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 – JUNE 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts late in the game against the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 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 – JUNE 02: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts late in the game against the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena on June 02, 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) /

16. Hedo Turkoglu (2000)

A native of Turkey, Turkoglu became the Kings’ first round pick way back in 2000. He never made an All-Star team, but developed into an extremely talented small forward for the Magic. He spent nearly eight seasons in Orlando, including a 2007-08 season where he averaged nearly 20 ppg and started every game for the Magic. Turkoglu was a decent ball distributor and certainly developed into a very effective player. International players can be high risk and reward, but Turkoglu’s 15 year career showed which one he was.

In a draft where Kenyon Martin and Stromile Swift were the top picks, Turkoglu stands out among every selection. Nobody taken after him at 16 spent as long in the league, while few international players taken in 2000 (Dalibor Bagaric, Jake Tskalidis to name a few) failed to establish themselves in the NBA.

Honorable mentions: Nikola Vucevic (PHI – 2011), Marreese Speights (PHI – 2008)

15. Kawhi Leonard (2011)

The star of the Eastern Conference champion Raptors, Leonard starred at San Diego State before the Pacers took him in the middle of the first round. After a draft-day trade to the Spurs, he became a star player for the Spurs. He was Finals MVP in 2014 and has already made three All-Star teams. He was traded to Toronto this past season and has averaged more than 26 ppg in his first year in Canada. Leonard is an extremely talented player on both sides of the ball and his ignited the Raptors on this historic run. He’s been All-Defensive five times already and will only continue to rack up the accolades.

The fact that Leonard was quickly traded to the Spurs makes the Pacers look bad for this trade, though Leonard has likely become the best player taken in 2011. They could have taken someone like Chris Singleton or Tobias Harris, the next two forwards chosen. The Spurs ended up with one of the most talented players and now the Raptors are reaping the benefits.

Honorable mentions: Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL – 2013), Al Jefferson (BOS – 2004)

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