There have been many mistakes made in past NBA Drafts. Michael Olowokandi going first overall in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers was certainly one of them. Olowokandi, aka "The Kandi Man," played eight seasons for four teams. He had a career average of 8.3 ppg,6.8 rbpg, which is pretty pathetic for a number one pick. His best season came in 2001-2002 when he averaged 11.1 ppg, 8.9 rbpg, 1.8 bspg in 80 games for the Clippers.
If teams could re-draft knowing what they know now about players, here's how the 1998 NBA Draft might look.
1st pick: LA Clippers selects F Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk is one of the most unique offensive players in the NBA. At 7', Nowitzki shoots with great range and proficiency. He also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and create shots for himself. Dirk has a career average of 22.6 ppg, 8.6 rbpg, while shooting 47% from the field and 87% from the foul line.
2nd pick: Vancouver Grizzlies selects FG Paul Pierce
Most thought the Grizzlies would actually take Pierce with the second overall pick, but rumors about health issues and out-of-shape issues dropped his stock dramatically. He wound up falling to the tenth overall pick by the Boston Celtics. Vancouver would've had a gem in Pierce, who recently led the Celtics to an NBA Championship and has a career average of 22.9 ppg, 6.3 rbpg, 3.9 apg.
3rd pick: Denver Nuggets selects G Vince Carter
Even though the Nuggets were looking to go with a big man, selecting the high-flying Carter, who ended up being Rookie of the Year in '98, would have been a much better pick than Raef Lafrentz. Carter's been a draw for every team he's played on and has had some success, too. 23.7 ppg, 5.5 rbpg, 4.2 apg are his career averages.
4th pick: Toronto Raptors selects F Antawn Jamison
The Raptors actually did select Jamison, but traded him on draft day for college teammate, Vince Carter, who was selected with the next pick. Jamison's career averages are 19.7 ppg, 8.0 rbpg.
5th pick: Golden State Warriors selects F Rashard Lewis
The Warriors ended up with Antawn Jamison, which isn't so bad. Yet, the next best player from this draft was Lewis. At 6-10, Lewis showed great proficiency from beyond the arc, as well as impressive athleticism. His career stats are 16.9 ppg, 5.8 rbpg, including three consecutive 20 ppg plus seasons from 2004-2005 through 2006-2007.
6th pick: Dallas Mavericks selects F Al Harrington
The Mavericks wound up with Robert "Tractor" Traylor with the 6th pick, but don't feel too bad for them. They made a draft day trade with the Milwaukee Bucks for the rights to 9th overall pick, Dirk Nowitzki. Not a bad day. Harrington ended up being taken much later in the first round. He's had a solid career ever since, as a combo forward who can shoot the three. Career stats are 13.4 ppg, 5.8 rbpg.
7th pick: Sacramento Kings selects G Larry Hughes
Though Hughes has had an up-and-down career, he's always been solid and an incredibly underrated defender. His best season came in 2003-2004, when he averaged 22.1 ppg, 6.3 rbpg and 4.7 apg, to go along with 2.9 spg. His career averages are 14.7 ppg, 4.4 rbpg and 1.6 spg.
8th pick: Philadelphia 76ers selects PG Rafer Alston
It took Alston a while to get comfortable with the point guard position in the NBA, but he was able to find a home in Houston. Known for his assists and quickness, Alston's best season came in 2004-2005 when he averaged 14.2 ppg, 6.4 apg.
9th pick: Milwaukee Bucks selects PG Jason Williams
Talent-wise, Williams should be listed higher than this, but his career was shortened. Still, at his best, Williams was a talented point guard, who finally got his turnover and control problems, well, under control.
10th pick: Boston Celtics selects FG Ricky Davis
The Celtics couldn't really do better than selecting Pierce. Davis has had an inconsistent career, but he's athletic and has been a great spark off many team's benches.
11th pick: Detroit Pistons selects G Cuttino Mobley
Health issues caused Mobley's career to shorten, but he silenced the critics, who thought he was too small to be a starting two-guard in the NBA. In fact, he slipped all the way to the 41st pick!
12th pick: Orlando Magic selects G Bonzi Wells
Wells never really became anything more than an energetic scorer off the bench, but for a while, he did that very well.
13th pick: Orlando Magic selects C Rasho Nesterovic
Nesterovic was never a star, but he has been a solid center for a long time in the league. And, centers come at a premium.
