Cleveland Cavaliers: Top 15 draft picks in franchise history

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LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1986: Brad Daugherty #43 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1986 at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. Daugherty played for the Cavaliers from 1986-94. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brad Daugherty /

. Center. University of North Carolina . Brad Daugherty. 4. player. 156

Back when centers were arguably the most important position, the Cavaliers, with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, selected Brad Daugherty. Daugherty went on to be one of the best Cavalier big men of all time.

Daugherty was a five-time all-star and would’ve certainly moved to No. 2 if he could have played for more than eight seasons. Daugherty ended his career averaging 19.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. During his eight short seasons, Daugherty was an efficient force, ending his career shooting 53 percent from the field.

Playing all eight of his seasons with the Cavaliers, Daugherty ranks No. 4 in minutes, No. 3 in points, No. 3 in rebounds, and No. 7 in assists. Daugherty was the man during successful late 80’s and early 90’s Cavalier teams.

Daugherty, just like modern-day players such as Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul, struggled to reach the FInals because of the extreme league-wide talent. Michael’s Bulls, Larry’s Celtics, Barkley’s 76ers, and many more teams halted Daugherty is his title quest.