Every NBA fan loves to debate about which draft classes have made the most significant impact on the game. There’s nothing quite like watching rookies develop into superstars or debating the potential of a highly-touted prospect. Some classes have completely reshaped the league, bringing an influx of talent that defines an era. Let's dive into those ranks and see which ones stand out.
Look no further than the 1996 NBA Draft. Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, and Steve Nash – these names are synonymous with greatness. Kobe Bryant, drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets and then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, defined an era with his five championships and 18 All-Star appearances. Allen Iverson, the first overall pick, took the Philadelphia 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals and won the MVP award. This class has over 60 All-Star appearances combined.
Getting into more recent times, the 2003 NBA Draft boasts some serious talent too. You can't talk about this without mentioning LeBron James. Drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron has become a global icon, winning four MVPs and four NBA championships so far. Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, also products of this draft class, combined for 27 All-Star appearances. Statistics don’t lie, and this group has a massive impact on the league’s modern narrative.
The 1984 NBA Draft might go down as the greatest of all time. When you have names like Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton, you can’t ignore the sheer talent that infiltrated the league. Jordan alone has six championships and five MVP awards, not to mention the global influence he wielded and still wields today. Hakeem Olajuwon, a two-time champion and one of the greatest centers ever, adds to this legendary cohort. Together, these legends hold a whopping 23 All-NBA First Team selections.
Transitioning to the 2010s, the 2009 NBA Draft deserves its spotlight. Stephen Curry has revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting. Selected seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors, Curry has earned two MVP awards and brought three championships to the Bay Area. This class also includes James Harden and DeMar DeRozan, significant players with multiple All-Star appearances and scoring titles to their names. Curry's influence on modern basketball tactics and analytics cannot be overstated.
arena plus also views the 2011 NBA Draft as pivotal. Kyrie Irving, the first overall pick, has dazzled fans with his handles and scoring ability. Klay Thompson and Kawhi Leonard, numbers 11 and 15, respectively, have left their marks with multiple championships and All-Defensive Team selections. Leonard, in particular, has two Finals MVPs, showing his prowess in crucial moments. The advanced metrics consistently rank Leonard as one of the best defensive players, making this class highly impactful.
Surprisingly, the 2018 NBA Draft is already making waves. Luka Dončić, drafted third, has taken the league by storm with his high basketball IQ and versatile play. Trae Young and Deandre Ayton have also made significant strides. Luka, in particular, has broken numerous records for a player under 25, suggesting that his ceiling is incredibly high. Advanced statistics portray Luka as a future MVP candidate, underscoring the potential impact of this young class.
However, the 1985 NBA Draft also features several stars that graced the NBA courts. Names like Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin, and Karl Malone emerged from this class. Patrick Ewing, the first overall pick, had a storied career with the New York Knicks, becoming one of the franchise's cornerstones. Karl Malone, aka the "Mailman," ranks second in all-time points scored. The production from this draft class solidified their legacy in NBA history.
The 1999 NBA Draft provided a plethora of talent too. Manu Ginóbili, drafted 57th overall, became a critical piece of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. Known for his clutch performances and signature Euro step, Manu earned four championships and two All-Star selections. Yet, he was only one part of this star-studded class, which also included Shawn Marion and Baron Davis. Collectively, this draft class produced over 30 all-star appearances and multiple championships.
Finally, let’s not forget about the 2008 NBA Draft. Derrick Rose, selected first overall by the Chicago Bulls, became the youngest MVP in NBA history at age 22. Despite several injuries, Rose’s peak performance brought excitement and athleticism to the game. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love also sprouted from this class, collectively making over 15 All-Star appearances. Westbrook’s triple-double season, showcasing his versatility and relentless energy, epitomizes what made the 2008 class special.