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1960 NBA draft

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1960 NBA draft
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1960 NBA draft
General information
SportBasketball
DateApril 11, 1960
LocationRoosevelt Hotel (New York City, New York)[1]
NetworkNBC
Overview
100 total selections in 21 rounds
LeagueNBA
Teams8
Territorial picksOscar Robertson, Cincinnati Royals
First selectionOscar Robertson, Cincinnati Royals
Hall of Famers
3
← 1959
1961 →

The 1960 NBA draft was the 14th annual draft of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The draft was held on April 11, 1960, before the 1960–61 season. In this draft, eight NBA teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players. A player who had finished his four-year college eligibility was eligible for selection. If a player left college early, he would not be eligible for selection until his college class graduated. In each round, the teams select in reverse order of their win–loss record in the previous season. Before the draft, a team could forfeit its first-round draft pick and then select any player from within a 50-mile radius of its home arena as their territorial pick.[2][3] The Minneapolis Lakers participated in the draft, but relocated to Los Angeles and became the Los Angeles Lakers prior to the start of the season.[4] The draft consisted of 21 rounds comprising 100 players selected.

Draft selections and draftee career notes

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Key

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Pos. G F C
Position Guard Forward Center
^ Denotes player who has been inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
+ Denotes player who has been selected for at least one All-Star Game
# Denotes player who has never appeared in an NBA regular-season or playoff game

Draft

[edit]
Oscar Robertson was selected first overall by the Cincinnati Royals.
Jerry West was selected second overall by the Minneapolis Lakers.
Round Pick Player Position Nationality Team School/club team
T/1 1 Oscar Robertson^ G/F  United States Cincinnati Royals Cincinnati
1 2 Jerry West^ G/F  United States Minneapolis Lakers West Virginia
1 3 Darrall Imhoff+ C  United States New York Knicks California
1 4 Jackie Moreland G/F  United States Detroit Pistons Louisiana Tech
1 5 Lee Shaffer+ F  United States Syracuse Nationals North Carolina
1 6 Lenny Wilkens^ G  United States St. Louis Hawks Providence
1 7 Al Bunge# F  United States Philadelphia Warriors Maryland
1 8 Tom Sanders F  United States Boston Celtics NYU
2 9 Jay Arnette G  United States Cincinnati Royals Texas
2 10 Dave Budd F  United States New York Knicks (from Minneapolis)[a] Wake Forest
2 11 Kelly Coleman# F  United States New York Knicks Kentucky Wesleyan
2 12 Ron Johnson F  United States Detroit Pistons Minnesota
2 13 Wilbur Trosch# C  United States Syracuse Nationals Saint Francis (PA)
2 14 Frank Radovich F  United States St. Louis Hawks Indiana
2 15 Bill Kennedy G  United States Philadelphia Warriors Temple
2 16 Leroy Wright# F  United States Boston Celtics Pacific

Other picks

[edit]

The following list includes other draft picks who have appeared in at least one NBA game.[19][20]

Two basketball players are going after a basketball, while another player are watching from behind.
Bob McNeill (middle) was selected 19th overall by the New York Knicks.
Al Attles was selected 39th overall by the Philadelphia Warriors.
Round Pick Player Position Nationality Team School/club team
3 17 Ralph Davis G  United States Cincinnati Royals Cincinnati
3 19 Bob McNeill G  United States New York Knicks Saint Joseph's
3 21 Joe Roberts F  United States Syracuse Nationals Ohio State
3 22 Fred LaCour G/F  United States St. Louis Hawks San Francisco
4 27 Ben Warley G/F  United States Minneapolis Lakers (from New York)[a] Tennessee State
4 30 Horace Walker F  United States St. Louis Hawks Michigan State
5 36 Willie Jones G  United States Detroit Pistons Northwestern
5 38 Jimmy Darrow G  United States St. Louis Hawks Bowling Green
5 39 Al Attles G  United States Philadelphia Warriors North Carolina A&T
6 46 York Larese G  United States St. Louis Hawks North Carolina
7 50 Howie Jolliff F/C  United States Minneapolis Lakers Ohio
7 54 Bob Sims G/F  United States St. Louis Hawks Pepperdine
8 56 Sam Stith G  United States Cincinnati Royals St. Bonaventure
11 78 Mel Peterson G/F  United States Detroit Pistons Wheaton

