Commentary

The first lottery draft still rates the best

Page 2 looks back at the best and worst of the lottery era

Updated: June 29, 2009, 2:20 PM ET

The first NBA draft lottery took place in 1985, with the seven non-playoff teams participating. The big prize in that year's draft: Georgetown center Patrick Ewing.

As we prepare for the 25th draft conducted under the lottery system, consider how much the NBA has grown: from 23 to 30 teams; from seven lottery teams to 14; from rumors of frozen envelopes to a complicated system of ping-pong balls.

Consider also: in 1985, Ewing was a polished college senior who had led Georgetown to three NCAA championship games; one of the top picks this year will be 18-year-old Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio.

[+] Enlarge Patrick Ewing

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty ImagesPatrick Ewing played 15 seasons with the Knicks, leading them to 13 playoff appearances.

But NBA commissioner David Stern saw all this coming: "There are some 237 schools playing in Division I of the NCAA and that doesn't include smaller schools or foreign programs that will turn out more players like Uwe Blab or Bill Wennington," he told The Washington Post in 1985. "As basketball continues to grow worldwide, it will only get better."

OK, we'll forgive the Uwe Blab reference, but the commish was right. Basketball has grown as a global sport, turning the NBA draft into a worldwide event.

How did we get here? Contrary to the beliefs of conspiracy theorists, the lottery system was not created to steer Patrick Ewing to the Knicks, who had gone 24-58 in the 1984-85 season. In fact, the system was voted in after the 1983-84 season (in which the Knicks had won 47 games and reached the conference semifinals) in reaction to the perception that the Houston Rockets had tanked down the stretch. The Rockets lost 17 of their final 22 games, and nine of their final 10, to "pass" the San Diego Clippers by one game for the Western Conference's worst record. At the time, the worst teams in the West and East flipped a coin for the No. 1 overall pick. The Rockets won the toss, giving them the No. 1 selection for the second straight year (they added Hakeem Olajuwon to Ralph Sampson).

At the time, the controversy was whether a team on the fringe of making the playoffs would tank in order to make the lottery (originally, all lottery teams had an equal shot at the No. 1 pick). "If you're asking me where my heart would lie if it came down to a last-second shot between making the playoffs or the lottery, I couldn't -- I wouldn't -- tell you," Atlanta Hawks general manager Stan Kasten told the Post back then.

More NBA Draft Coverage

• Grading the drafts: Page 2 looks back each draft of the lottery era

• Woe is the Clippers: The sad, sordid history of 20 lottery picks

• Quiz: Do you know your draft history?

• Rank 'Em: 2009 draft prospects

• SportsNation: Are T-Wolves investing wisely?

The Hawks missed the playoffs but didn't win the lottery. They drew the No. 5 pick and bypassed future All-Stars such as Karl Malone, Chris Mullin and Joe Dumars to draft the forgettable Jon Koncak (4.5 points per game in his career). The Clippers, predictably, didn't win the lottery either. Drafting third, they made a pick that would pretty much define the next two-plus decades of the franchise: Benoit Benjamin, a big man of immense talent, but best remembered for once trying to enter a game wearing two left shoes.

With that, let's relive each of the previous 24 years of the NBA draft under the lottery. We'll list the top 10 picks each year, suggest how teams should have drafted and grade the overall talent of each draft. Note that often players are selected by one team only to be dealt to another club in a prearranged trade; in those instances, we'll list the drafting team as the club that acquired the player.

Also, note this as you think about the results of Thursday's draft: By our hindsight accounting, NBA teams have nailed the top two selections in order just one time in 24 drafts (Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning in 1992). They've nailed the top pick just seven times out of 24: David Robinson, Shaq, Chris Webber, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose.

