1996 NBA Draft Legends

The Legendary 1996 NBA Draft Class: Legendary Players and future HOF.

The world had no idea it was about to witness one of the greatest NBA draft classes in history. This draft class was so stacked, you'd continue to hear the same names for years to come. And let’s not forget, this era was prime time for some of the most iconic vintage 90s bootleg tees, celebrating the legends that emerged from this draft.

Enter the Superstars

First up, let’s talk about a kid from Lower Merion High School who turned out to be kind of a big deal—Kobe Bryant. That’s right, the Black Mamba was picked 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets and then immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Imagine passing on Kobe! It’s like saying, “Nah, I’m good,” when someone offers you free courtside tickets. Spoiler alert: You’re not good. Kobe went on to become a five-time NBA champion, an 18-time All-Star, and basically the epitome of basketball excellence. What name do you say when trying to make it into the trashcan? Exactly.

Next, we have Steve Nash, a guy who looks more like your cool math teacher than a basketball wizard. But don’t let the looks fool you—Nash was a maestro on the court. Drafted 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns, he became a two-time MVP, dishing out assists like Oprah giving away gifts! Nash turned every fast break into a highlight reel, and his pick-and-roll game was so smooth.

And then there’s Allen Iverson. AI was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, and he came into the league like a whirlwind with a killer crossover that left defenders stumbling as if they’d forgotten how to walk. Iverson wasn’t just a player; he was a cultural icon, the embodiment of “heart over height.” Standing at just 6 feet tall (in sneakers), he was the toughest guy on the court night in and night out. And let’s not forget that infamous “Practice?” rant—Iverson made sure the world knew that game time was what really mattered.

Last, but certainly not least, is Ray Allen. Drafted 5th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves (and traded to the Milwaukee Bucks), Ray was the sharpshooter who made the three-pointer look like a layup. With a shooting stroke so pure it could make angels weep, Ray Allen was the go-to guy when you needed a clutch shot. Just ask the Miami Heat about that time in 2013 when he hit the shot to save their season. Spoiler: He’s the reason they went on to win the championship.

The Rest of the Class

But wait, there’s more! This draft class wasn’t just about the big names. It also included future All-Stars and solid role players who made their mark in the league. Guys like Jermaine O’Neal, Peja Stojaković, Marcus Camby, and Antoine Walker all came out of this draft, each contributing to the game in their unique ways.

A Class for the Ages

Looking back, it’s wild to think about how much talent was packed into that one night in 1996. This draft class not only produced Hall of Famers but also changed the game of basketball forever. From Kobe’s relentless drive, Iverson’s swagger, Nash’s vision, and Ray’s shooting, the 1996 NBA Draft gave us more than just players—it gave us legends. And what better way to celebrate these legends than by rocking a vintage 90s bootleg tee that showcases their greatness?

So here’s to the ’96 class, the gift that keeps on giving. Even years later, their impact on the game is undeniable, and their highlights still make us want to grab a basketball and hit the court (or at least fire up the old NBA Live video games). But until then, the 1996 class will remain the stuff of basketball legend—and the perfect inspiration for your next vintage 90s bootleg tee collection.