1985 NBA Draft Best Players: The Standout Stars of a Legendary Class
The 1985 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment in the history of the league, as it marked the beginning of the modern draft lottery system and introduced a class of players who would go on to make significant impacts both on and off the court.
This draft produced a mix of Hall of Famers, All-Stars, and key contributors who helped shape the NBA landscape throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. This list highlights the 1985 NBA draft best players from, celebrating their achievements, influence, and lasting legacies in the world of basketball.
#10: Manute Bol (1985-1995)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 7’7″, 200 lbs
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Manute Bol, one of the tallest players in NBA history, was a unique and impactful figure in the league. Drafted 31st overall by the Washington Bullets in 1985, Bol was primarily known for his exceptional shot-blocking ability.
Despite his slender frame, Bol led the NBA in blocks twice (1986, 1989) and finished his career averaging 3.3 blocks per game, which ranks among the highest in league history. His presence in the paint made him a formidable defensive force, altering countless shots and intimidating opponents.
#9: Xavier McDaniel (1985-1998)
Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 205 lbs
Xavier McDaniel, also known as “The X-Man,” was a fierce competitor and a versatile forward known for his scoring, rebounding, and toughness. Drafted 4th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1985, McDaniel made an immediate impact, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors.
In 1988, he was named an NBA All-Star after averaging 21.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. McDaniel was known for his ability to score inside and out, as well as his tenacious defense.
#8: A.C. Green (1985-2001)
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 220 lbs
A.C. Green, known for his durability and work ethic, was one of the most reliable players in NBA history. Drafted 23rd overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985, Green quickly became an integral part of the “Showtime” Lakers.
He won three NBA Championships (1987, 1988, 2000) during his career, two of them with the Lakers in the late ’80s and another with the Lakers in 2000. Green was an All-Star in 1990 and was known for his rebounding, defense, and ability to play his role to perfection.
#7: Detlef Schrempf (1985-2001)
Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’10”, 235 lbs
Detlef Schrempf, a versatile and skilled forward, was one of the most consistent players of his era. Drafted 8th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 1985, Schrempf’s ability to shoot, pass, and rebound made him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.
Schrempf was a three-time NBA All-Star (1993, 1995, 1997) and was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year twice (1991, 1992) while playing for the Indiana Pacers. His best years came with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he helped lead the team to the NBA Finals in 1996.
#6: Terry Porter (1985-2002)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 195 lbs
Terry Porter, one of the most underrated point guards of his time, was a steady leader and clutch performer throughout his career. Drafted 24th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1985, Porter quickly became the floor general for the Blazers.
He was a two-time NBA All-Star (1991, 1993) and played a crucial role in leading Portland to two NBA Finals appearances (1990, 1992). Known for his playmaking, shooting, and defense, Porter averaged 12.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game over his 17-year career.
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#5: Charles Oakley (1985-2004)
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 245 lbs
Charles Oakley, known for his toughness, rebounding, and defensive presence, was one of the most feared enforcers in NBA history. Drafted 9th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers and then traded to the Chicago Bulls in 1985, Oakley quickly made a name for himself as a dominant rebounder and protector of the paint.
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He led the league in total rebounds twice (1987, 1988) and was named an NBA All-Star in 1994 while playing for the New York Knicks. Oakley was also selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 1994 and the Second Team in 1998.
#4: Joe Dumars (1985-1999)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 195 lbs
Joe Dumars was the epitome of consistency and professionalism, known for his exceptional defense, clutch shooting, and leadership. Drafted 18th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 1985, Dumars became a key figure in the Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era, helping lead the team to back-to-back NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990.
He was named the Finals MVP in 1989 for his outstanding performance. Dumars was a six-time NBA All-Star and made the All-NBA Second Team once (1993). He was also a five-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection.
#3: Chris Mullin (1985-2001)
Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 200 lbs
Chris Mullin, one of the best pure shooters in NBA history, was known for his scoring ability, basketball IQ, and versatility. Drafted 7th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 1985, Mullin quickly established himself as a scoring machine, earning five consecutive NBA All-Star selections from 1989 to 1993.
He was named to the All-NBA First Team once (1992) and the All-NBA Second Team twice (1989, 1991). Mullin averaged over 20 points per game for six straight seasons during his prime.
#2: Karl Malone (1985-2004)
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 250 lbs
Karl Malone, also known as “The Mailman,” is one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history. Drafted 13th overall by the Utah Jazz in 1985, Malone became known for his incredible scoring, rebounding, and durability.
Over his career, Malone earned two NBA MVP awards (1997, 1999) and was a 14-time NBA All-Star, with 11 of those selections coming consecutively from 1988 to 1998. He was named to the All-NBA First Team 11 times and the All-Defensive First Team three times.
#1: Patrick Ewing (1985-2002)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 7’0″, 240 lbs
Patrick Ewing, the first overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, was the face of the New York Knicks for nearly two decades and one of the most dominant centers of his era. Known for his scoring, shot-blocking, and leadership, Ewing was an 11-time NBA All-Star and a seven-time All-NBA selection.
He led the Knicks to two NBA Finals appearances in 1994 and 1999 and was consistently one of the top players in the league throughout his career. Ewing also won two Olympic gold medals, first in 1984 and again as a member of the 1992 “Dream Team.”
