The 1987 NBA Draft: Where Are They Now and How It Shaped the League

Looking back at the 1987 NBA Draft, I can’t help but feel it’s one of those pivotal moments that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. I mean, sure, everyone talks about the '84 draft with Jordan and Olajuwon, but 1987 quietly shaped the league in ways we’re still seeing today. If you’re trying to understand how drafts build dynasties or just curious about where those players ended up, stick with me—I’ll walk you through how to explore this draft’s legacy step by step, almost like a guide to uncovering hidden basketball history.

First off, let’s set the stage: the draft took place on June 22, 1987, in New York City, and it was packed with future Hall of Famers and role players who’d leave their mark. To really get into it, start by listing the top picks—guys like David Robinson, who went first to the San Antonio Spurs, even though he didn’t join until 1989 due to Navy service. Then there’s Reggie Miller at 11th, picked by the Indiana Pacers, and Scottie Pippen, snatched up fifth by the Seattle SuperSonics but traded to the Chicago Bulls. I always find it fascinating to track how these moves played out; for instance, Pippen became Jordan’s wingman and a defensive beast, while Miller turned into a clutch shooter who haunted the Knicks for years. When digging into this, use online databases like Basketball Reference—they’re gold for stats and draft details. But here’s a tip: don’t just skim the surface. Look at their career averages; Robinson, for example, averaged 21.1 points and 10.6 rebounds per game over his career, numbers that scream dominance. As you do this, you’ll notice how the draft wasn’t just about star power—it infused teams with depth that fueled rivalries and championships.

Now, moving on to the “where are they now” part, this is where it gets personal for me. I’ve followed some of these guys post-retirement, and it’s a mixed bag. Robinson, for instance, transitioned into philanthropy and business, co-founding the Carver Academy in San Antonio—talk about using fame for good! On the flip side, Kenny Smith, the 6th pick, is now a TV analyst on TNT, and I love his insights; he brings that player perspective to broadcasts that makes games more relatable. But not all stories are rosy. Take Reggie Lewis, picked 22nd by the Boston Celtics, whose tragic death in 1993 cut short a promising career—it’s a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be. To explore this, I’d suggest watching documentaries or reading interviews; YouTube has clips of old games and recent updates. One method I use is connecting their playing styles to today’s league. For example, Miller’s three-point shooting foreshadowed the modern emphasis on threes—teams now average over 30 attempts per game, a huge jump from back then. When doing this, though, be careful not to romanticize the past; acknowledge the flaws, like how some players struggled with injuries or off-court issues. From my view, the 1987 draft’s real impact lies in its diversity of outcomes—it taught me that success isn’t just about stats but longevity and adaptation.

As we wrap this up, reflecting on “The 1987 NBA Draft: Where Are They Now and How It Shaped the League” brings me to that quote from the knowledge base: “If they’re looking for a good salary, maganda talaga dito. Kaya lang siyempre, marami pa kaming hindi nano-notice kaya titingin-tiningin lang, pero siyempre, maganda siyang choice sa first pick.” Roughly, it highlights how drafts offer financial opportunities but also involve overlooked gems—just like in ’87, where late picks like Mark Jackson (18th) became key players. Personally, I think this draft was a masterclass in scouting and luck; it shaped the NBA by balancing star power with unsung heroes, and today’s league echoes that with its focus on deep rosters. If you take anything from this, let it be that revisiting old drafts isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a way to appreciate basketball’s evolving story.