]
  • He got him a bird – When a Cavs player gets an opponent to bite on a pump-fake
  • Mouse in the house – When a Cavs player is being guarded by a much smaller defender
  • There's a breeze in the building – When an opponent air balls a shot
  • He dots the i – When a Cavs player hits a mid-range jumper[11]
  • Too much pressure bursts the pipe – When the Cavs defense is wreaking havoc on the opposition
  • Right back in your face – When the Cavs score after the other team
  • Pressure will crack the Liberty Bell – When the Cavs are playing lockdown defense against the Philadelphia 76ers

Awards and honors

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College

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Professional

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Broadcasting

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Austin Carr

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from Grokipedia
Austin Carr (born March 10, 1948) is an American former professional player and longtime television color analyst for the of the (NBA). A 6-foot-4-inch (1.93 m) shooting guard, he was selected as the first overall pick in the by the Cavaliers after a stellar college career at the , where he established himself as one of the program's all-time leading scorers. Over 10 NBA seasons primarily with Cleveland, he earned honors and became a fan favorite, later transitioning into broadcasting where he has served as a full-time TV analyst for the Cavaliers since 1997, known for his enthusiastic and passionate commentary. Carr's college career at Notre Dame from 1967 to 1971 was marked by exceptional scoring prowess, culminating in a career average of 34.6 across 74 appearances, which ranks second in NCAA history for . In his junior and senior seasons, he averaged 38.1 and 38.0 , respectively, earning consensus first-team honors in 1971 and second-team recognition in 1970, along with the Player of the Year award as a senior. His scoring feats helped elevate Notre Dame's profile in , though the Fighting Irish did not advance to the during his tenure. In the NBA, Carr played for the Cavaliers (1971–1980), Dallas Mavericks (1980–1981), and Washington Bullets (1980–1981), appearing in 682 regular-season games with career averages of 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He was named to the 1974 and earned first-team All-Rookie honors in the 1971–72 season, despite being hampered by injuries throughout his career that limited his durability. Nicknamed "Mr. Cavalier" for his loyalty and impact on the franchise during its early years, Carr remains deeply associated with the s organization, contributing to its cultural identity both on and off the court. As a broadcaster, Carr has become an iconic voice for Cavaliers fans, delivering high-energy analysis with signature phrases like "Get that weak stuff outta here!" during exciting plays. Entering his 28th season with the team in 2025, he continues to call select games on Sports Network , blending his playing experience with a homeristic style that resonates with audiences. In recent years, including the 2024-25 season, he has called a reduced number of games (such as 15), sharing duties with analysts like Brad Daugherty, as of 2025. His enduring presence has solidified his status as a Cleveland sports legend, with inductions into halls of fame such as the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 recognizing his overall contributions to the sport.

Early life and education

High school career

Austin Carr was born on March 10, 1948, in . Growing up in the city's River Terrace neighborhood, he developed an early passion for , playing on local playgrounds and honing his skills from a young age. Carr attended Holy Redeemer School for his early education before enrolling at Mackin Catholic High School, where he quickly emerged as a dominant force on the basketball team. Teaming up with fellow All-City guard Tom Little, he transformed Mackin into a competitive powerhouse in the City Catholic League. Over his high school career, Carr amassed 2,124 points, earning recognition as a prep All-American for his scoring prowess and overall impact. As a three-time All-Metro selection from 1965 to , Carr's junior and senior seasons showcased his rapid development into one of the area's top talents. In his junior year (1965-66), he averaged approximately 19.8 , totaling 475 points across 24 contests and establishing himself as a reliable offensive leader. His senior campaign (1966-67) elevated his game further, where he averaged around 24 en route to 600 points, including standout performances in crucial league matchups that highlighted his shooting accuracy and court vision. These efforts helped lead Mackin to the City Catholic League championship in , capping a remarkable high school tenure. Carr's exceptional play drew widespread attention from college recruiters, resulting in scholarship offers from over 100 programs nationwide. Influenced by his Catholic upbringing and Mackin's Jesuit tradition, he committed to the , setting the stage for his collegiate career.

