Best NBA Draft Picks Ever: Arena Plus’ Top Selections

Ever heard about that 1996 draft class? Think about it, Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Ray Allen all entered the NBA in the same year. Allen Iverson, the 6-foot guard from Georgetown, who won Rookie of the Year and scored over 24,368 career points, completely revolutionized the game with his electrifying play and streetball flair. In contrast, Kobe Bryant, drafted right out of high school by the Charlotte Hornets and immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, tallied five NBA championships and scored 81 points in one game, the second-highest in NBA history.

Another significant draft pick has to be Michael Jordan. He famously went 3rd overall to the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 draft. Imagine a draft where Hakeem Olajuwon goes first, and Sam Bowie, a player with a career plagued by injuries, goes second. While Olajuwon certainly had a Hall of Fame career, it’s Jordan who is often considered the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). His Airness amassed six championships, five MVP awards, and ten scoring titles.

We can’t forget about Tim Duncan, the first overall pick in 1997, who spent his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan led the Spurs to five NBA titles and earned two MVP awards. Under his leadership, the Spurs maintained a culture of winning and consistency that became a cornerstone of the organization. Notice the pattern here? These players don’t just put up individual numbers; they transform franchises.

Then you have the likes of LeBron James. Drafted first overall in 2003, LeBron’s sheer physical presence and basketball IQ redefined what a forward could do. Debuting in the NBA at 18, he’s not only surpassed the 35,000-point mark but has also led three different franchises to NBA championships. Does any other player scream “generational talent” more than LeBron? Plus, his off-court impact, including his school in Akron, Ohio, adds another layer to his legacy.

Looking back, even Magic Johnson, the first pick in the 1979 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, changed how the point guard position is played. Standing at 6-foot-9, Magic’s size and versatility allowed him to play all five positions and lead the Lakers to five NBA titles during the ’80s. His rivalry with Larry Bird, drafted 6th overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978, not only defined an era but revitalized the NBA itself. Imagine the NBA without Magic and Bird—impossible, right?

How about Dirk Nowitzki, the 9th pick in 1998? This 7-footer from Germany brought a new dimension to the game with his shooting ability. He led the Dallas Mavericks to their first and only NBA championship in 2011, forever changing how we view “big men” in basketball. Dirk ended his career as the highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history. His one-legged fadeaway? Absolutely iconic.

Kevin Durant, selected 2nd overall in 2007 by the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder), is another can’t-miss name. KD’s scoring prowess, with four scoring titles to his name, is simply phenomenal. At 6-foot-10 with guard-like skills, Durant handles, shoots, and scores with an efficiency that’s almost robotic. It’s no wonder he led the Golden State Warriors to back-to-back championships and won two Finals MVPs during that stint.

Even recent drafts have produced gems. Take Luka Dončić, picked 3rd overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks and traded to the Dallas Mavericks. At just 22 years old, he’s already racked up All-Star selections and triple-doubles at an alarming rate. His court vision and scoring ability have people comparing him to legends while he’s still writing his own story.

Last but surely not least, the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo, drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, has become a back-to-back MVP winner and led the Bucks to their first NBA Championship in 50 years. His journey from selling items on the streets of Athens to becoming one of the most dominant players in the NBA showcases how unpredictable and exciting the draft can be.

The best draft picks often do more than just pile up stats; they change the narratives for their teams and sometimes, the league itself. Curious to dive deeper into how these legendary players have shaped the game? Click here to visit arena plus and get the full scoop.

I could go on forever, but consider this: the draft is always a gamble. For every Jordan, there’s a Kwame Brown. But when franchises hit the jackpot, the returns are immeasurable.

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