1989 NBA draft
The 1989 NBA draft was the 43rd annual draft of the National Basketball Association (NBA), conducted on June 27, 1989, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.[1] The Sacramento Kings chose Pervis Ellison, a center from the University of Louisville, as the first overall pick.[1] This event marked the first regular NBA draft for the league's two newest expansion franchises, the Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves, following their expansion draft on June 15, 1989, and brought the NBA to 27 teams for the 1989–90 season.[2] The draft featured two rounds and 54 total selections, with 48 players eventually appearing in at least one NBA game.[1] Among the top selections, the Los Angeles Clippers picked forward Danny Ferry from Duke University second overall, the San Antonio Spurs selected forward Sean Elliott from the University of Arizona third, and the Miami Heat chose forward Glen Rice from the University of Michigan fourth.[1] While several high lottery picks, including Ellison and Ferry, struggled to meet expectations and are often viewed as disappointments, the draft class proved valuable deeper into the rounds.[3] Notable successes included point guard Tim Hardaway, selected 14th overall by the Golden State Warriors from the University of Oklahoma, who became a five-time All-Star and 2022 Hall of Famer; power forward Shawn Kemp, taken 17th by the Seattle SuperSonics from Concord High School, a six-time All-Star; and center Vlade Divac, drafted 26th by the Los Angeles Lakers from Partizan Belgrade, a one-time All-Star and 2019 Hall of Famer.[1][4][5] Additional standouts were point guard Mookie Blaylock (12th overall by the Sacramento Kings, traded to Atlanta), a one-time All-Star, and forward Dino Radja (40th overall by the Boston Celtics from Jugoplastika Split), a 2018 Hall of Famer known for his international success.[1][6] Rice himself earned four All-Star nods and contributed to the 2000 championship with the Lakers, highlighting the draft's depth in producing All-Stars and contributors across 15 seasons of NBA play.Background and Context
Pre-Draft Landscape
The 1989 NBA draft marked a significant expansion for the league, as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic joined as new franchises ahead of the 1989-90 season, bringing the total to 27 teams. These expansion teams participated in a separate expansion draft on June 15, 1989, where each of the 23 established NBA teams (excluding the recently added Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat) protected eight players, allowing the newcomers to select from the remaining pool to build initial rosters; Orlando won a coin flip on June 12 to secure the first overall pick in that process. This expansion directly impacted the regular draft by adding two additional first-round selections, resulting in 54 total picks across two rounds—a format newly reduced from three the previous year—and increasing competition for top collegiate and international talent.[7][8][1] The preceding 1988-89 NBA season provided broader context for the draft, highlighted by the Detroit Pistons' emergence as champions after sweeping the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers 4-0 in the Finals, with Joe Dumars earning Finals MVP honors for his defensive prowess against Magic Johnson. The Pistons' "Bad Boys" style, led by Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer, symbolized a shift toward physical play, while individual stars like Michael Jordan continued to elevate the league's profile—Jordan securing his third consecutive scoring title at 32.5 points per game. Amid this, the NBA experienced rising international interest in the late 1980s, fueled by the influx of foreign-born players such as Hakeem Olajuwon and Detlef Schrempf, and growing global broadcasts that foreshadowed the league's worldwide expansion.[9][10][11] Pre-draft scouting emphasized the need for dominant big men to anchor franchises, with Louisville center Pervis Ellison emerging as a consensus top prospect due to his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess—he became the only player in school history to surpass 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. Scouts also noted promising guards like Tim Hardaway of Texas-El Paso, whose explosive crossover dribble and scoring ability (22 points per game in his senior year) positioned him as an under-the-radar playmaker capable of transforming backcourts. An informal poll of general managers highlighted the depth at forward and center, including Sean Elliott and Glen Rice, reflecting teams' priorities for versatile frontcourt talent amid the league's physical evolution.[12][13][14] The draft itself took place on June 27, 1989, at the Felt Forum in New York City's Madison Square Garden, the first time the event was broadcast live in prime time on national television.[1][12]Eligibility and Rules
