25 Facts About The NBA Draft Picks

The NBA Draft: A Gateway to Stardom

The NBA Draft is an annual event where teams select eligible players to join the league. It’s a night filled with excitement, dreams, and life-changing moments. Here are some fascinating facts about NBA Draft picks.

1. The first NBA Draft took place in 1947. The Pittsburgh Ironmen selected Clifton McNeely as the first overall pick.

2. The draft initially had 10 rounds. This changed in 1989 when it was reduced to just two rounds.

3. The NBA Draft Lottery was introduced in 1985 to discourage teams from intentionally losing games to get a higher draft pick.

4. Patrick Ewing was the first player selected through the NBA Draft Lottery. The New York Knicks picked him in 1985.

5. The youngest player ever drafted was Andrew Bynum. He was just 17 years old when the Los Angeles Lakers selected him in 2005.

International Influence on the NBA Draft

The NBA Draft isn't just about American players. International talent has increasingly become a significant part of the draft.

6. The first international player drafted was Mychal Thompson from the Bahamas. The Portland Trail Blazers picked him first overall in 1978.

7. Yao Ming, from China, was the first international player without U.S. college experience to be selected first overall. The Houston Rockets picked him in 2002.

8. Dirk Nowitzki, drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998, became one of the most successful international players in NBA history.

9. In 2018, Luka Dončić from Slovenia was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks and then traded to the Dallas Mavericks. He quickly became a star.

10. The 2021 NBA Draft saw a record number of international players selected, with 17 players from 12 different countries.

Notable First Overall Picks

Being the first overall pick comes with high expectations. Some players have lived up to the hype, while others have not.

11. LeBron James was the first overall pick in 2003. He has since become one of the greatest players in NBA history.

12. Shaquille O’Neal, drafted first overall in 1992 by the Orlando Magic, went on to win four NBA championships.

13. Tim Duncan, selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 1997, won five NBA championships and is considered one of the best power forwards ever.

14. Anthony Bennett, drafted first overall in 2013 by the Cleveland Cavaliers, is often considered one of the biggest draft busts in NBA history.

15. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, picked first overall in 1969 by the Milwaukee Bucks, is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

Surprising Late Picks

Not all great players are selected early. Some of the best have been picked much later in the draft.

16. Manu Ginóbili was the 57th overall pick in 1999. He became a key player for the San Antonio Spurs, winning four NBA championships.

17. Draymond Green, selected 35th overall in 2012 by the Golden State Warriors, has been a crucial part of their championship teams.

18. Nikola Jokić, picked 41st overall in 2014 by the Denver Nuggets, won the NBA MVP award in 2021.

19. Dennis Rodman, drafted 27th overall in 1986, became one of the best rebounders and defenders in NBA history.

20. Isaiah Thomas, the 60th and final pick in the 2011 draft, became an All-Star and one of the league’s top scorers.

The Impact of Trades on Draft Night

Draft night trades can change the course of a franchise. Some of the most impactful trades have occurred on draft night.

21. On draft night in 1996, the Charlotte Hornets selected Kobe Bryant 13th overall but traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant went on to win five NBA championships.

22. The Boston Celtics traded the third overall pick in 2017 to the Philadelphia 76ers, who selected Markelle Fultz. The Celtics picked Jayson Tatum, who has become a star.

23. In 2018, the Dallas Mavericks traded for Luka Dončić, who was originally picked by the Atlanta Hawks. Dončić has become one of the league’s brightest stars.

24. The Golden State Warriors traded for Robert Parish and the third overall pick in 1980, which they used to select Kevin McHale. Both players became key parts of the Celtics’ dynasty in the 1980s.

25. The Indiana Pacers traded Kawhi Leonard, the 15th overall pick in 2011, to the San Antonio Spurs. Leonard became a two-time NBA Finals MVP.

The Final Buzzer

The NBA Draft is more than just picking players; it's a mix of dreams, strategy, and surprises. From the first pick to the last, each selection can change a team's future. We've seen legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James start their journeys here. But it's not just about the stars. Many players, even those picked in later rounds, have made huge impacts. The draft also brings stories of hard work, unexpected rises, and sometimes, big disappointments. For fans, it's a time of hope and excitement, wondering who will be the next big thing. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious, the NBA Draft is always full of interesting moments and facts. Keep an eye out; you never know which player will become the next legend.