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

By Joey Loose | Jun 4, 2019

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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SHENZHEN, CHINA – OCTOBER 05: David West #3 of the Golden State Warriors in action during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Universidade Center on October 5, 2017 in Shenzhen, China. 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 Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /

18. David West (2003)

The New Orleans Hornets landed West with the 18th pick in a loaded 2003 NBA Draft, grabbing the former Xavier forward and developing him into a longtime NBA stud. The big man made a pair of All-Star games with the Hornets, teaming with fellow star Chris Paul for a number of years. He twice averaged greater than 20 ppg and got the job done on the defensive end. He wound up playing with the Pacers, Spurs, and Warriors, winning a pair of rings as a role player on Golden State the last two seasons.

It could be stated that West was 2003’s best player that wasn’t taken in the first five picks. After James, Anthony, Bosh, and Wade there was a lot of talent on the board, but perhaps West stands out above all the others. His years in New Orleans were elite, and they chose him over Boris Diaw (solid) and players like Sasha Pavlovic and Dahntay Jones (less solid). Clearly the Hornets knew what to look for with the 18th pick, grabbing another talented player the following season as well.

Honorable mentions: Ty Lawson (MIN – 2009), J. R. Smith (NOH – 2004)

17. Jrue Holiday (2009)

The 76ers took Holiday in 2009 after a brief career at UCLA, and the young guard paid dividends. He was an All-Star in 2013, though he’s developed into a talented scorer since joining the Pelicans later that summer. He’s been twice named to the All-Defensive team and put up a career high 21.2 ppg this past year. His role has shifted from primary ball handler to more of a scoring threat, though his assists numbers are still high. Holiday has become one of the Pelican’s featured players in his six years in New Orleans since being traded.

This was certainly a draft class filled with talent, though the 76ers did make a wise choice with Holiday. Ty Lawson and Eric Maynor were taken a few picks later and neither are still active today, while international players taken later on failed to make strides in the league. There have actually been some solid 17th picks in recent years, though Holiday gets the edge for his consistency and how he has developed into an elite scorer in recent years.

Honorable mentions: Danny Granger (IND – 2005), Josh Smith (ATL – 2004)

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