The NBA is the most difficult professional sports league in the world to make. Basketball rosters are small and the competition is stiff. The NBA draft only has 60 selections – and most of the players taken never get a real shot to play in the league. Nonetheless, draft night is special – hearing your name announced solidifies your place amongst basketball’s elite.

4 players with local ties heard their names called Wednesday night – Isaiah Stewart (UW), Jaden McDaniels (Federal Way/UW), Malachi Flynn (Tacoma, WSU), and CJ Elleby (Seattle/WSU). We can’t wait to cheer these guys in the NBA.

While draft night always stings a little without the Sonics making picks, Seattle had some pretty incredible selections over the years. Here are our top 10 draft picks in Sonics history.

10. Kevin Durant (2007, Round 1, Pick 2)

I’ll get this out of the way: Kevin Durant is tough to rank. While I wouldn’t fault anyone for ranking KD higher, his stay in Seattle was short-lived and we’re giving preference to players who made a career impact for the Sonics.

That being said, Durant’s 2007-2008 season was one for the ages and edges Xavier McDaniel for the best rookie season on this list. KD averaged 20.3 points and took home the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

9. Derrick McKey (1987, Round 1, Pick 9)

That being said, Durant’s 2007-2008 season was one for the ages and edges Xavier McDaniel for the best rookie season on this list. KD averaged 20.3 points and took home the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

9. Derrick McKey (1987, Round 1, Pick 9)

An integral part of the late 80’s/early 90’s Sonics teams, Derrick McKey played 6 years in Seattle. A Swiss Army Knife of a forward and fixture in the starting lineup, McKey could be counted on for 15 ppg every year.

8. Xavier McDaniel (1985, Round 1, Pick 4)

From day one, the X-Man came to play. His rookie season (1985-1986) was the best in Sonics’ history outside of Kevin Durant. That year, X started 80 games while averaging 17 and 8. His numbers continued to climb, resulting in an All-Star appearance and a number of 20+ ppg seasons.

7. Rashard Lewis (1998, Round 2, Pick 32)

It’s easy to forget how long Rashard Lewis played for the Sonics – 9 full seasons. The only Sonic to play sidekick to both Gary Payton and Ray Allen, Lewis was a model of consistency during his time in Seattle. An All-Star in 2005, Rashard averaged 19 ppg for the Sonics from 2000-2007.

6. Nate McMillan (1986, Round 2, Pick 30)

We know #10 by many names. Mr. Sonic. Mac 10. Nate the Great. While his stats would never blow you away, real Sonics fans know how important Nate was from 1986-1998. His 25 assists in a game are still a team record. Along with Freddie Brown, Nate is one of the 2 greatest “career Sonics.”

5. Jack Sikma (1977, Round 1, Pick 8)

Not much was known about Jack Sikma coming out of Illinois Wesleyan. Seattle rolled the dice on the intriguing 7-footer and Sikma manned the Sonics’ paint for the next decade. Sikma’s Sonics’ resume is impressive: 6 playoff appearances, 7 All-Star selections, and 1 NBA championship.

4. Dennis Johnson (1976, Round 2, Pick 29)

Dennis Johnson cracks our top for, and while he didn’t play in Seattle anywhere near as long as Sikma, McMillan, or Lewis, his contributions to the Sonics’ legacy are outsized. The high-flying guard played a vital role on the ’79 championship team and remains the only Finals MVP in Sonics history.

3. Fred Brown (1971, Round 1, Pick 6)

The other great “career Sonics” along with McMillan, Downton Freddie Brown is one of the greatest Sonics of all time. Equipped with a lethal jumper, Brown was perhaps the best shooter of his day and one boasted one of the best nicknames in league history. A linchpin of Sonics’ rotations through the ‘70’s and into the 80’s, Freddie cracks our top 3.

2. Shawn Kemp (1989, Round 1, Pick 17)

The Reign Man needs no introduction. A 6-time All-Star and the toughest guard on the ’96 Finals team, Shawn Kemp was absolutely dominant in his prime. His dunk highlight reels will undoubtably be played until the end of time.

1. Gary Payton (1990, Round 1, Pick 2)

Between Gary Payton and Kevin Durant, the Sonics have had great success with the #2 pick. The Glove’s case for number 1 is easy – 9 All-Star selections, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and franchise leader in games, minutes, points, assists, steals, and win shares.