Throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, Spencer Davies is going to turn back the clock to milestone moments and important dates in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ past with “This Day In Cavs History.” Whether they’ve been good, bad or sad, these events were significant in the franchise’s 53-year existence.
Thirty-two years ago today, Oregon Ducks sensation and Cavs rookie point guard Terrell Brandon made his highly-anticipated NBA debut in front of his hometown. Cleveland started its 1991-92 season on the west coast, visiting the Portland Trail Blazers on a five-game road trip to kick off the campaign.
With Mark Price out of action, Brandon stepped in and stepped up for Cavs head coach Lenny Wilkens, playing 30 minutes in his first career NBA game. He wasn’t bashful, either. Brandon’s first stat line was quite impressive, producing 15 points, six assists, three rebounds and three steals. He only turned the ball over twice.
Cleveland drafted Brandon with the 11th overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft. Even with Price and an already-talented guard room, the Cavs felt extremely good about what Brandon could bring to the table. That was a good gamble.
Once Price was eventually traded to the then-Washington Bullets, Brandon had next.
He made back-to-back All-Star appearances with Cleveland in 1995-96 and 1996-97.
Brandon’s athleticism, smarts, vision and jumper were all among the best in the NBA before he fell victim to injuries. He’s one of the most underappreciated players from that 1990s era that deserves more love for what he accomplished, especially for being only 5-foot-11.
To read about Brandon’s time with the Cavs and his career, check out this Q&A with Joe Gabriele from 2014. There's a lot of great tidbits about being mentored, going through coaching changes and his relationships with old teammates.
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