The 1986 NBA draft was an exciting one, with some of the best players in league history entering the fold. From future Hall of Famers like Chuck Person, Brad Daugherty, and Mark Price to All-Stars like Ron Harper and Jeff Hornacek, the 1986 draft class was packed with talent.
Most of these players went on to have successful NBA careers, and some even won championships and earned MVP awards. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best players from the 1986 NBA draft, their accomplishments, and the legacy they left behind.
1. Brad Daugherty
Bradley Lee Daugherty is a former professional basketball player who had a successful career both at the collegiate level and in the NBA.
He was born in 1968 and attended the University of North Carolina, where he earned the nickname “Big Dukie” due to his impressive size and skill on the court.
During his time at UNC, he was an integral part of the team and helped lead the Tar Heels to a National Championship in 1982. After college, he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 1985 NBA draft.
During his time with the Cavaliers, he was known as “Hooch” by his teammates and fans. He was a five-time NBA all-star and a two-time all-NBA second-team member.
After a successful career in the NBA, Bradley Lee Daugherty retired in 1993 and is now a successful business executive. He is remembered not only for his skill on the court but for his character and leadership on and off the court as well.
2. Len Bias
Leonard Kevin Bias was an incredible basketball player from Maryland. He had an impressive four-year college career at the University of Maryland. During his time as a Terrapin, Bias was honored with multiple prestigious awards.
He was given the title of a consensus first-team All-American multiple times. This meant that he was voted as one of the best college basketball players in the nation.
He was also named the ACC Player of the Year twice and was even inducted into the University of Maryland’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Bias was a special player and he had a tremendous impact on the Maryland basketball program.
His skill and determination made him an iconic figure in the college basketball world, and his legacy will never be forgotten.
3. Dennis Rodman
Dennis Keith Rodman is a legendary figure in the history of professional basketball. He is an American former professional basketball player, who is renowned for his powerful defensive and rebounding abilities.
His outstanding abilities have earned him the title of arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history, according to his biography on the official NBA website. Rodman’s skills made him a major asset to any team he played for, and his defensive intensity and rebounding prowess were legendary.
He was an exceptional rebounder who was capable of dominating the glass and controlling the defensive end of the court.
His defensive intensity and tireless effort on the boards helped him earn a reputation as one of the greatest rebounders in the history of the league. In addition, Rodman was renowned for his unselfishness and team-first attitude.
He had an uncanny ability to set up his teammates for success and was willing to sacrifice his own personal success for the benefit of his team.
His unselfishness and willingness to do whatever it took to help his team win earned him the respect of his peers and coaches alike. Rodman’s playing career was a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He was a six-time NBA champion, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and a member of five All-Defensive teams.
He also holds the NBA record for most rebounds in a single season and is the only player to lead the league in rebounding for seven consecutive seasons matter how you look at it, Dennis Keith Rodman is an NBA legend whose accomplishments are worthy of immense admiration.
His skills on the court, combined with his unselfishness and team-first attitude, have left a lasting impression on the game and earned him the title of arguably the best rebounding forward in NBA history.
4. Chuck Person
Chuck Connors Person is a celebrated figure in the world of professional basketball. He was born in America and had a career that spanned 14 years in the NBA.
Person was drafted in the first round of the 1983 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs and went on to have a hugely successful career. The person was selected as the 1987 NBA Rookie of the Year, an honour that is awarded to the best-performing newcomer that season.
He was also named to the All-Rookie First Team that year and was the first African-American player to receive the honor. Throughout his career, Person was a respected player, earning All-Star selections in 1988 and 1993.
He also received the NBA Sportsmanship Award in 1993, a testament to his character and the respect he commanded from his peers. After his playing career ended, Person went into coaching and was an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors.
Person’s legacy lives on today as he is remembered as one of the best basketball players of his time.
5. Chris Washburn
Christopher Scott Washburn is a former professional basketball player who had a successful career in the NBA.
He played for five teams during his nine-year career, including the Golden State Warriors, the Atlanta Hawks, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Toronto Raptors.