Trades

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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

1960 NBA draft

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 1960 NBA draft was the 14th annual draft of the National Basketball Association (NBA), conducted on April 11, 1960, at the Hotel Roosevelt in New York City.[1][2] The event featured 101 selections across 21 rounds by the league's eight franchises—Boston Celtics, Cincinnati Royals, Detroit Pistons, Minneapolis Lakers, New York Knicks, Philadelphia Warriors, St. Louis Hawks, and Syracuse Nationals—with only 26 draftees ultimately appearing in at least one NBA game, as confirmed by official draft records.[1] Notably, the draft included three future Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers, headlined by the first overall pick, Oscar Robertson, selected as a territorial choice by the Royals from the University of Cincinnati.[1] The draft's top selections underscored its talent depth, beginning with Robertson, a 6-foot-5 guard who revolutionized the point guard position and earned Rookie of the Year honors in the 1960-61 season by averaging 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game—the first such triple-double average in NBA history.[3][4] The Minneapolis Lakers followed with the second pick, Jerry West from West Virginia University, a prolific scorer and playmaker who later became a 14-time All-Star, 1969 Finals MVP (despite his team's loss), and key figure in the Lakers' 1972 championship. The 1-2 combination of Robertson ("The Big O") and West ("The Logo") is widely regarded as the best opening duo to start an NBA draft in history.[5] Rounding out the elite prospects was sixth overall selection Lenny Wilkens from Providence College, taken by the St. Louis Hawks; Wilkens developed into a nine-time All-Star guard and later a Hall of Fame coach who led the Seattle SuperSonics to the 1979 NBA title. Beyond the headliners, the draft yielded solid contributors like third pick Darrall Imhoff (New York Knicks, California), a defensive center who played 12 NBA seasons and earned a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics, and fifth pick Lee Shaffer (Syracuse Nationals, North Carolina), though many later selections had limited professional impact amid the era's smaller league size and territorial draft rules.[1] Overall, the class produced 189.2 win shares from Robertson alone, highlighting its enduring legacy in bolstering rosters during the Celtics' dynasty era.[1]

Background

NBA Landscape in 1960

In the 1959–60 NBA season, the Boston Celtics captured their third consecutive championship by defeating the St. Louis Hawks 4–3 in the Finals, capping a dominant regular season where they finished with a league-best record of 59 wins and 16 losses in the Eastern Division.[6] The Eastern Division standings saw the Philadelphia Warriors in second place at 49–26, followed by the Syracuse Nationals at 45–30 and the New York Knicks at 27–48. In the Western Division, the Hawks led with 46 wins and 29 losses, ahead of the Detroit Pistons (30–45), Cincinnati Royals (19–56), and Minneapolis Lakers (25–50).[7] This season marked the continuation of the Celtics' emerging dynasty under coach Red Auerbach, while the debut of rookie sensation Wilt Chamberlain propelled the Warriors to a significant improvement.[6] The league consisted of eight teams divided into Eastern and Western Divisions: the Boston Celtics, Cincinnati Royals, Detroit Pistons, Minneapolis Lakers, New York Knicks, Philadelphia Warriors, St. Louis Hawks, and Syracuse Nationals.[7] These franchises represented a mix of established powers like the Celtics and Hawks and struggling teams such as the Lakers, who were grappling with on-court and off-court issues. Key developments in 1960 included the impending relocation of the Minneapolis Lakers to Los Angeles for the 1960–61 season, driven by years of declining fan support in their original market.[8] Additionally, the NBA approved expansion, with the Chicago Packers set to join as a new franchise for the 1961–62 season, increasing the league to nine teams and signaling efforts to broaden the league's geographic reach and stabilize its growth.[9] Throughout the late 1950s, the NBA confronted significant economic and competitive challenges, including persistently low attendance figures that often hovered below 4,000 fans per game for many teams and intense rivalry from more popular college basketball, which drew larger crowds and greater media attention.[10] These issues contributed to franchise instability, with several teams facing financial losses and prompting the league to pursue relocations and expansions to bolster viability.[10]

