Ranking The 1996 NBA Draft Class By Tiers

The 1996 NBA Draft stands as a pivotal chapter in that story. As we embark on a retrospective journey through the tiers of talent that emerged from this remarkable draft, it's worth noting that we've previously delved into the rankings of other iconic drafts, such as the Draft Class of 2014 and the Draft Class of 2018. These rankings provide a comprehensive look at the diverse paths forged by the league's brightest prospects, illustrating the enduring impact they've left on the basketball landscape.

Tier 6

Gary Trent, Shandon Anderson, Travis Knight, Roy Rogers, Dorsey Levens, Dontae' Jones, Erick Dampier, John Wallace

Selected 11th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks, Gary Trent had a solid NBA career, averaging 8.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Known for his scoring ability and versatility on the court, Trent provided consistent contributions throughout his tenure.

Small forward Shandon Anderson, chosen 54th by the Utah Jazz, found his niche in the league with tenacious defense and scoring ability. Averaging 7.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, Anderson's valuable contributions throughout his career earn him a spot in Tier 6.

Center Travis Knight, drafted 29th by the Chicago Bulls, stood out for his presence in the paint and defensive skills. Averaging 4.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, Knight's consistency and contributions to competitive teams position him in Tier 6 of this standout draft class.

Roy Rogers, selected 22nd by the Vancouver Grizzlies, excelled as an intimidating defender and rebounder during his NBA career. Averaging 4.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, Rogers' impact may not be as evident in the stats, but his on-court presence was crucial for his team, securing him a place in Tier 6.

Drafted 31st by the Milwaukee Bucks, Dorsey Levens, a versatile forward, contributed effectively on both ends of the floor. Although his NBA stint was brief, Levens showcased his skills and team-oriented approach.

A small forward drafted 21st overall by the New York Knicks, Dontae' Jones showcased athleticism and scoring ability. Though his career was marred by injuries, his potential and impact during healthy stretches land him in Tier 6.

Chosen 10th by the Indiana Pacers, Erick Dampier had a lengthy career as a center known for shot-blocking and rebounding. Averaging 7.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, Dampier, while not a perennial All-Star, earned a spot in Tier 6 with his consistent play.

Drafted 18th by the New York Knicks, John Wallace, a forward, made his mark with scoring and rebounding. Averaging 7.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, Wallace's contributions may not have reached the heights of some peers, but they warrant a place in Tier 6.

Tier 5

Kerry Kittles, Jerome Williams, Walter McCarty, Lorenzen Wright, Todd Fuller, Erick Meek, Bryant Reeves, Tony Delk

Shooting guard Kerry Kittles, selected 8th overall by the New Jersey Nets, was an integral part of his team from the start. Averaging 14.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, Kittles' scoring and defensive abilities set him apart, earning him a spot in Tier 5.

Power forward Jerome Williams, drafted 26th by the Detroit Pistons, carved out a niche as an energetic and tenacious player. Averaging 6.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, Williams, known for his rebounding and hustle, secures a place in Tier 5.

Chosen 19th overall by the New York Knicks, Walter McCarty, a forward, contributed with his scoring and versatility. Averaging 5.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, McCarty, while not a headline player, earns a Tier 5 designation with his impact on the court.

Drafted 7th by the Los Angeles Clippers, Lorenzen Wright had a solid career as a center known for rebounding and shot-blocking. Averaging 8.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, Wright's contributions on the defensive end secure him a place in Tier 5.

Center Todd Fuller, selected 11th by the Golden State Warriors, had a career defined by his solid play in the paint. Averaging 3.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, Fuller, while not a star, earns a place in Tier 5 with his consistency.

Drafted 18th overall by the Houston Rockets, Erick Meek, a center, contributed as a reliable presence in the paint. Averaging 3.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, Meek, while not a household name, earns a spot in Tier 5 with his impact on the court.

Chosen 6th by the Vancouver Grizzlies, Bryant "Big Country" Reeves, a center, became a fan favorite. Averaging 12.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, Reeves' career was cut short by injuries, but his impact during his playing days places him in Tier 5.

Selected 16th by the Charlotte Hornets, Tony Delk, a guard, had a productive career with his scoring and defensive abilities. Averaging 9.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, Delk's well-rounded game secures him a place in Tier 5.

