1979 NBA draft
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The 1979 NBA draft was the 33rd annual draft of the National Basketball Association, held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on Monday, June 25. In this draft, the 22 NBA teams took turns selecting a
Magic Johnson was selected 1st overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Sidney Moncrief was selected 5th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Jim Paxson was selected 12th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Bill Laimbeer was selected 65th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Magic Johnson
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Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is an American businessman and former professional basketball player. He is widely regarded as the greatest point guard of all time and one of the greatest basketball player
1979 NBA draft
…by starting their professional careers earlier. Prior to the draft, the Jazz relocated from New Orleans to Salt Lake City and became the Utah Jazz. Magic Johnson from NCAA champion Michigan State University, one of the "hardship" players, was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. Johnson, who had…
Johnson in 2022
Johnson's #33 was retired by Michigan State University in 1989
Johnson (left) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with the Los Angeles Lakers, 1980