Washburn was considered to be one of the most promising young players during his debut season in 1986 when he was selected third overall in the NBA draft by the Warriors. He was a physical presence in the paint, averaging 8.4 points and 6.7 rebounds in his rookie season.
However, his career ultimately derailed due to off-court issues, including substance abuse, and he was out of the league by 1996. Washburn was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2009 and is remembered for his impressive early career.
6. Ron Harper
Ronald Harper Sr. is a former American professional basketball player who had a long and successful career in the National Basketball Association. He played for four teams from 1986 to 2001, and during that time, he won an impressive five NBA championships.
Harper was a standout player in the NBA, known for his athleticism and shooting prowess.
He was an excellent defensive player who could guard multiple positions, as well as a great leader on the court. His impressive list of accomplishments includes being selected as an All-Star twice, being named to the All-NBA Second Team three times, and winning the J.
Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1995. He was also a member of the 1996 Olympic team, where he won a gold medal. Throughout his NBA career, Harper consistently displayed a high level of skill and dedication to the game.
He was a leader on and off the court, and his passion for the game was obvious. His career was a remarkable success, and Harper remains a respected figure in the basketball world.
7. William Bedford
William Bedford is a retired professional basketball player who had an illustrious career. He was drafted in the first round of the 1986 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, after playing college basketball at Memphis State University.
Bedford was an extremely talented player and was highly sought after by the Suns. He was a key contributor on the court, known for his athleticism and ability to score.
Bedford was an important part of the Suns organization and helped them reach the playoffs multiple times during his tenure with the team. Throughout his career, Bedford averaged 9.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He was also named to the All-Rookie team in 1987.
After retiring from the NBA in 1995, Bedford continued to be involved in basketball, coaching at various levels. He is remembered as one of the most influential players in Suns history and an important part of Memphis State University’s basketball legacy.
8. Arvydas Sabonis
Arvydas Romas Sabonis is one of the most honored and celebrated basketball players of all time. He is a Lithuanian professional basketball player and businessman who is widely recognized as one of the best European players ever.
Additionally, he is also known as one of the best big-man passers in the history of the game. In recognition of his outstanding success and achievements, he has won the Euroscar Award six times and the Mr. Europa Award twice.
Throughout his career, Sabonis played for various teams including the Portland Trail Blazers, the Spanish team Real Madrid, and the Lithuanian national team. He was an all-around player who was known for his passing, shooting, and rebounding abilities.
He was also known for his court vision and leadership, which helped his teams to succeed. Sabonis was an integral part of the Lithuanian national team and was instrumental in leading them to a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
He also helped the Lithuanian team win the Eurobasket tournament in 1995. His international success earned him the title of “Mr. Europa” in 2002. Throughout his basketball career, Sabonis demonstrated skill and leadership.
He was an all-around player who made a significant impact on the game. Sabonis was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, which recognize his contributions and legacy in the world of basketball.
9. Roy Tarpley
Roy James Tarpley was an American professional basketball player who had a successful career in the NBA. He was a power forward and center, and was the recipient of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1988. Sadly, his career was cut short due to his substance abuse issues.
In 1995, the NBA permanently banned Roy Tarpley due to his struggles with drug and alcohol abuse. He was one of the first NBA players to be banned for substance abuse, setting a precedent for the league.
Tarpley’s story is a cautionary tale for athletes in the NBA and other professional sports leagues. While he had a successful career, his substance abuse issues eventually led to his permanent ban from the NBA.
He was a reminder to all athletes to be mindful of the pitfalls of drug and alcohol abuse. Tarpley was a talented player who was unable to fulfill his potential due to his struggles with substances.
His story serves as a reminder to athletes and fans alike of the dangers of substance abuse in professional sports.
10. Jeff Hornacek
Jeffrey John Hornacek is a highly experienced and accomplished coach in the National Basketball Association. He is presently the coaching consultant for the Utah Jazz, and he has also been the head coach for the Phoenix Suns and the New York Knicks.
Additionally, he has a strong background in the league, having served as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets. Hornacek is not only a professional basketball coach, but a former player as well.