Tier 4

Marcus Camby, Antoine Walker, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Derek Fisher, Shareef Abdur-Rahim

Marcus Camby, the second overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, enjoyed a stellar career primarily as a defensive anchor. His shot-blocking prowess earned him the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in the 2006-2007 season. Throughout his career, Camby averaged an impressive 9.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. Although he never made an All-Star appearance, his impact on the defensive end was widely recognized, and he played a crucial role for teams like the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks.

Selected sixth overall by the Boston Celtics, Antoine Walker was a versatile forward who played a significant role in the Celtics' successes during the late 1990s. A three-time NBA All-Star, Walker averaged 17.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game over his career. Known for his scoring ability and unique shimmy celebration, Walker was a key contributor during the Celtics' playoff runs.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the 20th overall pick in 1996, became a franchise icon for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The two-time NBA All-Star was a consistent performer, averaging 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. Ilgauskas played a crucial role alongside LeBron James and was an essential part of the team's success in the mid-2000s.

Derek Fisher, drafted 24th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, was the steady point guard and clutch performer for the Lakers during their championship years. Fisher won five NBA titles with the Lakers and was known for hitting critical shots in key moments. While not an All-Star, Fisher's leadership qualities and postseason heroics earned him widespread respect. He finished his career with averages of 8.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim, the third overall pick in the 1996 draft, showcased his scoring prowess and versatility throughout his career. Despite playing for several teams, Abdur-Rahim earned one All-Star selection and averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His impact extended beyond statistics, as he served as a leader and mentor for younger players during his time in the league.

Tier 3

Ray Allen, Peja Stojakovic, Stephon Marbury, Jermaine O'Neal

Ray Allen was the fifth overall pick in 1996, and he etched his name in NBA history as one of the greatest shooters ever. A ten-time NBA All-Star, Allen averaged 18.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. He won two NBA championships, one with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and another with the Miami Heat in 2013. Allen also earned the NBA Three-Point Shootout title twice and stands as the all-time leader in three-pointers made.

Peja Stojakovic, selected 14th overall by the Sacramento Kings in 1996, was a lethal sharpshooter and a key member of the famed "Run and Gun" Kings teams. A three-time NBA All-Star, Stojakovic averaged 17.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He played a vital role in the Kings' deep playoff runs in the early 2000s and secured an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

Stephon Marbury was a dynamic point guard known for his scoring and playmaking abilities as the fourth overall pick. A two-time NBA All-Star, Marbury averaged 19.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. While his career had its share of ups and downs, Marbury left a lasting impact on the league, particularly during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and later with the Phoenix Suns.

Drafted 17th overall, Jermaine O'Neal developed into a dominant force at the center position. A six-time NBA All-Star, O'Neal averaged 13.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He earned the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2002 and played a crucial role in the Indiana Pacers' deep playoff runs during the early 2000s.

Tier 2

Allen Iverson, Steve Nash

The indomitable Allen Iverson was selected as the first overall pick in the 1996 draft and transcended basketball to become a cultural icon. His fearless style of play and prolific scoring earned him an impressive 11 NBA All-Star selections. In 2001, Iverson carried the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals and claimed the NBA MVP award. His career averages of 26.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game underscore his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities. Iverson's impact extends beyond statistics; he inspired a generation of players with his relentless work ethic and tenacity on the court, leaving an indelible mark on the league's history.

Steve Nash, the 15th overall pick, not only redefined the point guard position but also left an enduring legacy as one of the greatest playmakers in NBA history. Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, brought a unique blend of passing and shooting that earned him eight NBA All-Star selections. His role in the revolutionary "Seven Seconds or Less" era with the Phoenix Suns showcased his ability to control the game's tempo. Nash led the league in assists five times, emphasizing his playmaking prowess. Beyond statistics, Nash's influence extended to his leadership and impact on the evolution of offensive strategies, solidifying his status as a basketball visionary.

Tier 1

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant became one of the biggest steals of all time in the history of the Draft. As the 13th overall pick traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe stands as a basketball legend and one of the greatest players in NBA history. With a remarkable 18 NBA All-Star selections, Bryant's illustrious career was defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Winning five NBA championships with the Lakers, Bryant showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. His impact extended to the international stage, earning two Olympic gold medals with Team USA. Beyond statistics, Bryant's work ethic, competitive spirit, and numerous accolades cement his legacy as an icon who transcended the sport, leaving an enduring impact on basketball and inspiring generations of players worldwide.