The 1987 NBA draft: A legendary class defined by delayed arrivals
In short: While the 1987 NBA draft featured a Hall of Fame roster, some of its greatest stars weren't even on the court yet. From Navy commitments to international stints, this draft night in New York City set the stage for a decade of basketball dominance.
Held on June 22, 1987, at Madison Square Garden's Felt Forum, the draft was a landmark event for the league. It was the tenth year the NBA utilized the 'green room'—a staging area where prospects and families wait for their names to be called. At the time, the NBA's team presidents and general managers voted to invite only the top 16 prospects to this prestigious area. The event took place in New York City. This specific year marked the sixth consecutive time the draft was hosted at the Felt Forum.
The talent pool was immense, featuring future Hall of Famers like Scottie Pippen, Reggie Miller, and David Robinson. However, the draft's impact was uniquely delayed. Robinson, despite being a top selection, could not join the NBA until the 1989–90 season because of his service commitment to the United States Navy. The class also included notable names such as Kevin Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Muggsy Bogues. The roster of talent extended to players like Horace Grant, Reggie Lewis, and Mark Jackson. Even the 68th pick, Billy Donovan, would later achieve fame as the head coach for the Florida Gators.
The 1987 class also highlighted shifting global dynamics in basketball. For the first time, a foreign-born player, Olden Polynice, qualified as a college underclassman while playing for an international team in Italy. This era also saw players like Ricky Brown entering the draft after playing in the Continental Basketball Association. This draft also marked the final time the NBA draft would exceed three rounds, as the format was reduced to three rounds the following year and eventually to two. The draft also featured Šarūnas Marčiulionis and the legendary Kenny Smith. It stood as the final draft to feature more than three rounds of selections.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 1987 NBA draft
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