Enter a new generation..the 1996 NBA draft

When you mention the names of Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, and Stephon Marbury, one word comes to mind, GREATNESS, (although a few other words: ego, crybaby, and tattoos can also be used to describe the 1996 draft). The 1996 NBA Draft was best draft of all-time. Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and Steve Nash, all won MVP awards, with Nash winning two MVPs. Ray Allen and Kobe Bryant have both won championships and Iverson took his team to the Finals against Kobe’s Lakers.

I love watching NBA Draft, and I remember watching Marbury crying (sans tattoos) as he talked about his family’s long and hard financial struggles. Iverson was the number one pick. Minnesota selected Ray Allen as their number 5th pick in the Draft and it was a great decision. Allen became known as a sharp shooter, but few remember that Allen could jump out the gym. I rememeber him dunking on opponents, adding to the reel of his highlight films!

Steve Nash was the biggest steal of the draft, 15 teams passed up on the future 2x MVP. Nash went to little known University of Santa Clara and played for the Canadian league, but quickly became a star in the league.

Kobe Bryant was the gem out the entire draft. Thirteen players were selected before Bryant and all of them are kicking themselves in the butts because he’s became the best player in the league.

The 1996 Draft was a diffident generational change for the NBA. The older players, Stockton, Malone, Barkley, and Jordan were on their way out, and the youthful class of 1996 gave the game a rejuvenation that it needed.

- The Wanna-Be Sports Guy

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Tags | Basketball, draft, iverson, kobe, NBA