1985 DRAFT IN REVIEW

The first lottery proved to be one of the best, with three future members of the original Dream Team (Patrick Ewing, Chris Mullin, Karl Malone), quality All-Stars like Joe Dumars, championship role players like A.C. Green and Mario Elie, great durability (eight players with 1,000-plus career games) and the duo of Jon Koncak and Joe Kleine, the apparent inspiration for the movie "White Men Can't Jump." GRADE: A

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Patrick Ewing, Georgetown (Knicks)	1. Karl Malone, Louisiana Tech (13th, Jazz)
2. Wayman Tisdale, Oklahoma (Pacers)	2. Patrick Ewing
3. Benoit Benjamin, Creighton (Clippers)	3. Joe Dumars, McNeese St. (18th, Pistons)
4. Xavier McDaniel, Wichita State (Sonics)	4. Chris Mullin
5. Jon Koncak, SMU (Hawks)	5. Detlef Schrempf
6. Joe Kleine, Arkansas (Kings)	6. Terry Porter, Wis.-Stevens Point (24th, Blazers)
7. Chris Mullin, St. John's (Warriors)	7. A.C. Green, Oregon State (23rd, Lakers)
8. Detlef Schrempf, Washington (Mavs)	8. Charles Oakley
9. Charles Oakley, Virginia Union (Bulls)	9. Xavier McDaniel
10. Ed Pinckney, Villanova (Suns)	10. Wayman Tisdale

Best pick: Karl Malone, Jazz (13th).

Worst pick: Jon Koncak, Hawks (5th).

Draft-day image: Do you believe in conspiracy theories?

1986 DRAFT IN REVIEW

Four of the top seven picks developed drug problems, the best player in the draft (Brad Daugherty) saw his career end at age 28 with back problems, and memorable flops like Kenny "Sky" Walker and Brad Sellers punctuated the list. The lone bright spot belonged to Cleveland, which picked three solid players in Daugherty, Ron Harper and Mark Price. GRADE: D-plus

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Brad Daugherty, North Carolina (Cavs)	1. Jeff Hornacek, Iowa State (46th, Suns)
2. Len Bias, Maryland (Celtics)	2. Dennis Rodman, SE Oklahoma St. (27th, Pistons)
3. Chris Washburn, N.C. State (Warriors)	3. Brad Daugherty
4. Chuck Person, Auburn (Pacers)	4. Ron Harper
5. Kenny Walker, Kentucky (Knicks)	5. Mark Price, Georgia Tech (25th, Cavs)
6. William Bedford, Memphis (Suns)	6. Nate McMillan, N.C. State (30th, Sonics)
7. Roy Tarpley, Michigan (Mavs)	7. Arvydas Sabonis, Lithuania (24th, Blazers)
8. Ron Harper, Miami U. (Cavs)	8. Chuck Person
9. Brad Sellers, Ohio State (Bulls)	9. Dell Curry, Virginia Tech (15th, Jazz)
10. Johnny Dawkins, Duke (Spurs)	10. John Salley, Georgia Tech (11th, Pistons)

Best pick: Jeff Hornacek, Suns (46th).

Worst pick: Many to choose from.

Draft-day image: In retrospect, nothing to smile about what happened to William Bedford, Len Bias and Chris Washburn.

1987 DRAFT IN REVIEW

Any draft that produces three Hall of Famers has to rate high. An excellent draft for point guards, and the Bulls dynasty would be built with the additions of Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant. GRADE: A-minus

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. David Robinson, Navy (Spurs)	1. David Robinson
2. Armen Gilliam, UNLV (Suns)	2. Scottie Pippen
3. Dennis Hopson, Ohio State (Nets)	3. Reggie Miller, UCLA (11th, Pacers)
4. Reggie Williams, Georgetown (Clippers)	4. Kevin Johnson
5. Scottie Pippen, Central Arkansas (Bulls)	5. Horace Grant
6. Kenny Smith, North Carolina (Kings)	6. Mark Jackson, St. John's (18th, Knicks)
7. Kevin Johnson, California (Cavs)	7. Kenny Smith
8. Olden Polynice, Virginia (Sonics)	8. Derrick McKey
9. Derrick McKey, Alabama (Sonics)	9. Armen Gilliam
10. Horace Grant, Clemson (Bulls)	10. Muggsy Bogues, Wake Forest (Bullets, 12th)

Best pick: Reggie Miller, Pacers (11th).

Worst pick: Dennis Hopson, Nets (3rd).

