NBA Draft 2019: Best draft picks from No. 1-30 since 2000
By Joey Loose
14. Troy Murphy (2001)
There hasn’t been an elite player taken with the 14th pick, but Golden State’s choice back in 2001 turned into a pretty solid player. Murphy, who starred at Notre Dame, was a talented power forward who shined for the Warriors and Pacers throughout a 12-year NBA career. Murphy was a solid rebounder who also developed his long-range shot as his career progressed. He became more of a backup in his later career, but he did have a near decade as a solid starting forward.
There were many talented players taken in 2011, though none of the next three picks (Steven Hunter, Krik Haston, Michael Bradley) developed into a player like Murphy. This was a draft full of big men, and the Warriors managed to land a talented one. These mid first round picks haven’t turned into successes on a regular basis, though Murphy’s steadiness and talent make him the best 14th pick we’ve seen this century.
Honorable mentions: T. J. Warren (PHO – 2014), Marcus Morris (HOU – 2011)
13. Donovan Mitchell (2017)
After showing off his talent at Louisville, Mitchell was drafted by the Nuggets before a draft-day trade to the Jazz. Sure, the Nuggets couldn’t reap the benefits, but in just two years, Mitchell has turned into an elite player for the Jazz. He’s averaged more than 20 ppg in each of his first two seasons and was an All-Rookie selection. His shooting has been impressive and he’s helped lead the Jazz to the playoffs twice already.
Mitchell is still a young player, but his immediate impact has demonstrated his value. There were other talented players available with the 13th pick, such as Bam Adebayo and Justin Jackson, but the Jazz certainly don’t regret landing Mitchell. Many talented players have been nabbed at this point in the draft, including another young superstar (Devin Booker). Only time will tell how Mitchell continues to develop; can he lead the Jazz to the promised land in a difficult West Conference?