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10 NBA All-Time Best Draft Pick 

Keith Allison and Sgt. Joseph A. Lee/Wikipedia Commons

Every NBA team dreams of drafting the next superstar, but only a few picks define a franchise. Over the years, some draft choices have stood out, and they’ve shaped the teams’ futures. We’ve gathered some of the best picks with insights from HoopsHype site rankings.

Nikola Jokić (Denver, 2014) 

All-Pro Reels/Wikimedia Commons

Drafted 41st overall in 2014, Nikola Jokić has become one of the NBA’s most versatile big men. In November 2017, Jokić dropped a career-high 41 points against the Brooklyn Nets, later earning Western Conference Player of the Week honors, and became the first Nugget to do so since 2013. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee, 2013)

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Selected 15th in 2013, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rise from a raw prospect to a two-time MVP is nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, he continues to lead Milwaukee, averaging 30.4 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. Giannis’ defensive presence is undeniable, with multiple All-Defensive selections under his belt. 

Kobe Bryant (LA Lakers via Charlotte, 1996)  

Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons

Although initially drafted by Charlotte, Kobe Bryant became the face of the LA Lakers after a draft-day trade. Across his 20-year career, Bryant won 5 championships and became the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer with over 33,600 points. His 81-point game in 2006 remains one of his greatest scoring performances.

Manu Ginóbili (San Antonio, 1999)

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Drafted 57th overall, Manu Ginóbili is considered one of the greatest shooting guards in the NBA, according to Wikipedia. Known for his flair and creativity, Ginóbili won four NBA championships with the Spurs and earned two All-Star selections in 2005 and 2011. 

Dennis Rodman (Detroit, 1986)

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Nicknamed “the worm,” Dennis Rodman was drafted 27th by Detroit in 1986 and became one of the NBA’s most tenacious defenders and rebounders. Rodman topped the league in rebounds for seven back-to-back seasons and won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year two times.

Steve Nash (Phoenix, 1996)

Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons

Although Steve Nash was drafted 15th overall, his impact on the Phoenix Suns was transformative. Nash won two MVP awards in 2005 and 2006 and made the All-NBA First Team three times. He ranks among the NBA’s top all-time assist leaders with 10,335 assists.

Bill Laimbeer (Cleveland, 1979)

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Though drafted by Cleveland, Bill Laimbeer made his mark with the Detroit Pistons after being traded. Laimbeer was a key part of the “Bad Boys” Pistons, who won two championships. He led the NBA in rebounds in 1985-86 and was a four-time NBA All-Star player. 

Jimmy Butler (Chicago, 2011)

Erik Drost/Wikimedia Commons

Drafted 30th overall by the Chicago Bulls, Jimmy Butler developed into a premier two-way player. By 2015, he earned his first All-Star selection and won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. Butler’s work ethic and ability to score and defend made him Chicago’s franchise player until his move in 2017. 

Clyde Drexler (Portland, 1983)

University of Houston/Wikimedia Commons

Clyde Drexler was Selected 14th by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1983 draft. A 10-time All-Star, he led the Blazers’ all-time scoring charts with 18,040 points, a franchise record that stood until 2022. Drexler also led Portland to two NBA Finals appearances. 

Karl Malone (Utah, 1985)

RVR Photos/Imagn

Selected 13th overall, Karl Malone is synonymous with consistency and scoring efficiency. The “Mailman” secured 36,928 points in his career, the second-highest in NBA history at that time. Malone was a 14-time All-Star and led the Utah Jazz to two NBA Finals appearances.

Written by Adrian Berlutti

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