NBA: 50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame

50 greatest players who aren’t in the Basketball Hall of Fame: 14. Brad Daugherty

Brad Daugherty has a strong case for being the starting center on the All-What-If? team. The former Cleveland Cavaliers big man was among the best players in the Association during his brief run in the NBA, with postseason success and individual production combining to make an intriguing legacy.

A longer and healthier prime would’ve all but guaranteed a place in the Hall of Fame, but instead, the former North Carolina Tar Heels star is regarded as one of the best to narrowly miss the cut.

Daugherty made five All-Star Game appearances during his career, which ranks third amongst eligible players who are not in the Hall of Fame. He was also named All-NBA in 1992 and made the All-Rookie First Team in 1987.

He had his No. 43 jersey retired by the Cavaliers just one year after he was forced to formally retire due to injuries.

Daugherty’s career effectively came to an end at just 28 years of age, just one year after he averaged 20.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while helping Cleveland reach the 1993 Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Daugherty actually led Cleveland in points and rebounds per game during the team’s run to the 1992 Eastern Conference Finals. He famously put up 28 points in Game 2 of that series as the Cavaliers took a game from Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

He also picked up 14 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists as Cleveland won another in Game 4.

The frontcourt combination of Daugherty and Larry Nance, with Mark Price running point, could have won a championship if not for injuries. Nevertheless, all three players make the cut on this list.

One of the greatest, “What if?” teams of the past 40 years with one of the best could-have-been centers ever.