Uncovering the Untold Story of the 1978 NBA Draft's Biggest Steals and Busts

Looking back at the 1978 NBA draft, I’ve always been fascinated by how certain players slipped through the cracks while others were thrust into the spotlight, only to fade away. It’s one of those drafts that, even decades later, makes you wonder what scouts and executives were really thinking. I remember digging into old game footage and draft reports, and honestly, some of the choices still baffle me. But what stands out most isn’t just the talent evaluation—it’s how certain teams built systems that either elevated players or exposed their flaws. That’s why, when I came across a quote from a Filipino basketball context—“Naglalaro pa rin kami as a team, sumasandal pa rin kami sa system ni coach Jeff [Napa]”—it struck a chord. Translated, it means, “We still play as a team, we still rely on coach Jeff Napa’s system.” It’s a reminder that behind every draft steal or bust, there’s often a coaching philosophy or team culture at play, something the 1978 draft exemplifies perfectly.

Let’s start with the steals, because honestly, that’s where the real magic happens in any draft. Larry Bird, selected sixth overall by the Boston Celtics, is the obvious headliner, but what many forget is that he didn’t even play in the NBA until 1979 due to staying in college. I’ve always admired Bird’s story—how his delayed entry built anticipation and how the Celtics’ system, under coaches like Bill Fitch, maximized his IQ and shooting. Bird wasn’t the most athletic, but he averaged 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in his rookie year, numbers that scream “franchise player.” Then there’s Maurice Cheeks, picked 36th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. Cheeks is a personal favorite of mine because he epitomizes the underrated floor general—quietly racking up over 2,300 steals in his career, which is second all-time. He thrived in a system that valued defense and ball movement, much like the quote I mentioned earlier, where teamwork and coaching structure elevate players. Another gem was Michael Cooper, taken 60th by the Lakers, who became a defensive stalwart and key piece in Showtime’s fast-break system. I’ve watched clips of Cooper locking down opponents, and it’s clear he was a product of Pat Riley’s disciplined approach. These steals didn’t just succeed individually; they fit into cohesive units, something that resonates with that Filipino team’s reliance on their coach’s system. It’s a lesson I’ve seen repeated in drafts: talent matters, but context is king.

On the flip side, the busts of 1978 are a cautionary tale, and I can’t help but shake my head at some of the misses. Mychal Thompson was the first overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, and while he had a decent career—averaging 13.7 points and 7.4 rebounds—he never lived up to the hype of a number one selection. I’ve always thought Portland’s system at the time, which leaned heavily on Bill Walton until injuries struck, didn’t fully integrate Thompson’s skills. Then there’s Phil Ford, taken second by the Kansas City Kings, who won Rookie of the Year but fizzled out due to injuries and perhaps a lack of systemic support. Ford averaged 15.9 points and 7.6 assists as a rookie, but without a stable coaching framework, his career dwindled. It reminds me of how that quote emphasizes relying on a coach’s system—without it, even high picks can struggle. Another notable bust was Roger Phegley, selected 13th by the Washington Bullets; he put up 12.5 points per game as a rookie but never evolved, partly because the team’s style didn’t suit his strengths. I’ve analyzed his stats, and it’s clear he was a one-dimensional shooter in an era that demanded more versatility. These busts highlight a pattern I’ve observed in my years studying the NBA: when teams draft based on raw talent alone, ignoring fit and coaching, they often end up with regrets. It’s why I lean toward valuing system-fit in draft evaluations—it’s not just about who’s the best player, but who can thrive in the environment.

Diving deeper, the 1978 draft’s impact stretches beyond individual careers, shaping team legacies for years. Take the Celtics: Bird’s selection, though controversial at the time due to his delayed entry, fueled their 1980s dominance, leading to three championships. I’ve always been partial to teams that build through the draft, and Boston’s patience with Bird is a masterclass in long-term planning. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ pick of Cooper in the late rounds helped solidify their bench, contributing to five titles in the 1980s. On the other hand, teams like the Blazers, who picked Thompson first, missed out on franchise-altering talents like Bird, and it’s a decision I’ve often criticized in retrospect. Looking at stats, the top 10 picks of 1978 combined for only 15 All-Star appearances, with Bird accounting for 12 of them—that’s a stark imbalance. It underscores how a few steals can overshadow numerous busts, and it’s a theme I’ve seen in modern drafts too. Reflecting on that Filipino quote, it’s clear that successful teams, whether in the NBA or abroad, hinge on a cohesive system. In my view, the 1978 draft teaches us that scouting shouldn’t just focus on metrics; it should assess how a player aligns with a coach’s vision. After all, basketball is a team sport, and as that saying goes, relying on a system can turn overlooked picks into legends.

In conclusion, the 1978 NBA draft is a rich tapestry of what-ifs and lessons that still resonate today. From Bird’s legendary rise to the quiet consistency of Cheeks, the steals remind us that greatness often hides in plain sight, waiting for the right system to unlock it. Conversely, the busts serve as a warning against overvaluing potential without considering fit. As I wrap this up, I can’t help but think how that Filipino team’s philosophy—leaning on their coach’s system—echoes the successes of this draft. It’s a perspective I’ve carried into my own analyses: in basketball, as in life, context is everything. So next time you’re evaluating a draft, don’t just look at the stats; consider the story behind the picks, because that’s where the real drama unfolds.