The 1991 NBA Draft is widely considered to be one of the most talented drafts in NBA history. It featured a number of iconic players who have gone on to become some of the biggest names in basketball.
From Hall of Famers such as Shaquille O’Neal, Alonzo Mourning, and Dikembe Mutombo, to All-Stars such as Kenny Anderson, Larry Johnson, and Steve Smith, this draft class was full of stars.
With so many great players, it’s impossible to name them all, but here are some of the best players from the 1991 NBA Draft.
1. Larry Johnson
Larry Demetric Johnson is a renowned former professional basketball player who is best known for his impressive career as a power forward for the Charlotte Hornets and the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association.
Johnson demonstrated his immense talent and skill on the court throughout his career, leading to his induction into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. Johnson began his professional career in 1991 when he was drafted by the Hornets as the first overall pick in the draft.
His rookie season was highly successful, receiving multiple accolades such as being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team and the 1992 NBA All-Star Game.
During his time with the Hornets, Johnson averaged over 20 points per game and was selected to the All-NBA Second Team in 1993 and 1994. Johnson was then traded to the Knicks in 1996, where he continued to demonstrate his talent and skill on the court.
He was selected to the All-NBA Third Team in 1997 and 1998 and was also named to the All-Star Team in 2001.
Johnson’s impressive career with the Knicks and Hornets earned him the honor of being inducted into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. In addition to his impressive professional career, Johnson is also known for his work in the community, having served as a mentor and coach to young basketball players since he retired from the NBA in 2001.
He has also been a strong advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, having established the Larry Johnson Foundation in 2003 to provide support and resources to those affected by the virus. Overall, Larry Demetric Johnson is an esteemed former professional basketball player who is renowned for his impressive career with the Charlotte Hornets and the New York Knicks.
His hard work and dedication to the game has been recognized by his induction into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, as well as his ongoing work in the community.
2. Dikembe Mutombo
Dikembe Mutombo is a former professional basketball player who played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is a dual citizen of both the United States and the Congo.
During his playing career, Mutombo was a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, an eight-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Second Team member, and a four-time NBA All-Defensive First Team member.
He was also a four-time NBA blocks leader and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. In addition to his impressive career on the court, Mutombo is also widely known for his humanitarian work.
He has worked with multiple organizations, including the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, which he founded in 1997 to improve the health, education, and quality of life for people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He has also worked with the United Nations, and was selected by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan as a U.N. Ambassador for the Sport for Development and Peace Initiative. Mutombo has devoted much of his life to giving back and improving the lives of others.
3. Kenny Anderson
Kenneth Anderson, also known as Kenny Anderson, is a former professional basketball player from America. He attended Georgia Tech for his college career and then went on to play point guard professionally from 1991 to 2006.
Anderson was mainly active in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during his time as a professional basketball player. Anderson had an impressive college career, being a two-time All-American at Georgia Tech, and was eventually drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 1991.
He went on to have a successful career, being the NBA leader in assists per game in the 1995-1996 season.
Anderson also played for a number of teams in the NBA, including the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics, and Los Angeles Clippers.
Anderson also had a successful international career, playing for teams such as Maccabi Tel Aviv, Pivovarna Lasko, and Aris. He retired from playing basketball in 2006, after 15 years in the professional basketball league.
Kenny Anderson is remembered as a great point guard, and his influence on the game of basketball will not soon be forgotten. He was a talented player who gave his all to the sport of basketball and will remain an important part of the history of the NBA.
4. Billy Owens
Billy Eugene Owens is a former professional basketball player who enjoyed a successful career in the National Basketball Association. Owens played college basketball for Syracuse University, where he was a standout player and earned numerous accolades.
He was named an All-American in 1991 as well as the Big East Conference Player of the Year. Owens’ impressive college career was the launching pad for his professional career, where he played for several teams throughout the NBA.
He was known as a hard-working player who could make an impact on both ends of the court. Owens was also one of the most popular players in the league, known for his friendly personality and positive attitude.
He retired from the NBA in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of great basketball and a lasting impact on the game.
5. Terrell Brandon
Thomas Terrell Brandon is a retired professional basketball player who enjoyed a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
With 11 years of experience playing in the league, Brandon was a valuable asset to all three teams he played for. Brandon’s basketball career began in the early 1990s when he was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks.
He quickly established himself as an effective player, leading the Hawks to the playoffs in his second year. After two seasons in Atlanta, Brandon was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he continued to be a reliable contributor for the team.
