The narrative surrounding Michael Jordan often centers on his unparalleled greatness and the seismic impact he had on basketball. Yet, to fully understand his ascent to becoming a global icon, it is essential to look at the landscape of the draft that preceded him. Who got drafted before Michael Jordan provides a fascinating look at the talent and context that shaped the era Jordan would eventually dominate.
The Draft Class of 1984: A Historical Crossroads
Before Jordan arrived with the third overall pick in 1984, the league was already populated with significant talent. The draft class of 1984 is frequently cited as one of the deepest in NBA history, producing multiple Hall of Famers beyond Jordan himself. Understanding the players selected in the first two rounds offers immediate context for where Jordan was selected and the expectations that were placed upon him versus his predecessors.
Harvey Grant and the Perimeter Defense Focus
Selected with the fifth overall pick by the Washington Bullets, Harvey Grant was a versatile forward known for his defensive prowess and perimeter shooting. His immediate contribution to a competitive Bullets team highlights the level of skill available just outside the top three picks. Grant would go on to be a reliable role player and a key member of the 1995 championship team with the Orlando Magic, establishing a solid ten-year career.
The Anchors of the Draft: First Overall Picks
The two players drafted directly before Jordan in the 1984 lottery set the stage for his arrival. Sam Bowie, taken with the second pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, was a dominant college center from Kentucky whose career was unfortunately marred by significant leg injuries. His trajectory, cut short by physical setbacks, stands as a poignant "what if" story in NBA draft history. Following Bowie, the Houston Rockets selected Hakeem Olajuwon with the first overall pick, a decision that would ultimately define an era of basketball. Olajuwon's incredible athleticism and footwork foreshadowed the transcendent big men who would follow Jordan, making his rivalry with Patrick Ewing in the 1990s a cornerstone of the decade.
Patrick Ewing: The Defining Center of the 80s
No discussion of players drafted before Jordan is complete without acknowledging the impact of Patrick Ewing. Drafted first overall by the New York Knicks in 1985, Ewing became the face of the league's biggest market. His rivalry with Hakeem Olajuwon defined the latter half of the 1980s and early 90s. Ewing's combination of size, skill, and intelligence provided a template for the modern center and commanded attention long before Jordan's Bulls began their ascent.
The landscape of the mid-1980s was crowded with generational talent. Players like Chris Mullin, drafted in 1985, brought a unique blend of scoring and finesse that captived fans. The competition Jordan faced was not just future Hall of Famers but established stars who had already been in the league for years. This context underscores the remarkable speed at which Jordan ascended, forcing the narrative of the game to shift around his singular brilliance.
