1994 NBA Draft Best Players: The Standout Stars of an Iconic Class
The 1994 NBA Draft is remembered for its remarkable depth and the emergence of several standout players who made significant impacts in the league. This draft class was characterized by a blend of talent, versatility, and hard work, which helped shape the NBA throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
While it may not have produced a high number of superstars or Hall of Famers, it stood out for the consistent quality and longevity of its players, with very few busts. This list celebrates the 1994 NBA Draft Best Players, highlighting their careers, achievements, and contributions to the game.
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Table of Contents
#10: Charlie Ward (1994-2004)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 lbs
Charlie Ward, a multi-sport athlete known for his exceptional skills in both basketball and football, was selected 26th overall by the New York Knicks in the 1994 NBA Draft. Ward had a solid NBA career, primarily with the Knicks, where he became known for his defensive prowess, playmaking ability, and leadership on the court.
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Over his 11-year NBA career, Ward averaged 6.3 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. He played a crucial role in helping the Knicks reach the NBA Finals in 1999. Despite being a standout quarterback in college, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1993, Ward chose to pursue a career in the NBA, where he left a lasting impact with his steady and reliable play.
#9: Aaron McKie (1994-2007)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 209 lbs
Aaron McKie was known for his versatility, defensive skills, and leadership throughout his NBA career. Drafted 17th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, McKie made his mark primarily with the Philadelphia 76ers.
He was a key contributor during the Sixers’ run to the NBA Finals in 2001 and was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year that same season. Over his 13-year career, McKie averaged 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. His ability to guard multiple positions and provide valuable minutes off the bench made him an integral part of his teams.
#8: Wesley Person (1994-2005)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 200 lbs
Wesley Person, known for his sharpshooting, was selected 23rd overall by the Phoenix Suns. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier three-point shooters. Over his 11-year career, Person played for several teams, including the Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Memphis Grizzlies.
He averaged 11.2 points per game and shot an impressive 41.8% from beyond the arc. Person’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting made him a valuable asset for his teams, and he remains one of the best shooters of his era.
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#7: Jalen Rose (1994-2007)
Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 210 lbs
Jalen Rose, a versatile scorer and playmaker, was selected 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets. Rose is best known for his time with the Indiana Pacers, where he was a key player during their run to the NBA Finals in 2000.
He averaged 14.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game over his 13-year career. Rose’s ability to play multiple positions and contribute in various facets of the game made him a valuable player. After his playing career, Rose transitioned to a successful career in broadcasting.
#6: Brian Grant (1994-2006)
Position: Power Forward / Center
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 254 lbs
Brian Grant, known for his toughness and relentless work ethic, was selected 8th overall by the Sacramento Kings. Grant had a productive NBA career, playing for the Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, and other teams.
He averaged 10.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game over his 12-year career. Grant was known for his defensive skills, rebounding, and ability to guard multiple positions. His tenacity and leadership on and off the court earned him respect throughout the league.
#5: Eddie Jones (1994-2008)
Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 200 lbs
Eddie Jones, a three-time NBA All-Star and one of the premier perimeter defenders of his era, was selected 10th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his defensive prowess, three-point shooting, and ability to score in transition, Jones averaged 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game over his 14-year career.
He played key roles with the Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Miami Heat. Jones’ combination of scoring and defense made him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor, and he was a consistent performer throughout his career.
#4: Juwan Howard (1994-2013)
Position: Power Forward / Center
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 250 lbs
Juwan Howard, a member of the famous “Fab Five” at the University of Michigan, was selected 5th overall by the Washington Bullets (now Wizards). Howard had a long and successful NBA career, highlighted by being named an All-Star in 1996 and winning two NBA championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013.
He averaged 13.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game over his 19-year career. Known for his scoring ability, leadership, and versatility, Howard left a significant mark on every team he played for and continued to contribute to the game even after retiring as a player.
#3: Glenn Robinson (1994-2005)
Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 240 lbs
Glenn Robinson, known as “Big Dog,” was the first overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. Robinson was an immediate impact player, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1995.
Over his 11-year career, he averaged 20.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Robinson was a two-time All-Star and was known for his scoring ability and offensive versatility. He played significant roles with the Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers, and he was a key player in the Bucks’ deep playoff runs in the early 2000s.
#2: Grant Hill (1994-2013)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 225 lbs
Grant Hill, selected 3rd overall by the Detroit Pistons, was one of the most versatile and talented players of his generation. Hill made an immediate impact, sharing the Rookie of the Year award in 1995 with Jason Kidd.
He was named an All-Star seven times and averaged 16.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game over his career.
Hill’s career was marred by injuries, but his exceptional skills, leadership, and resilience made him a beloved figure in the NBA. He later played for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers. Hill was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
#1: Jason Kidd (1994-2013)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 205 lbs
Jason Kidd, selected 2nd overall by the Dallas Mavericks, is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Kidd was a 10-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA First Team selection, and a nine-time All-Defensive Team member.
He led the NBA in assists five times and finished his career with averages of 12.6 points, 8.7 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Kidd won an NBA championship with the Mavericks in 2011 and was known for his exceptional court vision, defense, and leadership. After his playing career, Kidd transitioned into coaching and is currently the head coach of the Mavericks. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