College career

Austin Carr enrolled at the in 1967, where he quickly established himself as a standout player during his sophomore season in 1968–69, leading the team in scoring with an average of 22.1 points per game over 16 appearances. His performance helped Notre Dame achieve a 19–6 regular-season record and secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament, though the Fighting Irish fell in the first round to Miami (OH). In his junior year of 1969–70, Carr elevated his game dramatically, averaging 38.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game across 29 contests while shooting 55.6% from the field, earning him consensus second-team All-American honors. He led in scoring that season with 1,106 total points, powering Notre Dame to a 21–8 overall record and another NCAA Tournament appearance, where he set a single-game record with 61 points against in the first round. Carr's senior campaign in 1970–71 was equally dominant, as he averaged 38.0 and received consensus first-team All-American recognition, finishing second nationally in scoring behind . A highlight was Notre Dame's 89–82 upset victory over top-ranked UCLA on January 23, 1971, where Carr scored 46 points to end the Bruins' 19-game ; the team finished 20–9 overall and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Over his three-year varsity career, Carr amassed 2,560 points at an average of 34.6 per game, setting Notre Dame records for total points, scoring average, and single-game output that remain unmatched, while contributing to three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths—the first in school history.

Professional basketball career

NBA draft and rookie season

Austin Carr was selected as the first overall pick by the expansion in the , following a standout college career at Notre Dame where he set NCAA Tournament scoring records that positioned him as a top prospect. Carr's rookie season was hampered by injuries, including a broken foot sustained during preseason that caused him to miss the first 16 games. He made his NBA debut on , 1971, against the , scoring 5 points in a 108-90 loss while logging just 9 minutes off the bench. Despite the setbacks, including a second foot injury later in the year, Carr appeared in 43 games, averaging 21.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 42.6% from the field. Transitioning to the NBA's increased physicality proved challenging for the 6-foot-4 guard, who had thrived on and scoring volume in , but he adapted by leveraging his quickness and shooting to become the Cavaliers' leading scorer as a . His performance earned him a spot on the 1971-72 NBA All-Rookie First Team, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. As the cornerstone of the young Cavaliers franchise in its second NBA season, Carr provided offensive spark to a team that finished 23-59 and struggled with defensive woes, helping to establish early identity amid the expansion roster's inexperience.

Peak performance and playoff highlights

Carr's peak performance came during the early to mid-1970s, where he established himself as a prolific scorer for the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging over 20 points per game in the 1972–73 and 1973–74 seasons. In 1972–73, he appeared in all 82 games, posting 20.5 points per game while contributing 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists. His scoring prowess peaked in 1973–74, when he averaged a career-high 21.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over 81 games, shooting 45.5% from the field and earning selection to the Eastern Conference —his only such honor. Although limited to just five minutes in the 1974 , where he scored zero points on 0-for-4 shooting, the nod underscored his status as one of the league's emerging offensive threats. The 1974–75 season marked a turning point due to injuries, as Carr played only 41 games and averaged 14.5 points before suffering a injury in December that required and sidelined him indefinitely, causing him to miss the Cavaliers' first playoff appearance. He returned in 1975–76 after rehabilitation, contributing to the team's first winning record (49–33) and Central Division title, though his scoring dipped to 10.1 points over 65 games as he adjusted post-. These injury setbacks disrupted his consistency but did not diminish his role in Cleveland's rising contention. Carr's postseason highlights defined this era, particularly the iconic 1976 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Washington Bullets, dubbed the "Miracle of Richfield" for the Cavaliers' improbable 4–3 upset victory in a series featuring three buzzer-beating finishes and intense home-court drama at . Averaging 9.3 points in seven games against Washington, Carr provided key scoring off the bench upon his return from knee surgery, helping secure the franchise's first playoff series win with contributions in double figures during critical moments. The Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals but fell to the 4–2, where Carr elevated his play to 14.8 points per game over six contests, including a standout 26-point effort on 11-of-17 shooting in Game 4. The Cavaliers returned to the in 1977 and 1978, extending their streak of appearances during Carr's prime years. In 1977, they lost 2–1 to the Bullets in the first round (best-of-three format), with Carr averaging 7.7 points in three games. The 1978 postseason saw a first-round sweep by the (0–2), though Carr averaged 17.5 points in limited action across two games. These runs, building on his rookie-year scoring foundation, highlighted Carr's resilience amid injuries and cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in Cleveland's early playoff success.