In his last year in Minnesota, Brandon was part of the team that advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals. After five seasons with the Timberwolves, Brandon was traded to the Detroit Pistons.
During his time with the Pistons, Brandon became a key member of the team, leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals. He also earned a spot on the All-Star team for the first time in his career.
After the Pistons were eliminated from the playoffs, Brandon retired from the NBA. Thomas Terrell Brandon had a successful career in the NBA, playing for three teams over the course of 11 years.
He was a valuable asset to all the teams he played for, and he was able to make a lasting impression in the league.
6. Steve Smith
Steven Delano Smith is an accomplished former professional basketball player. He has played for many teams throughout his career, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and the San Antonio Spurs.
After retiring from playing, Smith has pursued a career in broadcasting and is currently an analyst for Turner Sports. Smith has been a respected figure in the basketball world for many years.
His basketball skills earned him an invitation to try out for the USA Basketball Team in 1996. He was also selected to the All-Star team three times throughout his career.
Smith was known for his ability to score, as well as his leadership on the court. Smith has been involved in the broadcasting world since 1998. He has worked for ESPN, Fox Sports, and CBS Sports. He is currently an analyst for Turner Sports and contributes to their NBA coverage.
He frequently appears as an analyst on NBA TV, TNT, and NBA Radio. Steven Delano Smith has had a long and successful career in both playing and broadcasting basketball. His experiences as a player have given him a unique insight into the game.
His success and knowledge have made him an important part of Turner Sports’ coverage of the NBA.
7. Rick Fox
Ulrich Alexander Fox is a multi-talented individual who has excelled in both the basketball and acting worlds. Born in Canada, Fox made his mark in the NBA, playing for two of the most storied franchises in the league – the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.
Fox’s collegiate career was equally impressive, as he was a standout for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Fox earned his NBA stripes with the Celtics, playing from 1997-1998 and again from 2000-2001.
During his first stint with the team, he was part of the successful duo of Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker, helping the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
His second stint with the Celtics was much shorter, but he still managed to make an impact with his rebounding prowess. Fox’s next stop in the NBA was with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played from 2001-2004.
He was part of a star-studded lineup that included Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Derek Fisher. Fox was an important role player for the team, providing hustle and leadership off the bench. Fox’s college career was equally successful.
He played for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1995-1997, leading the team to the Final Four in 1995 and 1997. He averaged double-figures in scoring in both years and was also an effective rebounder.
After leaving North Carolina, Fox was drafted 12th overall in the NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. Overall, Ulrich Alexander Fox is an inspiring example of what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication.
Through his accomplishments in basketball and acting, Fox has established himself as a respected figure in the sports world.
8. Stacey Augmon
Stacey Orlando Augmon is an American basketball coach and former NBA player, currently serving as the player development coach of the Sacramento Kings.
During his time as a professional basketball player, he was known for his remarkable athletic ability, earning him the nickname “Plastic Man.” This was due to his ability to contort his body in ways that seemed almost impossible, allowing him to make difficult shots and passes on the court.
Augmon was also a great rebounder and defender, often using his flexible body to outmaneuver opponents and make big plays. He was also known for his versatility, being able to play both the forward and guard positions.
Augmon had a successful professional career, playing for several teams throughout the NBA and even earning All-Star honors. After he retired from the NBA, Augmon returned to coaching, where he has been ever since.
His experience as a player and coach have combined to make him one of the most respected figures in the game of basketball today.
9. Chris Gatling
Chris Raymond Gatling is an accomplished former basketball player who had a successful career in the National Basketball Association.
His tenure in the NBA lasted from 1991 to 2002 and he was a member of several teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, the Miami Heat, and the Denver Nuggets.
In addition to his professional career, Chris also had the honor of representing the United States on the international stage. He was part of the US national team that competed in the 1990 FIBA World Championship and ultimately won a bronze medal.
Gatling’s impressive and impressive career highlights his dedication to the sport and his commitment to excellence. His accomplishments are a testament to the hard work and dedication he has devoted to the game.
Chris Raymond Gatling has certainly left his mark on the game of basketball, and his contributions will be remembered for many years to come.
10. Doug Smith
Douglas Smith is a former professional basketball player who had a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was born in the United States and was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 1991.
Smith was selected as the sixth overall pick of the 1991 NBA draft and made an immediate impact in the league. He was a strong rebounder and shot blocker, and quickly became one of the leading big men in the NBA.
Throughout his career, Smith was a key contributor for the Mavericks, helping them reach the playoffs on multiple occasions. He also had stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Atlanta Hawks before retiring in 2003.