The eligibility rules for the 1989 NBA draft followed the league's established criteria, which required players to be at least four years removed from their high school graduation or to have completed their college senior year, ensuring a minimum level of maturity and development before professional entry.[15] This standard, in place since the league's early decades, aimed to balance player readiness with competitive opportunities, though it had been challenged and modified through legal precedents like the 1971 Spencer Haywood case, which permitted entry after three college seasons.[16] Underclassmen could declare for the draft as early entrants, a practice enabled since the post-Haywood era and governed by the 1988 collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, which extended through the 1993-94 season without altering core eligibility but maintaining the framework for such declarations.[17] Early entrants typically included college juniors who notified the league of their intent, allowing them to test professional interest while retaining the option to withdraw and return to school if undrafted or unsatisfied with outcomes; this process encouraged broader participation without mandating permanent commitment.[16] International players faced no strict age minimum under NBA rules but were required to meet FIBA standards for amateur or professional status to preserve eligibility for national team competitions, a barrier that eased significantly in 1989 when FIBA voted to allow professionals in international events starting with the 1992 Olympics.[18] This shift marked 1989 as the first draft enabling direct selection of international underclassmen equivalents, exemplified by 21-year-old Yugoslav center Vlade Divac, drafted 26th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers after playing professionally in Europe, without forfeiting future FIBA participation.[16]Draft Process
Lottery and Team Selections
The NBA draft lottery, implemented in 1985, aimed to curb tanking by randomly determining the top draft positions for non-playoff teams rather than strictly awarding them based on record. From 1987 to 1989, the system involved drawing envelopes from a hopper to set the order of the first three picks among all non-playoff teams, with each team receiving an equal probability of landing the No. 1 selection.[19] In the 1988–89 season, the league's 25 teams saw 16 qualify for the playoffs, leaving nine non-playoff teams to participate in the 1989 lottery, each with an 11.11% chance for the top pick.[20] The non-playoff teams were initially seeded in reverse order of their regular-season records: Miami Heat (15–67, #1), Charlotte Hornets (20–62, #2), Los Angeles Clippers (21–61, #3), San Antonio Spurs (21–61, #4, with Clippers ahead via tiebreaker), New Jersey Nets (26–56, #5), Sacramento Kings (27–55, #6), Indiana Pacers (28–54, #7), Dallas Mavericks (38–44, #8), and Washington Bullets (40–42, #9).[21] The lottery drawing, held on May 22, 1989, in New York, shuffled the top three positions while guaranteeing the worst team could not drop below fourth overall and the second-worst no lower than fifth.[22] The Sacramento Kings, holding the sixth-worst record, defied the odds to secure the No. 1 pick; the Los Angeles Clippers moved up to No. 2; and the San Antonio Spurs advanced to No. 3.[20] The remaining non-playoff teams retained their seeded positions: Heat at fourth, Hornets at fifth, New Jersey Nets at sixth (later traded to Chicago), Pacers at seventh, Mavericks at eighth, and Bullets at ninth.[1] Picks 10 and 11 were assigned to the new expansion teams, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic, respectively. Picks 12 through 27 were assigned to the 16 playoff teams in reverse order of their 1988–89 regular-season records, starting with the Portland Trail Blazers (39–43) at #12.[1] Prior trades influenced several selections; for instance, the Seattle SuperSonics held the No. 16 pick from their own playoff position but acquired an additional first-round pick (No. 17) from the Philadelphia 76ers in a 1986 deal involving Tim McCormick and Danny Vranes.[23] Similarly, the Clippers' No. 2 pick, won in the lottery, was later the subject of post-draft negotiations, though the team retained control during the selection process.[24] This structure ensured a mix of merit-based and randomized positioning, with the full first-round order finalized before draft day on June 27, 1989.[1]Draft Day Events and Trades
The 1989 NBA draft took place on June 27 at the Felt Forum within Madison Square Garden in New York City, marking the first time the event was televised live in prime time on TBS. NBA Commissioner David Stern presided over the proceedings, announcing each selection from the stage in front of an audience of approximately 2,500 fans. The broadcast, hosted by Bob Neal, highlighted the league's growing popularity and featured coverage of the two-round format, reduced from three rounds the previous year. Among the notable moments was the Sacramento Kings' selection of Pervis Ellison from the University of Louisville as the No. 1 overall pick, a choice widely anticipated but later overshadowed by Ellison's recurring injury issues that limited his rookie season. The draft also showcased early international flavor with the [Los Angeles Lakers](/page/Los Angeles_Lakers) selecting 7-foot-1 center Vlade Divac from Yugoslavia's Partizan Belgrade at No. 26, positioning him as one of the highest-drafted European players at the time and signaling the NBA's expanding global reach. Reactions to these picks were generally positive on the day, with Ellison viewed as a versatile big man and Divac praised for his passing and skill set. Several trades were executed during the draft to reshuffle picks and players. The Chicago Bulls acquired the Seattle SuperSonics' No. 18 first-round selection in exchange for forward Brad Sellers, using it to draft guard B.J. Armstrong from Iowa, which gave Chicago three first-round picks overall. In another deal, the Bulls traded veteran center Dave Corzine to the expansion Orlando Magic for two future second-round picks (1990 and 1992).