Harry Weltman
Harry Weltman
Harry Weltman ran the Cavaliers’ during their rebirth under the new ownership of the Gund brothers. He was responsible for the of hiring coach Tom Nissalke to replace Bill Musselman and tasked with turning around the Cavs after their worst stretch in team history. He also gave George Karl his first shot at coaching in the NBA. In 1985 the Cavs started 2-19 in 1985, but made the playoffs under Karl.
Weltman’s teams were led by gunner World B. Free and point guard John Bagley.
In the 1985 draft, Weltman took a risk by drafting John “Hot Rod” Williams in the second round, ignoring an NBA edict to teams to shun Williams, who had been implicated in a point-shaving scandal at Tulane. Williams was charged with sports bribery and conspiracy; his first trial ended with a mistrial, but his during his second trial a jury found him not guilty of all five counts.
In 1986 Weltman drafted Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper and Johnny Newman. Arguably the best draft in Cavs history. On June 17, 1986 Weltman acquired Mark Price in exchange fore the Cavaliers’ second round choice in 1989 and other considerations. Weltman was replaced by Wayne Embry shortly after the draft.
His son Jeff is the Milwaukee Bucks’ assistant GM
dcass | 
December 30, 2009 6:52 pm