This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Player Pick Year Team
1. Kobe Bryant 13 1996 Charlotte (to Lakers)
Why: Todd Fuller went 11th, Vitaly Potapenko went 12th
2. Dirk Nowitzki 9 1998 Milwaukee (to Dallas)
Why: This pick started the Mavs in the right direction
3. Kevin Garnett 5 1995 Minnesota
Why: Began the influx of high-schoolers into the draft
4. Scottie Pippen 5 1987 Seattle (to Chicago)
Why: Bulls got him for Polynice and a pick - really!
5. Chris Mullin 7 1985 Golden State
Why: Too small? Too slow? Tell it to the Dream Team
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6. LeBron James 1 2003 Cleveland
Why: Already has turned around a franchise
7. Brad Daugherty 1 1986 Cleveland
Why: Got ability, character in infamous drug draft
8. Shaquille O'Neal 1 1992 Orlando
Why: A no-brainer in a horribly weak draft, but still . . .
9. Mitch Richmond 5 1988 Golden State
Why: The Warriors stole the best player in this draft
10. Dwyane Wade 5 2003 Miami
Why: He might be more Jordan-esque than Kobe