NBA 1993 Draft: A Turning Point in History

The 1993 NBA draft was a turning point in the history of professional basketbal.html">basketball.html">basketball. On June 30, 1993, the league held its annual draft, and it would go on to shape the future of the sport for years to come.

With 14 teams participating, the draft featured some of the most talented young players.html">players to ever step onto an NBA court. The Orlando Magic used their first-round pick to select big man Shaquille O''Neal, who would go on to become one of the greatest centers in league history.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, meanwhile, took a chance on high-flying forward Christian Laettner with the third overall pick. Laettner would go on to have a successful 15-year career in the NBA, earning multiple All-Star selections and winning two NCAA champions.html">championship.html">championships.html">championships as a collegiate player.

The draft also marked the beginning of a new era for the New York Knicks, who used their first-round pick to select big man Hubert Davis. Davis would go on to have a solid 11-year career in the league, playing for several teams including the Knicks and Charlotte Hornets.

The 1993 NBA draft was also notable for its international flavor. In addition to Laettner, who was born in California but played college ball at Duke University in North Carolina, the draft featured several players from abroad. These included Toni Kukoč of Croatia, who would go on to have a successful career with the Chicago Bulls, and Acie Earl, a Canadian forward who would play for several teams including the Toronto Raptors.

The 1993 NBA draft was a momentous occasion that would shape the course of professional basketball history. With its combination of talented young players, international flair, and memorable moments, it remains an iconic event in the annals of the sport.