Later career and retirement

Carr's performance began to wane in the late 1970s due to recurring injuries that had plagued him since the mid-1970s, resulting in reduced playing time and scoring averages below 15 by the 1979–80 season. These injuries included multiple surgeries on his right and foot, which diminished his explosiveness and led to inconsistent minutes despite his earlier caliber play. In 1979–80 with the Cavaliers, he appeared in 77 games but averaged just 11.8 points in 20.7 minutes per game, a sharp drop from his prior seasons. Following the 1979–80 season, Carr was selected by the in the NBA on May 28, 1980. His stint with Dallas was brief, as he played only 8 games, averaging 2.0 points in limited 9.6 minutes per game, before being traded to the Washington Bullets on November 6, 1980, for future considerations. With the Bullets, Carr suited up for 39 games in the 1980–81 season, contributing 4.9 in 14.9 minutes, as his injury-riddled body struggled to keep pace. The 1980–81 campaign marked Carr's final NBA season; he was waived by the Bullets on August 31, 1981, and retired at age 33. Across 10 professional seasons, Carr played 682 regular-season games (635 with the Cavaliers), where persistent issues took a significant physical toll, forcing him to compete "on a and a half" after his initial major injury. In reflections shortly after retirement, he described the mental devastation of losing a step to the problems and lamented not sustaining his early-career dominance for the latter part of his tenure.

Career statistics and records

Regular season

Austin Carr's NBA regular season career spanned 10 seasons from 1971 to 1981, primarily with the Cleveland Cavaliers, during which he appeared in 682 games, scoring a total of 10,473 points while collecting 1,990 rebounds and 1,908 assists. His per-game averages stood at 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, reflecting his role as a prolific scoring guard who contributed efficiently to team offenses. These totals underscore his consistency despite injuries that limited his playing time in several seasons, establishing him as a key offensive weapon for the Cavaliers during their early development years. A year-by-year breakdown highlights Carr's scoring peaks in his early career, followed by fluctuations due to injuries and role changes. The table below summarizes key regular season statistics, including (G), minutes per game (MPG), (FG%), percentage (FT%), and (PPG).
SeasonTeam(s)GMPGFG%FT%PPG
1971–72CLE4335.8.426.76021.2
1972–73CLE8237.8.446.82220.5
1973–74CLE8138.3.445.85621.9
1974–75CLE4126.4.468.84014.5
1975–76CLE6519.7.442.79110.1
1976–77CLE8229.4.457.79516.2
1977–78CLE8226.7.438.81312.3
1978–79CLE8233.1.475.81617.0
1979–80CLE7720.7.465.73811.8
1980–81DAL/WSH4714.0.372.6304.4
Career68228.8.449.80315.4
Carr's shooting efficiency showed notable trends over his career, with field goal percentage improving to a peak of 47.5% in 1978–79 amid better shot selection, though it dipped in his final season due to reduced minutes and role. His free-throw accuracy was a strength, reaching a career-high 85.6% in 1973–74 and maintaining a solid 80.3% overall, which complemented his high-volume scoring inside the arc during an era with limited three-point usage. In advanced metrics, Carr posted a career player efficiency rating (PER) of 15.0, indicative of above-average productivity for a guard of his time, particularly in seasons where he exceeded 20 PPG. His usage rate hovered around 25% in peak years, reflecting heavy reliance on him for scoring in Cleveland's offense. Compared to contemporaries like (career 20.3 PPG, 44.1% FG) and (17.2 PPG, 44.4% FG), Carr's 15.4 PPG and 44.9% FG positioned him as a reliable mid-tier scoring guard, excelling in efficiency relative to his ball-dominant role on a developing franchise.

