League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Trades

Todd Fuller selected before Kobe Bryant in historic 1996 NBA Draft

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 6:16 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Todd Fuller selected before Kobe Bryant in historic 1996 NBA Draft

Summary

Todd Fuller, a Fayetteville-born player, was chosen as the 11th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. Ahead of basketball legends such as Kobe Bryant, Peja Stojakovic, and Steve Nash, Fuller had an impressive collegiate career, leading the ACC in scoring and earning All-ACC honors. The draft, widely considered one of the greatest in NBA history, featured Allen Iverson going first overall. Fuller played five seasons in the NBA, including stints with the Utah Jazz, Charlotte Hornets, and Miami Heat, before continuing his professional career overseas until 2007.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Fuller was picked 11th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft.
•He played at NC State before entering the NBA.
•Kobe Bryant was selected 13th by the Charlotte Hornets.
•Fuller’s NBA career spanned five seasons with multiple teams.
•The 1996 draft is known for its depth of talent.

Latest Updates

6:16 PMYahoo Sports — Did you know a Fayetteville-born basketball player was picked before Kobe Bryant in the NBA Draft?

What they're saying

"
In a local sports history nugget, Fayetteville-born Todd Fuller was selected before NBA great Kobe Bryant in the 1996 draft. Read more.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Boston Celtics Charlotte Hornets Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors Indiana Pacers Los Angeles Lakers Brooklyn Nets Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Basketball