Pre Draft Believe it or Not: The Cavs Were Contenders Before LeBron
By: Kevin McAndrews
I know for a lot of the younger generation of Cleveland Cavaliers fans it’s almost IMPOSSIBLE to imagine that there ever was exciting basketball played in Cleveland before LeBron James. I’m here to tell you that in fact there was. The Cleveland Cavaliers organization were consistently one of the top tier teams. I’d go as far to say that they where championship contenders in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. During those years the Cavs organizations was built on drafting talented players that the team believed in. Even though NBA scouting reports contradicted what players should/should not be selected. The Cavaliers always selected prospects with the most character, the willingness to do everything to win and the heart of a champion. The Cavs would then mix and match the players they selected with veterans that had both, experience in the NBA and (most importantly) a history of playing for winning organizations. The contending team building blueprint could very well work for the Cavs in the upcoming 2021 NBA Draft. All that the Cleveland Cavaliers need to do is take a brief history lesson of the organizations best draft class in team history.
THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 1986 NBA draft.
Brad Daugherty Selected: First round, No. 1 overall, 1986 NBA draft
The Cavaliers won the second-ever NBA draft lottery and chose Daugherty first overall in 1986. The center out of the University of North Carolina played all eight of his NBA seasons in Cleveland, averaging 19 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.
The five-time All-Star led the Cavaliers to the playoffs on five occasions, including an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals in 1992. Daugherty's No. 43 jersey was retired by the team in 1997. Brad Daugherty made waves as the number one overall pick in the 1986 draft….The Cavaliers didn’t settle though. Cleveland also drafted another key impact player you may have heard of…Cleveland selected him with their second-round 25th pick. The Cavs traded for him because of the outstanding pre draft interview and the workouts they had with him. And Despite the Scouting report. The Cavaliers Organization had faith and they selected…
Mark Price Selected: Second round, 25th overall
Mark Price slipped out of the first round due to questions about his height. But he sure did prove his doubters and NBA scouts wrong during his 12-year career, nine of which were spent in Cleveland.
The four-time All-Star averaged 16.4 points and 7.2 assists as a Cleveland Cavalier.
Mark Price earning All-NBA Third Team honors twice and making the All-NBA First Team in 1993.
The point guard finished as the Cavaliers' all-time leader in three pointers made and free throw %. Mark had his #25 jersey(same number as his draft selection) retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers Organization.
