I made a post about best players in each draft from the last 20 years.

What about if we look upon the past. Pre 2000s. Let’s start with 1980, since 80s is where 3pt shot was implemented.

LIST

1980 - Kevin Mchale (3rd Overall Pick)

1981 - Zeke (2nd Overall pick)

1982 - James Worthy (1st Overall Pick)

1983 - Drexler (1st Overall Pick)

1984 - MJ (3rd Overall Pick)

1985 - Karl Malone (13th overall pick)

1986 - Rodman (27th overall pick)

1987 - David Robinson (1st Overall pick)

1988 - Mitch Richmond (5th Overall pick)

1989 - Tim Hardaway (14th Overall Pick)

1990 - Gary Payton - (2nd overall pick)

1991 - Mutombo - (4th overall pick)

1992 - Shaq - (1st overall pick)

1993 - Webber (1st overall pick)

1994 - Kidd (2nd overall pick)

1995 - KG (5th overall pick)

1996 - Kobe (13th overall pick)

1997 - Timmy (1st overall pick)

1998 - Dirk (9th overall pick)

1999 - Manu (57th overall pick))