Many experts consider the 2000 NBA Draft a bust, as many of the top names in the draft have not panned out to much.
Kenyon Martin would have been the consensus number one pick had he not injured himself just before the draft. There was some speculation that the Nets might trade the pick or opt for LSU star, Stromile Swift, instead. Ultimately, they went with Martin and he rewarded them with a more productive career than Swift. However, his numbers have not been what some thought they'd be. Martin's career has been plagued with injuries.
There was some surprise that the Clippers went with the high schooler, Darius Miles, over Marcus Fizer with the fourth pick. Remember, this was before the Clippers traded for Elton Brand and the thought was they'd go for a scoring post player. Neither Miles nor Fizer have amounted to much in their careers, though. In fact, the chase for Rookie of the Year was extremely disappointing. Mike Miller received the honors, edging out Kenyon Martin, but his 11.9 ppg average was unimpressive for a Rookie of the Year. There were numerous surprises in the late first round. Several players have had solid careers with their respective teams. However, there isn't much star power in this draft. The best player ironically ended up being Michael Redd, who was passed up through 42 picks.
Let's take a trip back in time, seven years ago, to the 2000 NBA Draft, where the top ten picks were:
1. Kenyon Martin - New Jersey Nets
- Career stats: 14.8 ppg, 7.4 rbpg, 1.2 spg, 1.3 bspg
- Rookie season stats: 12.0 ppg, 7.4 rbpg, 1.7 bspg
- Best season: (2003-2004) 16.7 ppg, 8.5 rbpg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bspg
- Martin has battled injuries throughout his career. He missed 26 games last season and has only played in two games this season and is not expected to return before next October. He did make the All Star team as a reserve for the East in 2004. He currently plays for his second NBA basketball team, the Denver Nuggets.
2. Stromile Swift - Vancouver Grizzlies
- Career stats: 9.0 ppg, 4.9 rbpg, 1.3 bspg
- Rookie season stats: 4.9 ppg, 3.6 rbpg, 1.0 bspg
- Best season: (2001-2002) 11.8 ppg, 6.3 rbpg, 1.7 bspg
- Swift has never really amounted to much, though he periodically shows flashes of brilliance. An excellent shot blocker in limited minutes, Swift played for the Grizzlies before signing with the Houston Rockets last season and then being traded back to the Grizzlies at the start of this season.
3. Darius Miles - LA Clippers
- Career stats: 10.7 ppg, 5.2 rbpg, 1.2 bspg
- Rookie season stats: 9.4 ppg, 5.9 rbpg, 1.5 bspg
- Best season: (2004-2005) 12.8 ppg, 4.8 rbpg, 1.2 spg, 1.2 rbpg
- Miles has had a hard time staying healthy during his career and has never made the transition from prospect with great talent to NBA star. He is currently playing for his third team, the Portland Trail Blazers.
4. Marcus Fizer - Chicago Bulls
- Career stats: 9.6 ppg, 4.6 rbpg
- Rookie season stats: 9.5 ppg, 4.4 rbpg
- Best season: (2001-2002) 12.3 ppg, 5.6 rbpg
- Fizer has been playing in the Developmental League (NBDL) for the past year. He's shown that he can score at the NBA level, but hasn't shown much else and is considered a disappointment for someone selected with the fourth pick overall of the 2000 NBA Draft.
5. Mike Miller - Orlando Magic
- Career stats: 14.0 ppg, 4.5 rbpg, 1.9 threes per game (40.0% from behind the arc)
- Rookie season stats: 11.9 ppg, 4.0 rbpg, 1.8 threes per game (40.7% from behind the arc)
- Best season: (2006-2007) 18.4 ppg, 5.6 rbpg, 4.4 apg, 3.0 threes per game (41.7% from behind the arc)
- Miller was the 2000 NBA Rookie of the Year and also won 2006 Sixth Man of the Year Award. He's currently playing for his second team, the Memphis Grizzlies.
Other significant picks:
8. Jamal Crawford - Cleveland Cavaliers (traded immediately to the Chicago Bulls)
- Career stats: 13.6 ppg, 4.0 apg, 1.6 threes per game
- Rookie season stats: 4.6 ppg, 2.3 apg, 0.7 threes per game
- Best season: (2004-2005) 17.7 ppg, 4.3 apg, 1.3 spg, 2.6 threes per game
- Crawford has always been regarded as a highly talented shooting guard who is capable of hitting clutch shots. He's also regarded as a player who often takes ill-advised shots, which can frustrate coaches. He currently plays for the New York Knicks.
43. Michael Redd - Milwaukee Bucks
- Career averages: 20.0 ppg, 4.2 rbpg, 1.5 topg, 1.8 threes per game, 85% FT
- Rookie season stats: 2.2 ppg (only played in six games. averaged 11.5 ppg the next season)
- Best season: (2006-2007) 27.5 ppg, 3.6 rbpg, 1.2 spg, 2.3 threes per game
Also, check out:
"Looking Back to the 2006 NBA Draft"
"Looking Back to the 2005 NBA Draft"
"Looking Back to the 2004 NBA Draft"
"Looking Back to the 2003 NBA Draft"
"Looking Back to the 2002 NBA Draft"
"Looking Back to the 2001 NBA Draft"
"Looking Back to the 1999 NBA Draft"
"Looking Back to the 1998 NBA Draft"
"Looking Back to the 1997 NBA Draft"
