The best NBA Draft pick of all time at every slot

NEW YORK - JUNE 26: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers poses with his jersey during the 2003/2004 NBA Draft Portrait at Paramount Theatre Madison Square Garden on June 26, 2003 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by: Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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PORTLAND, OR – FEBRUARY 7: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls rests against Clyde Drexler #22 of the Portland Trailblazers on February 7, 1993 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon. The Chicago Bulls defeated the Portland Trailblazers 101-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photos by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

14. Clyde Drexler, 1983 NBA Draft, Portland Trail Blazers

Clyde Drexler made a name for himself at the University of Houston as one of the headliners of the “Phi Slamma Jamma” group. Though he wasn’t as highly touted as teammate Hakeem Olajuwon, Drexler was a good prospect in his own rights and the Portland Trail Blazers made sure to snatch him up when he was still available with the 14th pick in the 1983 NBA Draft.

This choice a year prior is often used as justification for Portland passing up on drafting Michael Jordan in the 1984 NBA Draft when they took Sam Bowie with the second overall choice. In his own right, Drexler’s game was very reminiscent of what Jordan brought to the floor. Both were high-flyers that could manufacture their own shot when necessary. It’s clear now to see them working together in a similar fashion to what Scottie Pippen and Jordan were able to do a few years down the line.

Drexler and Jordan would be linked for much of their careers, and while Drexler’s accomplishments don’t exactly line up with what I outlined previously on Jordan’s page, Drexler wasn’t anything to stick your nose up at. He is one of the great shooting guards in league history, and he was easily one of the best players during his era. Everyone pales in comparison to Jordan, but for a while those two had some great head-to-head battles.

One of the best players in franchise history, the Trail Blazers made one trip to the title in 1992 with Drexler leading the way. They just so happened to run into a Jordan-led Chicago Bulls team that was at the top of their game. Drexler was a very good player and to be able to nab someone like that at 14 is something that should be applauded and remembered.

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