The NBA Draft has seen its fair share of surprises and steals over the years. Here are some of the biggest draft night surprises and steals in NBA Draft history:
Biggest NBA Draft Night Surprises:
Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan (1984):
In one of the most famous surprises in draft history, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Sam Bowie with the second overall pick, passing on Michael Jordan, who went on to become one of the greatest players of all time.
Darko Milicic over Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade (2003):
The Detroit Pistons shocked many by selecting Darko Milicic with the second overall pick instead of future superstars like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade. Milicic’s career never lived up to expectations, while the players selected after him went on to achieve great success.
Anthony Bennett as the first overall pick (2013):
The Cleveland Cavaliers surprised everyone by selecting Anthony Bennett with the first overall pick. Bennett struggled to make an impact in the NBA and is considered one of the biggest draft busts in recent memory.
Biggest NBA Draft Night Steals:
Kobe Bryant (13th pick, 1996):
The Charlotte Hornets initially drafted Kobe Bryant with the 13th pick but traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant went on to have a legendary career, winning five NBA championships and becoming one of the greatest players of all time.
Dirk Nowitzki (9th pick, 1998):
The Dallas Mavericks acquired the rights to Dirk Nowitzki in a draft-day trade after he was selected with the ninth overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks. Nowitzki became a franchise icon for the Mavericks, winning an NBA championship and establishing himself as one of the greatest power forwards in history.
Manu Ginobili (57th pick, 1999):
The San Antonio Spurs selected Manu Ginobili with the 57th pick in the 1999 draft. Ginobili proved to be a steal, becoming a vital part of the Spurs’ success and winning four NBA championships.
Draymond Green (35th pick, 2012):
Draymond Green was selected with the 35th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in 2012. Green played a significant role in the Warriors’ championship runs, earning multiple All-Star selections and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
These are just a few examples of the surprises and steals in NBA Draft history. The draft always carries the potential for unexpected twists and turns, making it an exciting event for fans and teams alike.