The 1995 NBA Draft is widely considered one of the greatest drafts in NBA history, boasting some of the greatest players of all time.
From Hall of Famers such as Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Kobe Bryant to All-Stars like Stephon Marbury, Michael Finley, and Jermaine O’Neal, the 1995 NBA Draft was full of some of the best players to ever play the game.
This draft class produced some of the most exciting players in the league, with much of their success continuing through the 2000s and beyond.
1. Joe Smith
Joseph Leynard Smith is an accomplished basketball player who enjoyed a successful 16-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Smith was a power forward, which is a position that combines the skills of a traditional center and forward, meaning that Smith was able to excel at both ends of the court.
During his career, Smith played for 12 different NBA teams, demonstrating his versatility as a player and his ability to adjust to different teams and situations.
Smith first entered the NBA in 1991 with the Washington Bullets and went on to play for the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Hornets, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
This wide array of teams demonstrates the value that Smith brought to each team, which was bolstered by his skillset and his ability to fit into different systems. Throughout his career, Smith averaged double figures in scoring in every season he played and made the playoffs eleven times.
He was also named to the All-Star team in 1997 and 1998. Smith’s contributions to the league have been praised by both fans and former teammates, and his accomplishments have been recognized with a spot in the NBA Hall of Fame.
2. Kevin Garnett
Kevin Maurice Garnett is a legendary former basketball player who had an illustrious career in the National Basketball Association. He began his professional basketball career in 1995 when he was drafted fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
During his time in the NBA, Garnett played for the Timberwolves, the Boston Celtics, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Minnesota Timberwolves again.
Throughout his 21-year career, he showcased his incredible defensive skills and was deemed one of the greatest power forwards of all-time. Garnett was a 15-time NBA All-Star, the 2004 NBA Most Valuable Player, and a nine-time All-NBA Team member.
He was also the recipient of the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2008 and was a 12-time All-Defensive Team selection. Garnett was also an important member of the Celtics’ championship team in 2008.
His performance during the playoffs was hailed by the media and fans alike, as he was a key factor in the Celtics’ success. His winning mentality and leadership skills were praised by his teammates and coaches. Garnett retired in 2016 after a highly successful career in the NBA.
He is currently the vice president of the Timberwolves, where he is responsible for mentoring the team’s younger players. His career accomplishments have made him one of the most respected and admired players in NBA history.
3. Damon Stoudamire
Damon Lamon Stoudamire is an American basketball legend. He is known by his nickname “Mighty Mouse” and is currently the head coach for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Stoudamire had a successful college basketball career, playing for the University of Arizona from 1992 to 1995. During his time in Arizona, he was named the national player of the year and led the Wildcats to the 1994 Final Four.
After college, Stoudamire had a long and successful professional career in the NBA. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1996 and was an All-Star in 1997 and 1998. After retiring in 2008, Stoudamire returned to college basketball and began his coaching career.
In 2020, he was named head coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Stoudamire has been praised for his ability to develop players. He is highly respected by his peers and is committed to creating a successful program at Georgia Tech.
4. Bryant Reeves
Bryant Reeves is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He had a successful career, playing exclusively for the Vancouver Grizzlies from 1995 to 2001.
Reeves was one of the most popular players of his era, and his presence helped the Grizzlies gain a lot of attention from the media and fans alike.
He was the first player ever to be drafted by the team, and he was a key part of the Grizzlies’ success during his time with the team, averaging double-digit points and seven rebounds per game. He also helped the team make its first playoff appearance in 1997.
After his retirement in 2001, Reeves was inducted into the Grizzlies’ Ring of Honor in 2007. His legacy continues to live on, as he is remembered by fans for his skill on the court and his infectious personality.
5. Jerry Stackhouse
Jerry Darnell Stackhouse is an accomplished basketball player and coach. He is currently the head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores men’s basketball team and has had an illustrious career in the sport.
Stackhouse attended the University of North Carolina where he played college basketball for the Tar Heels. After college, he went on to have a successful 18-year professional career in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
During his time in the NBA, he was a two-time NBA All-Star and consistently ranked among the league’s top players. Throughout his career, he has been known for his hard-working attitude on and off the court, which has earned him respect from his peers.
Stackhouse is now using his experience and knowledge to help guide the Vanderbilt Commodores’ men’s basketball team to success.
6. Antonio McDyess
Antonio Keithflen McDyess is an American former professional basketball player who was well-known for his powerful presence on the court.
Standing at 6’9″ and weighing 245 lbs, McDyess was a formidable force in the paint and was considered to be one of the best power forwards of his generation.
With long arms and a strong frame, McDyess was able to use his size and strength to out-muscle opponents for rebounds and score inside the paint.
