Jim Paxson, an American basketball player and executive, is best known for his time in the NBA both on the court and in the front office. Born on July 9, 1957, in Kettering, Ohio, Paxson grew up in a family deeply rooted in basketball. His father, Jim Paxson Sr., played in the NBA, and his brother, John Paxson, also had a successful career in the league. Jim attended the University of Dayton, where he played college basketball and developed his skills as a shooting guard.

In 1979, Paxson was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers as the 12th overall pick in the NBA Draft. He quickly established himself as a reliable scorer and a skilled player. During his time with the Trail Blazers, Paxson became known for his smooth shooting and ability to perform under pressure. He played for Portland from 1979 to 1988, earning two NBA All-Star selections in 1983 and 1984. His scoring ability and leadership on the court were instrumental in helping the Trail Blazers remain competitive during the early 1980s.

After his tenure with the Trail Blazers, Paxson was traded to the Boston Celtics in 1988. He played two seasons with the Celtics, contributing as a veteran presence on a team filled with talented players. Although his role was more limited compared to his time in Portland, Paxson's experience and basketball IQ were valuable assets to the Celtics.

Following his retirement as a player in 1990, Paxson transitioned into a career in basketball management. He joined the Cleveland Cavaliers' front office, where he served in various roles, including assistant coach and director of basketball operations. In 1999, Paxson was named the general manager of the Cavaliers, a position he held until 2005. During his tenure as general manager, Paxson was responsible for overseeing the team's roster decisions and played a role in the early stages of LeBron James' career with the Cavaliers.

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