Draft-day image: How would things be different if this trade hadn't happened?

1988 DRAFT IN REVIEW

Danny Manning was the obvious No. 1 pick, but injuries curtailed his career. This draft produced some nice bench players in Brian Shaw and Steve Kerr but lacked star-level talent, and only Rod Strickland and Grant Long played 1,000 games. GRADE: C

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Danny Manning, Kansas (Clippers)	1. Mitch Richmond
2. Rik Smits, Marist (Pacers)	2. Hersey Hawkins
3. Charles Smith, Pittsburgh (Clippers)	3. Rod Strickland, DePaul (19th, Knicks)
4. Chris Morris, Auburn (Nets)	4. Rik Smits
5. Mitch Richmond, Kansas State (Warriors)	5. Anthony Mason, Tennessee St. (53rd, Blazers)
6. Hersey Hawkins, Bradley (Sixers)	6. Danny Manning
7. Tim Perry, Temple (Suns)	7. Dan Majerle, Central Michigan (14th, Suns)
8. Rex Chapman, Kentucky (Hornets)	8. Grant Long, Eastern Michigan (33rd, Heat)
9. Rony Seikaly, Syracuse (Heat)	9. Rony Seikaly
10. Willie Anderson, Georgia (Spurs)	10. Steve Kerr, Arizona (50th, Suns)

Best pick: Rod Strickland, Knicks (19th).

Worst pick: Tim Perry, Suns (7th).

Draft-day image: Rony Seikaly would, indeed, have a very bright future.

1989 DRAFT IN REVIEW

The first two picks flopped, but the Lakers pulled out one of the all-time draft gems: Vlade Divac with the 26th pick. After seven solid seasons with the Lakers, he was flipped for a high school kid named Kobe Bryant. Did you know Dana Barros once made an All-Star team? GRADE: B-minus

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Pervis Ellison, Louisville (Kings)	1. Tim Hardaway, UTEP (14th, Warriors)
2. Danny Ferry, Duke (Clippers)	2. Shawn Kemp, Trinity Valley CC (17th, Sonics)
3. Sean Elliott, Arizona (Spurs)	3. Glen Rice
4. Glen Rice, Michigan (Heat)	4. Vlade Divac, Serbia (26th, Lakers)
5. J.R. Reid, North Carolina (Hornets)	5. Sean Elliott
6. Stacey King, Oklahoma (Bulls)	6. Clifford Robinson, Connecticut (36th, Blazers)
7. George McCloud, Florida State (Pacers)	7. Mookie Blaylock, Oklahoma (12th, Nets)
8. Randy White, Louisiana Tech (Mavs)	8. Nick Anderson, Illinois (Magic, 11th)
9. Tom Hammonds, Georgia Tech (Bullets)	9. B.J. Armstrong, Iowa (18th, Bulls)
10. Pooh Richardson, UCLA (T-Wolves)	10. Dana Barros, Boston College (16th, Sonics)

Best pick: Vlade Divac, Lakers (26th).

Worst pick: Pervis Ellison, Kings (1st).

Draft-day image: After smoking a cigarette, Vlade Divac shakes hands with the commish.

1990 DRAFT IN REVIEW

Seattle, which had missed the playoffs by only two games, lucked into the second pick and came away with Gary Payton, but the rest of the draft was pretty much a disaster. Even the good players -- like Derrick Coleman, Elden Campbell and Kendall Gill -- were perceived as underachievers. Four of the top 10 picks didn't play 500 games. One of the few All-Stars? Cedric Ceballos, one of the all-time great cherry-pickers. GRADE: D

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Derrick Coleman, Syracuse (Nets)	1. Gary Payton
2. Gary Payton, Oregon State (Sonics)	2. Derrick Coleman
3. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, LSU (Nuggets)	3. Antonio Davis, UTEP (45th, Pacers)
4. Dennis Scott, Georgia Tech (Magic)	4. Toni Kukoc, Croatia (29th, Bulls)
5. Kendall Gill, Illinois (Hornets)	5. Elden Campbell, Clemson (27th, Lakers)
6. Felton Spencer, Louisville (T-Wolves)	6. Kendall Gill
7. Lionel Simmons, LaSalle (Kings)	7. Tyrone Hill, Xavier (11th, Warriors)
8. Bo Kimble, Loyola Marymount (Clippers)	8. Loy Vaught, Michigan (13th, Clippers)
9. Willie Burton, Minnesota (Heat)	9. Dennis Scott
10. Rumeal Robinson, Michigan (Hawks)	10. Dee Brown, Jacksonville (19th, Celtics)

Best pick: Gary Payton, Sonics (2nd).

