Busting Brackets
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 16
Next
TORONTO, ONTARIO – MAY 30: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball on offense against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO – MAY 30: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball on offense against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter 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 Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

24. Kyle Lowry (2006)

After two solid years at Villanova, Lowry has embarked on a successful NBA career that found him in the NBA finals for the first time this season. Originally drafted by the Grizzlies, Lowry was moved to the Rockets, and has developed into a star with the Raptors. He’s been an All-Star each of the last five seasons, averaging a career high 22 ppg back in 2016-17 while factoring into this season’s finals run. Lowry isn’t afraid to shoot a bunch from long-range and will need to play a role if the Raptors are toppling the defending champion Warriors.

Many of the picks following Lowry back in 2006 failed to develop into significant players, with the lone exception behind Paul Millsap 23 picks later. Names like Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar stuck around for years while others (Mauirce Ager, taken four picks later) failed to contribute at the NBA level. Even if he didn’t develop into a star while in Memphis, the Grizzlies still nabbed a fantastic young point guard. Rajon Rondo was taken three picks earlier, but the Grizzlies may have still gotten the year’s best point man.

Honorable mentions: Reggie Jackson (OKC – 2011), Serge Ibaka (SEA – 2008)

23. Tayshaun Prince (2002)

Among the players selected with the 23rd pick, none have stood out as much as Prince, a former Kentucky forward. Soon after being selected by the Pistons, he became their starting small forward, helping the Pistons to the NBA title in 2004. He never averaged more than 15 ppg but was a consistent starter for the Pistons, starting every game for five straight seasons. A solid defensive player, his career winded down with stops in Memphis, Boston, and Minnesota, though his glory days were clearly in Detroit.

Prince stood out in the draft, even though Carlos Boozer went twelve picks later to the Cavaliers. Names like Nenad Krstic, Frank Williams, and Chris Jefferies were taken with the following picks, proof that the former Wildcat was a great nab for Detroit. He slid in well and helped the Pistons win that title. Prince was never an elite player nor did he make an All-Star team, but that title run will always be part of his legacy.

Honorable mentions: Nikola Mirotic (HOU – 2011), Wilson Chandler (NYK – 2007)

Home/NBA Draft News