There have been many mistakes made in past NBA Drafts. The 2004 NBA Draft featured a lot of big men in particular. The biggest mistake of this draft was Al Jefferson sliding all the way to pick # 15 by the Boston Celtics. After enduring several injuries early on in his career, Jefferson emerged as the star everyone thought he could be. Jefferson was the main selling point in a package that landed the Celtics Kevin Garnett.
If teams could re-draft knowing what they know now about players, here's how the 2002 NBA Draft might have looked.
1st pick: Orlando Magic selects CF Dwight Howard
Howard has emerged as the NBA's best center. He's helped the Magic return to form as one of the league's top teams. His career averages are 16.9 ppg, 12.4 rbpg, 1.9 bspg, while shooting 57% from the field.
2nd pick: Charlotte Bobcats selects FC Al Jefferson
Who would've thought Jefferson would be as good as he's become. In all fairness, the Bobcats didn't do too bad for themselves in drafting Emeka Okafor. He was Rookie of the Year and many thought he ought to be the top overall pick. Jefferson's career averages are 14.7 ppg, 8.4 rbpg, while shooting 50% from the field.
3rd pick: Chicago Bulls selects FC Emeka Okafor
Okafor's primarly known for his defense and rebounding, and the Bulls could've certainly used it over the last few seasons. They've struggled to find an inside force for a long time. Okafor's career averages are 14.3 ppg, 10.8 rbpg, 1.9 bspg, while shooting 50% from the field.
4th pick: LA Clippers selects G Kevin Martin
One could certainly make a case for Devin Harris here, but Martin's produced more over the course of his career. His career averages are 16.1 ppg and 85% from the line. That includes the fact that 2008-2009 is his third consecutive season (so far) averaging more than 20 ppg).
5th pick: Dallas Mavericks selects PG Devin Harris
Harris has been solid for his entire career, but he's really emerged after being traded to the New Jersey Nets for Jason Kidd. His career averages are 11.4 ppg, 4.0 apg.
6th pick: Atlanta Hawks selects F Luol Deng
Deng's best when moving without the ball. Though the Hawks made a decent pick with Josh Childress, they couldn't have known he'd leave for Europe. Deng's career averages are 15.5 ppg, 6.4 rbpg.
7th pick: Chicago Bulls selects FG Josh Smith
Smith is a freak of an athlete. His decision-making hasn't always been the strength of his game, but he makes up for it with exceptional shot blocking and steals. His career averages are 13.9 ppg, 7.4 rbpg, 2.5 bspg.
8th pick: Toronto Raptors selects G Andre Iguodala
Obviously, the Raptors didn't need Iguodala at the time, since they had Vince Carter. Though Iguodala's had an up-and-down career, his talent is obvious. His career averages are 15.1 ppg, 5.7 rbpg, 4.3 apg, and 1.8 spg.
9th pick: Philadelphia 76ers selects G Ben Gordon
A case could be made for Jameer Nelson or Andris Biedrins going here, but Gordon's had a better career so far than Nelson. Gordon's somewhat one-dimensional as a scorer, but he's certainly had some success in Chicago. His career averages are 18.2 ppg with 1.9 treys.
10th pick: Cleveland Cavaliers selects C Andris Biedrins
Some argue that Biedrins' numbers are inflated because he plays in Don Nelson's system. Still, he's been great on the boards and a solid big man for the Warriors. His career averages are 8.5 ppg, 8.1 rbpg, while shooting 60% from the field.
11th pick: Golden State Warriors selects PG Jameer Nelson
It took a while for Nelson to learn the point guard position, but he's been rewarded by making the 2009 NBA All Star team with the Orlando Magic. His career averages are 12.3 ppg, 4.5 apg.
12th pick: Seattle Supersonics selects PG Chris Duhon
Duhon was a solid back up point guard for a while with the Chicago Bulls. Since signing with the New York Knicks, however, he's emerged as a promising starter. His career averages are 7.7 ppg, 4.9 apg.
13th pick: Portland Trail Blazers selects FC Anderson Varejao
Varejao hasn't dazzled during his career, but he has shown he can be a reliable work horse, with career averages of 6.4 ppg, 6.4 rbpg.
14th pick: Utah Jazz selects G J.R. Smith
Smith's shown a proficiency for hitting threes. He's endured many trade rumors in Denver and has proven to be a valuable commodity for Denver. His career averages are 11.4 ppg and 1.7 treys.
