I still remember watching the 1987 NBA draft like it was yesterday - the anticipation, the speculation, and ultimately, the moment David Stern announced David Robinson as the first overall pick. That draft class has always fascinated me because it perfectly illustrates how unpredictable basketball careers can be. Looking back now, I can't help but reflect on how these players' journeys unfolded in ways nobody could have perfectly predicted.
When the San Antonio Spurs selected David Robinson, they knew they were getting someone special, but I doubt even they realized just how transformative he would become. Robinson's naval commitment meant he didn't join the Spurs until 1989, creating this unusual two-year waiting period that had everyone wondering - would he be worth the wait? Absolutely. The Admiral didn't just meet expectations; he shattered them. What many people forget is that Robinson was already 24 when he finally debuted, yet he still managed to play 14 stellar seasons, winning two championships and an MVP award. I've always admired how he balanced his military background with his basketball career, bringing a discipline to the game that you rarely see today. Now retired, he's built an impressive business portfolio and remains deeply involved in charitable work through his Carver Academy. At 58, he's transitioned into that elder statesman role with the same grace he showed on the court.
The fifth pick that year was Scottie Pippen, who arguably became the most famous player from this draft class thanks to his integral role alongside Michael Jordan. I've always felt Pippen never quite got the credit he deserved during his playing days - he was the ultimate complementary star, the Swiss Army knife who could do everything well. His defensive versatility was something coaches today would kill for in the modern switch-heavy schemes. Post-retirement, Pippen's journey has been... complicated, to say the least. There were financial issues, public disputes with former teammates, and that memoir that certainly raised eyebrows. At 58, he's still involved in basketball through various media appearances and business ventures, though I sometimes wonder if he'll ever fully escape Jordan's shadow.
Then there's Reggie Miller at number eleven - the pick that had Pacers fans scratching their heads initially but would ultimately define their franchise for nearly two decades. I'll admit, I initially thought his slender frame would prevent him from succeeding in the physical 90s NBA. How wrong I was. That man had ice in his veins, especially in clutch situations. His rivalry with the Knicks produced some of the most memorable playoff moments I've ever witnessed. These days at 58, Miller has become one of the most recognizable broadcasting voices in basketball. His transition to television was seamless, and he's developed this great rapport with colleagues and viewers alike. You can tell he still loves the game deeply.
What's interesting about reviewing this draft class is noticing how many solid role players emerged from later picks. Kevin Johnson at number seven became a three-time All-Star and later Sacramento's mayor - talk about a successful post-basketball career! Horace Grant at number ten was the perfect complementary big man for those Bulls teams, with his goggles becoming as iconic as his reliable mid-range jumper. He's now 58 and enjoys a quieter life away from the spotlight. Derrick McKey at number nine never became a star, but he carved out a respectable 15-year career as a reliable defender. These players remind me that not every draft success story needs to be about superstars.
The international picks from that draft tell another fascinating story. Sarunas Marciulionis, selected in the sixth round, was truly ahead of his time. Watching him play felt like seeing a prototype of the driving, physical guards that would become common twenty years later. His passing was creative, his drives to the basket fearless. After his NBA career ended, he returned to Lithuania and became instrumental in developing basketball there before his tragic passing in 2014. Meanwhile, Rik Smits, the second overall pick from the Netherlands, provided the Pacers with a reliable scoring option for over a decade before retiring to pursue his passion for motorcycle customization.
Looking at where these players are now, I'm struck by how their post-basketball lives reflect their playing careers. The disciplined ones like Robinson transitioned smoothly into business or philanthropy. The communicators like Miller found success in broadcasting. Some, like Pippen, seem to still be searching for their perfect role outside the game. This draft class teaches us that basketball careers, much like the draft process itself, involve both predictable outcomes and complete surprises. The players who adapted best to changing circumstances during their playing days often made the smoothest transitions to life after basketball.
What continues to amaze me is how this particular draft produced such a diverse range of career trajectories. From Hall of Famers to solid starters to players who found success in completely different fields, the class of 1987 demonstrates that there's no single path to success in professional basketball. As I reflect on these players today, I'm reminded that while we often judge drafts by their superstars, the true measure might be in the depth of quality careers it produced. And by that standard, 1987 stands as one of the more interesting classes in NBA history, providing lessons that remain relevant for today's players thinking about their own futures beyond the game.
French Soccer League©