1983 Draft
1. Houston:
Ralph Sampson
(Virginia)
2. Indiana:
Steve Stipanovich
(Missouri)
3. Houston:
Rodney McCray
(Louisville)
4. San Diego:
Byron Scott
(Arizona State)
Byron Scott left Arizona State as the school's all-time leading scorer (he even sat out his junior season) averaging 21.6 points per game as a senior. He was drafted by the San Diego Clippers at number four, but his draft rights were traded to the Lakers for Norm Nixon. From then on Scott was a valuable part of the Lakers' Showtime under Magic Johnson. He was named to the All-Rookie squad, starting 49 games in his first season in the NBA. He won NBA Championship Rings with the Lakers in 1985, 1987 and 1988 as the starting off guard. He was known as a scorer, leading the team in scoring with 21.7 points per game in 1987-88. HE holds the Lakers' record for most three-pointers made and attempted. After the 1993 season Scott signed with the Pacers as a free agent where he filled the role of 6th man. He was picked up by the Grizzlies in the expansion draft in 1995. He returned to the Lakers, signing a deal for the league minimum, in 1996 in hopes of winning one more NBA title with the revamped Lakers behind Shaq's dominating inside presence. Byron Scott became the head coach of the New Jersey Nets for the 2000-01 season, following two years as an assistant in Sacramento.
Byron Scott's Stats
PPG
RPG
APG
College
17.5
4.0
3.1
Rookie
10.6
2.2
2.4
1984-85
16.0
2.6
3.0
1985-86
15.4
2.5
2.2
1986-87
17.0
3.5
3.4
1987-88
21.6
4.1
4.1
1988-89
19.6
4.1
3.1
1989-90
15.5
3.1
3.6
1990-91
14.5
3.0
2.2
1991-92
14.9
3.8
2.8
1992-93
13.7
2.3
2.7
1993-94
10.4
1.6
2.0
1994-95
10.0
1.9
1.4
1995-96
10.2
2.4
1.5
1996-97
6.7
1.5
1.3
Career (thru '97)
14.1
2.8
2.5
5. Chicago:
Sydney Green
(UNLV)
6. Golden State:
Russell Cross
(Purdue)
7. Utah:
Thurl Bailey
(NC State)
8. Detroit:
Antoine Carr
(Wichita State)
Antoine Carr was a 3rd Team All-American (AP) and named to the 1st team by the Sporting News as a senior at Wichita State before being taken with the number eight pick in the draft by the Pistons. His draft rights were traded to the Atlanta Hawks after he opted to play in Italy for a year. In Atlanta he backed up Willis and Wilkins in the front court. In 1990 he came to the Sacramento Kings where he had a career year. In his later career he played for the Jazz and the Spurs as a "Big Dog" inside enforcer coming off the bench, shutting down the opposing team's big man and pouring in some points.
Carr's Stats
PPG
RPG
College
17.0
6.9
Rookie
8.0
1.3
1985-86
6.8
3.7
1986-87
5.3
2.4
1987-88
8.8
3.6
1988-89
7.5
3.5
1989-90
12.3
4.2
1990-91
20.1
5.5
1991-92
10.9
4.3
1992-93
13.1
5.5
1993-94
5.8
1.5
1994-95
9.6
3.4
1995-96
7.3
2.5
1996-97
7.4
2.4
1997-98
5.7
2.0
1998-99
2.6
1.7
1999-00
3.2
1.5
Career (Thru 2000)
9.3
3.4
9. Dallas:
Dale Ellis
(Tennessee)
Dale Ellis has made more three pointers (1,269 through 1995-96) than any other player in NBA history. Ellis is also one of only 13 players to score at least 16,000 points in an NBA career. He was drafted by Dallas where he was largely unused and unproductive. In 1986 he came to the Seattle Sonics and became a valuable member of the team averaging almost 25 points per game and being named the NBA's Most Improved Player from 1996-97. Ellis was named an All-Star in 1989 where he scored 27 points in 26 minutes. He was never again invited back to the mid-season classic. He was also named to the All-NBA Third team in 1989. Dale holds the record for most minutes in a game, playing 69 minutes in a 5 overtime game against the Bucks on November 9, 1989. He was traded to the Bucks in 1991 for Ricky Pierce and then came to the Spurs in 1992 for the draft rights to Tracy Murray. Ellis then came to the Nuggets for the 1994-95 season where he once again is a valuable scorer on the team. He played for the Nuggets until October 2, 1997 when he was traded back to Seattle for Greg Graham, Steve Scheffler, a 2nd round draft pick in 1998, and a conditional 2nd round draft pick in 1999 or 2002. Dale re-signed with the Sonics on January 22, 1999 for three years worth 6 million dollars. On August 19, 1999, Milwaukee traded Chris Gatling and Armon Gilliam to Orlando for Danny Manning and Dale Ellis.
