Retired NBA players share the idea that the 2003 class is considered the best in league history.
There are often consensus best players who headline the NBA draft. For example, Victor Wembanyama in 2023 or Cooper Flag in 2025.
Typically, most draft classes have a single prospect who headlines the class. However, there were several classes that produced multiple superstars and Hall of Fame players.
Obviously, these classes are considered the best in NBA history. But what about the best class ever? Well, many people have given that title to the 2003 class, and La Lakers star Lebron James found out.
6x NBA All-Star Jermaine O’Neill recently appeared on the “Out the Mud” podcast with Zack Randolph.
During the episode, Randolph asked O’Neill for his opinion on the best draft class in league history, but the 2003 class is often given the honor.
However, O’Neal shared another opinion, saying:
He added:
There is no doubt that the 1996 class is insanely deep and can create a solid case because it is better than the 2003 prospects.
The easiest way to determine which class is better is to compare them easily. Even before that, there was no doubt that the 1996 class had an insane depth as Kobe Bryant, a NBA legend, was ranked 13th overall.
Going to comparison, the 1996 draft produced 10 NBA All-Stars. It featured legends such as Kobe, Allen Iverson, Steve Nash, and Ray Allen.
Meanwhile, the 2003 draft produced nine NBA All-Stars. The class has given league stars such as LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosch.
But how about winning an NBA title? Well, in the 1996 class, nine players won in at least one NBA championship, compared to 2003’s 15.
Finally, four members of the 1996 NBA Draft were introduced to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Only two people have received this honor from the 2003 class, but the same equals the tally for the 1996 class, as those like James and Melo have not yet been officially induced.