His time in the NBA was filled with great moments and impressive stats, making him one of the most successful players from the 1991 draft class.
11. Luc Longley
Lucien James Longley AM is a well-known figure in the world of basketball. He is an Australian professional basketball coach and former player. Longley is remembered for being the first Australian to ever play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
During his 10-season-long career, he played for four different teams, making him a true pioneer in the sport. Longley is widely respected for his accomplishments in basketball.
He has been inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his contribution to the sport.
He also played a key role in helping Australia qualify for their first-ever Olympics in basketball in 2000. Longley’s legacy in basketball continues to live on today.
He has been a major influence in the development of the game in Australia and continues to be a role model for aspiring young players.
He has been credited with helping to raise the profile of the sport on an international level and is often remembered for his determination and dedication to the game.
12. Eric Murdock
Eric Lloyd Murdock is a former professional basketball player from the United States. He was chosen by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 1991 NBA draft. Murdock was an exceptional player during his playing career, and he was highly sought after by the Jazz organization.
He was a reliable clutch shooter and a multi-dimensional point guard who could also contribute on the defensive end. Murdock was a great passer and playmaker, and he had an impressive shooting ability that made him a threat from the perimeter.
He was a great teammate who was always willing to do whatever it took to help his team win. He was a leader both on and off the court, and his presence had a positive influence on the entire team.
After his career in the NBA, Murdock went on to coach and mentor young players, and he has been a valuable asset to the basketball community.
13. Bison Dele
Bison Dele was a talented American basketball player who had a successful career in the NBA. He was born in 1972 and started his career with the Orlando Magic in 1991.
Over the course of his career, he played for the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, and Detroit Pistons. Dele won a championship with the Bulls in 1997.
In 2002, however, Dele’s life tragically ended when he was believed to have been murdered at sea by his older brother, Miles Dabord. Dabord was found guilty of killing Dele and two other companions in a French court in 2008.
This incident shocked the basketball community and left many people mourning the loss of a talented athlete. Dele was remembered for his skill and dedication to the game, as well as his positive attitude and generous spirit.
14. Mike Iuzzolino
Michael Alan Iuzzolino is a highly accomplished basketball figure. He has enjoyed a career in the sport both as a professional player and a coach. As a player, Iuzzolino was selected in the second round of the 1991 NBA draft by the Dallas Mavericks.
His professional career spanned three seasons, during which he played for the Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors. After retiring from professional basketball, Iuzzolino embarked on a coaching career.
He is currently an assistant men’s basketball coach at Robert Morris University, where he helps develop young players and contributes to the success of the team. Iuzzolino has received several awards over the course of his career for his achievements on and off the court.
He is respected by his peers and the basketball community for his dedication to the sport and the impact he has had on the lives of many aspiring athletes.
15. Elliot Perry
Elliot Lamonte Perry is a former professional basketball player who had a successful career in the NBA. He was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Memphis State University (now known as the University of Memphis).
In 1991, he was drafted in the second round of the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers as the tenth overall pick. Despite being selected in the second round, Perry was able to make a name for himself in the NBA.
He was a small point guard at only 6’0″, but he was able to make an impact on the court with his speed, quickness, and ability to make smart decisions. He was a fan favorite in the NBA, and was considered to be one of the best point guards of his time.
16. LeRon Ellis
LeRon Perry Ellis was a highly acclaimed basketball player during his high school years in 1987. He was recognized as one of the top high school basketball players in the nation, and his name was known throughout the country.
His basketball career began in high school, where he was a part of a successful team and made a name for himself. He was a great scorer and was well-known for his shooting ability.
He was also a great passer and was known for his ability to create plays. After high school, Ellis went on to play professionally. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1989 and played for them until 1994.
During his NBA career, Ellis developed a reputation as a reliable scorer and leader on the court. He was able to lead his team to the playoffs in 1993 and was named an All-Star in 1994.
After his NBA career, Ellis continued to play basketball professionally in other countries, including Spain, Italy, and France. Throughout his career, Ellis was known for his hard work and dedication.
He was a great leader on and off the court and was admired by both his teammates and opponents. Even after his retirement from professional basketball, Ellis remained involved in the game and was a mentor for young basketball players.
His legacy remains today, as he is remembered as one of the best players of his generation.
17. Kevin Brooks
Kevin Brooks is an accomplished basketball coach and former player. He was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, and attended White Castle High School in White Castle, Louisiana.