Ellis' Stats
PPG
RPG
APG
Rookie
8.2
3.7
0.8
1984-85
9.3
3.3
0.8
1985-86
7.1
2.3
0.5
1986-87
24.9
5.5
2.9
1987-88
25.8
4.5
2.6
1988-89
27.5
4.2
2.0
1989-90
23.5
4.3
2.0
1990-91
16.8
3.4
1.9
1991-92
15.7
3.1
1.3
1992-93
16.7
3.8
1.3
1993-94
15.2
3.3
1.0
1994-95
11.3
2.7
0.7
1995-96
14.9
3.9
1.7
1996-97
16.6
3.6
2.0
1997-98
11.8
2.3
1.1
1998-99
10.3
2.4
0.8
1999-00
4.2
1.3
0.3
Career (thru 2000)
15.7
3.5
1.4
10. Washington:
Jeff Malone
(Mississippi State)
Jeff Malone was drafted out of Mississippi State by the Bullets where he was one of the main go to guys for many years. He has a deadly jump shot which he can make either on the run or off balance. He was traded to the Jazz in 1990 as part of a 3 way deal with Sacramento. He later came to the 76ers for Jeff Hornacek. In 1995 he signed with the Miami Heat, but they let him go at the end of the season. Jeff is clearly known for his scoring ability.
Malone's Stats
PPG
RPG
APG
Rookie
12.1
1.9
1.9
1989-90
24.3
2.8
3.2
1992-93
18.1
2.2
1.6
Career (thru '95)
19.5
2.7
2.4
11. Dallas:
Derek Harper
(Illinois)
Derek Harper left Illinois as a junior, being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 11th pick. As a junior he was a 2nd Team All-American (AP). After two seasons coming off the bench, backing up Brad Davis, he took over the starting job in 1985-86, teaming with Rolando Blackmon making one of the most dangerous back court duos of the decade. In 1986-87 Derek was named to the All-NBA Defensive Second Team. He was on the Mavericks team that played the Lakers in the 1988 NBA Western Conference Finals. He is the Mavericks' leader in assists (5,111), steals (1,551) and three point FGs (705). He is second on the Mavericks' all-time scoring list with 12,597. In 1994 Harper was traded to the Knicks for Tony Campbell and a 1st round pick. In New York he was the starting point guard, leading the team through the playoffs to the NBA Finals. In the 1996 off season he signed a free agent deal to return to the Dallas Mavericks where he can provide leadership to the young team and potential superstar backcourt tandem of Jason kidd and Jim Jackson. Derek figured to come off the bench for his old/new team, but he found himself starting with the trade of Kidd. Derek is number seven on the all time steals list with 1,841 as of the end of the 1997-98 season. He has 10 seasons with100 or more steals. He also has the distinction of being one of two players, the other is Isiah Thomas, to have 15,000 career points, 6,000 assists and 1,800 steals. On January 21, 1999, Derek signed a two year contract worth 2.1 million dollars to play for the LA Lakers. On September 21, 1999, Derek was traded to Detroit for the rights to 2nd round draft pick Melvin Levett (#54). Rather than report to Detroit, Derek retired from the NBA.
Harper's Stats
PPG
RPG
APG
College
10.9
3.6
4.7
Rookie
5.7
2.1
2.9
1984-85
9.6
2.4
4.4
1985-86
12.2
2.9
5.3
1986-87
16.0
2.6
7.9
1987-88
17.0
3.0
7.7
1988-89
17.3
2.8
7.0
1989-90
18.0
3.0
7.4
1990-91
19.7
3.0
7.1
1991-92
17.7
2.6
5.7
1992-93
18.2
2.0
5.4
1993-94
9.6
1.7
4.1
1994-95
11.5
2.4
5.7
1995-96
14.0
2.5
4.3
1996-97
10.0
1.8
4.3
1997-98
8.6
1.6
3.5
1998-99
6.9
1.5
4.2
Career (thru '99)
13.3
2.4
5.5
12. New York:
Darrell Walker
(Arkansas)
13. Kansas City:
Ennis Whatley
(Alabama)
14. Portland:
Clyde Drexler
(Houston)
15. Denver:
Howard Carter
(Louisiana State)
16. Seattle:
Jon Sundvold
(Missouri)
17. Philadelphia:
Leo Rautins
(Syracuse)
18. Milwaukee:
Randy Breuer
(Minnesota)
19. San Antonio:
John Paxson
(Notre Dame)
20. Cleveland:
Roy Hinson
(Rutgers)
21. Boston:
Greg Kite
(Brigham Young)
22. Washington:
Randy Whitman
(Indiana)
23. Indiana:
Mitchell Wiggins
(Florida State)
24. Cleveland:
Stewart Granger
(Villanova)
29. Chicago:
Larry Micheaux
(Houston)
30. Dallas:
Mark West
(Old Dominion)
Mark West was drafted out of Old Dominion in 1983, graduating as the NCAA's number three all time shot blocker behind Ralph Sampson and Tree Rollins. He was picked by the Mavericks in the second round (30th pick overall), but was waived after his first season. He was signed and cut by the Bucks, then signed by the Cavaliers where he produced respectable numbers for 3 years. In February of 1988 West was traded with KJ and Tyrone Corbin to the Suns for Larry Nance and Mike Sanders. With the Suns he played in 521 consecutive games, dating back to April 8, 1988. His streak ended in the 1994-95 season due to injury. West is not a prolific scorer, rarely reaching double digits, but is known for his defensive intimidation and shot blocking as well as his high field goal percentage...he won't take a shot he can't make. He was traded to Detroit prior to the 1994-95 season. West re-signed with the Cavalilers, bringing him back for the 1996-97 year and then played for the Pacers in 1997-98. On January 22, 1999 Mark signed a one year, one million dollar contract to play for the Hawks.