Draft Rules and Eligibility

The 1960 NBA draft was restricted to amateur players from U.S. colleges who had completed their four-year eligibility, excluding any international or previously professional athletes.[11] This criterion ensured that only graduating seniors or equivalent amateurs entered the pool, reflecting the league's emphasis on domestic college talent during its expansion era.[11] The order of selection followed the reverse standings from the 1959-60 season, with the teams holding the worst records picking first within their divisions.[12] Ties in records were resolved through prior methods, such as coin flips between the lowest-ranked teams in the Eastern and Western Divisions when applicable, though no such tie occurred in 1960.[13] With eight teams divided evenly between divisions, the Cincinnati Royals, finishing last in the Western Division with a 19-56 record, held the top regular pick rights.[1] The draft comprised 21 rounds, allowing for up to 168 selections across the eight teams, though only 101 picks were ultimately made as teams often passed on later choices.[14] A distinctive feature was the territorial pick rule, which permitted one team per draft to forfeit its first-round selection in exchange for claiming a local college star within a 50-mile radius of its home arena to boost fan support.[15] In 1960, the Cincinnati Royals exercised this option to draft Oscar Robertson from the University of Cincinnati, forgoing their regular first-round pick while still recognizing it as the nominal top selection.[15] Unlike modern drafts, there was no salary cap limiting team expenditures or a standardized rookie scale dictating compensation; instead, contracts were negotiated individually between draftees and teams based on market value and leverage.[16] This system allowed for varied signing bonuses and salaries, such as the $33,000 bonus awarded to Robertson, highlighting the personalized nature of early NBA player agreements.[15]

Draft Proceedings

Date, Location, and Format

The 1960 NBA draft was held on April 11, 1960, at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, New York.[1] The event was conducted in person, with representatives from the league's eight teams convening to make selections over a single day that encompassed all 21 rounds and a total of 101 picks.[1] Teams alternated turns in reverse order of their win-loss records from the 1959–60 season, with the option to pass on any pick if they declined to select a player. Unlike later iterations of the draft, the 1960 proceedings featured no lottery system to determine the top selection order, as that mechanism was not introduced until 1985.[17] Eligibility was restricted to amateur U.S. college players who had exhausted their four-year eligibility, placing primary emphasis on graduating seniors.

Territorial Pick

In the 1960 NBA Draft, the Cincinnati Royals exercised their territorial pick rights to select Oscar Robertson, a guard from the University of Cincinnati, prior to the regular draft proceedings.[15][3] This selection occurred on April 11, 1960, allowing the Royals to claim Robertson without competing in the standard draft order.[18] The rationale for this territorial choice stemmed from Robertson's exceptional collegiate performance at the local university. The territorial pick rule allowed teams to select players who attended college within a 50-mile radius of the team's home city, helping to secure local college stars to increase fan engagement.[19][20] Robertson played for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats from 1957 to 1960 and earned three consecutive All-American honors, while leading the team to a 79-9 record over those three seasons and advancing to two Final Four appearances.[21][22] His dominance, including averaging 33.8 points per game, elevated the Bearcats to national prominence and made him a natural fit for the Royals under the territorial rule.[22] This territorial selection bypassed the regular draft process, enabling the Royals to secure one of the era's top prospects in lieu of their first-round pick.[15] The rule, in place since the league's early years, aimed to boost fan interest by keeping local stars with nearby teams but often disadvantaged smaller-market franchises in acquiring elite talent through open competition.[20] The 1960 territorial pick for Robertson marked one of the final prominent applications of this mechanism before its phase-out; the NBA eliminated territorial selections in 1966 as part of a broader draft revamp that introduced a coin-flip tiebreaker system to determine the top pick.[23][20]

