Nuggets’ NBA Draft Memories

"The best memory I have about draft-day was just getting drafted. When I heard my name called, it was like an adrenaline rush. I was excited and nervous leading up to it, not really knowing which way your future was going to be headed. So once I got picked by Toronto, I was really excited. I really wanted to play for Isiah (Thomas). Me and him had sparked up a friendship during the time that we had met, so I was just extremely excited about that situation.

"Leading up to the draft, I only had two workouts. I worked out with Philly and Toronto because they had the first two picks, and I was being projected as either one or two. I remember working out for Philly, just going through every drill and missing only like two shots. And then I got to Toronto the next day and I couldn’t hit the ocean. I had one of my worst workouts ever. I couldn’t hit a shot. But low and behold, they still picked me anyway. So it was good that they didn’t judge me on that one workout.

"I think everybody that gets drafted remembers having the same feelings. You know it’s not just about top picks. Mostly everybody that has made it to the NBA has come from some sort of struggle. So I know it’s almost like a sense of relief when you finally make it. Knowing that you’ve arrived and knowing that you’re in a position to be able to provide for your family and friends. So I know that feeling and I know what that’s about."

Anthony (NBAE/Getty Images)

"I remember (draft-day) being wild. I was up from sun up to sun down doing everything—media, meeting people, the whole meet and greet thing, interviews…just all that type of stuff.

"When we was in the Green Room, it was exciting because you had Dwyane Wade, LeBron (James), Darko (Millic). You know, you had everybody in there that is doing big things in the League right now. It’s crazy to look back on that and think you were a part of it.

"It was great when I heard my name called. It wasn’t shocking because I knew where I was going to be at and what pick I was going, but I was just happy to get to go up there and shake David Stern’s hand and put the hat on. It’s what I’d been waiting for."

Nenê (NBAE/Getty Images)

"I was the 7th pick three years ago, and I remember it felt like I was the 700th pick. I was so nervous and I just wanted to hear my name. Mr. Stern’s voice was the sweetest sound in the world at that time. When I heard it, I just felt shear joy and happiness and relief. It was a very proud moment in my personal life but also a proud moment for my family, friends and my country of Brazil, who had never had a draft pick before.

"It was an honor to sit in the Green Room, but it also amplified the stress level. It was extra special for me to be there because my family was able to sit beside me at the table and share that experience.

"Then I was traded from New York to Denver. To be honest, I wasn't familiar with the process, so I didn't even know I could be traded. For me I was happy regardless. I loved Denver when I came to workout here, so I was very excited. It just took longer that night to do the media stuff, which limited my celebration time with my family. Oh well."

Scott Hastings

"I was summoned to New York for draft-day. At that time, June 1982, only the top 15 or so players were summoned to NY. The trip worked out great because it was coming at the end of my honeymoon. My wife and I spent a week in Hilton Head, S.C. and flew from there to NY on the night before the draft.

"I remember vividly sitting in my hotel room the night before talking with my wife when, while looking out the window towards the dank dirty bricks of the building next door, my wife stated, 'I don't care where you get drafted, as long as it isn't here!' The Knicks had the 4th or 5th pick, so I knew that wouldn't be a problem.

"I was slated to go between 12 and 19. Philadelphia had told my college coach that if I were still available when they selected, they wanted me. The Sixers picked 21st or something like that.

"Well, the draft started and my fellow rookies were being paraded up on stage at the Felt Forum, getting interviewed on national television, one by one. My wife and I sat, and sat, and sat. Portland, Denver, Cleveland, and Boston passed, then Philly as well. Mine and my wife’s hearts sank. The first round was over and I hadn't been taken.

"There were eight rounds in '82, after having not been taken in the first, nor the first couple of selections of the second, my wife and I decided we needed to leave. Not only was I a little embarrassed, but also we had a plane to catch to go back home. As we got up to leave, an NBA rep ran over to us to tell us that I was about to be selected. As we stood there, we could hear the podium announce, in a voice that sounded in that auditorium like the voice of God: 'With the 29th pick of the 1982 Draft, the New York Knicks take . . . Scott Hastings, University of Arkansas.'

"The only solace I take, looking back on that afternoon, was that when I was announced, the New York crowd in attendance gave me a great ovation. They loved the pick. Trent Tucker from Minnesota, their first pick, was booed!"