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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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 13: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets plays the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on November 13, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 13: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets plays the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on November 13, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

26. Kevin Martin (2004)

Martin starred at unheralded Western Carolina before the Kings took him with the 26th pick in the Draft. Martin would develop into a high-profile scorer for the Kings, with six seasons averaging 20 ppg in his career. The shooting guard would never make an All-Star team, but stood out with both the Kings and the Rockets before spending time with the Thunder, Timberwolves, and Spurs at the end of his career. Martin was a remarkable free throw shooter who saw time at small forward near the end of his playing days.

There wasn’t any player taken after him in the draft who had a better career; the Kings grabbed a solid guard late in the first round. The next two picks were international guards Sasha Vujacic and Beno Udrih, but Martin clearly outshined both of them despite their long careers. Martin was part of some very unimpressive Kings teams, but he still was a great shooter who turned in a solid 12-year career.

Honorable mentions: Taj Gibson (2009 – CHI), George Hill (2008 – SAS)

25. Clint Capela (2014)

With a few exceptions, there haven’t been a lot of stars coming out of the 2014 NBA Draft. Fortunately, the Rockets ended up with a pretty solid player, taking the Swiss center near the end of the first round. Capela’s role with the Rockets continues to grow as he develops into a stud. Last season, he led the NBA in field goal percentage while he topped 16 ppg this year for Houston. He might find himself somewhere else in the future, but he’s certainly developing into one of 2014’s best draft picks.

There’s no guarantee that you’re getting a stud player at this point in the draft, but choose Capela over names like P. J. Hairston, Josh Huestis, and Damien Inglis turned into a smart move. If he continues to develop, Capela could be an All-Star down the line, though this draft class has produced just two (Embiid and Jokic) so far. All in all, Capela’s numbers continue to improve and he has become an extremely solid big man.

Honorable mentions: Nicolas Batum (HOU – 2008), Gerald Wallace (SAC – 2001)

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