Revisiting the 1984 NBA Draft: A Timeless Masterpiece of Basketball History

The 1984 NBA Draft is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal moments in the history of professional basketball. It was a day when the league's future superstars, coaching legends, and dynasties were born. This article will delve into the story of the 1984 NBA Draft, exploring the factors that made it so significant and its lasting impact on the sport.

The 1984 NBA Draft was the 40th edition of the NBA's annual player selection event, held on June 19, 1984, at the Chicago Theater in Chicago, Illinois. The event was attended by the 24 teams that made up the league at the time, with each team having a predetermined pick order based on their win-loss record from the previous season. The draft was a high-stakes affair, with the teams competing to secure the top talent available in the league.

The Candidates

The 1984 NBA Draft featured a talented class of players, including some of the most iconic figures in basketball history. Some of the top prospects included:

• Hakeem Olajuwon, the dominant center from the University of Houston
• Sam Bowie, the athletic big man from Kentucky
• Melvin Turpin, the dominant power forward from Maryland
• Dominique Wilkins, the explosive shooting guard from Georgia Tech
• Pervis Ellison, the versatile big man from Louisville

Each of these players brought unique skills and attributes to the table, and their draft status was a subject of intense debate among basketball fans and pundits.

The Draft Process

The 1984 NBA Draft was a three-round affair, with each team having 30 picks to allocate among the candidates. The teams had a limited amount of time to make their selections, with the draft clock starting at 1 PM CT and the draft concluding at 4 PM CT.

The teams had the opportunity to trade picks with each other, but these trades were relatively rare in 1984. Most teams opted to keep their original pick, with some making bold moves to address specific needs.

The draft was a relatively low-scoring affair, with only 11 players selected in the first 10 picks. The top 5 picks were:

1. Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets
2. Sam Bowie, Portland Trail Blazers
3. Melvin Turpin, Washington Bullets
4. Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta Hawks
5. Pervis Ellison, Sacramento Kings

These five players would go on to have long and illustrious careers, each leaving their mark on the game.

The Impact

The 1984 NBA Draft had a lasting impact on the league, shaping the trajectory of teams and players for years to come. Some of the key outcomes include:

• The rise of the Rockets and the ABA: The Rockets, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, would go on to win back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995, marking the beginning of a dynasty in the league.
• The emergence of the Trail Blazers: The Trail Blazers, led by Sam Bowie, would become a consistent playoff contender in the 1980s and 1990s, building a strong foundation for the future.
• The growth of the Hawks and Kings: The Hawks and Kings, led by Dominique Wilkins and Pervis Ellison, respectively, would experience a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s, establishing themselves as mid-tier playoff contenders.

The 1984 NBA Draft was a defining moment in basketball history, setting the stage for a new era of greatness in the league.

The Controversy

The 1984 NBA Draft was also marred by controversy, particularly surrounding the selection of Sam Bowie over Hakeem Olajuwon. Many felt that Bowie's selection was a mistake, as Olajuwon went on to have a Hall of Fame career.

The debate surrounding the Bowie-Olajuwon draft "screw" would become a recurring theme in NBA lore, with many arguing that the outcome of the draft had a lasting impact on the league.

The Legacy

The 1984 NBA Draft may be a relic of the past, but its impact on basketball history remains undeniable. The players selected that year would go on to become legends of the game, shaping the trajectory of the league for generations to come.

As we look back on the 1984 NBA Draft, it's clear that it was a moment that would change the course of basketball history. The events of that day would have far-reaching consequences, shaping the future of the league and cementing its place as one of the greatest drafts in sports history.

NBA Draft Stats and Records

Notable Players Selected in 1984

• Hakeem Olajuwon
• Sam Bowie
• Melvin Turpin
• Dominique Wilkins
• Pervis Ellison
• Kenny Smith
• Ed Pinckney
• Roy Tarpley

Other Draft Picks

• Terry Porter, Portland