The Draft Overview
The 1986 NBA Draft occurred on June 17, 1986, in New York City and is now legendary for its impact on basketball history. With only 24 picks in the first round, franchises prioritized big men over guards, influencing key decisions. The Houston Rockets held the top pick, the Portland Trail Blazers at No. 2, and the Chicago Bulls at No. 3.
Key Picks and Teams
First overall: Rockets selected Hakeem Olajuwon, a dominant center from the University of Houston, who would become a Hall of Famer.
Second overall: Trail Blazers chose Sam Bowie, a center from Kentucky, citing team needs over potential. Portland sought to pair Bowie with Clyde Drexler, overlooking concerns about Bowie's recurring leg injuries.
Third overall: Bulls acquired Michael Jordan from North Carolina, an explosive shooting guard whose collegiate stardom translated immediately to the NBA.
Behind the Scenes Decisions
- Trail Blazers prioritized a center despite Jordan's star power; GM Stu Inman reportedly favored Bowie for his size to support Drexler, missing Jordan's generational talent.
- Jordan fell to third due to league trends undervaluing guards; Bulls' GM Rod Thorn capitalized on this, leveraging Jordan's work ethic and scoring prowess as a franchise cornerstone.
- Medical reports influenced picks: Bowie had a history of stress fractures, raising risks, while Jordan showcased unparalleled athleticism and health in pre-draft evaluations.
Jordan's Bulls Era and Legacy
Jordan debuted with the Bulls in the 1986-87 season, averaging 28.2 points per game and earning Rookie of the Year honors. This draft reshaped Chicago, leading to six NBA championships and establishing Jordan as the greatest player ever. Its secrets, like Portland's miscalculation, underscore scouting fallacies and the draft's role in sports lore.