Playoffs

Austin Carr appeared in 18 playoff games over three seasons with the , averaging 11.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. His career playoff totals include 212 points, with a of .427 and percentage of .691, demonstrating solid efficiency in limited high-stakes action despite averaging fewer minutes (25.2 per game) than his regular-season peaks. In the 1976 playoffs (1975–76 season), Carr contributed significantly during the Cavaliers' memorable run to the Eastern Conference Finals, known as the "Miracle of Richfield." Against the Washington Bullets in the semifinals, he played all seven games, scoring 65 points (9.3 PPG) while adding 14 rebounds and 10 assists, including a high of 27 points in Game 6's overtime loss. In the subsequent Conference Finals versus the , Carr averaged 14.8 points over six games (89 total points), with 9 rebounds and 16 assists, highlighted by 26 points in the series-clinching Game 6 elimination loss. Carr's playoff role diminished in subsequent years due to the Cavaliers' early exits. In 1977 (1976–77 season), he appeared in three first-round games against the Bullets, averaging 7.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in a 1–2 series loss, with 23 total points. The following year, in a brief 1978 first-round matchup against the , Carr averaged 17.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over two games (35 points total), including 20 points in the Game 2 elimination defeat. Carr often elevated his scoring in critical elimination scenarios, posting 20 or more points in three such games, which underscored his impact on the Cavaliers' deepest playoff run in despite the team's overall middling status limiting further opportunities. His postseason rebounding (2.3 RPG) and assisting (2.3 APG) figures reflected a balanced contributor role, aiding team efforts in transition during those scarce appearances.

Broadcasting and post-playing career

Transition to broadcasting

After retiring from the NBA in 1981 at the age of 33, following a career marked by persistent knee injuries that limited his playing time but solidified his status as a , Austin Carr sought new ways to remain connected to the franchise that had drafted him first overall in 1971. His unwavering loyalty to the team, where he spent nine of his ten professional seasons, naturally facilitated this shift into media roles within the organization. Carr began his broadcasting career with the Cavaliers as a television in the 1982–83 season, working alongside play-by-play announcer Nev Chandler on . After a period away from broadcasting, he returned to the franchise in 1991 as director of community and business development, while contributing intermittently to Cavaliers telecasts. He adapted to the demands of the booth, including the need to analyze plays objectively rather than participate in them, which presented a for the former . In 1997, Carr transitioned to full-time television color commentary for the Cavaliers' telecasts on Fox Sports (now Sports Network ), becoming a fixture in the role. He later collaborated with analysts such as John Michael, building on his earlier experience to provide insightful breakdowns of games. A key early milestone in Carr's broadcasting tenure came during the Cavaliers' 1990s playoff appearances, including their 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals run against the , where his player perspective added depth to the coverage of the team's competitive resurgence.

Career milestones and style

Austin Carr's broadcasting tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers exemplifies remarkable longevity, spanning over 40 years of dedicated service to the franchise by 2025, beginning with his initial stint as a television color commentator in 1982 and continuing after his return in 1991 to full-time television color commentary in 1997. This enduring commitment allowed him to chronicle pivotal moments, including the Cavaliers' 2016 NBA Championship run, where his calls captured the historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors, as well as coverage of key drafts like the 2023 selection process that bolstered the team's young core. His role has evolved from intermittent game analysis in the early 1990s to a staple presence in the booth, marking his 28th season as a television analyst during the 2025-26 campaign. Carr's distinctive broadcasting style is characterized by high-energy, fan-centric commentary that fosters deep emotional connections with Cavaliers supporters, earning him the affectionate moniker "Mr. Cavalier" for his unwavering enthusiasm and homer bias. His signature phrases, such as "Get that weak stuff outta here!" and "Throw the hammer down!", inject excitement into plays, blending insightful analysis with passionate advocacy that mirrors the fervor of Cleveland's sports culture. This approach has made him a beloved figure, enhancing viewer engagement during both triumphs and challenges, and solidifying his status as the emotional voice of the franchise. Key milestones in Carr's broadcasting career highlight his enduring impact, including his participation in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game events in Cleveland, where he contributed to local coverage as a franchise icon during the league's return to the city after 25 years. In 2023, he reflected on nearly four decades in the organization during discussions around the Cavaliers' ongoing success, tying into broader anniversary reflections on his debut era. Additionally, Carr received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards in 2012, recognizing his multifaceted contributions as player, analyst, and ambassador. Beyond the booth, Carr's community involvement underscores his commitment to youth development, serving as the Cavaliers' Director of Community Relations and actively participating in programs like the Jr. Cavaliers initiatives, which provide skill-building opportunities for thousands of Northeast Ohio children annually. He has inspired young athletes through hands-on coaching at East Side youth camps since at least 2013, emphasizing teamwork and perseverance drawn from his own career. Carr also hosts the annual Austin Carr Celebrity Golf Invitational, raising funds for Youth Opportunities Unlimited to support educational and recreational programs for underprivileged youth in the region. As of November 2025, Carr continues his prominent role in Cavaliers broadcasts, contributing to pre- and postgame shows alongside select game commentary for the 2025-26 season, while expanding his reach through media appearances, including a December 2024 interview where he discussed his career trajectory and the team's future prospects. This ongoing evolution reflects his adaptability and lasting influence on basketball fandom.

