There have been many mistakes made in past NBA Drafts. The fifth pick, Forward Jonathan Bender, of the 1999 NBA Draft was a definite mistake that the Toronto Raptors would surely have liked to do over. In seven seasons, Bender never averaged more than 7.4 ppg. In all fairness, injuries played a big role in slowing his career, but his talent and upside simply never translated into stats, which earns him the "bust" label.
If teams could re-draft knowing what they know now about players, here's how the 1999 NBA Draft might look.
1st pick: Chicago Bulls selects F Elton Brand
The Bulls got this pick right, even though a lot of critics thought they should've taken versatile forward Lamar Odom. Brand earned Rookie of the Year honors in 1999 and has gone on to have a great career, averaging over 20 ppg, 10 rbpg and 2 bspg in that time.
2nd pick: Vancouver Grizzlies selects G Manu GinobiliHow different would the NBA be if the San Antonio Spurs hadn't stolen Ginobili with the second to last pick (57th overall) in the NBA Draft? Ginobili has turned into a gem over the years, with career averages of 14.7 ppg, 4.1 rbpg, 3.6 apg, 1.5 spg. Keep in mind that he's only had one season where he's played more than 30 minutes per game, since Spurs Coach, Greg Poppovich has always saved his legs for the playoffs.
3rd pick: Charlotte Hornets selects PG Baron Davis
For a while, it looked like Steve Francis would have a career of stardom. After being traded to the Orlando Magic, however, his true colors started showing. He earned the label of being a ball hog - which is hardly a good thing when you're a point guard - and injuries slowed his career further from that point on. Davis has also had an injury proned career, but has been much more productive over a long stretch than Francis, with career averages of 17.1 ppg, 7.3 apg and 1.9 spg.
4th pick: LA Clippers selects F Shawn Marion
Many think Marion's production in Phoenix was mostly due to the offensive-friendly system and the fact that he played with an elite point guard in Steve Nash. There's no denying his athleticism and toughness, though. He's done a fair job in Miami, as well. His career averages are 18.0 ppg, 10.0 rbpg and 1.9 spg.
5th pick: Toronto Raptors selects F Lamar Odom
Odom was always slated to be a star, given his versatility and talents. In his very first NBA game, for that matter, he scored 30 points! Yet, lack of drive seems to have stunted him from being an outright star during his career. Still, he's been a great third option for a few teams along the way, with career averages of 15.2 ppg, 8.7 rbpg and 4.2 apg.
6th pick: Minnesota Timberwolves selects F Ron ArtestThis would've been a much better pick than Bender. Though Artest has dealt with attitude issues wherever he's gone, this former Defensive Player of the Year award winner certainly has ability and toughness. Career averages are 16.0 ppg, 5.1 rbpg and 2.1 spg.
7th pick: Washington Wizards selects PG Andre MillerMiller's a very underrated point guard. With great size, toughness and leadership, he was one of the main reason the 76ers overachieved in the 2008 NBA Playoffs. His outside shot has always been sketchy, but Miller's always been a great floor general. Career averages are 14.5 ppg and 7.4 apg.
8th pick: Cleveland Cavaliers selects G Richard Hamilton
Hamilton didn't really make a name for himself until being traded from the Washington Wizards to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Jerry Stackhouse. Hamilton was an integral part of the Pistons winning a championship and has career averages of 17.8 ppg, 3.3 rbpg and 3.3 apg.
9th pick: Cleveland Cavaliers selects F Andrei KirilenkoThis lanky Russian has proved his worth over the years by showcasing his impressive defensive ability. In short, Kirilenko makes plays happen at the defensive end, whether it be with a blocked shot, steal, or simply disrupting things. Injuries have been a concern, but he does have career averages of 12.6 ppg, 5.9 rbpg, 1.5 spg and 2.3 bspg.
10th pick: Atlanta Hawks selects G Jason Terry
Many wondered if Terry could make the transition from scoring guard to point guard. It turns out, he didn't need to make a complete transition, as his shooting ability made him a pretty proficient combo guard. His career averages are 16.1 ppg, 5.0 apg and 1.7 treys per game.
11th pick: Cleveland Cavaliers selects FG Corey Maggette
Maggette was always particularly good at a couple things: slashing to the basket and getting to the foul line. He has career averages of 16.3 ppg, 5.1 rbpg and averages 7.0 free throw attempts per game, while shooting 82% from the line.
12th pick: Toronto Raptors selects PG Steve FrancisFrancis has had an up and down career that's been plagued by injuries and accusations of being a ball hog. For a while, however, he posted sensational numbers. Eventually, he became a headache for the Knicks. Career stats are 18.1 ppg, 5.6 rbpg, 6.0 apg.
13th pick: Seattle Supersonics selects FG Wally Szczerbiak
Szczerbiak's always been criticized for not being much of a defender, but he sure can shoot. Wally's career stats are 14.5 ppg, 4.0 rbpg, while shooting 49% from the field, and 40% from beyond the arc.
