The 1987 NBA Draft: Where Are These Iconic Players Now?

2025-11-17 10:00

I still remember watching the 1987 NBA draft like it was yesterday—the anticipation, the speculation, and ultimately, the life-changing moment when David Stern announced those names that would become basketball legends. Looking back now, it's fascinating to track where these iconic players have ended up decades later, both in terms of their careers and their lives beyond the court. The draft class of '87 was particularly special because it wasn't just about raw talent; it was about players who would shape the league's future in ways nobody could have fully predicted at the time. As a longtime basketball analyst, I've always been drawn to the human stories behind the stats—the journeys that extend far beyond the final buzzer.

When we talk about the 1987 draft, David Robinson immediately comes to mind. Selected first overall by the San Antonio Spurs, Robinson didn't join the team until 1989 due to his naval service, but oh boy, was he worth the wait. I've always admired how he balanced military discipline with on-court dominance, leading the Spurs to their first NBA championship in 1999. These days, Robinson has transitioned into philanthropy and business, focusing on education initiatives through the Carver Academy in San Antonio. He's not just a retired athlete; he's a community pillar, and honestly, I think his post-career impact might even surpass his basketball legacy. Then there's Scottie Pippen, picked fifth by the Seattle SuperSonics and traded to the Chicago Bulls. Everyone knows him as Michael Jordan's wingman, but I've always argued that Pippen was the glue that held those championship teams together. His defensive versatility and basketball IQ were ahead of their time. Post-retirement, he's stayed in the public eye through broadcasting, memoir writing, and occasional controversies, but what stands out to me is how he's navigated the complexities of fame after playing in Jordan's shadow.

The draft also produced gems like Reggie Miller at 11th overall, who tormented the New York Knicks for years with his clutch shooting. I'll never forget his eight points in nine seconds against the Knicks in 1995—it's one of those moments that gives me chills every time I rewatch it. Nowadays, Miller is a beloved TV analyst for TNT, bringing the same fiery personality to broadcasting that he did to the court. His sister, Cheryl Miller, was already a basketball legend, but Reggie carved his own path, and I love how he's managed to remain relevant in the sport decades after retiring. Another standout is Kevin Johnson, taken seventh by the Cleveland Cavaliers before finding his stride with the Phoenix Suns. KJ was explosive, a point guard who could dunk on centers—something you didn't see often in the late '80s. After basketball, he dove into politics, serving as mayor of Sacramento from 2008 to 2016 and playing a key role in keeping the Kings from relocating. I respect how he used his platform for civic good, though his tenure wasn't without controversy.

Looking deeper into the draft, players like Mark Jackson (18th pick) and Horace Grant (10th pick) also left indelible marks. Jackson became the NBA's all-time assists leader before being surpassed, and he later coached the Golden State Warriors and worked as an analyst. Grant, with his signature goggles, was a defensive stalwart for the Bulls and Magic, winning four championships. I've always felt he doesn't get enough credit for those Bulls teams; his mid-range shooting and rebounding were crucial. These days, he's mostly out of the spotlight, enjoying retirement away from the game. On the international front, Sarunas Marciulionis was a pioneer as one of the first Europeans to make a real impact in the NBA. Selected in the sixth round, he brought a unique scoring ability to the Golden State Warriors and later became a sports ambassador in Lithuania. His journey reminds me of the global growth of basketball—a trend that's only accelerated since.

But not every story from that draft had a fairytale ending. Len Bias, picked second by the Boston Celtics, tragically died of a cocaine overdose just two days later. As a fan, I still wonder what could have been; his death was a wake-up call for the league about drug issues, and it's a somber reminder of how fragile life can be. Similarly, Reggie Lewis, taken 22nd by the Celtics, showed promise but died suddenly in 1993 due to a heart condition. These losses cast a shadow over the draft class, and I think it's important to acknowledge them alongside the successes. Reflecting on all this, the 1987 draft was a microcosm of basketball's evolution—it had superstars, role players, international pioneers, and heartbreaking what-ifs. Many of these players have transitioned into coaching, broadcasting, or community work, proving that life after the NBA can be just as meaningful. From my perspective, their legacies aren't just about points or rings; they're about how they've influenced the game and the world beyond it. As I wrap up, I'm struck by how this draft class mirrors the broader narrative of sports: a mix of triumph, tragedy, and enduring impact that keeps us hooked year after year.