2003 NBA Draft Re-Do
LeBron James, Dwayne Wade Dominate 2003 Class
There have been many mistakes made in past NBA Drafts. The 2003 NBA Draft is regarded as one of the best drafts in NBA history. With a star-studded lineup, including LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and Carmelo Anthony, many teams made out like bandits. Perhaps the worst pick in recent history, however, was the Detroit Pistons selecting Darko Milicic with the second overall pick, while such stars-to-be were available.
If teams could re-draft knowing what they know now about players, here's how the 2002 NBA Draft might have looked.
1st pick: Cleveland Cavaliers selects FG LeBron JamesThis pick changed the Cavs stripes and made them the contender they are today. James is one of the very best players in the game right now, with career averages of 27.4 ppg, 7.0 rbpg, 6.6 apg, 1.8 spg.
2nd pick: Detroit Pistons selects G Dwayne WadeJust coming off of a championship season, the Pistons weren't supposed to select this high. Yet, a brilliant trade that occurred years prior landed them this pick. All it cost them was Otis Thorpe. The Pistons went with a project in Darko Milicic and have probably been regretting it ever since. Wade wasn't supposed to go as high as he did (5th overall), but increased his stock by dominating the Chicago Draft camp. His career averages are 24.5 ppg, 4.9 rbpg, 6.6 apg, 1.8 spg.
3rd pick: Denver Nuggets selects F Chris BoshThe Nuggets certainly didn't do bad with this pick in selecting Carmelo Anthony. However, Bosh has a more balanced game and is one of the top up-and-coming power forwards in the league. His career averages are 19.4 ppg, 9.1 rbpg, while shooting 49% from the field.
4th pick: Toronto Raptors selects F Carmelo AnthonyAnthony has proven that he can score, but Nuggets Coach, George Karl, has challenged him with becoming more of a complete player. His passing and defense are sketchy, though he's improved his rebounding. His career averages are 24.2 ppg, 6.1 rbpg.
5th pick: Miami Heat selects F David WestIt's hard to believe that West slid to the 18th pick in this draft. He's had a solid career in New Orleans, with a career average of 14.6 ppg, 6.9 rbpg, while shooting 49% from the field and 84% from the line.
6th pick: LA Clippers selects C Chris KamanKaman's career has been hampered by injuries, but he's had some success in a league where centers come at a premium. His career averages are 10.4 ppg, 8.3 rbpg, 1.5 bspg, while shooting 49% from the field.
7th pick: Chicago Bulls selects F Josh HowardHis attitude's been criticized in the last few years, but nobody questions his talent. He's played particularly well in past playoff series. He slipped all the way to the 29th pick of the draft. His career averages are 15.4 ppg, 6.3 rbpg.
8th pick: Milwaukee Bucks selects PG Kirk HinrichHinrich's a great leader with a lot of toughness. He's also a solid defender and a capable scorer. Though he's not outstanding at creating with the basketball, he's been a solid point guard for Chicago, with career averages of 14.2 ppg, 6.3 apg.
9th pick: New York Knicks PG Mo WilliamsWilliams fell all the way to the 18th pick of the second round, but he's proven his worth over the years. His career averages are 13.0 ppg, 4.8 apg.
10th pick: Washington Wizards selects PG T.J. FordFord's faced a lot of injury problems, but has been solid when he's played. His career averages are 12.0 ppg, 6.6 apg.
11th pick: Golden State Warriors selects G Leandro BarbosaSome might argue that Barbosa's stats over the years have been inflated by playing in Mike D'Antoni's system, as well as playing alongside an elite point guard in Steve Nash. Yet, Barbosa is still a lightning-quick guard with a great perimeter shot. His career averages are 12.7 ppg, 1.6 treys.
12th pick: Seattle Supersonics selects FC Boris DiawDiaw's versatility and defense has been his calling card, with career averages of 8.7 ppg, 4.8 rbpg, 3.9 apg.
13th pick: Memphis Grizzlies selects PG Luke RidnourRidnour's defense isn't the best, but he can sure run a team. His career averages are 9.3 ppg, 5.1 apg.
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