Draft Selections

First Round

The first round of the 1960 NBA Draft produced eight selections aimed at addressing key roster gaps across the league, with teams prioritizing versatile scorers, rebounders, and defensive specialists from standout college programs. Held on April 11, 1960, in New York, the round began with the Cincinnati Royals securing Oscar Robertson via territorial rights, allowing them to retain a dominant local talent without forfeiting their regular pick. Subsequent choices reflected strategic needs, such as the Minneapolis Lakers' focus on backcourt reinforcement amid their impending relocation to Los Angeles, and the Boston Celtics' emphasis on adding reliable frontcourt depth to sustain their competitive edge.[1][24][6] The selections drew attention for their blend of proven college performers, with early picks like Robertson and Jerry West generating buzz for their scoring and playmaking potential; scouts noted West's availability as a surprise opportunity for the Lakers after Robertson's territorial claim shifted expectations. Teams like the New York Knicks targeted interior presence to counter rival centers, while mid-round choices emphasized athletic forwards from smaller conferences to provide immediate bench contributions. Overall, the round underscored the NBA's reliance on college dominance as a predictor of professional fit, though some picks, such as Al Bunge, were viewed as reaches due to limited scouting depth at the time.[25]
PickTeamPlayerCollegeCollege Highlights and Team Strategy
1Cincinnati RoyalsOscar RobertsonUniversity of CincinnatiThree-time All-American who averaged 32.6 points and 16.3 rebounds per game as a junior, leading the Bearcats to the 1960 Final Four; the Royals prioritized him as a territorial pick to anchor their offense with a hometown star from nearby Cincinnati.[26]
2Minneapolis LakersJerry WestWest Virginia UniversityConsensus All-American and NCAA Tournament MVP in 1959, where he averaged 32 points per game while leading the Mountaineers to the championship game; the Lakers selected him to bolster their backcourt alongside Elgin Baylor in preparation for their move to Los Angeles, aiming to enhance scoring and perimeter defense.[27][28][24]
3New York KnicksDarrall ImhoffUniversity of CaliforniaTwo-time All-American and key contributor to Cal's 1959 NCAA championship, averaging 13.7 points and 12.4 rebounds as a senior; the Knicks chose the 6-10 center to fortify their frontcourt against dominant big men like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain.[29][30]
4Detroit PistonsJackie MorelandLouisiana Tech UniversityThree-time All-American in small-college basketball, setting school records with 1,491 points and 1,124 rebounds over three seasons while leading the Bulldogs to a 17-9 record in 1959-60; the Pistons targeted the athletic forward for his rebounding and scoring versatility to improve their transition game.[31][32]
5Syracuse NationalsLee ShafferUniversity of North CarolinaACC Player of the Year who averaged 18.2 points and 11.2 rebounds as a senior, helping UNC to an 18-6 record; the Nationals drafted the 6-6 forward to add size and shooting to their wing rotation amid a competitive Eastern Division.[33]
6St. Louis HawksLenny WilkensProvidence CollegeAll-American who averaged 14.2 points and 7.1 rebounds as a senior, guiding the Friars to a 24-5 record and NIT runner-up finish; the Hawks selected the quick guard to provide playmaking depth behind Bob Pettit, focusing on backcourt speed.[34]
7Philadelphia WarriorsAl BungeUniversity of MarylandAll-ACC forward who averaged 16.7 points and 12.6 rebounds as a senior; the Warriors picked him to supplement their frontcourt with rebounding prowess, though his selection was seen as a value grab from a mid-major program.[35]
8Boston CelticsTom SandersNew York UniversityAll-Metropolitan forward who averaged 13.4 points and 10.6 rebounds as a senior for the Violets; the Celtics added him for frontcourt rotation depth to support Bill Russell during their pursuit of a third straight title.[6]

