Busting Brackets
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NBA Draft 2019: Best draft picks from No. 1-30 since 2000

By Joey Loose

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Picks one through 30 are seen on the board at the conclusion of the first round during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 21: Picks one through 30 are seen on the board at the conclusion of the first round during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ONTARIO – MAY 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO – MAY 30: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Toronto Raptors in the second half during Game One of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 30, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

8. Rudy Gay (2006)

Since Memphis obtained him in 2006, Gay has had a successful and productive career at forward, spanning the last 13 years. He’s never been to an All-Star game or on an All-League team, but he’s topped 20 ppg with multiple teams. After success with the Grizzlies, he’s become an elite scorer or the Raptors, Kings, and Spurs as well. He’s a solid player who fills the scoring sheet, though his career does seem to be slowing down in recent years.

As already mentioned, the 2006 Draft was full of disastrous lottery picks, including the two directly after Gay in Patrick O’Bryant and Mouhamed Sene. The Rockets (who traded him to Memphis after the draft) certainly could have done a lot worse and got a lot of value from this pick. There haven’t been many elite players taken at 8 in the last few decades; Gay is certainly the best offensive player of the bunch.

Honorable mentions: Collin Sexton (CLE – 2018), Channing Frye (NYK – 2005), Jamal Crawford (CLE – 2000)

7. Stephen Curry (2009)

Before Davidson’s run to the Elite Eight in 2008, few people realized the player that Curry was becoming, but now the accolades are too numerous to count. The Warriors chose wisely in 2009, drafting someone who would win a pair of MVP’s and help lead the franchise to 3 NBA titles (so far). Curry has been in the last six All-Star games, led the league in both scoring and steals a few seasons ago, and has become the NBA’s best free throw shooter. He’s also already third all-time in made 3-pointers.

Sure, the Warriors didn’t have a chance to draft James Harden, but they are no doubt pleased with their choice. Nobody taken after Curry, not Jordan Hill or Brandon Jennings or anyone else, can compare to what he’s accomplished in his career to date. The value he’s brought at the 7th pick is incomparable in recent years. There’s no guarantee obviously, but the Warriors certainly got a record-breaking franchise player with this selection.

Honorable mentions: Eric Gordon (LAC – 2008), Luol Deng (PHO – 2004), Nene Hilario (NYK – 2002)

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