12. Julius Erving, 1972
NBA Photos-NBAE via Getty Images
Julius Erving, who was taken by the Bucks with the 12th overall pick in the 1972 draft, actually began his professional career in the ABA. He joined the 76ers in 1976, though, and hit the ground running. He won the MVP in 1981 and led Philadelphia to a championship in 1983.
11. Reggie Miller, 1987
Nathaniel S. Butler-NBAE via Getty Images
Reggie Miller thrived big moments. Indiana’s stellar long-range shooter, who almost single-handedly took down the Knicks in the 1995 playoffs, always came through in the clutch. He averaged 18.2 points per game in his career and led the Pacers to the Finals in 2000. It should be noted that in a few years, Klay Thompson, who Golden State took with the 11th overall pick in 2011, could soon supplant Miller on this list.
Draft, Draft, A.C. Green, Clyde Drexler, Dennis Rodman, Dirk Nowitzki, Isiah Thomas, Jameer Nelson, Jimmy Butler, Joe Dumars, John Stockton, Julius Erving, Karl Malone, Kevin Garnett, Larry Bird, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Reggie Lewis, Reggie Miller, Russell Westbrook, Sam Cassell, Sam Jones, Shawn Kemp, Stephen Curry, Steve Nash, Tiny Archibald, Toni Kukoc, Tony Allen, Tony Parker, Vlade Divac
