1979 NBA draft

1979 NBA draft

The 1979 NBA draft, held at the Felt Forum in New York City, produced a number of future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees and reshaped franchises such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Chicago Bulls. The draft featured collegiate stars from programs like Michigan State University, Indiana University Bloomington, and Marquette University, as well as underclassmen and international prospects, amid rising media attention from outlets including The New York Times and Sports Illustrated. The selection process occurred during a period of expansion and competition with the American Basketball Association, affecting negotiations with agents and teams such as the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors.

Background and draft format

The event followed the conclusion of the 1978–79 NBA season and the 1979 NBA Finals, incorporating rules from the NBA Draft Lottery model then in discussion and the continuing influence of the ABA–NBA merger era. Teams selected in reverse order of their 1978–79 records, with franchises including the San Diego Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers making early choices; the process allowed underclassmen and international players to declare, engaging agents tied to figures like Rex Chapman's era representatives. The league permitted a multi-round structure—ten rounds—yielding a large pool of 202 selections contested by clubs such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets, Seattle SuperSonics, and Phoenix Suns. Television coverage and scouting combined practices from institutions like Britannica-era analytical reporting and the growing scouting departments at teams including the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks.

Draft selections

The first overall pick was Earvin "Magic" Johnson of Michigan State University, chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers, while the second pick, David Greenwood, went to the Chicago Bulls; other lottery and early selections included Bill Cartwright ( New York Knicks ), James Bailey ( New Jersey Nets ), and Sidney Moncrief ( Milwaukee Bucks ). The draft list featured notable collegiate programs such as Indiana University Bloomington's alumni and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill prospects, with later rounds producing players who joined teams like the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs. Several draftees later became associated with championships and coaching positions across the National Basketball Association and international leagues such as the EuroLeague. Teams exercised rights on athletes from institutions like University of Kentucky, UCLA, and Syracuse University, and selections reflected the prominence of conferences including the Big Ten Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference.

Notable undrafted players and early entrants

A number of early entrants declared from colleges such as Marquette University and University of Louisville, while undrafted players emerged from programs like University of Memphis and Arizona State University, later signing as free agents with franchises like the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers. Some undrafted athletes built careers overseas in competitions governed by organizations like FIBA and in national leagues including the Spanish ACB and Italian Lega Basket Serie A. Early entrants included underclassmen who had played under coaches such as Bob Knight and Dean Smith, and several non-selected prospects eventually joined staff or scouting departments for teams including the Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Impact and legacy

The draft's long-term impact included the Lakers' transformation through the selection of Magic Johnson and subsequent rivalry intensification between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics during the 1980s, involving players like Larry Bird and leading to multiple NBA Finals matchups. Draftees influenced tactical evolutions overseen by coaches such as Pat Riley, Red Auerbach-era policies, and front office decisions at franchises including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers. Several selections and undrafted signings contributed to the internationalization of the game, linking the NBA with competitions like the FIBA World Championship and national programs such as the United States men's national basketball team. The 1979 cohort's careers intersected with award recognition such as the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and the NBA All-Star Game, and many alumni later received honors from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Aftermath and trades

Following the draft, a series of trades and sign-and-trade negotiations involved teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Chicago Bulls, affecting roster construction ahead of the 1979–80 NBA season. Transactions included draft rights exchanges that impacted future drafts and free agency strategies used by general managers such as those at the Seattle SuperSonics and Golden State Warriors. The aftermath saw franchises adjust salary planning in light of collective bargaining developments associated with the National Basketball Players Association and adapt scouting focus to international markets influenced by tournaments like the Olympic Games. Several draft-day and post-draft moves reverberated through subsequent seasons, shaping championship runs by organizations including the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics.

Category:National Basketball Association drafts