Overview

Bradley Lee Daugherty, nicknamed “Big Dukie” and “Hooch”, is an American former professional basketball player and NASCAR analyst. Born on October 19, 1965, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, he played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels and professionally with the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. Daugherty was a five-time NBA All-Star. His NBA career was cut short at the age of 28 due to recurring back troubles. After retiring from basketball, Daugherty transitioned to NASCAR, where he became an analyst for ESPN and a co-owner of JTG Daugherty Racing. He has also invested in car dealerships, commercial real estate, and waste management. Daugherty’s versatility has allowed him to excel in both athletics and business, amassing a considerable net worth. He is also an analyst for NASCAR on NBC. Daugherty is a co-owner of NASCAR Cup Series team Hyak Motorsports.

JTG Daugherty Racing

Co-owner

What Is Brad Daugherty’s Net Worth?

Brad Daugherty, a multifaceted American personality, boasts a net worth estimated at $20 million. This substantial wealth is the result of a successful career as a professional basketball player, shrewd investments in business ventures like car dealerships, commercial real estate, and waste management, and his ongoing work as a NASCAR and college basketball analyst for major networks such as ESPN and NBC.

Early Life and Basketball Career

Bradley Lee Daugherty was born on October 19, 1965, in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Daugherty’s basketball journey began at Charles D. Owen High School, where he led his team to the state finals in 1982. His exceptional talent earned him a scholarship to the University of North Carolina at the young age of 16. During his time as a Tar Heel, he distinguished himself as a two-time All-ACC first-team selection and a first-team All-American. In his senior year, he averaged over 20 points per game, showcasing his offensive prowess. In 2002, Daugherty was named to the ACC 50th Anniversary men’s basketball team, cementing his legacy in collegiate basketball. He was also inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, further recognizing his contributions to the sport in the state.

Daugherty’s professional career began when he was selected as the #1 overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Teaming up with players like Ron Harper and Mark Price, Daugherty became a cornerstone of the Cavaliers franchise. As a rookie, he earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, averaging 15.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. In 1992, he was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and he was a five-time NBA All-Star (1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993). Unfortunately, recurring back issues forced Daugherty to retire prematurely in 1994 at the age of 28. By the time of his retirement, Daugherty had accumulated over 10,000 points and 5,000 rebounds. The Cleveland Cavaliers retired his #43 jersey on March 1, 1997, as a testament to his impact on the team and the city. Daugherty’s NBA career earnings totaled $18,529,000.

Post-Basketball Ventures and Earnings

Following his retirement from professional basketball, Brad Daugherty transitioned into the world of business and sports analysis. He has successfully invested in various sectors, including car dealerships, commercial real estate, and waste management. While specific financial details of these ventures aren’t publicly available, they contribute significantly to his overall net worth.

Daugherty’s involvement in motorsports is particularly noteworthy. He co-owned Liberty Racing, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team, which achieved two race victories in 1997. He also became a co-owner of JTG Daugherty Racing, which competed in the NASCAR Cup Series. In November 2024, JTG Daugherty Racing rebranded as Hyak Motorsports. Daugherty remains a co-owner alongside Gordon Smith, Mark Hughes, and Ernie Cope. Gordon Smith became the principal owner of Hyak Motorsports at the end of the 2023 season. In 2023, his team, JTG Daugherty Racing, won the Daytona 500 with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. driving, making Daugherty the first Black principal owner to win this prestigious race. The financial details of his ownership stake and the team’s earnings are not publicly disclosed.

In addition to his business ventures, Daugherty has established himself as a prominent sports analyst. He has worked for ESPN and NBC as a NASCAR and college basketball analyst. While his exact earnings from these broadcasting roles are not public, analysts at major networks can earn substantial incomes, likely contributing significantly to Daugherty’s annual income. Brad Daugherty also appeared as a guest analyst on FOX Sports Ohio’s Cavs broadcasts during the 2019-20 season as part of the Cavaliers’ 50th season celebration.

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