His defensive ability was also notable, as he was able to use his physicality and basketball IQ to effectively guard larger and smaller players alike.
McDyess was a key member of several teams throughout his career and is widely regarded as being one of the best players of his era.
7. Michael Finley
Michael Howard Finley is a highly accomplished former professional basketball player, having enjoyed a successful playing career that spanned fifteen seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
After finishing his career with the Dallas Mavericks, the team he began his career with, he returned to the Mavericks organization in a front-office role, serving as the Vice President of Basketball Operations. Finley was born in Melrose Park, Illinois and was a standout high school basketball player at Proviso East High School, just outside of Chicago.
He was named a McDonald’s All-American and was heavily recruited by college programs across the country.
After considering offers from several universities, Finley ultimately chose to stay close to home and attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he was the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 1994. Finley was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 21st overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft.
After two seasons with the Suns, he was traded to the Mavericks, where he enjoyed the best years of his career.
Finley was a two-time All-Star and was a key member of the Mavericks team that reached the 2006 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat in six games. After his playing career ended in 2010, he returned to the Mavericks organization to begin the next chapter of his career in basketball.
In his current role, Finley serves as the Vice President of Basketball Operations, where he works closely with team president and general manager Donnie Nelson in overseeing all basketball activities.
This includes providing input on player personnel decisions, contributing to the organization’s scouting efforts, and helping to develop a strategy for the team on and off the court.
8. Rasheed Wallace
Rasheed Abdul Wallace is an influential figure in the world of basketball. He is an American basketball coach and a former professional player.
Wallace was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and attended the University of North Carolina where he played college basketball. In 1995, Wallace declared for the NBA draft, and went on to play 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association.
During his time in the NBA, he was known for his commitment to the game and his ability to make big plays. He was also respected for his effort and leadership on the court.
Wallace was an integral part of several successful teams throughout his career and made a lasting impact on the game. After retiring from the NBA in 2013, Wallace began coaching basketball.
He has since become known for his expertise and knowledge of the game, as well as his understanding of the importance of hard work and dedication. Wallace is an inspiration to many aspiring basketball players, and his legacy will live on for years to come.
9. Ed O’Bannon
Edward Charles O’Bannon Jr. is a renowned American former professional basketball player. He was a power forward for the UCLA Bruins and was part of the 1995 championship team.
His impressive performance during his college career earned him recognition and he was selected by the New Jersey Nets as the ninth overall pick in the 1995 NBA draft. After being drafted, O’Bannon played for the Nets for two seasons before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
During his time with the Mavericks, he played for two more seasons before retiring in 1999. After his retirement, O’Bannon returned to UCLA and earned his degree in sociology. He is remembered as a great player who made significant contributions to the game of basketball.
10. Shawn Respert
Shawn Christopher Respert is a highly accomplished professional basketball coach and former player. He is an American who established himself as an impressive basketball talent during his time at Bishop Borgess High School.
After graduating from high school, Respert went on to attend Michigan State University, where he further demonstrated an immense skill in basketball. He was so successful that he was drafted into the NBA in 1995.
During his time as a professional basketball player, Respert played for four seasons until 1999. After his playing career ended, Respert moved on to become a basketball coach, using his wealth of knowledge and experience to teach and mentor others.
He is now an accomplished coach and a role model for aspiring basketball players.
11. Cherokee Parks
Cherokee Bryan Parks is a retired professional basketball player who had a successful nine-year career in the National Basketball Association. At 6 feet 11 inches and 240 pounds, Parks was an intimidating presence in the paint.
He played college basketball at Duke University, one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, under the tutelage of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. Parks was a valuable member of the team, helping them win the 1992 National Championship in his freshman year.
This was one of the most successful seasons in Duke’s history and Parks was a key contributor to their success. His impressive size and skill set made him a valuable asset to any team he played for and he had a successful career in the NBA.
12. Kurt Thomas
Kurt Vincent Thomas is a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for eight years. He was known for his physical, hard-nosed playing style and tough defense. Standing at 6’9″ and weighing in at 230 lbs, he was a dominant power forward-center.
During his time in the NBA, Thomas played for the New York Knicks. He was known for his tenacious attitude on the court and was a fierce competitor. Thomas’ defensive ability was legendary, as he was able to shut down some of the best players in the league.
He was also a decent offensive threat, as he was able to score when needed. Thomas’ presence was felt on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. He was an important player for the Knicks and was able to contribute to their success during his time there.
13. Brent Barry
Brent Robert Barry, commonly known as “Bones”, is a man of many talents. He is an American basketball executive, broadcaster and former player. He is best known for his time as a professional basketball player, an NBA champion and a television analyst for TNT’s Inside the NBA.
