The 1996 class is widely regarded as the best to ever hit the Association. It oozed talent. It was packed full of true hoopers. But only if you know, you know.
“With the No. 18 pick, the New York Knicks select John Wallace from Syracuse University,” NBA commish David Stern spitted.
Rochester-born and raised, Wallace was easily the best player available (known and unknown) by the time Stern stepped up to the podium to announce back-to-back picks for the New York team. The Knicks paired him with Walter McCarty one pick later, and the rest is history.