Let's talk about one of the most iconic drafts in NBA history, the 1984 draft. This draft has produced some exceptional talents that shaped the league and left a legacy that's still talked about today. First off, there's Hakeem Olajuwon, who the Houston Rockets picked as the number one overall pick. Olajuwon's career spanned eighteen years, and he managed to accumulate 26,946 points. This center was the cornerstone for Houston's back-to-back championships in the mid-'90s, earning numerous awards like two NBA Finals MVPs and a regular-season MVP in 1994. Olajuwon was known for his "Dream Shake" move, a testament to his exceptional footwork and offensive prowess in the post.
Next up, Michael Jordan, probably the most famous name in basketball history, was surprisingly picked third by the Chicago Bulls, behind Sam Bowie. Jordan revolutionized the shooting guard position with his unparalleled scoring ability and competitiveness. MJ scored a mind-boggling 32,292 points over his career and won six NBA Championships with the Bulls. His accolades include five MVP awards, ten scoring titles, and two Olympic gold medals. Everyone talks about his "flu game," his 63-point game against the Celtics, and the game-winning shot against the Utah Jazz in the 1998 Finals, further establishing his status as the greatest of all time.
Charles Barkley, selected fifth by the Philadelphia 76ers, might not have won an NBA Championship, but his impact on the game is undeniable. Barkley was an undersized power forward at 6'6'', yet he dominated the boards and finished his career with over 23,757 points and 12,546 rebounds. He was an eleven-time All-Star and won the MVP award in 1993. Barkley's charisma also made him a beloved figure off the court, transitioning successfully into a career as a basketball analyst where he's continued to be a prominent voice.
Another standout from this remarkable draft was John Stockton, picked 16th by the Utah Jazz. Stockton defined the point guard position with his incredible playmaking and leadership on the court. He holds the NBA records for both assists, with 15,806, and steals, with 3,265. Stockton, alongside Karl Malone, led the Jazz to numerous deep playoff runs in the '90s. His longevity in the league was impressive, playing nineteen seasons all with the same team, and earning ten All-Star selections.
Then there's Sam Perkins, picked fourth by the Dallas Mavericks. Perkins' career may not have soared to the heights of some of his draft counterparts, but he was a reliable role player who lasted seventeen seasons in the NBA. He played for multiple teams, including the Lakers, Sonics, and Pacers. Known for his versatile defense and ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, Perkins provided valuable contributions to every team he played for, amassing over 15,324 points in his career.
Lesser-known but important players included Alvin Robertson, picked seventh by the San Antonio Spurs. Robertson was known for his defensive prowess, even winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1986. He led the league in steals three times and accumulated 2,112 career steals, demonstrating his ability to change the game on the defensive end single-handedly. He made four All-Star appearances and left a mark as one of the best defensive guards of his era.
This draft also had some overlooked names who carved out solid NBA careers. Otis Thorpe, picked ninth by the Kansas City Kings, was another player who had a long and fruitful career. Thorpe scored over 17,600 points and grabbed more than 10,350 rebounds. He was an NBA All-Star in 1992 and played a key role in Houston’s first championship in 1994, providing crucial support to Hakeem Olajuwon.
Jerome Kersey, an unheralded second-round pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, became a key component of the Blazers' teams that made deep playoff runs in the late '80s and early '90s. He provided athleticism, defense, and scoring, eventually accumulating over 11,825 points and 6,339 rebounds in his career. Kersey’s hard work and hustle made him a fan favorite and reliable contributor.
Sam Bowie, picked second by the Portland Trail Blazers, frequently comes up in discussions about draft "what-ifs." Bowie’s career was marred by injuries, playing only 511 games over ten seasons. Despite this, when healthy, he provided solid production for the teams he played for. Portland took a risk, and unfortunately, it didn't play out as they had hoped, given the subsequent success of Michael Jordan.
Finally, Kevin Willis, picked eleventh by the Atlanta Hawks, had a career that spanned over two decades and included more than 17,253 points and 11,901 rebounds. Known for his rebounding and physical presence inside, Willis was an All-Star in 1992 and won an NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003. His longevity and consistent performance made him a valuable asset to every team he played for.
Reflecting on these players makes it clear why this draft is often considered one of the best in NBA history. If you want to see the full list of drafted players from that year, check out the1984 nba draft list. Some picks became legends, while others made significant contributions to the game. Their impact and stories continue to be a source of fascination for basketball fans everywhere.