Currently, he serves as the vice president of basketball operations for the San Antonio Spurs, a role he has held since 2018. This is Barry’s second stint with the Spurs, as he previously played for the team from 2003 to 2006.
During his time with the Spurs, Barry was part of the 2004-2005 NBA Championship team. Barry has had a long and successful career in basketball.
He was drafted in 1996 and played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Seattle SuperSonics, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs before retiring in 2009.
During his time as a player, he was an NBA All-Star in 2000 and an All-NBA third-team selection in 1999. Barry’s career has also included many off-court ventures.
He was an executive for the New Orleans Pelicans from 2010-2013, and he has served as a broadcaster for Turner Sports since 2011.
He also works as a basketball analyst for ESPN, providing analysis for college basketball games. Brent Robert Barry is a true basketball legend, and his contributions to the game will be remembered for years to come.
His hard work and dedication to the sport have made him a beloved figure and a valuable asset to the San Antonio Spurs.
14. Alan Henderson
Alan Lybrooks Henderson is a well-known former professional basketball player of the National Basketball Association. Standing at 6’9″ tall, Henderson was born in Morgantown, West Virginia in 1973.
At a young age, he was raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School. During his high school years, Henderson was a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and track & field.
He was a standout player on the basketball court and eventually earned a Division I scholarship to play at the University of Michigan before entering the professional ranks.
Henderson’s professional basketball career began in 1995 when he was drafted 12th overall by the Atlanta Hawks. He played with the Hawks for four seasons before joining the Philadelphia 76ers in 1999.
Henderson excelled with the Sixers and was selected as an NBA All-Star in 2001. He then moved onto the Houston Rockets in 2004 and the Washington Wizards in 2006. During his NBA career, Henderson averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
After 11 seasons in the league, Henderson retired from professional basketball in 2006. Today, Henderson is remembered as one of the greatest NBA players to ever come out of West Virginia. His career and legacy are celebrated by fans and basketball lovers alike.
15. Bob Sura
Robert Sura Jr. is a highly accomplished former professional basketball player who enjoyed a successful ten year career in the National Basketball Association. He played for five different teams during his time in the league, showcasing his versatility and adaptability.
Standing at 6 ft 5 in, Sura had an impressive physical presence on the court. His combination of size and strength made him a formidable presence at either the shooting guard or point guard positions.
He was an effective scorer, averaging double-figure points during his career, and was just as adept at dishing out assists. His ability to score and distribute the basketball made him an invaluable asset to the teams he played for.
16. Eric Williams
Eric C. Williams was a professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1995 to 2007. During his career, he represented seven teams, including the Boston Celtics, for whom he played twice.
Williams was an integral part of the Celtics team in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where he was an important contributor to their success. A native of Philadelphia, Williams was drafted in 1995 by the Boston Celtics and was an immediate starter.
During his first stint with the team, he averaged double digits in points and rebounds and was a key part of the team’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2002.
After a trade to the New Jersey Nets in 2003, Williams played for five more teams before returning to the Celtics for a second time in 2007. While with the Celtics for a second time, he played as a reserve and provided valuable leadership to the team.
Throughout his career, Williams was known for his hustle and effort. He was an excellent rebounder and was a reliable defender. He was also a good leader, often encouraging his teammates and providing guidance.
His hard work and dedication to the game made him a favorite among fans and a respected teammate. At the conclusion of his career, Williams’s efforts were rewarded with a spot in the Celtics Hall of Fame in 2008.
His impressive twelve-year career in the NBA was a testament to his talent and determination. Eric C. Williams is remembered as one of the greatest players to ever don the Celtics uniform and will always be remembered for his hard work and dedication to the game.
17. Corliss Williamson
Corliss Mondari Williamson is an accomplished basketball coach and former player. He currently serves as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Before his current role, Williamson had a successful playing career, with stints on four different teams over a span of twelve years. His most recent coaching job was as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns.
Williamson is known for his ability to motivate players and help them reach their potential. He is also a talented tactician, able to make strategic adjustments in-game to help his team win.
He has a wealth of experience in the NBA, both as a player and coach, and he has demonstrated his leadership and knowledge of the game throughout his career. This makes him an invaluable asset to any team, and the Timberwolves are lucky to have him on their staff.
18. Jason Caffey
Jason Andre Caffey is an exemplary basketball legend who achieved great success during his playing career. He started out with the Chicago Bulls in the mid-1990s and quickly made a name for himself as a reliable player.
During his time with the Bulls, he won two championship rings, cementing himself as a key contributor in the team’s success.
After his playing career came to an end, Caffey transitioned into coaching and took on the head coach role for the American Basketball Association’s Mobile Bay Hurricanes.
His ability to stay committed to the sport of basketball throughout his career is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game.