Later Rounds

The 1960 NBA draft consisted of 21 rounds, yielding 101 total selections among the league's eight teams, though many franchises passed on later picks after exhausting their early interests.[1] Of these, only 26 players ultimately appeared in at least one NBA game, underscoring the draft's limited depth beyond the marquee choices and the era's challenges in transitioning college talent to professional rosters.[1] The later rounds (2 through 21) accounted for the majority of picks, with selections primarily drawn from U.S. college programs and a high attrition rate—over 70% of draftees never played in the league, often due to skill gaps, injuries, or preferences for other careers.[36][37] Despite the overall scarcity of impact players, the later rounds unearthed a few overlooked talents who carved out meaningful NBA careers, contributing to team rotations and occasionally exceeding expectations. Al Attles, taken by the Philadelphia Warriors in the fifth round (39th overall), emerged as the most prominent example; over 11 seasons, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game while earning a reputation as a tenacious defender nicknamed "The Destroyer."[38] Other solid contributors included Dave Budd (second round, 10th overall, New York Knicks), who played five seasons across multiple teams, and Ben Warley (fourth round, 27th overall, Syracuse Nationals), a durable forward with five years of service, including time on championship-contending squads.[36] The table below highlights select notable players from rounds 2–5 who logged multiple NBA seasons, illustrating the draft's modest but existent depth:
RoundPick (Overall)PlayerDrafting TeamNBA Seasons PlayedKey Career Notes
22 (10)Dave BuddNew York Knicks5Averaged 7.1 points; played for four teams.[39]
24 (12)Ron JohnsonDetroit Pistons1Brief stint as a reserve.[36]
33 (19)Bob McNeillNew York Knicks2Scored 9.5 points per game as a rookie.[36]
44 (27)Ben WarleySyracuse Nationals5Reliable rebounder, 6.6 points average.[36]
57 (39)Al AttlesPhiladelphia Warriors11Longevity and leadership; later Hall of Fame contributor.[38]
In rounds 6 through 21, the selections yielded even fewer professional outcomes, with most picks failing to sign contracts or advance beyond training camps, a common pattern in the pre-expansion era when scouting emphasized domestic college talent over broader pools.[37] This structure highlighted the draft's role as a high-volume scouting mechanism, often prioritizing quantity over quality in unproven territories.[1]

Trades

Pre-Draft Trades

In the lead-up to the 1960 NBA draft held on April 11, pre-draft trades involving future selections were uncommon, reflecting the league's early-stage trading dynamics where teams prioritized immediate player acquisitions over speculative pick swaps. The sole documented pre-draft transaction affecting the 1960 draft occurred on January 24, 1960, between the New York Knicks and the Minneapolis Lakers.[18][40] Under the terms of the deal, the Knicks traded center Ray Felix, their 1960 fourth-round pick (later used to select Ben Warley at No. 27 overall), and $25,000 in cash to the Lakers in exchange for guard Dick Garmaker and the Lakers' 1960 second-round pick (later used to select Dave Budd at No. 10 overall).[18][40] This exchange provided the struggling Knicks, who finished the 1959-60 season with a 27-48 record, an opportunity to upgrade their backcourt with Garmaker, a reliable scorer averaging 12.1 points per game that year, while shedding Felix's contract amid efforts to rebuild their roster. For the Lakers, who posted a 25-50 mark, the trade netted a rebounding specialist in Felix (7.2 rebounds per game in 1959-60) and financial flexibility, aligning with their strategy to address frontcourt depth ahead of selecting Jerry West in the draft.[41][42] The pick swap directly influenced the draft proceedings by shifting mid-round selections: the Knicks, originally slated for a lower-value fourth-rounder based on their record, gained access to a higher second-round slot originally belonging to the Lakers, enhancing their asset pool for talent evaluation in a era when later rounds often yielded role players or undrafted gems. Conversely, the Lakers' acquisition of the fourth-round pick filled a gap in their lower selections without significantly altering their top-end strategy. This maneuver exemplified how pre-draft trades in the 1960s could subtly reshape rebuilding teams' futures by trading established veterans for potential upside in picks, though such deals remained infrequent due to the league's limited salary cap and focus on on-court immediacy.[1][18]

Post-Draft Trades

Following the 1960 NBA draft on April 11, several teams retained their selections without immediate trades, allowing the draftees to join their drafting franchises for the 1960–61 season.[1] No transactions involving the rights to 1960 draft picks were recorded in the weeks or months immediately after the event, reflecting a period of relative stability in roster building amid the league's expansion preparations.[25] One early post-draft movement occurred over a year later, on June 25, 1961, when the St. Louis Hawks traded the rights to fourth-round pick Horace Walker (selected 30th overall from Michigan State) to the expansion Chicago Packers in exchange for a 1962 fourth-round draft pick (later used to select Chico Vaughn).[43] This deal provided the Packers, entering the NBA as a new franchise, with additional frontcourt depth, while the Hawks acquired future asset flexibility during their competitive window. Walker ultimately played briefly for Chicago before moving on in subsequent years.[44]