Worst pick: Felton Spencer, T-Wolves (6th).

Draft-day image: Hey, at least this draft gave us the greatest mullet in NBA history.

1991 DRAFT IN REVIEW

Only one player from this draft averaged 15 points per game in his career (Larry Johnson). Two of the best players -- Terrell Brandon and Steve Smith -- suffered injuries that hampered their careers. And Billy Owens sure looked like he had the total package. GRADE: C

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Larry Johnson, UNLV (Hornets)	1. Dikembe Mutombo
2. Kenny Anderson, Georgia Tech (Nets)	2. Steve Smith
3. Billy Owens, Syracuse (Kings)	3. Larry Johnson
4. Dikembe Mutombo, Georgetown (Nuggets)	4. Terrell Brandon, Oregon (11th, Cavs)
5. Steve Smith, Michigan State (Heat)	5. Dale Davis, Clemson (13th, Pacers)
6. Doug Smith, Missouri (Mavs)	6. Kenny Anderson
7. Luc Longley, New Mexico (T-Wolves)	7. Rick Fox, North Carolina (24th, Celtics)
8. Mark Macon, Temple (Nuggets)	8. Stacey Augmon
9. Stacey Augmon, UNLV (Hawks)	9. Greg Anthony, UNLV (12th, Knicks)
10. Bison Dele, Arizona (Magic)	10. Billy Owens

Best pick: Terrell Brandon, Cavs (11th).

Worst pick: Doug Smith, Mavs (6th).

Draft-day image: Sweet jacket.

1992 DRAFT IN REVIEW

The first two picks worked out. The rest of the draft? Not so much, although Christian Laettner was better than you realize, and Harold Miner had that awesome dunk contest. GRADE: B

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Shaquille O'Neal, LSU (Magic)	1. Shaquille O'Neal
2. Alonzo Mourning, Georgetown (Heat)	2. Alonzo Mourning
3. Christian Laettner, Duke (T-Wolves)	3. P.J. Brown, Louisiana Tech (29th, Nets)
4. Jimmy Jackson, Ohio State (Mavs)	4. Latrell Sprewell, Alabama (24th, Warriors)
5. LaPhonso Ellis, Notre Dame (Nuggets)	5. Robert Horry, Alabama (11th, Rockets)
6. Tom Gugliotta, N.C. State (Bullets)	6. Christian Laettner
7. Walt Williams, Maryland (Kings)	7. Clarence Weatherspoon
8. Todd Day, Arkansas (Bucks)	8. Doug Christie, Pepperdine (17th, Lakers)
9. Clarence Weatherspoon, Sou. Miss (Sixers)	9. Tom Gugliotta
10. Adam Keefe, Stanford (Hawks)	10. Jimmy Jackson

Best pick: Shaquille O'Neal, Magic (1st).

Worst pick: Harold Miner, Heat (12th).

Draft-day image: Nice shorts, Shaq.

1993 DRAFT IN REVIEW

Why did the NBA hit an excitement lull in the late '90s and early aughts? Because of lackluster drafts like this one. Chris Webber is a borderline Hall of Famer, and Penny Hardaway might have been one if not for injuries, leaving us to wonder if you'd rather have the good years of Vin Baker or Allan Houston. GRADE: C

