The 2008 NBA Draft, held on June 26, 2008, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, marked a pivotal moment in basketball history. This draft was notable for several reasons, including the emergence of future stars and the final appearance of the Seattle SuperSonics before their relocation. With 60 selections over two rounds, the draft set the stage for many players who would go on to have significant impacts in the NBA.
The Lottery and Top Picks
The draft lottery, held on
May 20, 2008, in Secaucus, New Jersey, determined the order of the first 14 picks. The Chicago Bulls, despite having the ninth-worst record, won the lottery with a mere 1.7% chance, making it one of the biggest upsets in NBA Draft Lottery history. They used their first overall pick to select Derrick Rose from the University of Memphis. Rose, a Chicago native, would later win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and become the youngest player to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2011.
Following Rose, the Miami Heat selected Michael Beasley from Kansas State University with the second pick, and the Minnesota Timberwolves chose O.J. Mayo from the University of Southern California with the third pick. The Seattle SuperSonics, in their final draft appearance, picked Russell Westbrook from UCLA with the fourth overall pick. Westbrook would later become a standout player, winning the 2017 NBA MVP award.
The End of an Era for the SuperSonics
The 2008 NBA Draft was the last for the Seattle SuperSonics, a team with a rich history in the league. Shortly after the draft, the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and was renamed the Oklahoma City Thunder. This move marked the end of an era for Seattle basketball fans, who had supported the team since its inception in 1967. The Thunder made their first draft appearance in 2009, beginning a new chapter in the franchise's history.
The relocation was a significant moment in NBA history, as it not only affected the Seattle fan base but also reshaped the league's geographic landscape. The Thunder quickly became a competitive team, with Westbrook playing a central role in their success.
Notable Records and Milestones
The 2008 draft was also notable for setting several records. It was the first time that the top three picks were all freshmen, highlighting the increasing trend of young players entering the NBA. Additionally, the University of Kansas tied a record with five players selected in the draft, a feat previously achieved by the University of Connecticut and the University of Florida.
Another milestone was the drafting of the first NBA D-League player, marking a new pathway for players to enter the league. As of 2025, six players from the 2008 draft remain active in the NBA, including Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, and Brook Lopez, underscoring the draft's lasting impact on the league.
