1991 NBA Draft Best Players: The Top Talents from a Memorable Year
The 1991 NBA Draft class is often remembered for its depth and the emergence of several players who would go on to have significant careers in the league. This draft class featured a mix of versatile scorers, dominant big men, and skilled playmakers who made their marks on the game.
Many players from this class not only enjoyed long and productive NBA careers but also earned All-Star selections, championships, and other accolades. This list highlights 1991 NBA draft best players celebrating their achievements, contributions to the sport, and lasting legacies in basketball history.
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Table of Contents
#10: Billy Owens (1991-2001)
- Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’8″, 220 lbs
Billy Owens was selected 3rd overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. Known for his versatility and all-around game, Owens could play multiple positions effectively. During his rookie season, he averaged 14.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors.
Owens had a solid NBA career, playing for several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Seattle Supersonics. Over his 10-year career, he averaged 11.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, making him a reliable and valuable player on both ends of the court.
#9: Rick Fox (1991-2004)
- Position: Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’7″, 230 lbs
Rick Fox was selected 24th overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. Known for his defensive prowess and three-point shooting, Fox became a valuable role player throughout his career. He averaged 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game over his 13-year career.
Fox is best remembered for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a key role in helping the team win three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. His versatility, basketball IQ, and leadership made him an essential part of those championship teams.
#8: Chris Gatling (1991-2002)
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- Height/Weight: 6’10”, 230 lbs
Chris Gatling was selected 16th overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. Known for his scoring ability and energy off the bench, Gatling quickly established himself as a reliable player. He earned an NBA All-Star selection in 1997 while playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
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Over his 11-year career, Gatling played for several teams, including the Warriors, Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, and Miami Heat. He averaged 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, providing consistent production and hustle for each team he played for.
#7: Dale Davis (1991-2007)
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- Height/Weight: 6’11”, 252 lbs
Dale Davis was selected 13th overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers. Known for his rebounding, shot-blocking, and defensive presence, Davis was a cornerstone of the Pacers’ frontcourt for nearly a decade, playing alongside Antonio Davis as part of the “Davis Boys” duo.
He earned an NBA All-Star selection in 2000 and helped lead the Pacers to the NBA Finals that same year.
Over his 16-year career, Davis also played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, and Detroit Pistons. He averaged 8.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, making him one of the most dependable big men of his era.
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#6: Stacey Augmon (1991-2006)
- Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’8″, 213 lbs
Stacey Augmon, nicknamed “Plastic Man” for his incredible athleticism and defensive versatility, was selected 9th overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. Augmon made an immediate impact with his defensive prowess and ability to guard multiple positions.
Over his 15-year career, Augmon played for the Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Orlando Magic. He averaged 8.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. Augmon’s defensive skills and tenacity earned him a reputation as one of the best perimeter defenders of his time.
#5: Kenny Anderson (1991-2005)
- Position: Point Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 168 lbs
Kenny Anderson was selected 2nd overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets. Known for his exceptional ball-handling, court vision, and scoring ability, Anderson quickly became one of the most exciting point guards in the league.
Anderson was an NBA All-Star in 1994 and finished his career with averages of 12.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Over his 14-year NBA career, he played for several teams, including the Nets, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Boston Celtics. His quickness and playmaking skills made him a standout player during his prime.
#4: Terrell Brandon (1991-2002)
- Position: Point Guard
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 180 lbs
Terrell Brandon was selected 11th overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Known for his scoring, playmaking, and defensive tenacity, Brandon became one of the top point guards of the 1990s. He was a two-time NBA All-Star (1996, 1997) with the Cavaliers and was named the NBA Sportsmanship Award winner in 1997.
Over his 11-year career, Brandon averaged 13.8 points, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His ability to control the game and make clutch plays made him a valuable player for the Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
#3: Steve Smith (1991-2005)
- Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’8″, 200 lbs
Steve Smith was selected 5th overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. Known for his scoring, versatility, and leadership, Smith had a long and successful NBA career. He was an NBA All-Star in 1998 and won an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003.
Over his 14-year career, Smith averaged 14.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He played for several teams, including the Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Spurs. Smith’s smooth shooting and ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable asset throughout his career.
#2: Larry Johnson (1991-2001)
- Position: Power Forward / Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’6″, 250 lbs
Larry Johnson, also known as “Grandmama,” was selected 1st overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. Known for his strength, athleticism, and scoring ability, Johnson made an immediate impact in the NBA.
He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1992 and was a two-time NBA All-Star (1993, 1995). Over his 10-year career, Johnson averaged 16.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
He played for the Hornets and the New York Knicks, helping the Knicks reach the NBA Finals in 1999. Johnson’s combination of power and skill made him one of the most dominant forwards of his era.
#1: Dikembe Mutombo (1991-2009)
- Position: Center
- Height/Weight: 7’2″, 260 lbs
Dikembe Mutombo was selected 4th overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. Known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and defensive presence, Mutombo became one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history.
He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Mutombo led the league in blocks for three consecutive seasons. Over his 18-year career, Mutombo averaged 9.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game.
He played for several teams, including the Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Houston Rockets. Mutombo’s iconic finger-wag after blocked shots became his signature. His contributions to the game, both on and off the court, have left a lasting legacy.
