10 Best NBA Draft Classes: Lottery Bonanza or Bust?

• Star players: Michael Jordan (3rd pick), Hakeem Olajuwon (1st pick), Charles Barkley (5th pick)
• Impact Players: Otis Thorpe, Sam Perkins, Kevin Willis, Michael Cage, Jerome Kersey, Alvin Robertson
• Major Busts: Sam Bowie, Victor Fleming

The 1984 NBA draft twinkled like a supernova, blasting four future Hall of Famers into orbit.

Hakeem Olajuwon's skyhook ruled the paint, Michael Jordan's gravity defied physics, Charles Barkley's power redefined toughness, and John Stockton's needle-thread passes unlocked offensive galaxies.

But not all stars ignite. Sam Bowie, drafted second, fizzled out due to injuries, earning the "Bust of the Century" title. Others, like Alvin Robertson and Otis Thorpe, flamed brightly then faded, leaving behind memories of scoring bursts and defensive tenacity.

• Star players: Kobe Bryant (13th), Ray Allen (5th), Steve Nash (15th), Allen Iverson (1st)
• Impact Players: Peja Stojakovic, Marcus Camby, Stephon Marbury, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Jermaine O'Neal, Derek Fisher, Erick Dampier 
• Major Busts: Samaki Walker, Lorenzen Wright

The 1996 NBA Draft was a rollercoaster, churning out legends like Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and Steve Nash, while simultaneously sending some highly-touted prospects on a disappointing downward spiral.

The no. 13 pick, Kobe Bryant turned out to be one of the best players ever to grace the NBA. He won five championships with the Lakers.

But alongside these icons, the draft also yielded some major busts. Players like Samaki Walker, touted as the next big thing, failed to live up to expectations.

• Star players: LeBron James (1st), Dwyane Wade (5th), Carmelo Anthony (3rd), Chris Bosh (4th)
• Impact Players: David West, Kyle Korver, Kirk Hinrich, Boris Diaw, Mo Williams, Josh Howard
• Major Busts: Darko Milicic, Mike Sweetney

The NBA Draft of 2003 was highly anticipated in the league's history, showcasing a talented group that included LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade as top picks.

All four of these athletes were predicted to achieve superstar status, and they indeed fulfilled those expectations, emerging as some of the most remarkable players of their era.

However, there were also a number of busts, such as Darko Milicic, who was selected second overall by the Detroit Pistons, and Michael Sweetney, the no. 9 pick for the New York Knicks.

• Star players: Stephen Curry (7th), James Harden (3rd), Blake Griffin (1st), DeMar DeRozan (9th)
• Impact Players: Jrue Holiday, Danny Green, Ty Lawson, Ricky Rubio, Jeff Teague, Darren Collison,, Patrick Beverley
• Major Busts: Hasheem Thabeet, Jonny Flynn

The 2009 NBA Draft was a tale of two extremes. At the top, stars like Blake Griffin, James Harden and DeMar DeRozan solidified their legacies as All-Stars and even MVPs.

Meanwhile, busts like Hasheem Thabeet and Jonny Flynn became cautionary tales. But the draft also unearthed hidden gems like Stephen Curry, drafted 7th by the Warriors, who revolutionized the game with his long-range shooting, and Jrue Holiday, a defensive stalwart and champion.

This draft, a rollercoaster of potential realized and unrealized, remains etched in NBA history.

• Star players: David Robinson (1st), Reggie Miller (11th), Scottie Pippen (5th)
• Impact Players: Horace Grant, Kevin Johnson, Mark Jackson, Derrick McKey, Armen Gilliam, Muggsy Bogues
• Major Busts: Dennis Hopson, Kenny Smith

The 1987 NBA Draft was a treasure trove of talent, boasting two future members of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players list.

David Robinson, the Admiral who anchored the San Antonio Spurs dynasty, and Scottie Pippen, the versatile sidekick who helped Michael Jordan win six titles in Chicago.

But not every pick panned out. Who can forget bust extraordinaire Dennis Hopson, taken third overall by the Phoenix Suns? He flamed out after just four seasons, leaving a trail of unfulfilled potential.

