NBA Draft: Ranking every draft class from 1996-2020

Ranking NBA Draft classes from 1995-2020: 1. 1996

The best explanation of why this the top draft class is whether it is about possibly the most influential cultural player in history or one of the most beloved winners of a generation. Or perhaps it is a two-time MVP who was the predecessor of the offensive innovation that has completely transformed the league.

Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson and Steve Nash are three of the best players to enter the league in recent memory. Only Bryant was able to win a championship but both Nash and Iverson left everything out on the court to bring one to their own individual teams. They combined to win four MVPs, make a staggering 37 All-Star appearances and 29 All-NBA teams. Nash led the league in assists five times. Iverson led the league in scoring four times and steals three times. Bryant is a two-time scoring champion.

Somehow, this is just the start of the list. Ray Allen is in this class and is one of the best shooters of all time as well as a two-time champion. Stephon Marbury made two All-Star and All-NBA appearances and attained legendary icon status in the CBA. Jermaine O’Neal and Peja Stojakovic were All-NBA level talents. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Antoine Walker and Zydrunas Ilgauskas add on some additional All-Star selections.

Even the non-All-Stars are decorated. Marcus Camby led the league in blocks four times and was the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year. Derek Fisher is a five-time NBA Champion. This class is completely stacked and is the best class of the last 25 years. They completely changed the NBA into the league we know today.