The Cleveland Cavaliers could use a 7-footer at center as they approach the NBA playoffs. And Brad Daugherty, a former All-Star player, would like to return. But he can't.
Daugherty, 30, has not played since he left a game Feb. 23, 1994, with soreness in his back. He had two herniated discs removed from his back on Nov. 3, 1994, and has heard differing options from doctors on his prognosis.Daugherty has been working out with weights, light jogging and shooting baskets. His weight has dropped from 275 pounds to 260 pounds. But he hasn't played five-on-five basketball since the injury because the stiffness makes it hard to run up and down the court.
"They cut a couple of inches of bone out of my back and I really have some tough times with that stiffness," he said. "My back hurts, but if it was just my back hurting, it wouldn't be a big deal. I could play with that. The biggest problem I've got is that I lost so much mobility because of that area where they cut.
"I could play, but it wouldn't be at this level . . . when it comes to changing ends of the floor, explosiveness, starting and stopping - my body just will not do it. It's so much of a strain that it's almost impossible."
Daugherty is nearing a decision on his future.
"Definitely, within the next month, I'll know for sure whether I'll be able to play or not," Daugherty said.
To resolve the case, Daugherty has spent the past few weeks traveling around the country being checked by some of the top specialists in the field. He has been to the University of Massachusetts, the University of North Carolina, and the Kerlan Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles.
There's a contract component to Daugherty's pending decision. The NBA's new collective bargaining agreement allows a team to waive a player if he has been injured at least two years and two league-approved doctors determine he will never play again.
The agreement also would allow the team to remove the injured player's pay from its salary cap.
Daugherty said he would do whatever was in the best interests of the team.
"I really haven't thought that far ahead," Daugherty said. "I'd like to play if I can. But soon I have to make a decision. I have a deep interest in what happens here. I have a lot of respect for this organization, this franchise, and I want to be fair to them and fair to myself."
Daugherty has averaged 19 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game with the Cavs. He was drafted by the Cavaliers in 1986 as the first pick overall.