"1996 NBA Draft: The Remix Era"

To quote the great Ahmad: "Back in the day when I was young, I'm not a
kid anymore; but somedays I sit and wish I was a kid again." Yes, that
very same line spoke volumes to kids growing up in the 1990s. A great
decade of sports, music, movies, and culture in general. We'd witness
the 72-10 Chicago Bulls win their fourth title in six seasons. One of the
more popular Air Jordan sneakers in the eleven had all of us screaming
for a pair.

It was a great time to be alive as the NBA Finals had concluded and
seeing who would be the first overall pick in 1996. Depending on who
you're asking, this draft class was stacked and possibly the "greatest of
all-time." In an era where physicality could bring your team to another
level, look no further as the notable players drafted was what the doctor
ordered.

1. Allen Iverson: The best point guard and highlight reel coming out of
Georgetown University started his career in Philadelphia. Barely six
feet, Iverson brought a different level of competitive nature. Playing
every minute and game like it meant everything, he went on to win MVP
in 2001 and lead the Sixers to their only NBA Finals against his draft
classmate Kobe Bryant and a prime Shaquille O'Neal. The iconic jumper
and step-over Laker Ty Lue became fuel for what Iverson was about.
But in the midst of his career, backlash over his "hip-hop influence,"
Iverson stayed true to himself. His legacy was bigger than basketball;
he was black culture and didn't shy away from it. Even when former
commissioner David Stern implemented a dress code, this was a
subliminal message to Iverson. It divided the sport culturally in order to
keep it clean and professional. No matter what was said, Iverson didn't
feed into public perception and put black culture on the map. From

braids to tattoos, his influence on the NBA transitioned for many young
black players after him.

2. Marcus Camby: A true center out of UMass was selected by the new
expansion team Toronto Raptors. A decorated player who'd won the
Naismith College Player of the Year award. But there was some trouble
that occurred as Camby accepted $28,000 from two sports agents while
in college. The Final Four was vacated due to this punishment. His best
benchmark came upon a trade to New York in 1998; helping the revived
Knicks upset the Indiana Pacers to play in the NBA Finals in 1999. A
solid career which he led the league in blocked shots four times.
Defensive Player of the Year in 2007.

3. Shareef Abdul-Rahim: Drafted by another expansion team in
Vancouver; where the new Grizzlies selected Rahim to bring light on
this new venture. At 6'9, he made an impact early on for Vancouver;
averaging a double-double of 18 points, 7 rebounds per game. In an
ultra competitive era, Rahim could get buckets and still help win games.
He was apart of the 2000 Sydney Olympics as a replacement for Grant
Hill; as Team USA captured Gold. Despite having one all-star
appearance, Rahim's career would've been much better in the right
situation. Being traded twice and not able to find the right team
hampered what could've been. Knee injuries forced him to retire in
2008.

4. Stephon Marbury: A freshman phenom out of Georgia Tech was the
second point guard selected behind Allen Iverson. Selected by the
Milwaukee Bucks, then traded to Minnesota, his impact was felt with
teammate Kevin Garnett. Leading the Timberwolves to postseason play
in 1997. Marbury's career took a twist of fate; as his Minnesota tenure
was hindered with a trade. Speculations of superstar Garnett's contract
and not having the endorsements, a trade to New Jersey in order to be

closer with family and friends. His NBA career didn't pan out as hyped
and Marbury went on to find overseas success playing with the Chinese
Basketball Association. Winning three CBA titles and having a
revamped career.

5. Ray Allen: One of the most electrifying college players, attacking the
rim at ease with no hesitation. Allen's career in Milwaukee had success
early on as a scorer. He even made his acting debut in Spike Lee's
classic "He Got Game," starring alongside Denzel Washington. Allen's
budding superstardom led him to Seattle and winning a long overdue
ring in 2008 with Boston. It was there his game evolved more into a
catch and shoot guard. Helping Boston and reaching the Finals twice in
his tenure. His greatest shot came in 2013 during game six versus the
San Antonio Spurs. As a member of the Miami Heat, hitting a corner
three to keep Miami's season alive. Capturing his second ring after a
hard fought seven games, Allen's hall of fame legacy was cemented.

13. Kobe Bryant: The biggest surprise and steal of night one as the
Charlotte Hornets selected Bryant, a young high school phenom out of
Lower Marion High School in Philadelphia. After working out for several
teams, it was unknown if the seventeen-year old would be what the
Hornets needed. Then... everything changed as Los Angles Lakers
general manager Jerry West traded for Bryant's draft rights. The rest is
history as he went on to become a very decorated player, five
championships, two gold medals, MVP and having two numbers retired
in Los Angeles. From rooting for his childhood team to wearing the
purple and gold, Bryant's legacy of "Mamba Mentality" resonates with
multiple players across sports. Even after his untimely tragedy in 2020,
Bryant's spirit remains sacred.

15. Steve Nash: An unknown point guard from Santa Clara became
one of the league's best passers. Dishing out assists and being a

bonafide floor general, Nash's greatness was bestowed early in his
career. His best years came in Phoenix, where he'd help revive a
franchise starving for success. Winning two league MVPs, Nash didn't
reach the NBA Finals, but had several playoff matchups with Los
Angeles and San Antonio, you couldn't deny his work ethics. Settling
into post retirement, Nash was on the Golden State Warriors coaching
staff and was hired as Brooklyn's head coach in 2021. A short-lived
tenure but never away from the game, you can catch him breaking
down nuances of basketball with LeBron James on Mind The Game.

17. Jermaine O'Neal: Another high school phenom who was under the
radar. A 6'10 forward/center drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers. He
didn't reach his superstardom until being traded to the Indiana Pacers.
Reviving his career and becoming a cornerstone player and reaching
the NBA Finals in 2000 versus Los Angeles. From there, O'Neal would
make the NBA All-Star game six times; along with being one of the best
young players. His career took a twist of fate during what became
"Malice at The Palace," being suspended for his role along with Stephen
Jackson, Ron Artest. A twenty-five game suspension; which was
reduced to ten after an appeal. Injuries, health issues hampered his
career as he struggled to regain the Indiana Pacer days, but being
around to help mentor and guide younger players suited him.

If truth be told, this draft class would rank second in my humble opinion.
A remix of young fresh talent who'd become the heir and carry a burden
of expectations paved by legendary players. It was truly a time to be
alive during a great era of everything sports and culture. 90s kids can
attest to this and we can all say it in different ways.