There have been many mistakes made in past NBA Drafts. The 2000 NBA Draft turned out to be a disappointing draft overall, with three of the top five picks, in particular, Stromile Swift, taken second by the Vancouver Grizzlies, Darius Miles, taken third by the LA Clippers, and Marcus Fizer, taken fourth by the Chicago Bulls, ending up as busts.
If teams could re-draft knowing what they know now about players, here's how the 2000 NBA Draft might have looked.
1st pick: New Jersey Nets selects G Michael Redd
It's amazing that Redd slipped so far. Redd wasn't actually drafted until the 43rd overall pick. In all fairness to the teams who passed on him, he didn't really wow anyone with his college performance. His sharp-shooting, however, became apparent in the pros, as he started his career backing up Ray Allen, whom some consider to be one of the best shooters ever to play in the NBA. Redd's posted career averages of 20.5 ppg, 4.1 rbpg, while hitting 1.8 treys per game.
2nd pick: Vancouver Grizzlies selects F Kenyon Martin
Martin's been hampered throughout his career with injuries. Even during seasons where he played most of the 82-game season, he often played hurt. Though he never lived up to the potential of superstardom, Martin has still proven himself to be a solid power forward when healthy, with career averages of 14.4 ppg, 7.2 rbpg.
3rd pick: LA Clippers selects G Jamal CrawfordCrawford's quietly put together a solid career as a two guard, with career averages of 15.0 ppg, 4.2 apg and 1.7 treys per game.
4th pick: Chicago Bulls selects FG Hedo Turkoglu
It's taken "Turk" a while to come into his own in the NBA, but he's really come into his own and even had a career year in 2007-2008, when he averaged 19.5 ppg, 5.2 rbpg and 4.8 apg. Turk was a long-term solution, but for his current team, the Orlando Magic, it's been worth the wait. His career averages are 12.1 ppg, 4.2 rbpg.
5th pick: Orlando Magic selects GF Mike Miller
Miller's struggled with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2008-2009, but overall he's had a solid career. He was the Rookie of the Year in 2001, and has career averages of 14.1 ppg, 4.8 rbpg and 1.9 treys per game.
6th pick: Atlanta Hawks selects GF Quentin Richarson
A year prior, some thought Richardson might be a top three pick, and perhaps even the number one overall pick. However, after not improving much the next season of college, his stock dropped dramatically. Even though he was projected as a lottery pick, he ended up falling to the 18th overall pick by the LA Clippers. "Q-Rich" has shown a great propensity for hitting three-point shots, and his athleticism has enabled him to have success on different teams. Career averages are 11.6 ppg, 5.0 rbpg, 1.6 treys per game.
7th pick: Chicago Bulls selects C Jamaal MagloireHe hasn't had a stellar career, but he was a one-time All Star and has proven to be a solid center in a short span in a league when centers come at a premium. Magloire has career averages of 8.3 ppg, 7.1 rbpg. His best season came in 2003-2004, when he averaged 13.6 ppg, 10.4 rbpg in 82 games with the New Orleans Hornets.
8th pick: Cleveland Cavaliers selects C Joel Przybilla
The Cavs ended up trading this pick, which was used on Jamal Crawford, to the Chicago Bulls for the 7th pick, which was used on Chris Mihm. While Mihm was thought to be the better center, he didn't amount to much. Przybilla was never a star, or even a regular NBA starter, but he's always been reliable as a solid defensive stopper in the post, with career averages of 4.1 ppg, 6.1 rbpg, 1.6 bspg.
9th pick: Houston Rockets selects GF Morris Peterson
This pick was used on Przybilla and ended up being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for a package that included the 15th overall pick, which was used on Center, Jason Collier. Collier was killed prematurely early into his career. Morris Peterson ended up being taken late in the first round (21st overall by the Toronto Raptors) and has had a solid career as a starter and back up. Career averages are 11.3 ppg, 3.6 rbpg, 1.5 treys per game.
10th pick: Orlando Magic selects GF Desmond Mason
The Magic took PG Keyon Dooling with this pick, and though Dooling's been solid, Mason's defensive ability gives him a slight edge in hindsight. Mason never expanded his game much past slashing and dunking, but he's always been a good energy spark off the bench. His career averages are 12.2 ppg, 4.5 rbpg.
11th pick: Boston Celtics selects G DeShawn StevensonStevenson is a decent defender, but mainly a fourth option scorer. Boston ended up going with Power Forward, Jerome Moiso. Taking Stevenson would have been an upgrade. Career averages are 8.6 ppg.
12th pick: Dallas Mavericks selects PG Keyon Dooling
Dooling's had a solid career as a backup point guard, with a career average of 7.0 ppg.
13th pick: Orlando Magic selects PG Eddie House
House has never been more than a backup point guard, but his real specialty is hitting the three. His career average is 7.5 ppg.