Player Careers and Impact

Hall of Famers

The 1960 NBA draft produced three players who were later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, and Lenny Wilkens. These individuals not only excelled during their playing careers but also left lasting legacies in the league, with Robertson and West revolutionizing guard play and Wilkens achieving distinction as both a player and coach.[21][45][46] Oscar Robertson, selected as a territorial pick by the Cincinnati Royals, had a transformative 14-season NBA career spanning 1960 to 1974 with the Royals and Milwaukee Bucks. As a rookie in 1960-61, he led the Royals to a winning record and averaged 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game, setting a benchmark for rookie performance and earning Rookie of the Year honors. Over his career, Robertson averaged 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game, becoming the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season in 1961-62 (30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, 11.4 assists). He was selected to 12 All-Star Games, won the NBA MVP award in 1964, and contributed to the Bucks' 1971 NBA championship alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Robertson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.[3][21] Jerry West, chosen second overall by the Minneapolis Lakers (later Los Angeles), enjoyed a 14-year playing career from 1960 to 1974, establishing himself as one of the league's premier scorers and clutch performers. He averaged 27.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game across 932 regular-season games, leading the NBA in scoring during the 1965-66 season with 31.3 points per game and maintaining a decade-high average of 29.1 points in the 1960s. West earned 14 All-Star selections, won a championship in 1972, and became the first player to win Finals MVP honors on a losing team in 1969. His silhouette inspired the NBA logo in 1969, symbolizing the league's identity. West was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.[47][24][45] Lenny Wilkens, drafted sixth overall by the St. Louis Hawks, played 15 seasons from 1960 to 1975 across multiple teams, including the Hawks, Seattle SuperSonics, and Cleveland Cavaliers, before transitioning to a distinguished coaching career. As a player, he averaged 16.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, earning nine All-Star selections and ranking second all-time in assists (7,211) upon retirement. Wilkens was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1989 for his on-court contributions, including his role as a floor general in the 1960s alongside contemporaries like Robertson and West. He later received a second induction in 1998 as a coach, having led teams to 1,332 wins, an NBA championship with the SuperSonics in 1979, and recognition as one of the NBA's top ten coaches. Wilkens died on November 9, 2025, at the age of 88.[48][49][46][50]

Other Notable Draftees

Darrall Imhoff, taken third overall by the New York Knicks, emerged as a reliable center and rebounder over 12 NBA seasons with six teams, including the Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Cincinnati Royals, and Chicago Bulls.[51] He averaged 7.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, earning All-Star nods in 1966 and 1967 while providing stout defense against dominant big men like Wilt Chamberlain during his college-to-pro transition from California.[52] Imhoff's tenure with the Lakers from 1964 to 1968 contributed to their Western Division success, though they fell short in finals matchups.[53] Tom Sanders, picked eighth overall by the Boston Celtics, served as a defensive anchor and versatile forward for the franchise's dynasty, playing all 13 of his NBA seasons exclusively in Boston from 1960 to 1973.[54] Averaging 5.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 916 appearances, Sanders won eight championships (1961-1966, 1968, 1969) as a key role player in the Bill Russell era, often tasked with guarding opponents' top scorers and contributing to the Celtics' league-leading defense. His loyalty and intangibles epitomized the team's culture of selflessness.[55] Lee Shaffer, selected fifth overall by the Syracuse Nationals (later Philadelphia 76ers), showed early promise as a scoring forward, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 1961 after averaging 8.5 points per game as a rookie.[56] Over three NBA seasons through 1964, he posted 7.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, culminating in a 1963 All-Star selection where he contributed offensively in limited minutes.[57] Shaffer's career was abbreviated by injuries, but his initial impact highlighted North Carolina's ACC dominance.[58] Jackie Moreland, the fourth overall pick by the Detroit Pistons, provided steady bench scoring as a 6'7" forward over five NBA seasons primarily with Detroit from 1960 to 1965.[59] Averaging 9.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game across 582 contests, Moreland excelled in transition and mid-range shooting, helping the Pistons maintain competitiveness in the Western Division despite roster turnover.[60] His later moves to the New York Nets (ABA) extended his professional play until a tragic auto accident in 1971.[61] Al Attles, selected in the fifth round (39th overall) by the Philadelphia Warriors, enjoyed an 11-season NBA playing career from 1960 to 1970, all with the Warriors franchise, where he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game over 711 games. Known for his defensive tenacity and leadership as a guard, Attles transitioned into coaching, leading the Warriors for 14 seasons from 1970 to 1986 and guiding them to the 1975 NBA championship. He was later inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019 as a contributor for his multifaceted impact on the game.[38][62]