West's Stats
PPG
RPG
Rookie
1.1
1.4
1984-85
3.9
2.4
1985-86
4.2
3.4
1986-87
6.5
2.7
1987-88
9.7
4.3
1988-89
7.2
4.7
1989-90
10.5
8.9
1990-91
7.7
4.8
1991-92
6.1
4.5
1992-93
5.3
5.6
1993-94
4.7
3.6
1994-95
7.5
6.1
1995-96
3.2
2.8
1996-97
3.2
2.7
1997-98
1.5
1.0
Career (thru '98)
6.1
5.1
31. Atlanta:
Glenn "Doc" Rivers
(Marquette)
His college coach gave him the nickname "Doc" for the Dr. J T-Shirt he always wore to practice. He spent most of his career in Atlanta before he became a veteran journeyman playing for the Clippers, New York and San Antonio. He was an All-Star once, in 1987-88 for Atlanta. He is still unsigned for 1996, but is passing his time as a play by play analyst for TNT. This 6-4, 210 pound guard was the Chicago Player of the Year in High School. He was an Honorable Mention All-American as a junior, before declaring himself eligible for the draft.
Rivers' Stats
PPG
RPG
APG
College
13.9
3.3
4.6
Rookie
9.3
2.7
3.9
1984-85
14.1
3.1
5.9
1985-86
11.5
3.1
8.4
1986-87
12.8
3.6
10.0
1987-88
14.2
4.6
9.3
1988-89
13.6
3.8
6.9
1989-90
12.5
4.2
5.5
1990-91
15.2
3.2
4.3
1991-92
10.9
2.5
3.9
1992-93
7.8
2.5
5.3
1993-94
7.5
2.1
5.3
1994-95
5.1
1.7
2.6
1995-96
4.0
1.8
1.6
Career
10.9
3.0
5.7
33. Dallas:
Dirk Minnifield
(Kentucky)
48. Houston:
Craig Ehlo
(Washington State)
Craig Ehlo first played at Odessa Junior College before coming to Washington State. Fellow 1983 draft pick Byron Scott and Ehlo have an intense rivalry dating back to their PAC-10 days when Scott played for Arizona State. He was a late (3rd round) pick by Houston where he warmed the bench for 2 years before being released. In January of 1987 he signed a free agent deal with the Cavaliers where he was a valuable sixth man and sometime starter. After Ron Harper went to the Clippers, Ehlo moved into the starting back court with Mark Price. There the two guards made a dangerous tandem for the next few years, until he followed Lenny Wilkens to the Atlanta Hawks in 1993 as a free agent. In his first year in Atlanta he fininshed 3rd in 6th Man of the Year Voting. He signed a free agent deal to join the Sonics in 1996. He played for them one season before being cut. Craig is a dangerous outside shooter, competing twice in the NBA All-Star Weekend 3 point contest, finishing 5th and 6th.
Ehlo's Stats
PPG
RPG
APG
Rookie
3.3
1.3
0.9
1989-90
13.6
5.4
4.6
1990-91
10.1
4.7
4.6
1991-92
12.3
4.9
3.8
1992-93
11.6
4.9
3.1
1993-94
10.0
3.4
3.3
1994-95
9.7
3.0
2.3
1995-96
8.5
3.2
1.8
1996-97
3.5
1.8
1.1
Career (thru '96)
8.6
3.6
2.8
54. Utah:
Bobby Hansen
(Iowa)
97. San Diego:
Manute Bol
139. Philadelphia:
Sedale Threatt
(W. Virginia Tech)
Sedale Threatt was picked up in the sixth round of the draft at 139 by the 76ers. He was an NAIA First Team All-American as a junior and senior. He averaged 25.5 points per game his senior year in college. Threatt made a career out of bouncing from team to team as a backup guard. over his first eight years he played for Seattle, Chicago and Philadelphia. He came to the Lakers in 1991, and with Magic's retirement he soon became the starting point guard, leading the team in points, assists and steals in 1992-93. With the development of Nick Van Exel he once again headed to the bench in 1994. The Rockets signed Threatt for the remainder of the 1996-97 season. He is providing some punch off the bench in their playoff drive.
Threatt's stats
PPG
APG
Rookie
3.3
1.0
1989-90
11.4
3.3
1990-91
12.7
3.4
1991-92
15.1
7.2
1992-93
15.1
6.9
1993-94
11.9
4.2
1994-95
9.5
4.2
1995-96
7.3
3.3
1996-97
3.3
1.9
Career (thru '97)
9.8
3.8