He has an impressive history of success in the NBA, having earned two appearances to the All-Star game during his playing career. He began his coaching career when he was hired by the Suns in 2013.
During his tenure, the Suns saw marked improvement, and in the 2014-15 season, they set a franchise record for wins with 48. He was then hired as the head coach of the New York Knicks in 2016, and he led the team to the playoffs in his first season.
Hornacek became a coaching consultant for the Jazz in 2019. In this role, he provides advice and guidance on the team’s plays and strategies. His vast experience and knowledge continue to be a great asset to the Jazz.
Overall, Jeffrey John Hornacek has demonstrated his ability to be successful in any coaching role. His experience as a player, coupled with his impressive coaching career, make him a valuable asset to any team in the NBA.
11. Kenny Walker
Kenneth Walker is an American former professional basketball player who is best known for his time with the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association. During his tenure with the Knicks, he earned the nickname “Sky” Walker for his impressive leaping ability.
This was highlighted in 1989 when he won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. After his basketball career ended, Walker transitioned into a career in radio. He currently hosts a show on WVLK in Lexington, Kentucky.
Walker is a beloved figure in the city, as he has become an important part of the community since his move there. He is known for his commitment to helping the people of Lexington and providing them with a platform to discuss a wide variety of topics.
12. Patrick Ewing
Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr. is an accomplished athlete and coach in the world of basketball. He was born in Jamaica but is now an American citizen.
He had a long and successful career as a professional basketball player, playing for teams such as the New York Knicks and the Seattle SuperSonics.
After his playing career ended, he entered the coaching ranks and eventually became the head coach of the Georgetown University men’s basketball team. During his time at Georgetown, he guided his team to consistent success and multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
He was also highly respected by his players, both for his basketball knowledge and his professionalism. After leaving Georgetown, he moved on to coach in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic.
He has since returned to the college ranks as the associate head coach at the University of Michigan. Throughout his career, Patrick Aloysius Ewing Sr. has shown himself to be a dedicated and talented coach and player, and his impact on basketball will long be remembered.
13. Johnny Dawkins
Johnny Earl Dawkins Jr. is a highly decorated basketball coach and former player. He is currently the head coach of the UCF men’s basketball team and was the head coach of Stanford from 2008 to 2016.
Dawkins is a two-time All-American and national player of the year, having earned these honors in his senior year at Duke University, where he played from 1982 to 1986.
During his time at Duke, he was a remarkable player who achieved numerous feats and aided Duke in winning a National Championship in 1986. His impressive skill and leadership led him to be inducted into the Duke Hall of Fame and Basketball Hall of Fame.
Dawkins has continued to make an impact on basketball as a coach, leading many of his teams to success. He has had an impressive career and is well-respected in the basketball world.
14. Mark Price
William Mark Price is a renowned American basketball player and coach. He is best known for his career as a player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for 12 seasons from 1986 to 1998 and was part of some of the greatest teams during that time.
After his playing career ended, he started coaching and has had stints as head coach for the Charlotte 49ers, Georgia Tech, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Price was born in Enid, Oklahoma in 1964. Growing up, he was a talented athlete, excelling in basketball and football.
He attended Georgia Tech University after high school and was a four-year starter for the Yellow Jackets.
He averaged 17.4 points and 5.2 assists per game in his four years at Georgia Tech and was named an All-American in his senior season. Price was drafted in the second round of the 1986 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks.
He had an impressive rookie season, averaging 12.5 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. He went on to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Bullets, and the Golden State Warriors before retiring in 1998.
During his NBA career, Price averaged 11.2 points and 5.6 assists per game and was named to the All-Rookie Team in 1987. After retiring from the NBA, Price began his coaching career.
He was an assistant coach for three different teams before becoming the head coach of the Charlotte 49ers in 2011. He was the head coach of the team for six years, leading them to the NCAA tournament in 2015.
He has also served as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Price is an accomplished basketball player and coach. He has had great success both on the court and the sidelines.
