Former Pacers, Cavs Forward Brad Branson Dies at 67

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Brad Branson, a power forward who spent two years in the NBA with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers before playing more than a decade professionally in Europe, died on Tuesday at the age of 67. Branson was selected in the second round of the 1980 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons but did not suit up for them, instead embarking on a professional career that took him to Italy, the CBA, and eventually the NBA for a brief stint.

Why it matters

Branson's career highlights the journeyman path many professional basketball players take, bouncing between leagues and countries to extend their playing days. His time in the NBA was limited, but he found great success playing in Spain's top league for over a decade, becoming a star player and winning a Korac Cup title with Real Madrid.

The details

After his NBA stint, Branson returned to Europe, first playing in Italy with Silverstone Brescia from 1983-86. He then joined Real Madrid of Spain's Liga ACB, where he was a standout player, averaging 22.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in the 1986-87 season. Branson's most enduring period came after a transfer to Pamesa Valencia in 1988, where he became a cornerstone of the club over six seasons before retiring in 1994.

• Branson was selected in the second round of the 1980 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.
• Branson played in the CBA with the Anchorage Northern Knights during the 1981-82 season, earning CBA Newcomer of the Year honors.
• Branson played 10 games and started 3 for the Cleveland Cavaliers at the end of the 1982 season.
• Branson was traded to the Indiana Pacers in October 1982 and played 62 games for them in the 1982-83 season.
• Branson joined Real Madrid of Spain's Liga ACB in 1986 and won the Korac Cup with the team in 1988.