Legacy

Team Impacts

The arrival of Oscar Robertson as the first overall pick transformed the Cincinnati Royals' offense almost immediately, with the rookie guard averaging 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game while ranking second in the NBA in assists and earning Rookie of the Year honors.[3][15] This performance helped the Royals improve from a 19-61 record the previous season to 33-46 in 1960-61, marking their first winning percentage above .500 since relocating from Rochester, though they missed the playoffs by finishing fourth in the Western Division.[63] Robertson's versatility as a 6-foot-5 point guard provided a foundational skill set that elevated the team's scoring efficiency, ranking them first in offensive rating at 95.6.[63] The Royals' frontcourt depth, bolstered by 1959 draftee Bob Boozer alongside Robertson and Wayne Embry, fueled further progress in 1963-64 and 1964-65, with the team reaching the playoffs in both years for the first time in franchise history since the relocation.[15] However, the midseason trade of Boozer to the New York Knicks in December 1963 as part of a three-team deal—receiving Larry Staverman from the Detroit Pistons and cash considerations—did not prevent the Royals from achieving a 48-32 record and a playoff berth that season.[64][65] Jerry West, selected second overall by the Minneapolis Lakers (who relocated to Los Angeles that summer), emerged as an instant cornerstone for the franchise's West Coast transition, averaging 17.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game as a rookie while starting all 79 contests.[47] His scoring and playmaking complemented Elgin Baylor, helping the Lakers rebound from a 25-50 record in 1959-60 to 36-43 in 1960-61, securing second place in the Western Division and their first playoff berth since 1959.[66] West's contributions extended into the postseason, where he averaged 22.9 points and 8.7 rebounds over 12 games, establishing him as a key figure in building contention during the team's inaugural Los Angeles era at the Memorial Sports Arena.[47][66] Tom Sanders, taken eighth overall by the Boston Celtics, provided essential frontcourt depth as a defensive specialist and rebounder, averaging 5.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in limited 15.9 minutes per game during his 1960-61 rookie season.[54] Integrating into the dynasty led by Bill Russell and Sam Jones, Sanders' physicality and shot-blocking bolstered the Celtics' rotation, contributing to their continued dominance with NBA championships in 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1966—six straight titles that extended their streak from the late 1950s.[54] His role as a reliable reserve forward helped maintain Boston's league-leading defense and rebounding, finishing first in defensive rating multiple times during this period.[54] For other teams, the draft offered varied rebuilding boosts; the St. Louis Hawks selected Lenny Wilkens sixth overall, where the rookie guard averaged 11.7 points and 2.8 assists in 1960-61, developing into a key playmaker who led the team to six consecutive playoff appearances from 1961 to 1966 before his 1968 trade to Seattle.[48] Meanwhile, the New York Knicks, picking third, added center Darrall Imhoff for interior presence, with the 6-foot-10 rookie contributing 4.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game amid a 21-58 season that underscored their ongoing rebuild in the Eastern Division.[51]

Historical Significance

The 1960 NBA draft stands out as one of the most talented classes in league history, producing four Hall of Famers—Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Lenny Wilkens, and Tom Sanders—and several players who contributed to championship dynasties in the ensuing decade.[67] With a total of 101 selections across 21 rounds, it exemplified the era's depth in college basketball talent, drawing stars from programs like the University of Cincinnati and West Virginia University, and marking a pivotal transition as the NBA expanded and professionalized amid growing popularity.[1] This influx elevated the league's overall skill level, fostering the competitive balance that defined the 1960s. However, the draft also highlighted systemic weaknesses, particularly in its lower rounds, where only 24 of the 101 picks ultimately appeared in an NBA game, yielding a success rate of roughly 24 percent.[1] The continued use of territorial picks, such as Robertson's selection by the Royals based on regional ties, amplified ongoing concerns about the rule's impact on competitive equity, as it allowed teams to bypass the standard draft order for local favorites—a practice that persisted until its elimination in 1966.[68] Relative to other landmark drafts like 1966 or 1984, the 1960 class ranks among the top 10 for talent density at the elite level, though its shallower depth beyond the first round limits broader comparisons.[67] In the long term, the 1960 draft bolstered the NBA's growth and competitiveness throughout the 1960s, with its draftees accounting for significant win shares and All-Star appearances that helped stabilize and popularize the league.[1] Modern reevaluations underscore Jerry West's enduring legacy as both a player and executive, while the class's role in integrating top Black talent—epitomized by Robertson's No. 1 selection—aligned with the civil rights movement, advancing on-court diversity and player advocacy.[69]