Awards and honors

College accolades

During his three seasons at the from 1968 to 1971, Austin Carr earned widespread recognition for his exceptional scoring ability and overall performance. He was selected as a consensus second-team All-American in 1970 and a consensus first-team All-American in 1971, highlighting his status among the nation's top players during those years. In his senior year of 1971, Carr was honored as the Helms Foundation College Basketball Player of the Year, recognizing his leadership in guiding Notre Dame to notable successes, including a over top-ranked UCLA. That same season, he received the UPI College Player of the Year award, further affirming his dominance on the court with an average of 38.0 points per game. Carr's contributions extended to the postseason, where he was named to the NCAA All-Region team twice, in 1970 and 1971, after leading the Fighting Irish in tournament play with record-setting performances, including a 61-point outing against in 1970. His scoring prowess culminated in him becoming Notre Dame's all-time leading scorer with 2,560 points over 74 games, a mark that established him as one of the program's most prolific offensive talents. Reflecting his lasting impact on , Carr was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007 as part of its second class, honoring his achievements as a consensus national player of the year and record-holder in NCAA Tournament scoring averages.

Professional achievements

Austin Carr earned recognition as one of the ' foundational players during his NBA tenure, highlighted by his selection to the 1972 NBA All-Rookie First Team after being drafted first overall in 1971. In his debut season, he averaged 21.0 points per game, establishing himself as a prolific scorer and earning the honor alongside players like and . Carr's scoring prowess continued to shine, leading to his sole NBA All-Star appearance in 1974, where he represented the Cavaliers in the midseason classic at the Coliseum. That year, he averaged a career-high 21.9 , contributing to the team's growing competitiveness in the Eastern Conference. Throughout his nine seasons primarily with the Cavaliers, Carr amassed franchise records, including becoming the all-time leading scorer with 10,265 points and most field goals made with 1,719 at the time of his departure in 1980. His jersey number 34 was retired by the Cavaliers on January 3, 1981, honoring his contributions as the team's inaugural No. 1 draft pick and enduring impact on the franchise. Carr played a pivotal role in the Cavaliers' first playoff appearance in 1976, known as the "Miracle of Richfield," where the team upset the Washington Bullets in a seven-game Eastern Conference Semifinals series, with Carr contributing 16.4 points per game in the postseason. Despite not being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as of 2025, his selection and status as "Mr. Cavalier" underscore his lasting legacy in basketball history.

References

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  34. https://cavsnation.com/editorials/austin-carr-cavalier-legend
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  36. https://www.clevescene.com/news/tait-broke-dont-fix-him-4462397/
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  40. https://www.clevelandsports.org/about-us/news/2025/11/06/hanford-dixon-to-receive-lifetime-achievement-award--at-26th-greater-cleveland-sports-awards
  41. https://cdn.nba.com/teams/uploads/sites/1610612739/2022/10/11-community.pdf
  42. https://www.cleveland.com/highschoolsports/article/cavalier-legend-austin-carr-inspires-at-youth-basketball-camp/
  43. https://www.youcle.org/events
  44. https://open.spotify.com/episode/3k4KjVmKx5gcn6HciU1Xiy
  45. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/awards/men/helms-poy.html
  46. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2018-06-27/how-austin-carr-scored-every-one-his-61-points-march-madness
  47. https://fightingirish.com/austin-carr-inducted-into-national-collegiate-basketball-hall-of-fame-2/
  48. https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-rookie-teams
  49. https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1974
  50. https://www.clevelandsportshall.com/carr-austin/
  51. https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/features/by-the-numbers-190124
  52. https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/cavs/2016/05/19/legends-jim-chones-austin-carr/10609914007/
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