1986 NBA Draft: Revisiting The Standouts, Hidden Gems And Tragedy To Come Out Of This Class
The monumental event that reverberated through the corridors of NBA draft history was the 1986 NBA Draft. Marking a pivotal juncture in the league’s narrative, this NBA Draft showcased an extraordinary assembly of talent that would go on to redefine the landscape of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The echoes of that fateful selection process, resonating with the names of iconic second round draft picks and future legends, continue to shape the league’s legacy. The 1986 NBA Draft not only bore witness to the birth of remarkable careers but also laid the foundation for an era characterized by fierce competition, unparalleled athleticism, and a renewed sense of global basketball enthusiasm.
Join us as we delve into the echoes of the 1986 NBA Draft, exploring the careers, achievements, and enduring legacies of the athletes who left an indelible mark on the basketball court during this transformative moment in the sport’s evolution.
When Was The 1986 NBA Draft?
The 1986 NBA Draft, hosted at Madison Square Garden on June 17th, 1986 is a crucial chapter in basketball’s history. Across seven rounds and 162 picks, this draft class left a lasting impact on the NBA. Notable players like Dennis Rodman, Arvydas Sabonis, and Drazen Petrović, emerged from this group as the Hall of Famers, leaving an enduring legacy.
Five players from the class earned All-Star honors, highlighting the depth of talent. Additionally, these athletes amassed a total of 8 All-NBA Team selections, showcasing their consistent excellence.
The achievements of this draft class, comprising of Hall of Famers, All-Stars, All-NBA selections and second round steals firmly solidified its place in the history of the NBA, shaping the league for years to come. Take a look at the 1986 NBA Draft pick transactions below.
The Players Selected In The 1986 Draft
LOTTERY PICKS
- Brad Daugherty (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Len Bias (Boston Celtics)
- Chris Washburn (Golden State Warriors)
- Chuck Person (Indiana Pacers)
- Kenny Walker (New York Knicks)
- William Bedford (Phoenix Suns)
- Roy Tarpley (Dallas Mavericks)
NON LOTTERY FIRST ROUND
- Ron Harper (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Brad Sellers (Chicago Bulls)
- Johnny Dawkins (San Antonio Spurs)
- John Salley (Detroit Pistons)
- John Williams (Washington Bullets)
- Pearl Washington (New Jersey Nets)
- Walter Berry (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Dell Curry (Utah Jazz)
- Maurice Martin (Denver Nuggets)
- Harold Pressley (Sacramento Kings)
- Mark Alarie (Denver Nuggets)
- Billy Thompson (Atlanta Hawks)
- Buck Johnson (Houston Rockets)
- Anthony Jones (Washington Bullets)
- Scott Skiles (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Ken Barlow (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Arvydas Sabonis (Portland Trail Blazers)
SECOND ROUND
- Mark Price (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Greg Dreiling (Indiana Pacers)
- Dennis Rodman (Detroit Pistons)
- Larry Krystkowiak (Chicago Bulls)
- Johnny Newman (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Nate McMillan (Seattle SuperSonics)
- Joe Ward (Phoenix Suns)
- Cedric Henderson (Atlanta Hawks)
- Kevin Duckworth (San Antonio Spurs)
- Johnny Rogers (Sacramento Kings)
- Milt Wagner (Dallas Mavericks)
- Steve Mitchell (Washington Bullets)
- Panagiotis Fasoulas (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Lemone Lampley (Seattle SuperSonics)
- Rafael Addison (Phoenix Suns)
- Augusto Binelli (Atlanta Hawks)
- Otis Smith (Denver Nuggets)
- Ron Kellogg (Atlanta Hawks)
- Dave Feitl (Houston Rockets)
- David Wingate (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Keith Smith (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Jeff Hornacek (Phoenix Suns)
- Michael Jackson (New York Knicks)
THIRD ROUND
- Forrest McKenzie (San Antonio Spurs)
- Juden Smith (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Kevin Henderson (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Mike Williams (Golden State Warriors)
- Ricky Wilson (Chicago Bulls)
- Tod Murphy (Seattle SuperSonics)
- Dwayne Polee (Los Angeles Clippers)
- Kenny Gattison (Phoenix Suns)
- Keith Colbert (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Bruce Douglas (Sacramento Kings)
- Dave Henderson (Washington Bullets)
- Wendell Alexis (Golden State Warriors)
- Drazen Petrovic (Portland Trail Blazers)
- John Shasky (Utah Jazz)
- Anthony Welch (Dallas Mavericks)
