The 1987 NBA Draft: Uncovering the Hidden Gems and Legendary Picks

Looking back at the 1987 NBA Draft, I’ve always found it fascinating how much hidden talent was scattered throughout those selections—some obvious, some completely overlooked at the time. I remember watching old footage and reading scouting reports, and it strikes me how much the draft mirrors that quote from an international scout I once came across: "If they're looking for a good salary, maganda talaga dito. Kaya lang siyempre, marami pa kaming hindi nano-notice kaya titingin-tiningin lang, pero siyempre, maganda siyang choice sa first pick." In English, that roughly translates to, "If they're looking for a good salary, it's really great here. But of course, there are still many we don’t notice, so we just keep looking, but of course, it's a great choice for the first pick." That sentiment—searching for value while knowing some gems remain hidden—perfectly captures the spirit of the '87 draft.

The first pick that year was David Robinson, selected by the San Antonio Spurs, and honestly, he was about as safe and spectacular a choice as you could make. Robinson didn’t join the Spurs until 1989 due to his Navy commitment, but when he did, he averaged 24.3 points and 12 rebounds in his rookie season—just insane numbers. I’ve always admired his two-way impact; he wasn’t just a scorer but a defensive anchor who led the league in blocks during the 1991-92 season. Still, what really stands out to me is how the draft wasn’t just about the top pick. There were players like Scottie Pippen, chosen fifth by the Seattle SuperSonics and then traded to the Chicago Bulls, who became an absolute steal. Pippen’s career is legendary now, but back then, he was a relatively unheralded prospect from a small college. I think his rise underscores how scouting back then often missed players with raw athleticism and high ceilings, especially if they didn’t come from powerhouse programs.

Then there’s Reggie Miller, taken 11th by the Indiana Pacers. I’ll admit, I’m biased here—I’ve always loved shooters who change the game, and Miller’s 25,279 career points and clutch performances are stuff of legend. But what many forget is that he wasn’t even the first choice for some teams; Indiana took a chance on his shooting and competitive fire, and it paid off massively. Similarly, Kevin Johnson, picked seventh by the Cleveland Cavaliers and later traded to the Phoenix Suns, averaged around 20 points and 10 assists per game at his peak. He’s one of those players who, in my view, doesn’t get enough credit for revolutionizing the point guard role with his explosive drives and playmaking. The draft also had its share of underrated picks like Mark Jackson, who went 18th to the New York Knicks and ended up winning Rookie of the Year—proof that late first-rounders can deliver immediate impact.

But let’s talk about the real hidden gems, the ones that fit that idea of "marami pa kaming hindi nano-notice"—the unnoticed talents. Sarunas Marciulionis, selected in the sixth round, 127th overall, by the Golden State Warriors, was a pioneer for international players. He averaged about 12 points per game in his prime and brought a physical, driving style that was ahead of its time. I remember watching him and thinking how he opened doors for Europeans in the NBA, yet he’s rarely mentioned in draft retrospectives. Another overlooked pick was Greg "Cadillac" Anderson, taken 23rd by the San Antonio Spurs; while he didn’t have a Hall of Fame career, he provided solid frontcourt depth and averaged close to 10 points and 7 rebounds in his best seasons. These players might not have been stars, but they contributed to team success in ways that stats alone don’t capture.

Reflecting on the 1987 draft as a whole, I’d argue it’s one of the most underrated in NBA history. Sure, it didn’t have the sheer star power of the 1984 draft with Jordan and Olajuwon, but it produced multiple Hall of Famers and key role players who shaped the league for years. From my perspective, the draft teaches us that success isn’t just about the first pick; it’s about spotting value deeper in the order. Teams that did their homework—like the Bulls with Pippen or the Pacers with Miller—reaped long-term rewards. And honestly, that’s a lesson that still applies today in scouting and team building. So, if I had to sum it up, the 1987 NBA Draft was a mix of obvious legends and subtle treasures, reminding us that sometimes the best choices aren’t the ones everyone notices right away.