[25] The draft featured minimal other wheeling and dealing compared to modern events, with teams focusing on immediate selections amid the league's expansion to include Orlando and the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the second round, the Portland Trail Blazers found value late by selecting forward Cliff Robinson from the University of Connecticut at No. 36 overall, a pick that proved to be a steal as Robinson developed into a versatile contributor and 1993 Sixth Man of the Year over an 18-season career. Other second-round highlights included the Boston Celtics taking Croatian forward Dino Radja at No. 40, further emphasizing the draft's international selections, though Radja did not join the NBA until 1993 after fulfilling overseas obligations.Early Entrants
College Underclassmen
The 1989 NBA draft featured several early entry declarations by U.S. college underclassmen, as juniors and sophomores had been permitted to forgo remaining eligibility for professional opportunities without the "hardship" requirement since 1975. This draft saw five U.S. college juniors successfully enter and be drafted (alongside one undrafted sophomore and one high school player), reflecting an ongoing shift in college basketball where players increasingly prioritized NBA readiness over completing four-year degrees.[16] The trend was driven by financial incentives and perceived professional preparedness, though it continued to evolve and disrupt traditional campus rosters and talent development pipelines.[26] Key early entrants included J.R. Reid, a junior power forward from North Carolina, who was viewed as a high-impact prospect due to his physicality and rebounding prowess.[27] Nick Anderson, a junior guard from Illinois, also declared early, bringing elite shooting and defensive skills that highlighted his readiness for the pros.[28] Other notable juniors included Pooh Richardson from UCLA (10th overall), Mookie Blaylock from Oklahoma (12th overall), and Stacey King from Oklahoma (6th overall). These declarations exemplified the motivations behind early exits: economic pressures from lucrative NBA contracts and a desire to capitalize on peak physical form before potential wear from additional college seasons. For instance, Reid's entry was influenced by his dominant role in North Carolina's Final Four run, positioning him as a lottery talent amid financial needs for his family.[1] The early entries in 1989 contributed to the broader evolution in college basketball, gradually reducing the average years of experience among drafted players and accelerating the "one-and-done" mindset that would dominate later decades.[16] This wave pressured programs to adapt recruiting strategies toward shorter-term talent acquisition, ultimately diminishing the NCAA as the NBA's primary farm system and prompting debates on player development.[29] While not every entrant succeeded—some like Maurice Martin from St. Joseph's faced steeper professional adjustments—the class underscored the risks and rewards of early professional leaps.[28]International and Other Players
The 1989 NBA draft highlighted the expanding global reach of professional basketball, as teams increasingly scouted talent beyond U.S. borders, particularly from Europe's competitive leagues. This shift reflected the NBA's efforts to internationalize amid growing interest from overseas federations like FIBA, allowing eligible foreign professionals to declare without mandatory U.S. college experience. Vlade Divac, a 7-foot-1 center from Yugoslavia playing for Partizan Belgrade, became a landmark selection when the Los Angeles Lakers chose him 26th overall in the first round—the highest draft position for a European player since Arvydas Sabonis in 1986. At 21 years old, Divac entered the draft as an early international entrant under NBA rules permitting players over 18 with professional experience to declare, bypassing American college basketball entirely. His selection underscored the potential of Yugoslav talent, fresh off a gold medal at the 1989 FIBA EuroBasket where he averaged 10.9 points and 6.5 rebounds.[1] Dino Radja, a 6-foot-11 forward from Jugoplastika Split in Yugoslavia, followed as the Boston Celtics' 40th overall pick in the second round. Known for his versatile scoring and rebounding in the Yugoslav First League, where Jugoplastika dominated European competitions, Radja represented another direct pipeline from overseas clubs to the NBA. Like Divac, he declared early under international eligibility provisions, signaling the league's recognition of non-U.S. developmental paths.[1] Beyond these selections, other international prospects tested the waters, including French center Rudy Bourgarel, a 7-foot amateur who declared as an early entrant but went undrafted, illustrating the era's uncertainties for global players. Scouting reports at the time emphasized adaptation challenges, such as adjusting to the NBA's faster pace, physicality, and cultural differences like language barriers and homesickness, which deterred many from pursuing or succeeding in the transition. Divac himself navigated these hurdles during preseason training in Hawaii, where he focused on building strength and English proficiency to integrate into the Lakers' system.[28][30]Selections and Picks
