Looking back at the 1993 NBA Draft, I can’t help but marvel at how many players carved out meaningful careers—some as superstars, others as gritty role players who understood their lane. I’ve always been drawn to drafts where the narrative isn’t just about the top pick, but about how different talents found their place. One quote that stuck with me from that era came from a player who said, “I got to go with my role in this group.” That mindset, I believe, defined so many careers from this class. Let’s revisit the top 10 selections and explore where life has taken them since.
Chris Webber, the number one pick, was an absolute force coming out of Michigan. His rookie season with the Golden State Warriors was electric—he put up 17.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game and shared Rookie of the Year honors. But his journey had its share of drama, including that infamous timeout blunder in the NCAA finals and later clashes with management. Webber evolved into a five-time All-Star and found a second act as a broadcaster and analyst. These days, you’ll catch him on TV breaking down games with the same basketball IQ that made him special on the court. Shawn Bradley, taken second by the Philadelphia 76ers, was that classic project big man—7-foot-6 with shot-blocking instincts. He averaged around 8.1 points and 6.3 rebounds for his career, but his real value came on defense. Off the court, he’s been involved in community work and even served a Mormon mission. I always felt Bradley never fully tapped his potential, but he embraced his role as a defensive anchor.
Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, selected third, was pure magic early on—a 6’7” point guard with flair and vision. Paired with Shaq in Orlando, he helped lead the Magic to the 1995 Finals. Injuries, sadly, derailed what could have been an all-time great career. These days, he’s coaching at the University of Memphis, pouring his knowledge into the next generation. Jamal Mashburn, the fourth pick, was a scoring machine nicknamed “Monster Mash.” He averaged 19.1 points per game over his career and made one All-Star team. Post-retirement, he built a business empire in the restaurant and auto industries. I admire how he transitioned seamlessly from athlete to entrepreneur. Isaiah Rider, picked fifth, had all the talent—a high-flying scorer who won the 1994 Slam Dunk Contest—but off-court issues limited his impact. He last played in the NBA in 2001 and has kept a lower profile since.
Calbert Cheaney, the sixth selection, was a steady, fundamentally sound wing who played 11 seasons, mostly with the Washington Bullets/Wizards. He wasn’t flashy, but he understood his role perfectly—the kind of player every contender needs. After retiring, he moved into coaching, including a stint with the G League. Bobby Hurley, drafted seventh by the Sacramento Kings, showed promise as a floor general before a near-fatal car accident altered his trajectory. He played just five seasons but has since built a respected coaching career, currently leading the Arizona State Sun Devils. I’ve always rooted for Hurley—his resilience is something special. Vin Baker, the eighth pick, made four All-Star teams and averaged 15 points and 7.4 rebounds at his peak, but later struggled with personal issues. He’s since turned his life around, working with the Milwaukee Bucks in community relations and serving as an assistant coach.
Lindsey Hunter, chosen tenth, won two championships as a defensive specialist and played 17 seasons—a testament to his professionalism and adaptability. He later coached in the NBA and now works in player development. Rodney Rogers, picked ninth, was a versatile forward who won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2000. A tragic ATV accident in 2008 left him paralyzed, but he’s remained active in advocacy and community efforts. His story is a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change.
Reflecting on this group, what stands out to me is how their careers were shaped not just by talent, but by their willingness to embrace—or sometimes resist—their roles. Some, like Webber and Hardaway, shone brightly before navigating setbacks. Others, like Cheaney and Hunter, carved out long careers by doing the little things. That quote—“I got to go with my role in this group”—really captures the spirit of this draft class. It wasn’t the most star-studded group, but it produced players who left their mark in different ways, both on and off the court.
