After landing with the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 1986 NBA Draft out of Syracuse, Rafael Addison played one season before spending the next four years of his career in Italy. He would go on to play with the New Jersey Nets and Detroit Pistons before joining the Charlotte Hornets to finish his career. Addison joined the Hornets ahead of the 1995-96 season and spent two seasons in Charlotte.

In 94 games with the franchise, Addison made three starts, averaging 3.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 0.2 steals. For his career, the six-year NBA veteran averaged 5.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.4 steals. After the 1996-97 season, Addison would play one more season in Europe, this time in Greece.