After graduating, he pursued his higher education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, which was previously known as the University of Southwestern Louisiana. Kevin Brooks has had a successful career as both a player and a coach.
After graduating high school, he went on to play college basketball at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. During his college career, he was a two-time All-Sun Belt Conference honoree and was recognized as the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1980.
Following his college career, he was drafted in the fourth round of the 1981 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He spent three seasons in the NBA before moving to Europe, where he played professionally for 10 years.
During this time, he was named the MVP of the Belgian League in 1991. After retiring from playing basketball, Kevin Brooks began his coaching career.
He served as an assistant coach for the University of South Carolina from 2000-2003 before taking a job as an assistant coach with the NBA’s Washington Wizards. He also served as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors and the Sacramento Kings.
In 2018, he joined the Toronto Raptors as an assistant coach and was promoted to head coach in 2019. Kevin Brooks is a highly respected basketball coach and former player.
He is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has enjoyed success as both a player and a coach. He is currently the head coach of the Toronto Raptors, a position he has held since 2019.
18. John Turner
John Leslie Turner is a name that will be remembered in the annals of basketball history. A former professional basketball player, Turner was a standout at the collegiate level and was selected in the first round of the NBA draft.
Turner enjoyed a long and successful career in the NBA, playing for several teams over a span of 11 seasons. During this time, he was a four-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1992.
He also helped lead the United States to a gold medal in the 1984 Summer Olympics. Turner was a versatile player who could play both the point guard and shooting guard positions.
He was known for his excellent defensive skills and was often tasked with defending the opposing team’s best guard.
He was also a capable scorer, averaging over 15 points per game for four different teams during his career. Turner was known for his leadership and team-first mentality and was respected by both his teammates and opponents.
He served as a team captain for three of the teams he played for and was often looked to as a leader in the locker room.
He was a fan favorite wherever he went and was often seen signing autographs and interacting with fans. John Leslie Turner was one of the most respected players in the NBA, and his contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.
19. Rich King
Thomas Richard King is a renowned American basketball player who was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the first round of the 1991 NBA draft.
He graduated from the University of Nebraska and grew up in the state of Nebraska, with both his birthplace being Lincoln and his hometown being Omaha. King was highly esteemed in his high school years, having been a standout player in the state.
His impressive performances garnered him a spot in the first round of the NBA draft, and he went on to have a successful professional career. King was a highly respected player both on and off the court, and his legacy lives on today.
20. Anthony Avent
Anthony Avent is a former professional basketball player who had a successful NBA career. He was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 1991 NBA draft.
Avent went on to play for several teams throughout his career, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Vancouver Grizzlies, Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers.
He played in the NBA for six seasons, and during this time he made a name for himself as one of the top players in the league. He was known for his athleticism, shooting ability, and defensive prowess.
Avent was a force to be reckoned with on the court and his contributions to the game of basketball will not be forgotten.
21. Randy Brown
Randy Brown is an acclaimed figure in the basketball world, having been both a player and a coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
He was renowned as a guard, playing for two of the most prestigious universities in the United States: New Mexico State University and the University of Houston.
Brown’s career as a player was successful, and he was eventually recruited to become a coach for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. His tenure as a coach was also successful, further cementing his legacy as a basketball great.
Brown is now retired from basketball, but his contributions to the game will never be forgotten.
22. Bobby Phills
Bobby Ray Phills Jr. was an American professional basketball player who had an impressive career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played both shooting guard and small forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Charlotte Hornets.
Phills was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and attended Southern University in the same city. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, a historically African-American fraternity. Bobby Ray Phills was a highly valued and respected player among his peers and coaches.
He was known for his hard work and dedication on the court. Off the court, he was active in his community and was a mentor to young basketball players. He was also a devoted family man, often bringing his children to watch his games. Bobby Ray Phills Jr.
tragically died in an automobile accident in 2000. His legacy continues to this day, as he was posthumously inducted into the Southern University Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
His name has also been honored by the NBA, as the league has given out the Bobby Phills Scholarship for the last 20 years. Phills was remembered as a great player, a great man, and a great role model for many.
He will be forever remembered for his contributions to the game of basketball and the impact he had on the lives of those around him.
Conclusion
The 1991 NBA Draft was one of the most talented in history, with many of the top picks still playing in the league today.
Players like Larry Johnson, Kenny Anderson, Dikembe Mutombo, and Terrell Brandon have all had successful careers and remain some of the best players from the draft.
With the success of these players, the 1991 NBA Draft will always be remembered as one of the most talented and memorable drafts of all time.
