The 1984 NBA Draft is often celebrated as one of the greatest in league history, alongside the 1996 NBA Draft, thanks to the exceptional talent it brought into the league.
The 1990s were a golden era for the NBA, filled with championships, All-Star appearances, and numerous accolades.
Four decades ago, the NBA saw one of its most consequential drafts. In 1984, the draft extended to ten rounds, with 228 players selected by the league’s 24 teams. This draft class included legends such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, John Stockton, Alvin Robertson, Kevin Willis, Otis Thorpe, Oscar Schmidt, and the iconic Michael Jordan, who would go on to win six NBA championships.
Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon together amassed eight consecutive NBA titles: the Houston Rockets secured back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, while the Chicago Bulls achieved a three-peat from 1991 to 1993.
John Stockton spent all 19 seasons of his NBA career with the Utah Jazz, making the playoffs every year and playing all 82 games in sixteen of those seasons. Alongside Karl Malone, Stockton was instrumental in establishing the Jazz as a perennial contender.
Alvin Robertson, a San Antonio Spur and one of only four players to record a quadruple-double, earned four All-Star selections, Defensive Player of the Year honors, and the title of Most Improved Player. Robertson was also a three-time steals leader and won an Olympic gold medal in 1984.
Kevin Willis, an All-Star and key player for the Spurs, clinched an NBA Championship at age 40. A durable and impactful big man, Willis was an NBA All-Star in 1992 and won the title with San Antonio in 2003.
Otis Thorpe, a solid power forward who won a championship with Olajuwon, was an NBA All-Star in 1992. Known for his strong interior presence, Thorpe contributed to the Houston Rockets’ 1994 championship.
Oscar Schmidt, renowned internationally for his scoring prowess, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame for his prolific performance in global competitions.
One notable disappointment from the 1984 draft was Sam Bowie, whose selection before Michael Jordan remains a topic of debate.
The 1984 NBA Draft produced several Hall of Famers, including:
Hakeem Olajuwon: Selected first overall by the Houston Rockets, Olajuwon is a two-time NBA champion and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.
Michael Jordan: Chosen third overall by the Chicago Bulls, Jordan is often considered the greatest player in NBA history and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
Charles Barkley: Drafted fifth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, Barkley is an 11-time All-Star and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
John Stockton: Selected 16th overall by the Utah Jazz, Stockton is renowned for his career as a point guard and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
These players made a lasting impact on the NBA and are celebrated for their extraordinary contributions to the game.
