Reliving the 1987 NBA Draft: Top Picks and Untold Stories Revealed

I still remember the first time I saw David Robinson play—the fluidity of his movements, that incredible wingspan, and the way he commanded the court even during his college days. When the 1987 NBA Draft rolled around, there was this electric anticipation in the air, a sense that basketball history was about to be made. As someone who’s spent years studying draft dynamics and player development, I’ve always been fascinated by how certain drafts shape the league for decades, and 1987 was no exception. The Spurs, holding the first overall pick, faced what many called a "no-brainer" decision, but behind the scenes, the story was far more layered.

There’s a quote that’s stuck with me over the years, one that captures the essence of that draft’s intrigue: "If they're looking for a good salary, it's really great here. Of course, there are still many things we haven’t noticed, so we keep looking and looking, but of course, it's a great choice for the first pick." At first glance, it might sound like generic scouting chatter, but to me, it reflects the delicate balance teams navigate between obvious talent and hidden risks. David Robinson was that "great choice"—a 7'1" center from the Naval Academy with athleticism that defied his size. The Spurs knew they were getting a franchise cornerstone, but what many don’t realize is how close they came to overthinking it. I’ve spoken to scouts who admitted that Robinson’s military commitment caused some sleepless nights; they worried about delayed impact, but his potential was too immense to pass up. And boy, did it pay off—Robinson went on to win two championships, an MVP award, and solidified the Spurs’ identity for years.

But let’s not forget the other top picks that made this draft so memorable. At number two, the Phoenix Suns snagged Armon Gilliam, a powerful forward from UNLV who averaged 23.2 points per game in his senior year. Gilliam was a beast in the paint, and I’ve always felt he was underrated in discussions of 80s power forwards—his consistency was remarkable, even if he never quite reached superstar status. Then there was Dennis Hopson at number three to the New Jersey Nets, a scoring machine out of Ohio State. I’ll be honest, I thought Hopson would be a bigger star; he had this smooth jumper and could create his own shot, but fitting into the Nets’ system proved challenging. It’s a reminder that draft success isn’t just about talent—it’s about fit, coaching, and a bit of luck.

What really gets me about the 1987 draft, though, are the untold stories that unfolded behind the headlines. Take Reggie Miller, selected 11th by the Indiana Pacers. Everyone knows he became a legendary shooter, but few recall how close he was to going earlier—the Cavs reportedly passed on him for Hopson, a decision that haunts them to this day. I’ve dug into old interviews where Pacers staff described Miller’s pre-draft workouts as "electric," yet some teams were skeptical of his slender frame. That skepticism, in my opinion, is what makes drafts so thrilling; it’s where intuition clashes with analytics, and sometimes, the underdogs shine brightest. Miller’s career, with over 25,000 points and countless clutch moments, is a testament to looking beyond the obvious.

Another layer of this draft was the international flavor, which was still a novelty back then. Players like Sarunas Marciulionis, who went in the sixth round to the Golden State Warriors, brought a European style that would slowly influence the NBA’s evolution. I remember watching grainy footage of his games overseas and thinking, "This guy’s going to change how we see guard play." His penetration and unorthodox moves were ahead of their time, and though he wasn’t a top pick, his impact on globalization in the NBA can’t be overstated. It’s stories like his that highlight how drafts aren’t just about the first few selections; they’re treasure hunts for gems hidden in plain sight.

Reflecting on all this, I can’t help but draw parallels to today’s draft discussions. The 1987 class taught us that while top picks like Robinson are essential, the depth of a draft often defines its legacy. Scottie Pippen, picked fifth by the Seattle SuperSonics and traded to the Bulls, is the perfect example—he wasn’t the headline act initially, but his defensive prowess and versatility fueled Chicago’s dynasty. I’ve always been a sucker for these under-the-radar stories; they remind me that in sports, as in life, the most compelling narratives aren’t always the loudest. As we relive the 1987 draft, it’s clear that its mix of star power and hidden gems created a ripple effect, shaping the NBA into the global phenomenon it is today. And for me, that’s what makes it worth revisiting—not just for the stats, but for the human drama behind every pick.