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Chris Webber, Michigan (Warriors)	1. Chris Webber
2. Shawn Bradley, BYU (Sixers)	2. Sam Cassell, Florida State (24th, Rockets)
3. Anfernee Hardaway, Memphis (Magic)	3. Anfernee Hardaway
4. Jamal Mashburn, Kentucky (Mavs)	4. Vin Baker
5. Isaiah Rider, UNLV (T-Wolves)	5. Allan Houston, Tennessee (11th, Pistons)
6. Calbert Cheaney, Indiana (Bullets)	6. Bryon Russell, Long Beach St. (45th, Jazz)
7. Bobby Hurley, Duke (Kings)	7. Jamal Mashburn
8. Vin Baker, Hartford (Bucks)	8. Nick Van Exel, Cincinnati (37th, Lakers)
9. Rodney Rogers, Wake Forest (Nuggets)	9. Shawn Bradley
10. Lindsey Hunter, Jackson State (Pistons)	10. Rodney Rogers

Best pick: Sam Cassell, Rockets (24th).

Worst pick: Calbert Cheaney, Bullets (6th).

Draft-day image: "No, Mr. Commissioner, you could never dunk on me!"

1994 DRAFT IN REVIEW

This seems like a list of guys who put up OK numbers for bad teams (Glenn Robinson with the Bucks, Jalen Rose with the bad Bulls teams, Wesley Person with the pre-LeBron Cavs). Heck, Eric Piatkowski is seventh in this draft for career games played. GRADE: D-plus

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Glenn Robinson, Purdue (Bucks)	1. Jason Kidd
2. Jason Kidd, California (Mavs)	2. Grant Hill
3. Grant Hill, Duke (Pistons)	3. Eddie Jones
4. Donyell Marshall, Connecticut (T-Wolves)	4. Juwan Howard
5. Juwan Howard, Michigan (Bullets)	5. Jalen Rose, Michigan (13th, Pacers)
6. Sharone Wright, Clemson (Sixers)	6. Donyell Marshall
7. Lamond Murray, California (Clippers)	7. Glenn Robinson
8. Brian Grant, Xavier (Kings)	8. Brian Grant
9. Eric Montross, North Carolina (Celtics)	9. Wesley Person, Auburn (23rd, Suns)
10. Eddie Jones, Temple (Lakers)	10. Aaron McKie, Temple (17th, Blazers)

Best pick: Jason Kidd, Mavs (2nd).

Worst pick: Sharone Wright, Sixers (6th).

Draft-day image: Jalen Rose wears the best suit in NBA draft history.

1995 DRAFT IN REVIEW

High schooler Kevin Garnett was the controversial fifth pick at the time; top-10 picks Shawn Respert and Ed O'Bannon were memorable flameouts; top pick Joe Smith never developed into a star; guys like Rasheed Wallace, Damon Stoudamire, Cherokee Parks and Bob Sura provided new levels of on- and off-court amusement. GRADE: B

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Joe Smith, Maryland (Warriors)	1. Kevin Garnett
2. Antonio McDyess, Alabama (Clippers)	2. Rasheed Wallace
3. Jerry Stackhouse, North Carolina (Sixers)	3. Michael Finley, Wisconsin (21st, Suns)
4. Rasheed Wallace, North Carolina (Bullets)	4. Antonio McDyess
5. Kevin Garnett, high school (T-Wolves)	5. Jerry Stackhouse
6. Bryant Reeves, Oklahoma State (Grizzlies)	6. Damon Stoudamire
7. Damon Stoudamire, Arizona (Raptors)	7. Brent Barry, Oregon State (15th, Clippers)
8. Shawn Respert, Michigan State (Bucks)	8. Joe Smith
9. Ed O'Bannon, UCLA (Nets)	9. Kurt Thomas
10. Kurt Thomas, TCU (Heat)	10. Theo Ratliff, Wyoming (18th, Pistons)

Best pick: Kevin Garnett, T-Wolves (5th).

Worst pick: Joe Smith, Warriors (1st).

Draft-day image: Not a picture of Theo Ratliff's expiring contract.

