Greatest 1,2,3 Draft Class

[slightly biased bias fan]

Given how talented the top three guys in the 2026 NBA Draft are perceived to be, I am curious what year had the best top 3 prospects in NBA draft history?

Just to reiterate, the question is not what draft had the best three players, but what draft had the best top three picks ever.

[Roy H.]

I might pick 1984, even with Sam Bowie having a disappointing career.

[Moranis]

Off the top of my head Im not sure how you can beat Hakeem, Bowie, and Jordan.  You get 2 top 10 players all time and while Bowie is considered a bust he did have a 10 year career. You had Perkins at 4 and Charles at 5.  Just amazing top of that draft. 

[Who]

Oscar Robertson and Jerry West were #1 and #2 picks in the same draft. Not sure who was #3.

Update: I looked it up. Darnell Imhoff. 12yr career. 22mpg. He was a borderline starter high end bench player. A big man.

[Who]

1981

#1 Mark Aguirre
#2 Zeke
#3 Buck Williams

I had no idea who was #3 but Buck is a strong 3rd guy. One of the best little men of all time in Zeke. One of the best SFs of the 1980s in Aguirre. One of the top PFs of the 1980s in Buck Williams (3 time all star, one time All NBA, 4 time all defense).

[Who]

1982

The year after had a great top 3 as well.

#1 James Worthy
#2 Terry Cummings
#3 Dominique Wilkins

Again among the best forwards of the 1980s. I'd rate Worthy & Nique over Aguirre. I'd rate TC over Buck.

I'd rate Zeke over all of them though.

[Donoghus]

'92 was another good one

Shaq
Alonzo Mourning
Christian Laettner (hey, he made an ASG)

[Donoghus]

It's too bad Darko mucked up '03

Lebron
Darko
Carmelo
Bosh
Wade

[Moranis]

Others in consideration

2021 - Cade, Green, Mobley (obviously early, but projecting those 3 have a chance to be really great - as an aside Barnes, Suggs, Giddey, Kuminga Wagner were the top 8 - not a miss, pretty amazing)
2003 - LeBron, Darko, Melo (not as good as 84)
1992 - Shaq, Mourning, Laettner (one of best college players ever and 2 great NBA centers)
1970 - Lanier, Rudy T, Maravich (much better 3rd player but not as good at top)
1960 - Oscar, West, Imhoff (2 of the best guards ever and a very good 3rd)
1959 - Boozer, Howell, Wilt (Boozer probably the best 3rd player on any of these trios)

2022, 2023 also looking pretty good to start their careers