Uncovering the Hidden Gems and Missed Picks of the 1987 NBA Draft

Looking back at the 1987 NBA Draft, I can't help but feel a mix of nostalgia and analytical curiosity. This particular draft class has always fascinated me—not just for its obvious stars, but for the layers of talent that went overlooked at the time. I remember watching the draft unfold as a young basketball enthusiast, and even then, something struck me about the gap between public perception and the reality of player potential. The draft is always a gamble, but 1987 felt especially rich with what I like to call "hidden gems"—players who, for various reasons, slipped under the radar but later proved their worth. On the flip side, there were those highly-touted picks that, in hindsight, didn't quite pan out as expected. It's this duality that makes the 1987 draft a compelling case study in talent evaluation, one that I've revisited time and again in my career as a sports analyst.

When I think about the first round, names like David Robinson and Scottie Pippen immediately come to mind—household names now, but even they had their doubters back then. Robinson, selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs, was a no-brainer in many ways; his naval service delayed his NBA debut, but his impact was undeniable once he arrived. Yet, what intrigues me more are the players taken later, like Reggie Miller at 11th or Mark Jackson at 18th. Miller, in particular, was someone I had my eye on early. I recall watching his college games and thinking, "This guy has a shooter's mentality that could redefine a franchise." And he did, becoming one of the greatest clutch performers in NBA history. But why did he fall to 11th? It's a question I've pondered often—perhaps it was his slender frame or the perception that he wasn't a complete player. Similarly, Mark Jackson, who went on to win Rookie of the Year and dish out over 10,000 assists in his career, was overlooked by many teams needing a point guard. In my view, these oversights highlight a broader issue in scouting: sometimes, we get so caught up in physical attributes that we miss the intangibles, like basketball IQ and mental toughness.

Then there's the quote that's stuck with me over the years, something I heard from a scout back in the day: "If they're looking for a good salary, maganda talaga dito. Kaya lang siyempre, marami pa kaming hindi nano-notice kaya titingin-tiningin lang, pero siyempre, maganda siyang choice sa first pick." Roughly translated, it means that while a player might seem like a solid first pick for financial reasons—say, marketability or immediate impact—there are always others who go unnoticed, leading teams to second-guess their choices. This resonates deeply with the 1987 draft. Take, for instance, the Portland Trail Blazers picking Arvydas Sabonis 24th overall. At the time, Sabonis was a mystery to many—a big man from Lithuania with injury concerns. But looking back, he was a hidden gem in the truest sense. When he finally joined the NBA in 1995, he showed flashes of brilliance that made me wonder what could have been if he'd arrived earlier. On the other hand, players like Dennis Hopson, taken third by the New Jersey Nets, never lived up to the hype. Hopson averaged a decent 10.9 points per game in his rookie season, but he faded into obscurity compared to later picks. I've always felt that teams sometimes play it too safe, opting for the "safe" pick over the potentially transformative one, and that's where drafts like 1987 teach us valuable lessons.

Diving deeper into the second round and beyond, the 1987 draft reveals even more surprises—players who became key contributors despite being afterthoughts on draft night. Sarunas Marciulionis, selected in the sixth round by the Golden State Warriors, is a personal favorite of mine. He was one of the first European players to make a significant impact in the NBA, averaging around 12 points per game in his prime and helping pave the way for the international influx we see today. I remember watching his relentless drives to the basket and thinking, "Why wasn't he picked earlier?" It's a testament to how scouting networks were less global back then; we simply didn't have the resources to fully assess talent from overseas. Similarly, Greg "Cadillac" Anderson, taken 23rd, had a solid career as a role player, but it's players like Derrick McKey (9th pick) who I find underrated—he wasn't a star, but he provided steady defense and scoring for over 15 years. In my experience analyzing drafts, it's these kinds of players who often determine a team's depth and longevity, yet they're frequently overshadowed by flashier picks. I've always advocated for a more holistic approach in evaluations, one that balances stats with on-court impact and fit within a team's system.

Reflecting on the missed picks, I can't ignore the what-ifs surrounding players like Reggie Lewis, taken 22nd by the Boston Celtics. Lewis showed immense promise, averaging over 20 points per game in the 1992-93 season, but his tragic passing cut short a career that might have rivaled some of the greats. It's a sobering reminder that draft analysis isn't just about numbers; it's about human potential and the unpredictable twists of fate. On a lighter note, I often chuckle at how some teams passed on Pippen—traded on draft day to the Chicago Bulls—who became a six-time champion and one of the best two-way players ever. If I had been in the war room back then, I'd have pushed hard for him earlier; his versatility was evident even in college, yet he slipped to fifth. This ties back to that scout's quote: we notice the obvious, but it's the unnoticed that often define a draft's legacy.

In conclusion, the 1987 NBA Draft is a treasure trove of lessons for anyone in basketball—from scouts to fans like me. It taught me that while first picks like David Robinson are essential, the hidden gems and missed opportunities are what make the draft endlessly fascinating. Over the years, I've used this draft as a case study in my work, emphasizing the need for thorough research and a willingness to take risks. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that talent is everywhere; it's our job to uncover it. So next time you watch a draft, remember the 1987 class—it might just change how you see the game.