# What is the best NBA Draft class of all time?

> Some years gifted the league a single generational superstar while others delivered unbelievable depth across the board — the debate over which class changed basketball history forever never gets old. Where does your pick land?

*By YPB Team · Published May 11, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/what-is-the-best-nba-draft-class-of-all-time*

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## Current results (0 votes)

1. **1984 Draft Class**
   Produced Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton — widely considered the greatest draft class in NBA history.
2. **1996 Draft Class**
   The deepest class ever, yielding Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, Ray Allen, and Stephon Marbury with a combined 64 All-Star appearances.
3. **2003 Draft Class**
   Star-studded class headlined by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh — all future Olympic gold medalists.
4. **1985 Draft Class**
   Featured Patrick Ewing at #1, Karl Malone at #13, Chris Mullin, and Joe Dumars — four Hall of Famers from one loaded class.
5. **1992 Draft Class**
   Shaquille O'Neal led a class that also produced Alonzo Mourning, Latrell Sprewell, Tom Gugliotta, and Robert Horry.
6. **2007 Draft Class**
   Kevin Durant was the standout at #2, joined by Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Joakim Noah in a class full of long-term contributors.
7. **2009 Draft Class**
   Delivered Stephen Curry at #7, James Harden at #3, and Blake Griffin at #1, making it one of the most talent-rich later classes.
8. **2011 Draft Class**
   Kyrie Irving went #1, with Klay Thompson at #11, Kawhi Leonard at #15, and Kemba Walker at #9 rounding out an elite class.
9. **2018 Draft Class**
   Luka Doncic at #3 and Trae Young at #5 defined the class, alongside Deandre Ayton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
10. **2020 Draft Class**
   Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, and Tyrese Haliburton highlight a class now blossoming into one of the best of the decade.
11. **2023 Draft Class**
   Victor Wembanyama was the consensus #1 generational talent, making this class already historically significant despite its youth.
12. **1979 Draft Class**
   Magic Johnson went #1 overall in a class that also featured Larry Bird, setting the stage for the NBA's golden rivalry of the 1980s.
13. **2024 Draft Class**
   Led by Zaccharie Risacher, Alexandre Sarr, and Stephon Castle, this young class is still proving itself in the league.

Tags: sports, basketball, nba, draft