• Star players: Kawhi Leonard (15th), Kyrie Irving (1st), Klay Thompson (11th), Jimmy Butler (30th)
• Impact Players: Kemba Walker, Isaiah Thomas, Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris, Jonas Valanciunas, Tristan Thompson, Bojan Bogdanovich
• Major Busts: Derrick Williams, Jan Vesely, Jimmer Fredette

The 2011 NBA Draft sparkled with future stars and hidden gems, but also harbored some puzzling busts.

Kyrie Irving, drafted first, became a champion and scoring wizard, while Klay Thompson, snagged at 11th, blossomed into a Splash Brother alongside Steph Curry.

Kawhi Leonard, a steal at 15th, morphed into a defensive juggernaut and championship leader.

Even the 30th pick, Jimmy Butler, carved a path to stardom with relentless hustle. Yet, amidst the brilliance, players like Derrick Williams (2nd overall) and Marcus Morris (14th) fizzled out, while Brandon Knight (8th) and Tobias Harris (19th) enjoyed modest careers.

• Star players: Karl Malone (13th), Patrick Ewing (1st), Terry Porter (24th)
• Impact Players: Detlef Schrempf, A.C. Green, Chris Mullin, Charles Oakley, Joe Dumars, John Williams, Tyrone Corbin
• Major Busts: Kenny Green

The 1985 NBA Draft, though living in the shadow of its illustrious forerunner, still shines brightly with prominent figures.

Patrick Ewing spearheaded the draft class with a Hall of Fame-worthy combination of scoring and defensive prowess. Karl Malone, selected 13th, emerged as the NBA's second all-time leading scorer, proving to be a steal.

Chris Mullin's smooth shooting and Detlef Schrempf's versatile skills solidified their places in the All-Star realm.

However, the draft experienced setbacks with disappointments like Kenny Green, the 12th overall pick, fading quickly, and Jon Koncak who never lived up to his potential.

• Star players: Dirk Nowitzki (9th), Paul Pierce (10th), Vince Carter (5th)
• Impact Players: Rashard Lewis, Antawn Jamison, Mike Bibby, Cuttino Mobley
• Major Busts: Michael Olowokandi, Robert Traylor, Keon Clark

Selected as the top pick in the 1998 draft, Michael Olowokandi ultimately became one of the most significant disappointments in the league's history.

Meanwhile, Dirk Nowitzki, taken ninth by Milwaukee and later traded to Dallas, blossomed into a champion and one of the greatest big men ever.

Vince Carter, drafted fifth by Golden State and then traded to Toronto, soared through the air with gravity-defying dunks, while Antawn Jamison, selected fourth by Toronto, quietly carved out a successful career as a scorer and rebounder.

Similarly, Paul Pierce, taken tenth by Boston, went on to achieve legendary status with the Celtics.

• Star players: Luka Doncic (3rd), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (11th), Trae Young (5th)
• Impact Players: Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Deandre Ayton, Mitchell Robinson, Miles Bridges, Robert Williams
• Major Busts: Marvin Bagley III, Mo Bamba, Kevin Knox

The 2018 NBA Draft was a ride, boasting bonafide stars and perplexing busts. At the top, Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander blossomed into All-Star regulars.

Meanwhile, the verdict is still pending for Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, and Mo Bamba, as injuries and inconsistent performance have obscured their potential.

Michael Porter Jr.'s transformation from health-related uncertainties to a prolific scorer provides optimism for a comeback, whereas Kevin Knox and Jerome Robinson's challenges epitomize the unpredictable nature of the draft.

• Star players: Danny Manning (1st), Rik Smits (2nd), Hersey Hawkins (6th)
• Impact Players: Mitch Richmond, Dan Majerle, Rod Strickland, Anthony Mason
• Major Busts: Sam Bowie, Victor Fleming

The 1988 NBA Draft showcased a dazzling array of star talent, but shadows lurked.

Danny Manning, known as "Manning the Mailman," excelled, earning two All-Star appearances, while Rik Smits, the towering 7'4" "Dunking Dutchman," wreaked havoc on the rims.

Hersey Hawkins dominated from beyond the arc, and Mitch Richmond's offensive prowess illuminated the court.

However, disappointments such as Tim Perry, and Rex Chapman, whose off-court issues overshadowed his on-court skills, left fans yearning for more. This draft, a captivating blend of promise and setbacks, serves as a testament to the NBA's unpredictable nature.