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The 1996 Golden Generation’s No. 1 Pick: From Georgetown to Philadelphia

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NBA

20 views07/02/2026, 23:10 ET

The 1996 draft is hailed as a golden class; Iverson was taken No. 1 by the 76ers, stepping from Georgetown straight into legend.

The 1996 NBA Draft is hailed as a historic "golden generation" — yielding future greats like Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, Nash, Marbury. At its very top, the name called was Allen Iverson, No. 1, Philadelphia 76ers.

Iverson’s roots were Georgetown under coach John Thompson. There he flashed explosive scoring and defensive grit; at just 1.83m in the physical Big East, he thrived. Pre-draft doubts about "can a small man be No. 1" were plenty, but the 76ers bet on him with the top pick — a trust staked on the future.

He cashed it fast. Rookie year (1996-97) he won Rookie of the Year at 23.5 PPG, proving the top pick no accident. From Georgetown to Philly was one step, yet it landed on a generational node: the 1996 class shone, and he stood at its brightest spot.

Years later, the 1996 class’s quality is still praised; as its No. 1, Iverson — four scoring titles, one MVP, one All-Star MVP, eleven All-Star nods — secured his place as its lead figure. He proved: the draft reads heart, not height; the No. 1 can be the shortest man.