1996 DRAFT IN REVIEW

Perhaps no team has pulled out more good players outside of the top-10 picks than the Lakers. In this draft, the Hornets drafted Kobe Bryant for L.A. with the 13th pick and traded him for Vlade Divac. The Lakers later added Arkansas Little-Rock guard Derek Fisher with the 24th pick. If you want to rank him ahead of Stephon Marbury, we won't argue. Oh, and a draft with four Hall of Famers rates a … GRADE: A

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Allen Iverson, Georgetown (Sixers)	1. Kobe Bryant, high school (13th, Lakers)
2. Marcus Camby, UMass (Raptors)	2. Ray Allen
3. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Cal (Grizzlies)	3. Allen Iverson
4. Stephon Marbury, Georgia Tech (T-Wolves)	4. Steve Nash, Santa Clara (15th, Suns)
5. Ray Allen, Connecticut (Bucks)	5. Peja Stojakovic, Croatia (14th, Kings)
6. Antoine Walker, Kentucky (Celtics)	6. Shareef Abdur-Rahim
7. Lorenzen Wright, Memphis (Clippers)	7. Marcus Camby
8. Kerry Kittles, Villanova (Nets)	8. Jermaine O'Neal, high school (17th, Blazers)
9. Samaki Walker, Louisville (Mavs)	9. Ben Wallace, Virginia Union (undrafted)
10. Erick Dampier, Mississippi St. (Pacers)	10. Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Lithuania (20th, Cavs)

Best pick: Kobe Bryant, Lakers (13th).

Worst pick: Todd Fuller, Warriors (11th).

Draft-day image: Considering Samaki Walker's attire, maybe it's no surprise he averaged just 5.3 points per game in his career.

1997 DRAFT IN REVIEW

One of the weakest drafts ever, rescued only by Tim Duncan's titles, Tracy McGrady's scoring titles and Scot Pollard's hair. GRADE: C

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Tim Duncan, Wake Forest (Spurs)	1. Tim Duncan
2. Keith Van Horn, Utah (Nets)	2. Tracy McGrady
3. Chauncey Billups, Colorado (Celtics)	3. Chauncey Billups
4. Antonio Daniels, Bowling Green (Grizzlies)	4. Tim Thomas
5. Tony Battie, Texas Tech (Nuggets)	5. Stephen Jackson, Butler County CC (42nd, Suns)
6. Ron Mercer, Kentucky (Celtics)	6. Keith Van Horn
7. Tim Thomas, Villanova (Sixers)	7. Derek Anderson, Kentucky (12th, Cavs)
8. Adonal Foyle, Colgate (Warriors)	8. Bobby Jackson, Minnesota (23rd, Nuggets)
9. Tracy McGrady, high school (Raptors)	9. Antonio Daniels
10. Danny Fortson, Cincinnati (Nuggets)	10. Tony Battie

Best pick: Tim Duncan, Spurs (1st).

Worst pick: Ron Mercer, Celtics (6th).

Draft-day image: Tim Thomas, proving yet again that white pinstripes are a risky fashion decision.

1998 DRAFT IN REVIEW

A draft with star talent at the top and excellent depth (17 players with career scoring averages in double digits). Of course, some of those double-digit scorers were one-dimensional gunners like Larry Hughes, Ricky Davis and Bonzi Wells. GRADE: B-plus

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Michael Olowokandi, Pacific (Clippers)	1. Dirk Nowitzki
2. Mike Bibby, Arizona (Grizzlies)	2. Paul Pierce
3. Raef LaFrentz, Kansas (Nuggets)	3. Vince Carter
4. Antawn Jamison, North Carolina (Warriors)	4. Rashard Lewis, high school (32nd, Sonics)
5. Vince Carter, North Carolina (Raptors)	5. Antawn Jamison
6. Robert Traylor, Michigan (Bucks)	6. Mike Bibby
7. Jason Williams, Florida (Kings)	7. Brad Miller, Purdue (undrafted)
8. Larry Hughes, Saint Louis (Sixers)	8. Cuttino Mobley, Rhode Island (41st, Rockets)
9. Dirk Nowitzki, Germany (Mavs)	9. Al Harrington, high school (25th, Pacers)
10. Paul Pierce, Kansas (Celtics)	10. Jason Williams

Best pick: Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs (9th).

Worst pick: Michael Olowokandi, Clippers (1st).

