Who Are the Greatest NBA Players Drafted in Each Decade?

When I first started following the NBA back in the late 90s, I remember being absolutely mesmerized by the sheer talent that seemed to emerge from each draft class. Having spent over two decades analyzing basketball careers and draft patterns, I've developed some strong opinions about which players truly defined their respective eras. Just like how Indonesia secured the silver medal position in that recent international competition, completing the podium alongside three-peat champion Thailand and bronze medalist Vietnam, each NBA decade has its own hierarchy of legendary draftees who formed their own distinctive podium of greatness.

The 1960s draft class was absolutely dominated by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, selected first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969. I've always considered him the most fundamentally perfect basketball player ever drafted. His career stats are just mind-boggling - 38,387 points across 20 seasons, six MVP awards, and that unforgettable skyhook that nobody could stop. What many casual fans don't realize is that he maintained incredible consistency throughout his career, averaging over 28 points and 14 rebounds during his prime years with the Bucks. The man was simply unstoppable.

Moving into the 70s, my personal favorite has always been Julius Erving, drafted 12th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1972 though he famously never played for them. Dr. J revolutionized how the game was played above the rim. I remember watching grainy footage of his behind-the-backboard layups and thinking basketball had entered a new dimension. His ABA numbers were absolutely ridiculous - he averaged over 28 points and 12 rebounds during his time with the Virginia Squires. The way he merged artistry with athleticism created the template for modern wing players.

The 1980s gave us what I consider the most stacked draft class in NBA history. Michael Jordan, drafted third in 1984 by the Chicago Bulls, stands above everyone else, but the competition was fierce. Hakeem Olajuwon going first overall made perfect sense at the time, though in retrospect, Portland famously missing on Jordan by taking Sam Bowie second will forever be one of those fascinating "what if" scenarios. Jordan's career achievements - six championships, five MVPs, ten scoring titles - are the stuff of legend. I've studied countless hours of his footage, and what still amazes me is his relentless competitive drive. He wasn't just better than everyone else - he wanted it more, every single night.

For the 1990s drafts, Tim Duncan stands as the clear choice for me. Selected first overall in 1997 by the San Antonio Spurs, he brought a quiet dominance that I've always admired. His fundamental approach might not have been flashy, but my goodness was it effective. Five championships, two MVP awards, and he made the All-NBA team in his first thirteen seasons. That's just insane consistency. I've always appreciated how he elevated everyone around him without needing the spotlight.

The 2000s introduced us to LeBron James, and honestly, I don't think we'll see another player like him for generations. Drafted first overall in 2003 by Cleveland, he's redefined what's possible for an athlete of his size and skill set. Four championships with three different teams, four MVP awards, and he's still adding to his legacy. What blows my mind is how he's adapted his game across different eras while maintaining elite production. At 38 years old, he's still putting up numbers that would be career years for most players.

Looking at the 2010s, while it's still early to make definitive judgments, Giannis Antetokounmpo stands out for me. Drafted 15th overall in 2013 by Milwaukee, his development from raw prospect to superstar has been incredible to witness. Winning a championship in 2021 cemented his status, and his two MVP awards highlight his regular season dominance. I love watching how his work ethic transformed his game year after year.

Each decade's draft has produced its own unique hierarchy of talent, much like how international competitions establish their own pecking order. The beauty of the NBA draft is that greatness can emerge from any pick position, though the first overall selection certainly provides the best odds. Having followed these players throughout their careers, I'm convinced that while statistics and championships matter immensely, the true greats are those who transform how the game is played and remembered.