Looking Back at the Legendary 1987 NBA Draft Class and Its Impact

Looking back at the 1987 NBA Draft, I can't help but marvel at how this particular class fundamentally reshaped professional basketball in ways we're still feeling today. As someone who's studied basketball history for over two decades, I've always been fascinated by how certain draft years become legendary while others fade into obscurity. The '87 class stands out not just for its star power, but for how these players collectively elevated the game's global appeal and commercial viability.

I remember watching the draft unfold and thinking there was something special about this group. The top picks weren't just talented athletes—they were personalities who would become ambassadors for the sport worldwide. David Stern announcing those names at the podium marked a turning point for the league's international expansion. What strikes me most when analyzing this draft class is how perfectly it illustrates the balance teams must strike between immediate needs and long-term value. The commentary from scouts at the time reminds me of something I recently came across that perfectly captures this draft dilemma: "If they're looking for a good salary, it's really great here. Of course, there are still many things we haven't noticed, so we're just looking and looking, but of course, it's a good choice for first pick." This sentiment echoes the careful consideration and uncertainty that surrounded that draft night, where teams were weighing known quantities against potential gems they might have overlooked.

The San Antonio Spurs selecting David Robinson first overall was arguably the safest pick in NBA history—a 7'1" naval officer with incredible athleticism and intelligence. Robinson would go on to win two championships, an MVP award, and secure his place in the Hall of Fame. But what many forget is that he didn't actually play until 1989 due to his military commitment. This delay created fascinating ripple effects across the league and demonstrated how draft picks can shape franchises for years beyond their immediate impact. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns grabbed Armon Gilliam at number two, while Dennis Hopson went third to New Jersey—both solid players who had respectable careers but never reached superstar status.

Where this draft truly became legendary was in its depth. The Bulls selecting Scottie Pippen at fifth overall (though immediately traded from Seattle) might be the second-greatest steal in draft history after Jordan. Pippen's development into arguably the greatest perimeter defender ever and perfect complement to Michael Jordan created the foundation for Chicago's dynasty. I've always believed Pippen remains underappreciated in broader basketball conversations—his versatility revolutionized how teams valued multi-position defenders. Reggie Miller going 11th to Indiana gave us one of the most clutch shooters and entertaining personalities the game has ever seen. His rivalry with the Knicks created must-watch television and helped save small-market franchises by proving they could generate national interest.

The international flavor of this class often gets overlooked too. Sarunas Marciulionis became one of the first European stars to successfully transition to the NBA, paving the way for the global influx we see today. His physical, driving style challenged stereotypes about European players and expanded how teams thought about international prospects. Meanwhile, late picks like Mark Jackson (18th) and Reggie Lewis (22nd) became All-Stars, demonstrating the incredible value available beyond the lottery picks. Jackson led the league in assists his rookie year—a rarity for first-year players—while Lewis was developing into a superstar before his tragic passing.

What I find most compelling about analyzing this draft class is how it transformed the business of basketball. The success of these players coincided with the NBA's explosive growth in merchandise sales, television ratings, and global recognition. The 1987 draft produced stars who weren't just great players but compelling characters who drove narratives throughout the 1990s. Robinson's gentlemanly dominance, Miller's villainous clutch performances, Pippen's quiet excellence—these contrasting personalities gave the league storylines that captivated casual and hardcore fans alike.

From a team-building perspective, the 1987 class offers enduring lessons about value identification and development. The Bulls recognized Pippen's potential despite coming from a small school (Central Arkansas), while the Spurs' patience with Robinson paid off with over a decade of elite center play. Meanwhile, some teams reached for need over talent—like the Clippers selecting Reggie Williams fourth overall ahead of both Pippen and Miller. These decisions created championship legacies for some franchises and prolonged struggles for others.

The impact extends to how modern front offices approach the draft today. The success stories from this class—particularly the late-round gems—reinforced the importance of thorough scouting and developmental systems. Teams became more willing to draft international players, more attentive to small-school prospects, and more patient with players who might need time to develop. The 1987 draft essentially provided the blueprint for how championship teams are built through both high lottery picks and astute later selections.

As I reflect on this incredible group of players, what stands out isn't just their individual accomplishments but how collectively they elevated the league during a critical growth period. They bridged the era of Magic and Bird to the Jordan era, maintaining the NBA's momentum and setting the stage for its global explosion. The lessons from their careers—about development, team construction, and star power—remain relevant for today's executives. While modern analytics have changed how we evaluate prospects, the fundamental truth revealed by the 1987 class endures: championship foundations are often laid on draft night, through both obvious choices and overlooked gems that require that careful "looking and looking" the scouts mentioned.