Best Players in 82-0: Draft Guide by Decade

Updated June 2026 · 467 players in database

Knowing which players to draft from each decade is the difference between a 70-win season and the elusive 82-0. This guide breaks down the top picks and hidden gems for every era in the 82-0 NBA draft simulator website. Remember: the game uses era-adjusted stats, so raw numbers do not tell the whole story.

1960s

Top Picks

Wilt Chamberlain is the most dominant statistical player in the game. His 36.9 PPG and 22.9 RPG are unmatched. However, 1960s players have zero steals and zero blocks in the database (those stats were not tracked), so drafting Wilt creates a defensive hole your other picks must fill.

Oscar Robertson is arguably the most valuable 1960s pick for 82-0 purposes. His 11.4 APG (era-adjusted) is critical for passing the assists threshold. He also scores 30.3 PPG and grabs 8.5 RPG — a true all-around contributor.

Worth Considering

Bill Russell provides elite rebounding (22.5 RPG). Jerry West and Elgin Baylor are strong scorers on the Lakers. Bob Pettit of the Hawks is an underrated option with 26.4 PPG and 16.2 RPG.

1970s

Top Picks

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the Bucks is the best 1970s pick. His 30.4 PPG, 15.3 RPG, and 3.5 BPG make him elite in three categories at once. He is one of the few players who meaningfully boosts both scoring and blocks.

Bill Walton on the Blazers is a hidden gem — 18.2 PPG might seem modest, but his 13.2 RPG, 4.8 APG, and 2.5 BPG make him one of the most balanced players in the game. If you already have scoring covered, Walton fills multiple gaps.

Worth Considering

Bob McAdoo of the Braves averaged 30.6 PPG — one of the highest in the database. Elvin Hayes of the Bullets provides a strong scoring and rebounding combination. World B. Free on the 76ers is a fun pick with 19.8 PPG and solid steals. Rick Barry on the Warriors is another versatile option with 2.3 SPG.

1980s

Top Picks

Michael Jordan on the Bulls is the best pure scorer in the game at 33.6 PPG, plus 2.9 SPG for steals. Magic Johnson on the Lakers offers elite playmaking at 12.6 APG. Larry Bird on the Celtics is the most balanced 1980s player with 25.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, and 6.6 APG.

Hakeem Olajuwon on the Rockets is the best defensive anchor in the 1980s: 3.4 BPG plus 1.8 SPG. If your team needs blocks and steals, Hakeem is your pick over higher scorers.

Worth Considering

Moses Malone on the 76ers combines elite scoring (24.5 PPG) with dominant rebounding (11.8 RPG). Dominique Wilkins on the Hawks is a pure scoring machine at 28.1 PPG. John Stockton on the Jazz brings the highest assists in the 1980s at 13.6 APG plus 2.7 SPG — crucial for hitting both thresholds.

1990s

Top Picks

David Robinson on the Spurs is a monster: 25.6 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 1.5 SPG, and 3.3 BPG. He alone can push your team over multiple thresholds. Hakeem Olajuwon on the Rockets is similarly dominant with 3.7 BPG.

Scottie Pippen on the Bulls is an elite role player — 19.4 PPG is modest, but 2.1 SPG and versatile across all five stats makes him a perfect roster filler.

Hidden Gems

Shareef Abdur-Rahim on the Grizzlies averaged 20.1 PPG and 7.5 RPG — a quietly effective power forward pick. Dikembe Mutombo on the Nuggets and Hawks brings 4.1 BPG and 12.0 RPG — if blocks are the one stat holding you back, Mutombo is the answer. Gary Payton on the SuperSonics has 2.4 SPG, the highest steals in the 1990s.

2000s

Top Picks

Kobe Bryant on the Lakers and LeBron James on the Cavaliers are the obvious headliners. But for 82-0 purposes, Dwight Howard on the Magic might be more valuable: 20.7 PPG, 13.8 RPG, and 2.8 BPG make him a rebounding and shot-blocking anchor.

Chris Paul on the Hornets provides elite passing at 10.8 APG plus 2.7 SPG. Steve Nash on the Suns offers 10.7 APG but contributes almost nothing defensively.

Worth Considering

Ben Wallace on the Pistons is a defensive specialist: only 7.6 PPG but 12.4 RPG, 1.6 SPG, and 3.0 BPG. If your scoring is already covered, Wallace fills defensive gaps like no one else. Kevin Garnett on the Timberwolves is one of the most balanced players in the database at any era: 22.4 PPG, 12.8 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.8 BPG.

2010s

Top Picks

James Harden on the Rockets leads all 2010s players with 30.4 PPG and 8.1 APG — a scoring and passing machine. Anthony Davis on the Pelicans is the defensive anchor: 24.6 PPG, 10.6 RPG, and 2.4 BPG.

Russell Westbrook on the Thunder brings a near-triple-double profile: 25.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 9.8 APG. His assists alone can push you over the threshold.

Worth Considering

Nikola Jokic (2010s Nuggets version) already shows flashes of his 2020s dominance: 19.4 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.4 APG. Kawhi Leonard on the Spurs has 1.8 SPG — the highest among 2010s forwards. Draymond Green on the Warriors barely scores (10.5 PPG) but contributes 7.8 RPG, 7.0 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.2 BPG — the ultimate role player for filling gaps.

2020s

Top Picks

Nikola Jokic on the Nuggets is the best all-around player in the entire game: 26.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 9.0 APG. His passing from the center position is unmatched. If you only draft one player who fills three categories at once, make it Jokic.

Victor Wembanyama on the Spurs is the premier shot blocker: 24.4 PPG, 10.8 RPG, and 3.6 BPG. If your team is short on blocks, Wemby is the answer. Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Bucks brings 29.9 PPG and 11.6 RPG — raw dominance.

Worth Considering

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Thunder leads the 2020s in scoring at 31.1 PPG with 2.0 SPG — the best steals among 2020s guards. Dylan Harper on the Nets is a rising playmaker with 6.2 APG. Tyrese Haliburton on the Pacers has the highest assists in the 2020s at 10.4 APG, making him a budget Oscar Robertson for the modern era.

Final Tip

Do not just pick the highest-rated player every round. Think about what your team is missing. After each pick, look at your roster and ask: are my assists covered? Do I have enough blocks? Is my rebounding strong enough? The path to 82-0 is balance, not individual brilliance.

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