- Bill Breeding (Utah Jazz)
- Don Redden (Denver Nuggets)
- Dave Hoppen (Atlanta Hawks)
- Anthony Bowie (Houston Rockets)
- Ron Rowan (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Baskerville Holmes (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Andre Turner (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Jim Les (Atlanta Hawks)
FOURTH ROUND
- Calvin Thompson (New York Knicks)
- Derrick Taylor (Indiana Pacers)
- Warren Martin (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Scott Meents (Chicago Bulls)
- Dan Bingenheimer (Golden State Warriors)
- Michael Graham (Seattle SuperSonics)
- Grant Gondrezick (Phoenix Suns)
- John Brownlee (Los Angeles Clippers)
- Carlos Briggs (San Antonio Spurs)
- Alvin Franklin (Sacramento Kings)
- Steve Hale (New Jersey Nets)
- Barry Mungar Washington Bullets)
- David Shaffer (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Marty Embry (Utah Jazz)
- Myron Jackson (Dallas Mavericks)
- Chauncey Robinson (Detroit Pistons)
- Anthony Watson (Denver Nuggets)
- Efrem Winters (Atlanta Hawks)
- Conner Henry (Houston Rockets)
- Wes Stallings (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Bob Beecher (Sacramento Kings)
- Dale Blaney (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Tony Benford (Boston Celtics)
FIFTH ROUND
- Jerome Mincey (New York Knicks)
- Richard Rellford (Indiana Pacers)
- Ben Davis (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Clinton Smith (Golden State Warriors)
- Jimmy Gilbert (Chicago Bulls)
- Dominic Pressley (Seattle SuperSonics)
- Steffond Johnson (Los Angeles Clippers)
- Greg Spurling (Phoenix Suns)
- Earl Kelley (San Antonio Spurs)
- Keith Morrison (Sacramento Kings)
- Paul Fortier (Washington Bullets)
- Archie Johnson (New Jersey Nets)
- Jerry Adams (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Kerry Boagni (Utah Jazz)
- Jay Bilas (Dallas Mavericks)
- Clarence Hanley (Detroit Pistons)
- Jon Collins (Denver Nuggets)
- Nicky Jones (Atlanta Hawks)
- Andre Banks (Houston Rockets)
- Kevin Holmes (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Bobby Deaton (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Roger Harden (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Dave Colbert (Boston Celtics)
SIXTH ROUND
- Butch Wade (New York Knicks)
- Jeff Hall (Indiana Pacers)
- Gilbert Wilburn (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Pete Myers (Chicago Bulls)
- Bobby Lee Hurt (Golden State Warriors)
- Curtis Kitchen (Seattle SuperSonics)
- Jim McCaffrey (Phoenix Suns)
- Tim Kempton (Los Angeles Clippers)
- Kevin Lewis (San Antonio Spurs)
- John Flowers (Sacramento Kings)
- Troy Webster (New Jersey Nets)
- Lorenzo Duncan (Washington Bullets)
- Tony Hampton (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Chuck Everson (Utah Jazz)
- Greg Anderson (Dallas Mavericks)
- Greg Grant (Detroit Pistons)
- Anthony Frederick (Denver Nuggets)
- Alexander Volkov (Atlanta Hawks)
- Robert Worthy (Houston Rockets)
- Andre McCloud (Philadelphia 76ers)
- John Kimbrell (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Walter Downing (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Greg Wendt (Boston Celtics)
SEVENTH ROUND
- Duane Kendall (New York Knicks)
- Steve Woodside (Indiana Pacers)
- Ralph Dalton (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Steve Kenilvort (Golden State Warriors)
- Robert Henderson (Chicago Bulls)
- Glen McCants (Seattle SuperSonics)
- Johnny Brown (Los Angeles Clippers)
- Damon Goodwin (Phoenix Suns)
- Michael Anderson (San Antonio Spurs)
- Ron Rankin (Sacramento Kings)
- Joe Price (Washington Bullets)
- Jim Dolan (New Jersey Nets)
- Randy Schiff (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Mark Mitchell (Utah Jazz)
- Kim Cooksey (Dallas Mavericks)
- Larry Polec (Detroit Pistons)
- Mike Marshall (Denver Nuggets)
- Valeri Tikhonenko (Atlanta Hawks)
- Rick Olson (Houston Rockets)
- Dan Palombizio (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Jeff Strong (Milwaukee Bucks)
- Mark Coleman (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Tom Ivey (Boston Celtics)
Shifting our focus from who got picked early on and the rest of the 86 NBA Draft picks, we’ll now dive into the second-round steals of this class.
Second Round Steals Of The NBA’s 1986 Draft
In the overlooked terrain of the second round steals of the 1986 NBA draft, steals abounded, shaping the league’s narrative. This second-round trove, a third round gem, combined with a few remarkable first-round selections, defined the 1986 class’s lasting impact.
Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman, plucked from the second round by the Detroit Pistons as the 27th overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, defied expectations and emerged as one of the most tenacious defenders and prolific rebounders in league history. His relentless pursuit of excellence contributed significantly to the Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era and the second championship campaign of the Last Dance Chicago Bulls earning multiple NBA championships.
Rodman’s defensive prowess was recognized with two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, and he led the league in rebounds for seven consecutive seasons. His legacy extends beyond statistics, as he played a vital role as a rebounding juggernaut and defensive titan on five NBA championship teams, earning a well-deserved spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame and the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Mark Price
Mark Price, selected 25th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the 1986 draft, surpassed expectations with his exceptional shooting and playmaking skills. As the primary playmaker for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Price earned four All-NBA Team honors and four NBA All-Star selections during his illustrious career.
Renowned for his deadly accurate three-point shooting and proficient ball-handling, he left an enduring impact on the league. Price’s contributions to the game and his influence on subsequent generations are exemplified by his status as one of the premier guards of his era.
Jeff Hornacek
Jeff Hornacek, chosen by the Phoenix Suns as the 46th overall pick in the second round, exceeded expectations with his versatile skills. Hornacek showcased his shooting ability and playmaking as a key component of successful teams. His basketball IQ and consistent performances earned him an All-Star appearance and a couple of trips to the NBA finals solidifying his reputation as a valuable contributor to the game.
Kevin Duckworth
Kevin Duckworth, drafted 33rd overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round, carved out a successful career as a formidable center. His impact was particularly evident during his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he earned two NBA All-Star selections. Duckworth’s presence in the paint and scoring ability contributed significantly to his teams’ success, highlighting the value found in second-round steals.
Other Standout Players From The 1986 NBA Draft
Brad Daugherty, Arvydas Sabonis, and Drazen Petrovic emerged as the other standout talents, each contributing uniquely to the league’s rich tapestry.
Who was #1 overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft?
Brad Daugherty
Brad Daugherty, the first overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcased his dominance as a center. Earning five NBA All-Star selections and one All-NBA Team award, Daugherty played a crucial role in the Cavaliers’ success during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His scoring, rebounding, and leadership on the court solidified his place as one of the standout players from the 1986 draft class and one of the standout centers in the history of the sport.
Arvydas Sabonis
Arvydas Sabonis, although he did not make an immediate impact in the NBA due to geopolitical circumstances, emerged as one of the most skilled big men when he joined the league. A Basketball Hall of Famer, Sabonis showcased extraordinary passing and shooting abilities for a player of his size. His contributions to the game extended globally, leaving an indelible mark on basketball.
Drazen Petrovic
Drazen Petrovic, a European sensation selected 60th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, became a one-time All-NBA players and a trailblazer for international players in the NBA. Known for his sharpshooting and scoring prowess, Petrovic left an enduring legacy despite his tragically short career. His impact paved the way for future European stars in the league.
As we delve into the exceptional talents that emerged from the 1986 NBA Draft, a compelling narrative unfolds, including the intriguing story of how the Boston Celtics acquired Len Bias following a championship season.
So, how did the Celtics get Len Bias after a championship season?
Len Bias, a standout forward from the University of Maryland, was a highly-touted prospect in the 1986 NBA Draft. The Boston Celtics, fresh off a championship season, surprisingly secured the 2nd overall pick.
How did the Celtics get the 2nd pick in the 1986 draft and Len Bias?
The Celtics acquired the 2nd pick in the 1986 NBA Draft through a trade with the Seattle SuperSonics. This uncommon acquisition allowed the Celtics to snag Bias with the 2nd overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. Typically, high draft picks go to teams with poorer records, but this unique circumstance granted Boston an opportunity to add a promising talent to their championship-caliber roster.
Unfortunately, Bias’s promising career was tragically cut short by his untimely death, marking one of the most heart-wrenching instances of a potential superstar not getting his chance to shine due to an untimely demise. This unexpected twist in draft history adds a poignant note to the Celtics’ post-championship narrative.
Success And Tragedy
The 1986 NBA Draft was a turning point, with surprises like Dennis Rodman, Mark Price, Jeff Hornacek and Kevin Duckworth who were picked in the second round. Some of the best players from this class, like the ones mentioned plus Brad Daugherty, Drazen Petriovic and Arvydas Sabonis, left a lasting mark on the game.
The Celtics’ addition of Len Bias after a title season is still a moving story. These stories, more than just numbers and awards, show how unpredictable basketball history is. They weave a tapestry of talent, success, and tragedy into the lasting memory of the 1986 draft class.