References

  1. 1960 NBA Draft - Basketball-Reference.com
  2. All-Time NBA Draft History | NBA.com
  3. Oscar Robertson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  4. 1960-61 NBA Leaders - Basketball-Reference.com
  5. Season Review: 1959-60 | NBA.com
  6. 1959-60 NBA Season Summary - Basketball-Reference.com
  7. 1960-61 Season - All Things Lakers - Los Angeles Times
  8. Significant Dates in Professional Basketball History
  9. NBA struggles during 1950s, begins its rise later in decade
  10. [PDF] The Success of NBA Draft Picks: Can College Careers Predict NBA ...
  11. A brief history of the NBA Draft - by Steve Hull - The Replay
  12. The long history of the draft-order coin flip has ended
  13. How many rounds are in the NBA Draft? - Yardbarker
  14. Legends profile: Oscar Robertson | NBA.com
  15. The History of NBA Labor
  16. The First Year of the NBA Lottery Was Also the Greatest Draft Ever
  17. 1960 NBA Draft Pick Transactions
  18. Oscar Robertson - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
  19. Oscar Robertson: College basketball stats, best moments, quotes
  20. Territorial rights in the early years of the NBA - SFGATE
  21. Hartman: NBA draft memories from a different time - Star Tribune
  22. Legends profile: Jerry West | NBA.com
  23. 1960 NBA Draft Recap - RealGM
  24. Jerry West (1991) - WVU Sports Hall of Fame
  25. Jerry West: College basketball stats, best moments, quotes
  26. Darrall Imhoff (1988) - California Athletics Hall of Fame
  27. Darrall Imhoff College Stats - Sports-Reference.com
  28. Jackie Moreland - Hall of Fame - LA Tech Athletics
  29. Jackie Moreland - Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
  30. 1960 NBA Draft: Players Career Achievements and Stats
  31. 1960 NBA Draft
  32. Al Attles Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  33. 1959-60 NBA Transactions - Basketball-Reference.com
  34. 1960-61 NBA Transactions - Basketball-Reference.com
  35. Horace Walker Player Profile, Chicago Zephyrs - RealGM
  36. Jerry West - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
  37. Lenny Wilkens - The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
  38. Jerry West Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  39. Lenny Wilkens Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  40. Legends profile: Lenny Wilkens | NBA.com
  41. Bob Boozer Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  42. Bob Boozer | Forward | Cincinnati Royals | NBA.com
  43. NBA Players: Bob Boozer Profile and Basic Stats - Land Of Basketball
  44. Darrall Imhoff Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  45. Darrall Imhoff | Center | Los Angeles Lakers | NBA.com
  46. NBA Players: Darrall Imhoff Profile and Basic Stats
  47. Tom Sanders Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  48. NBA Players: Tom Sanders Profile and Basic Stats
  49. Lee Shaffer Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  50. Lee Shaffer | Forward | Philadelphia 76ers | NBA.com
  51. NBA Players: Lee Shaffer Profile and Basic Stats - Land Of Basketball
  52. Jackie Moreland Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
  53. Jackie Moreland | Forward | Detroit Pistons | NBA.com
  54. NBA Players: Jackie Moreland Profile and Basic Stats
  55. 1960-61 Cincinnati Royals Roster and Stats
  56. The National Special, 5/21/12: Bob Boozer, 1937-2012
  57. 1960-61 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats
  58. 30 Greatest NBA Draft Classes of All Time - Stadium Talk
  59. Ranking the Top 10 NBA Draft Classes of All Time - Bleacher Report
  60. NBA 75: At No. 12, Oscar Robertson was more than a triple-double ...
  61. Which NBA draft class had the best 1-2-3 draft picks? Here's our top 10
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