19. Travis Best
Travis Best is a well-known name in the world of professional basketball. He is an American, who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 11 seasons and was also a part of teams from Europe.
He is best remembered for his time with the Indiana Pacers, who he played with for five seasons. During his 11-year NBA career, Best played for four different teams, with the Pacers, the Dallas Mavericks, the Chicago Bulls, and the Atlanta Hawks.
He was a reliable point guard and averaged 8.2 points and 3.6 assists per game.
He was also an excellent three-point shooter, making 37.8% of his three-point attempts throughout his career. After his NBA career ended, Best went to Europe, where he played for teams in Greece, Italy, and Russia.
He won the Greek Cup with Panathinaikos in 2004 and the Russian Cup with Dynamo Moscow in 2008.
He also won multiple individual awards in Europe, including the Greek Cup MVP in 2004. Best is now retired from professional basketball and is currently working as an assistant coach for the Charlotte Hornets.
He is also a member of the NBA Legends community, an organization that works to empower former players and promote the game of basketball.
20. Theo Ratliff
Theophilus Curtis Ratliff is a former American professional basketball player who had an illustrious career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played for 16 seasons in the NBA and was known for his excellence in shot-blocking.
During his career, he led the league three times in blocks per game, a testament to his skill and determination. Ratliff was primarily a center, which allowed him to take advantage of his size and strength to block shots.
He was also able to use his agility to quickly move across the court and get into position for blocks. His ability to protect the rim and prevent opponents from scoring made him an invaluable asset to any team he played for. Ratliff was also known for his leadership on the court.
He was often praised for his ability to motivate teammates and push them to play their best.
His presence on the court could be felt, as he was always willing to take charge and lead by example. Overall, Theophilus Curtis Ratliff is remembered as one of the greatest shot-blockers in NBA history.
His skill, leadership, and determination made him a key member of any team he was a part of, and his legacy will live on for years to come.
21. Randolph Childress
Randolph Childress is an accomplished basketball player who has a long history in the sport. He was born in the United States and played for various teams during his professional career.
After his retirement from the court, Childress took his experience and knowledge to become an assistant coach for Wake Forest University, his alma mater. While at the university, he has worked diligently to help the team succeed and reach their potential.
During this time, he has been able to pass on his knowledge and experience to help guide the team. His presence has been a great asset to the program, and the team is thankful for his contribution.
With his experience and knowledge, Childress has been able to help the team reach their goals and continue to grow.
22. George Zidek
Jiří “George” Zídek Jr. is a former professional basketball player from the Czech Republic. He had a successful college career in the United States, playing for the UCLA Bruins from 1991 to 1995.
After his college career ended, Zídek went on to play professionally in the Czech Republic. He was very successful, playing for a number of teams before retiring in 2008. After his basketball career ended, Zídek became a sports commentator.
He is a well-known figure in the Czech Republic and is respected for his basketball knowledge and expertise. He is often seen providing commentary on television and radio programs and is a frequent guest on sports talk shows.
Zídek is also a regular contributor to a number of sports websites, offering his insights and analysis on the latest developments in the world of basketball.
23. Gary Trent
Gary Dajaun Trent Sr. is a well-known former professional basketball player. He was born and raised in Ohio, where he began his basketball career in high school. He was a star player throughout his high school career, and after graduating he was drafted into the NBA in 1995.
During his time in the NBA, Trent played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, and Dallas Mavericks. Throughout his professional career, he was an effective player and successful scorer.
His career averages were 11.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
He was a valuable player, and he was part of two NBA championship teams Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Trent was also an effective three-point shooter, making over one thousand three-pointers in his career.
He was an effective defensive player as well, averaging over 1.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per game in his career. Overall, Gary Dajaun Trent Sr. had a long and successful career in the NBA. He was a valuable player, and he was part of two championship-winning teams.
His shooting and defensive abilities made him a valuable asset to any team he was part of, and his skill and dedication earned him a place in the history books.
24. David Vaughn
David Vaughn III is a renowned retired professional basketball player from the United States. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Vaughn’s basketball career began at Whites Creek High School in Tennessee, where he was selected for the USA Today All-USA First Team.
His talent and skill earned him recognition, and he was drafted out of the University of Memphis into the first round of the 1995 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. Vaughn’s name and career accomplishments have earned him a place in the annals of basketball history.
Conclusion
The 1995 NBA Draft was an important milestone for the league, as it featured some of the greatest players in the history of the game.
From future Hall of Famers such as Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant to the likes of Michael Finley, Stephon Marbury, and Antoine Walker, this draft class produced some of the best players the league has ever seen.
While all the players mentioned had successful careers, it is clear that the 1995 NBA Draft was a special one, and that these players will go down in history as some of the best players of all time.