His contributions to the sport of basketball have been invaluable and have made him one of the most respected figures in the NBA.
15. Brad Sellers
Bradley Donn Sellers is a multifaceted individual with a varied career. He is an American retired basketball player, politician, and radio broadcaster. As a basketball player, Sellers had an impressive collegiate career that spanned from 1981-1986.
He began his college basketball career at the University of Wisconsin, where he played from 1981-1984. During his time at Wisconsin, he was a major contributor for the Badgers’ basketball team and was a part of their 1982 NIT Championship-winning squad.
After three years at Wisconsin, Sellers transferred to Ohio State in 1984 where he played until 1986. While with the Buckeyes, Sellers was a part of their 1984 Big Ten Championship team.
In recognition of his stellar college basketball career, Sellers was inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.
16. John Salley
John Thomas Salley is a remarkable former professional basketball player who achieved a truly unique accomplishment in NBA history.
He was the first player ever to win championships with three different franchises, and he made history again by becoming the first player to win championships in three different decades.
His impressive career shows his dedication to the game of basketball and his ability to rise to the occasion and make a difference. Salley’s first NBA championship came with the Detroit Pistons in 1989.
He then moved on to the Chicago Bulls in 1996, helping them to a second championship. In 2000, Salley joined the Los Angeles Lakers and won his third championship.
This was a remarkable achievement, as he became the first player ever to win championships with three different franchises. In addition to this incredible accomplishment, Salley also made history by becoming the first player in the NBA to win championships in three different decades.
Salley won his first championship in the 1980s, his second in the 1990s, and his third in the 2000s.
This feat was an incredible display of his longevity and consistency in the NBA. John Thomas Salley is an inspiring example of hard work, dedication, and resilience in the world of professional basketball.
Through his amazing accomplishments, he has left an indelible mark in the history of the NBA.
17. Ken Barlow
Kenneth Barlow is a renowned former professional basketball player from America. He achieved great success during his career in basketball, which he managed to balance alongside a successful academic career.
Barlow graduated from the University of Notre Dame, a renowned and highly esteemed university located in Notre Dame, Indiana.
Barlow’s academic excellence, coupled with his athletic prowess, set him up for a successful future and earned him the respect of both his peers and the basketball community as a whole.
Barlow’s time at the prestigious university enabled him to learn from some of the best educators and gain valuable experience that would serve him well in the future.
His hard work and dedication paid off, as he was able to establish himself as an accomplished professional basketball player.
Barlow’s success at the University of Notre Dame is a testament to his commitment and determination, and it serves as an inspiration to others who seek to achieve similar levels of success.
18. Dell Curry
Wardell Stephen Curry Sr. is an American basketball legend. He was a professional player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1986 to 2002.
During his impressive 16-year career, Curry established himself as the all-time leader in points and three-point field goals made for the Charlotte Hornets. His ability to score from beyond the arc was unparalleled, as he broke multiple records during his tenure.
He is remembered fondly by fans and players alike, as his skill and dedication to the game had a lasting impact on the NBA. Throughout his career, Curry showed a commitment to excellence and set a standard for future generations of players to strive for.
His legacy will continue to inspire players for years to come.
19. Mark Alarie
Mark Steven Alarie is an American former professional basketball player who had a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a tall and powerful player, listed at 6’7″ and 217 lb, which gave him the ability to compete on both sides of the court.
He was a power forward, which allowed him to guard bigger players, while also being able to drive to the basket and score. He was also a great shooter, which made him a valuable asset for any team.
During his career, he was known for his physicality and tenacity, leading to a successful career. He was a four-time All-Star and won the NBA championship in 1994 with the Dallas Mavericks. He retired in 1996 and was inducted into the Dallas Mavericks Hall of Fame in 2004.
In 2005, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players ever.
20. Billy Thompson
William Stansbury “Billy” Thompson is a retired American professional basketball player. He had a 5-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.
During his time with the Lakers, he showed to be a great defensive player and was known for his agility and strong rebounding skills. His time with the Miami Heat was not as successful, but he still managed to put up solid numbers.
