When looking back at basketball history, the 1984 NBA Draft stands out like a beacon. This class wasn't just any ordinary collection of hopefuls; it housed some of the most iconic legends we still talk about today. I mean, how often do you find a draft that boasts names that revolutionized the game even decades later?
First off, the number one overall pick, Hakeem Olajuwon by the Houston Rockets, remains unforgettable. With career stats of 21.8 points per game and 11.1 rebounds per game, Olajuwon wasn't just a player; he was a game-changer. His impact on the Rockets was immediate and massive, epitomizing what a franchise player should be. Let's not forget that he led the team to two NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995. Those seasons not only had him averaging above 27 points per game, but also being a defensive monster with a career average of 3.1 blocks per game.
Michael Jordan, picked third by the Chicago Bulls, is another gem from this draft. Yes, the Bulls picked up a player who would come to be known as "His Airness," and for good reason. With a career average of 30.1 points per game, his scoring prowess remains unrivaled. People often talk about his six NBA Championships and the five MVP awards, but it's also worth noting the cultural impact he had. Jordan's influence wasn't confined to the court. His Chicago Bulls' games became must-watch TV, capturing global attention and significantly boosting viewership and merchandise sales. Jordan wasn’t just a player; he was (and is) a phenomenon that transcends basketball.
Charles Barkley, who went fifth overall to the Philadelphia 76ers, involved a different kind of magic. With an average of 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game during his career, "Sir Charles" was an unstoppable force. Whether it was his MVP season in 1993 or his post-retirement role as a charismatic analyst, Barkley found ways to stay relevant. I remember reading somewhere that his unique blend of skill and personality made him a favorite on and off the court, influencing younger players such as Draymond Green to emulate his playstyle.
Then there's John Stockton, the 16th pick by the Utah Jazz. He's often less talked about but no less critical to the legacy of this draft class. Stockton’s assist average per game is almost unfathomable – 10.5 over 19 seasons. The partnership with Karl Malone turned the Jazz into perennial contenders in the Western Conference. His sharpshooting accuracy, with a career field goal percentage of 51.5%, and his record-breaking total of 15,806 career assists are still untouched records today. This level of dependability and excellence is almost unheard of in modern basketball.
Speaking of Karl Malone, he also came from this draft class, although he went 13th to the Jazz. With a career average of 25 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, "The Mailman" delivered consistently. His longevity was something to behold as well; playing 19 seasons and becoming the second-highest scorer in NBA history with 36,928 points. His impact was palpable, not just in Utah but throughout the league. Malone’s physicality, combined with Stockton’s playmaking, painted a picture of what an elite pick-and-roll could achieve.
Sampson might not have the same level of recognition as Jordan or Olajuwon, but his two All-Star selections and being named the 1984-85 Rookie of the Year underscore the immense talent he brought to the Rockets. Though injuries shortened his career, his contributions helped pave the way for the Rockets’ dominance in the mid-90s.
As spectacular as these top picks were, even the lower picks had their moments. Jerome Kersey, selected 46th by the Portland Trail Blazers, became an indispensable role player in the NBA, contributing to a Blazers team that made multiple deep playoff runs. With Kersey, you see the 1984 draft's depth; even picks far down the list turned out to be valuable assets.
I mean, how crazy is it that this draft class produced four of the top 50 players in NBA history, as recognized during the league’s 50th anniversary in 1996? I think that's a testament to the extraordinary quality of players that year.
For those who want to immerse themselves more deeply in the list and details, you can check out the full 1984 nba draft list. It's always fascinating to think about how events from decades ago continue to shape the current state of the NBA.