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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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 26: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies attempts a jumper on Roy Hibbert #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 26: Zach Randolph #50 of the Memphis Grizzlies attempts a jumper on Roy Hibbert #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

20. Jameer Nelson (2004)

An elite college player at Saint Joseph’s, Nelson was taken by the Magic with the 20th pick and became a part of their lineup for the next decade. His best year was in 2009, when he became an All-Star and averaged more than 16 ppg. The point guard put up solid shooting and steals numbers, contributing on the Magic until 2014. He bounced around to teams like the Nuggets and Pelicans, but his best days were clearly in Orlando.

The former All-American wasn’t taken until the 20th pick; this was back when high school players were still draftable of course. The three picks taken after Nelson combined to play less than 200 NBA games, while the aforementioned Kevin Martin is the best player taken within the next 15 picks. Nelson wasn’t excellent an elite NBA player, but he was a solid player for years in Orlando and was the most consistent and skilled on the list of 20th picks.

Honorable mentions: Evan Fournier (DEN – 2012), Brendan Haywood (CLE – 2001)

19. Zach Randolph (2001)

A talented Michigan State big man, Randolph went to the Trailblazers with the 19th pick in 2001. He was averaging 20 ppg by his third season, though he really developed into a stud forward with the Grizzlies starting in 2009. He made a pair of All-Star games and became a talented scorer and rebounder. He played standout basketball for a long time, playing his final season in 2018 with the Kings.

In a draft where talented big men Tyson Chandler and Pau Gasol went within the first three picks, the Trailblazers still managed to land a stud down at pick 19. Brendan Haywood went with the 20th pick, but the four guards taken between 21 and 24 failed to develop into consistent players. And yes, they missed out on Tony Parker like a lot of the NBA, but Randolph’s career became a more than acceptable consolation.

Honorable mentions: Tobias Harris (CHA – 2011), Jeff Teague (ATL – 2009)

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