Last Updated on January 9, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake
The 1996 NBA Draft Class is widely regarded as one of the greatest draft classes in NBA history, boasting an exceptional group of players who went on to achieve tremendous success in the league. The draft took place on June 26, 1996, at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Below are some key highlights:
Notable Players
- Allen Iverson (1st overall, Philadelphia 76ers)
- 11-time All-Star, 2001 NBA MVP, Hall of Famer.
- Marcus Camby (2nd overall, Toronto Raptors)
- 2007 Defensive Player of the Year.
- Ray Allen (5th overall, Minnesota Timberwolves, traded to Milwaukee Bucks)
- 10-time All-Star, 2-time NBA Champion, Hall of Famer.
- Antoine Walker (6th overall, Boston Celtics)
- 3-time All-Star, 2006 NBA Champion.
- Kobe Bryant (13th overall, Charlotte Hornets, traded to Los Angeles Lakers)
- 18-time All-Star, 5-time NBA Champion, 2008 NBA MVP, Hall of Famer.
- Peja Stojaković (14th overall, Sacramento Kings)
- 3-time All-Star, 2011 NBA Champion.
- Steve Nash (15th overall, Phoenix Suns)
- 2-time NBA MVP, 8-time All-Star, Hall of Famer.
- Jermaine O’Neal (17th overall, Portland Trail Blazers)
- 6-time All-Star.
- Žydrūnas Ilgauskas (20th overall, Cleveland Cavaliers)
- 2-time All-Star.
- Derek Fisher (24th overall, Los Angeles Lakers)
- 5-time NBA Champion.
Second-Round Gems
- Malik Rose (44th overall, Charlotte Hornets)
- 2-time NBA Champion.
Legacy
The 1996 draft class produced:
- Multiple Hall of Famers.
- Numerous NBA championships.
- Iconic players who left a lasting legacy on the game of basketball.