1987 NBA Draft Best Players

1987 NBA Draft Best Players: The Top Talent from a Historic Year

The 1987 NBA Draft is remembered as one of the most influential drafts in league history, introducing a wave of talent that would dominate the NBA for years to come. 

This class produced several legendary players who not only excelled individually but also pivotal roles in their teams’ successes, including multiple championships. The impact of the 1987 NBA draft best players is still felt today, as many of these players set the standard for excellence in the NBA. 

This list highlights the 1987 NBA Draft best players, celebrating their achievements and lasting legacies.

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#10: Muggsy Bogues (1987-2001)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 5’3″, 136 lbs

Muggsy Bogues, the shortest player in NBA history, defied the odds throughout his 14-year career. Drafted 12th overall by the Washington Bullets in 1987, Bogues became known for his exceptional speed, ball-handling, and defensive tenacity. 

Despite his height, he was a tenacious defender and playmaker, leading the Charlotte Hornets to several playoff appearances during the 1990s.

Bogues had an impressive assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.69, ranking 12th all-time in NBA history, highlighting his ability to take care of the ball while effectively distributing it.

#9: Derrick McKey (1987-2002)

• Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’10”, 205 lbs

Derrick McKey was known for his versatility and defensive prowess throughout his 15-year NBA career. Drafted 9th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics, McKey became a key contributor for both the SuperSonics and the Indiana Pacers. 

His ability to guard multiple positions and his high basketball IQ made him a valuable player on several playoff teams.

McKey was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team twice and was a key member of the Pacers team that reached the NBA Finals in 2000.

#8: Kenny Smith (1987-1997)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 170 lbs

Kenny Smith, also known as “The Jet,” was a speedy and reliable point guard who played 10 seasons in the NBA. 

Drafted 6th overall by the Sacramento Kings, Smith’s best years came with the Houston Rockets, where he was the starting point guard on back-to-back NBA Championship teams in 1994 and 1995.

Known for his quickness and ability to hit clutch shots, Smith was a key component of the Rockets’ success during the mid-1990s. 

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After retiring, Smith became a prominent basketball analyst, adding to his impact on the game.

#7: Reggie Lewis (1987-1993)

• Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 195 lbs

Reggie Lewis was a rising star in the NBA before his tragic death in 1993. Drafted 22nd overall by the Boston Celtics, Lewis quickly became one of the team’s best players, known for his smooth scoring and defensive abilities. 

He was named an NBA All-Star in 1992 and was expected to be the next leader of the Celtics following the Larry Bird era.

Lewis averaged over 20 points per game in his final two seasons and was beloved by fans for his work ethic and character.

#6: Mark Jackson (1987-2004)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 lbs

Mark Jackson, known for his exceptional playmaking and leadership, had a long and successful NBA career. 

Drafted 18th overall by the New York Knicks, Jackson made an immediate impact, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1988. He finished his career with over 10,000 assists, ranking among the all-time leaders in that category. 

Jackson was an NBA All-Star in 1989 and played for several teams, including the Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Denver Nuggets, often serving as the floor general for playoff teams. After retiring, Jackson became a respected NBA coach and commentator.

#5: Horace Grant (1987-2004)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’10”, 245 lbs

Horace Grant was one of the most reliable and effective power forwards of his era, known for his defense, rebounding, and mid-range shooting. 

Drafted 10th overall by the Chicago Bulls, Grant became a key piece of the Bulls’ first three-peat, winning NBA championships in 1991, 1992, and 1993 alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team four times during his career and was instrumental in providing interior defense and rebounding for the Bulls. Grant later won a fourth championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001, cementing his legacy as one of the best role players of his time.

#4: Kevin Johnson (1987-2000)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 lbs

Kevin Johnson, often known as “KJ,” was one of the most explosive and talented point guards of the late 1980s and 1990s. Drafted 7th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers and then traded to the Phoenix Suns, Johnson quickly became the face of the Suns franchise. 

Known for his speed, ball-handling, and scoring ability, Johnson was a three-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection. He averaged over 20 points and 10 assists per game during his prime and was instrumental in leading the Suns to the NBA Finals in 1993. 

Johnson’s ability to penetrate defenses and create opportunities for his teammates made him one of the most dynamic point guards of his era.

#3: Reggie Miller (1987-2005)

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 185 lbs

Reggie Miller is one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, known for his clutch performances and ability to take over games with his shooting. 

Drafted 11th overall by the Indiana Pacers, Miller spent his entire 18-year career with the Pacers, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. A five-time NBA All-Star, Miller was known for his deep three-point shooting and ability to perform in the clutch, particularly in the playoffs. 

His most famous moment came in 1995 when he scored eight points in nine seconds to lead the Pacers to a stunning victory over the New York Knicks. Miller finished his career with 2,560 three-pointers made, which was an NBA record at the time of his retirement.

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#2: Scottie Pippen (1987-2004)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’8″, 210 lbs

Scottie Pippen is widely regarded as one of the greatest small forwards in NBA history and the perfect complement to Michael Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty of the 1990s. 

Drafted 5th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics and traded to the Chicago Bulls, Pippen became a seven-time NBA All-Star, a ten-time All-Defensive Team member, and a key part of the Bulls’ six NBA championships. 

Known for his versatility, Pippen could score, defend multiple positions, and facilitate the offense. His defensive prowess and ability to guard the opposing team’s best player were crucial to the Bulls’ success.

Pippen was named one of the NBA’s 75 Greatest Players and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

#1: David Robinson (1987-2003)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’1″, 235 lbs

David Robinson, known as “The Admiral,” was one of the most dominant centers of his era and a cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs. Drafted 1st overall in 1987, Robinson had to wait two years to join the NBA due to his military service with the U.S. Navy. 

Once he joined the league, Robinson quickly established himself as a force on both ends of the court, winning NBA Rookie of the Year in 1990. Over his illustrious career, Robinson was a ten-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA champion, an