Thompson also had a brief stint with the Golden State Warriors, appearing in one game in late 1991 and registering one minute of court time.
Though his career in the NBA was short, he was still an important part of the teams he was on, bringing leadership and experience to the court. Even after retiring from professional basketball, Thompson continued to stay involved with the game.
He has worked as a coach and scout for several teams, including the Denver Nuggets and the New Jersey Nets. He has been a part of the coaching staff for multiple teams from the NCAA Division I level to the NBA.
Billy Thompson’s legacy as a basketball player will continue to live on in the history books. He may not have had the most successful career, but he was still an important part of the teams he was on and his contributions to the game should not be overlooked.
21. Buck Johnson
Alphonso “Buck” Johnson Jr. is a retired American basketball player who spent seven seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played the small forward position and stood at 6’7” tall.
Johnson had the opportunity to play for two NBA teams during his career, the Houston Rockets and the Washington Bullets. Johnson, originally from Los Angeles, California, was drafted by the Rockets in the first round of the 1986 NBA Draft.
He played four seasons with the Rockets, making the playoffs all four years and averaging 10.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Johnson then signed with the Bullets in 1990 and played three seasons with them.
He was an important member of the team, averaging 10.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Johnson retired from the NBA in 1993 and went on to pursue other interests. He has since become a successful businessman and philanthropist.
He has also been involved in various basketball camps and clinics and has been a mentor to young basketball players for years.
22. Harold Pressley
Harold Pressley is a former professional basketball player who had a successful career. He began his career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), playing for the Sacramento Kings from 1986 to 1990.
During his time in the NBA, he made a significant contribution to the team, helping them to reach great heights. After his time in the NBA, he joined Joventut Badalona in Spain and continued his successful career.
He played a major role in Joventut Badalona’s success in both the Spanish League and the Euroleague, until 1993. His experience and skill helped them to win several titles during this time.
He was highly respected by his peers for his work ethic and dedication to the game of basketball. Harold Pressley will always be remembered for his great achievements in basketball, both in the NBA and in Europe.
23. Anthony Jones
Anthony Hamilton Jones was a successful professional basketball player who excelled at both collegiate and NBA levels. At 6’6″ and 195 lbs, Jones was a formidable swingman who was able to play multiple positions effectively.
His collegiate career began at Georgetown University, where he played from 1981 to 1983. Afterward, he transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he played from 1984 to 1986.
Following the completion of his collegiate career, Jones was drafted into the NBA where he played from 1986 to 1990. His success in the NBA is a testament to his talent and determination as a player.
24. Johnny Newman
John Sylvester Newman Jr. is a former professional basketball player who had a successful college career at the University of Richmond. He stands at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds. He was a talented shooting guard and small forward who excelled in both positions.
During his college days, Newman was a highly decorated player who earned multiple awards. He helped the Spiders reach the NCAA Tournament in his senior season, and was a two-time All-CAA selection.
He also won the Haggerty Award in 1993, which is given to the best Division I player in the New York metropolitan area. After graduating from the University of Richmond, Newman was drafted into the NBA.
He played for the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors during his professional career. He was a reliable shooter and could contribute in other areas as well, including rebounds and defensive plays.
Unfortunately, due to injuries, his NBA career was cut short. John Sylvester Newman Jr. is a testament to the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the game of basketball. Despite his short-lived NBA career, his contributions to the game remain valuable.
He was a great player who will be remembered for his accomplishments both in college and the NBA.
Conclusion
The 1986 NBA Draft was one of the most important and exciting drafts in NBA history. Six of the top ten picks went on to become All-Stars, and many of them went on to become Hall of Famers.
Although the top overall pick, Brad Daugherty, had a successful career, the best player from the ’86 draft class was undoubtedly Chuck Person.
Person was the fourth overall pick and went on to have a successful 15-year career, earning four All-Star nods and becoming the first player to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award and the NBA All-Star Game MVP in the same season.
The 1986 NBA Draft was special in many ways, but the success of Chuck Person stands out as a testament to the quality of players that came out of it.