First Round Analysis
The first round of the 1989 NBA draft consisted of 27 selections, reflecting the league's expansion to include the Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves, which extended the round beyond the typical length. Held on June 27, 1989, at the Felt Forum in New York City, the selections emphasized versatile forwards and guards amid a perceived scarcity of elite centers, with teams prioritizing immediate contributors for rebuilding rosters. Several picks involved trades either on draft night or shortly thereafter, altering team compositions and setting the stage for future roster maneuvers in the early 1990s, including the Seattle SuperSonics' acquisition of the 16th pick from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for their 1990 first-round pick.| Pick | Player | Position | Drafting Team | College/Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pervis Ellison | C | Sacramento Kings | Louisville | |
| 2 | Danny Ferry | PF | Los Angeles Clippers | Duke | Rights traded to Cleveland Cavaliers on November 17, 1989, for Ron Harper and three future draft picks (1990 and 1992 first-rounders, plus a 1991 second-rounder). |
| 3 | Sean Elliott | SF | San Antonio Spurs | Arizona | |
| 4 | Glen Rice | SF | Miami Heat | Michigan | |
| 5 | J.R. Reid | PF | Charlotte Hornets | North Carolina | |
| 6 | Stacey King | PF | Chicago Bulls | Oklahoma | |
| 7 | George McCloud | SF | Indiana Pacers | Florida State | |
| 8 | Randy White | PF | Dallas Mavericks | Louisiana Tech | |
| 9 | Tom Hammonds | PF | Washington Bullets | Georgia Tech | |
| 10 | Pooh Richardson | PG | Minnesota Timberwolves | UCLA | |
| 11 | Nick Anderson | SG | Orlando Magic | Illinois | |
| 12 | Mookie Blaylock | PG | New Jersey Nets | Oklahoma | |
| 13 | Michael Smith | PF | Boston Celtics | BYU | |
| 14 | Tim Hardaway | PG | Golden State Warriors | Texas-El Paso | |
| 15 | Todd Lichti | SG | Denver Nuggets | Stanford | |
| 16 | Dana Barros | PG | Seattle SuperSonics | Boston College | Acquired from Golden State Warriors on draft day for 1990 first-round pick. |
| 17 | Shawn Kemp | PF | Seattle SuperSonics | Trinity Valley CC | |
| 18 | B.J. Armstrong | PG | Chicago Bulls | Iowa | |
| 19 | Kenny Payne | SF | Philadelphia 76ers | Louisville | |
| 20 | Jeff Sanders | PF | Chicago Bulls | Georgia Southern | |
| 21 | Blue Edwards | SG | Utah Jazz | East Carolina | |
| 22 | Byron Irvin | SG | Portland Trail Blazers | Missouri | |
| 23 | Roy Marble | SF | Atlanta Hawks | Iowa | |
| 24 | Anthony Cook | PF | Phoenix Suns | Arizona | |
| 25 | John Morton | PG | Cleveland Cavaliers | Seton Hall | |
| 26 | Vlade Divac | C | Los Angeles Lakers | Yugoslavia | |
| 27 | Kenny Battle | SF | Detroit Pistons | Illinois | Rights traded with Micheal Williams to Phoenix Suns for Anthony Cook (pick 24). |
Second Round Analysis
The second round of the 1989 NBA draft, encompassing picks 28 through 54, provided opportunities for teams to address depth needs, especially amid the league's expansion to include the Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves for the 1989-90 season, alongside the still-developing Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets. These franchises utilized their selections to rapidly populate rosters, prioritizing versatile college players capable of immediate contributions in a competitive environment.[1] The following table lists all second-round selections, including the drafting team, player's college or origin, and whether they appeared in an NBA game:| Pick | Team | Player | College/Origin | NBA Games Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | MIA | Sherman Douglas | Syracuse | 765 |
| 29 | CHH | Dyron Nix | Tennessee | 20 |
| 30 | MIL | Frank Kornet | Vanderbilt | 89 |
| 31 | LAC | Jeff Martin | Murray State | 143 |
| 32 | NJN | Stanley Brundy | DePaul | 16 |
| 33 | LAC | Jay Edwards | Indiana | 4 |
| 34 | MIN | Gary Leonard | Missouri | 31 |
| 35 | DAL | Pat Durham | Colorado State | 64 |
| 36 | POR | Clifford Robinson | UConn | 1,380 |
| 37 | ORL | Michael Ansley | Alabama | 149 |
| 38 | MIN | Doug West | Villanova | 676 |
| 39 | WSH | Ed Horton | Iowa | 45 |
| 40 | BOS | Dino Radja | Yugoslavia | 224 |
| 41 | WSH | Doug Roth | Tennessee | 42 |
| 42 | DEN | Michael Cutright | McNeese State | 0 |
| 43 | CLE | Chucky Brown | NC State | 694 |
| 44 | PHI | Reggie Cross | Hawaii | 0 |
| 45 | MIA | Scott Haffner | Evansville | 50 |
| 46 | PHO | Ricky Blanton | LSU | 2 |
| 47 | DEN | Reggie Turner | UAB | 0 |
| 48 | UTA | Junie Lewis | South Alabama | 0 |
| 49 | ATL | Haywoode Workman | Oral Roberts | 359 |
| 50 | NYK | Brian Quinnett | Washington State | 138 |
| 51 | PHO | Mike Morrison | Loyola Maryland | 36 |
| 52 | PHO | Greg Grant | Trenton State | 274 |
| 53 | DAL | Jeff Hodge | South Alabama | 0 |
| 54 | PHI | Toney Mack | Georgia | 0 |