NBA: Kobe or Jordan—Whose Draft Class Reigns Supreme?

"Men talk of killing time, while time quietly kills them."  ~Dion Boucicault

Fifty years from now, people just like you and I will be sitting around talking. Talking about basketball, about who was better—Kobe or Jordan.

Today, the nod goes to Jordan. But as Boucicault alludes in the quote above, the passing of time kills men. I'm taking the quote to not only be about the person, but about their legacy as well. With the passing of time, the stories and impact of their greatness fade as those who saw them in person pass on. Come the year 2061, Kobe may take the top spot.

But that's not what we're here for today.

Without question, both Kobe and Michael are the stars of their respective draft classes. Unlike drafts of today, which seemingly become lighter on legitimate NBA players, the 1984 and 1996 NBA drafts produced not only solid NBA players, but perennial All-Stars and future Hall of Fame members.

But which class was more impressive?

Rather then wait 50 years to have this chat, let's have it now.

1996 NBA Draft

Todd Warshaw/Getty Images

20 Nov 1996: Guard Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during a game against the Utah Jazz at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. The Jazz won the game 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport

The 1996 draft gave us four future Hall of Fame inductees, three MVPs, two future scoring champions, 11 All-Stars, a Defensive Player of the Year and the greatest outside shooter in the history of the game.

As you look at the draft results from 1996, names jump off the page at you one after another.

Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Stephon Marbury, Ray Allen, Antoine Walker and Kobe Bryant. That's just in the lottery.

Later first round selections would include Steve Nash, Peja Stojakovic, Zydrunas Ilgauskas Jermaine O'Neal and Derek Fisher.

Ben Wallace was draft eligible, but went undrafted, so while he deserves mention, we'll leave him out of the discussion.

Without question, Kobe, Nash, Iverson and Allen will enter the Hall of Fame.

1984 NBA Draft

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 1984: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls stands on the court moves the ball at the parameter against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The 1984 draft gave us four Hall of Fame inductees, three MVPs, seven All-Stars, and arguably the greatest player who ever lived.

Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and John Stockton lead the way and are Hall of Fame members.

Other first round selections would include Kevin Willis, Otis Thorpe and Alvin Robertson.

Jerome Kersey was a second round pick.

So, Who Rises to the Head of the Class?

Noel Vasquez/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 19: NBA Commissioner David Stern addresses the media before the start of NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Staples Center on February 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)

Which draft do you think was better?

Why?

Commissioner Stern is patiently awaiting your replies in comments.