Looking back at the 1987 NBA draft, I’ve always been fascinated by how much hidden talent was tucked away behind the big names. Everyone remembers David Robinson going first—and rightfully so—but what strikes me is how many players in that class flew under the radar for years, only to become foundational pieces for their teams. I remember watching old tapes and thinking, "If they're looking for a good salary, maganda talaga dito." That mix of raw potential and overlooked skill made this draft one of the most intriguing in league history. Of course, as the Tagalog insight hints, many of these guys weren’t noticed right away. Teams and fans were "titingin-tiningin lang"—just watching and waiting—but the gems were there, waiting to be polished.
When the San Antonio Spurs selected David Robinson with the first pick, nobody was surprised. The Admiral was a generational talent, a 7'1" center with athleticism that defied logic. He went on to score over 20,000 points, grab more than 10,000 rebounds, and lead the Spurs to two championships. But what’s stayed with me over the years is how the draft’s real richness lay beyond that top spot. Take Reggie Miller, chosen 11th by the Indiana Pacers. At the time, critics questioned his slender frame and unorthodox shot. Yet, he retired as one of the greatest shooters ever, with 25,279 points and a reputation for clutch performances that still gives Knicks fans nightmares. I’ve always felt that Reggie embodied the underdog spirit of this class—someone who wasn’t an obvious star but became legendary through sheer will and skill.
Then there’s Scottie Pippen, picked fifth by the Seattle SuperSonics and quickly traded to the Chicago Bulls. People often reduce him to Michael Jordan’s sidekick, but from my perspective, that undersells his impact. Pippen was the ultimate two-way player, a 6'8" forward who could guard multiple positions and facilitate offense like a point guard. Without him, the Bulls don’t win six titles in the 1990s. His story—rising from a small college to NBA immortality—highlights how scouting back then was hit-or-miss. Teams were "nano-notice" of his potential, but it took the right system and coaching to unlock it. I’ve spoken with scouts who admit they underestimated his basketball IQ, which just goes to show that even the pros miss things sometimes.
Kenny Smith, selected sixth by the Sacramento Kings, is another example. He didn’t have the same accolades as Robinson or Pippen, but he was a steady point guard who won two championships with the Houston Rockets and averaged double-digit points for most of his career. What I appreciate about Smith is how he carved out a niche as a reliable role player—the kind of guy who doesn’t make headlines but helps teams win. In today’s analytics-driven NBA, we’d probably value him even more for his efficiency and leadership. And let’s not forget Kevin Johnson, taken seventh by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who blossomed after a trade to the Phoenix Suns. He averaged around 18 points and 9 assists per game at his peak and later became mayor of Sacramento—a testament to the diverse paths these players took.
But the hidden gems don’t stop there. Mark Jackson, the 18th pick by the New York Knicks, led the league in assists as a rookie and retired as one of the top assist leaders in history. I’ve always thought his court vision was ahead of its time; he’d thrive in today’s pace-and-space era. Then there’s Reggie Lewis, chosen 22nd by the Boston Celtics, whose tragic passing cut short a promising career. He averaged over 20 points per game in his final season, and old-timers in Boston still talk about his smooth scoring touch. These players remind me that the draft isn’t just about the first few picks—it’s a deep pool where fortune favors the observant.
Reflecting on all this, I can’t help but draw parallels to modern drafts. In 1987, there were no advanced stats or social media hype trains, just gritty evaluation and a bit of luck. I’ve seen how today’s teams use data to minimize risks, but even then, surprises happen. The 1987 class teaches us that talent is often hidden in plain sight, waiting for the right opportunity. As that original quote suggests, "maganda siyang choice sa first pick" for Robinson, but the real beauty was in the depth. From Pippen’s all-around brilliance to Miller’s sharpshooting, these players shaped the NBA for decades. In my view, that’s why this draft remains a benchmark for evaluating hidden value—it’s a reminder that greatness isn’t always obvious, but it’s always worth uncovering.
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