Draft-day image: "I love Dallas already! They would never trade me for that funny-looking German dude!"

1999 DRAFT IN REVIEW

A draft deep with solid All-Star-caliber players. Meanwhile, the Knicks still await the debut of first-rounder Frederic Weis. GRADE: B

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Elton Brand, Duke (Bulls)	1. Shawn Marion
2. Steve Francis, Maryland (Grizzlies)	2. Jason Terry
3. Baron Davis, UCLA (Hornets)	3. Elton Brand
4. Lamar Odom, Rhode Island (Clippers)	4. Andre Miller
5. Jonathan Bender, high school (Pacers)	5. Manu Ginobili, Argentina (57th, Spurs)
6. Wally Szczerbiak, Miami U. (T-Wolves)	6. Richard Hamilton
7. Richard Hamilton, Connecticut (Wizards)	7. Lamar Odom
8. Andre Miller, Utah (Cavs)	8. Baron Davis
9. Shawn Marion, UNLV (Suns)	9. Andrei Kirilenko, Russia (24th, Jazz)
10. Jason Terry, Arizona (Hawks)	10. Ron Artest, St. John's (16th, Bulls)

Best pick: Shawn Marion, Suns (9th).

Worst pick: Jonathan Bender, Pacers (5th).

Draft-day image: David Stern discovers that linen wrinkles rather easily.

2000 DRAFT IN REVIEW

Close your eyes. A draft amusing for its badness. A draft that has produced only three All-Star seasons: one apiece from Michael Redd, Kenyon Martin and Jamaal Magloire (no, that's not a typo). A draft so bad we almost put Marko Jaric in the top 10 just for marrying supermodel Adriana Lima. GRADE: F

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Kenyon Martin, Cincinnati (Nets)	1. Hedo Turkoglu, Turkey (17th, Kings)
2. Stromile Swift, LSU (Grizzlies)	2. Michael Redd, Ohio State (43rd, Bucks)
3. Darius Miles, high school (Clippers)	3. Kenyon Martin
4. Marcus Fizer, Iowa State (Bulls)	4. Mike Miller
5. Mike Miller, Florida (Magic)	5. Morris Peterson, Michigan State (21st, Raptors)
6. DerMarr Johnson, Cincinnati (Hawks)	6. Jamal Crawford
7. Chris Mihm, Texas (Cavs)	7. Quentin Richardson, DePaul (18th, Clippers)
8. Jamal Crawford, Michigan (Bulls)	8. Jamaal Magloire, Kentucky (19th, Hornets)
9. Joel Przybilla, Minnesota (Bucks)	9. Desmond Mason, Oklahoma State (17th, Sonics)
10. Keyon Dooling, Missouri (Clippers)	10. Joel Przybilla

Best pick: Michael Redd, Bucks (43rd).

Worst pick: Marcus Fizer, Bulls (4th).

Draft-day image: The Clippers picked the wrong draft to have three of the top 18 picks.

2001 DRAFT IN REVIEW

The top 10 had more busts than an episode of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," but there were some good finds later in the draft. GRADE: C-plus

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Kwame Brown, high school (Wizards)	1. Pau Gasol
2. Tyson Chandler, high school (Bulls)	2. Tony Parker, France (28th, Spurs)
3. Pau Gasol, Spain (Grizzlies)	3. Richard Jefferson, Arizona (Nets)
4. Eddy Curry, high school (Bulls)	4. Joe Johnson
5. Jason Richardson, Michigan State (Warriors)	5. Shane Battier
6. Shane Battier, Duke (Grizzlies)	6. Mehmet Okur, Turkey (37th, Pistons)
7. Eddie Griffin, Seton Hall (Rockets)	7. Tyson Chandler
8. DeSagana Diop, Senegal (Cavs)	8. Jason Richardson
9. Rodney White, N.C.-Charlotte (Pistons)	9. Gilbert Arenas, Arizona (30th, Warriors)
10. Joe Johnson, Arkansas (Celtics)	10. Troy Murphy, Notre Dame (14th, Warriors)

Best pick: Gilbert Arenas, Warriors (30th).

Worst pick: Kwame Brown, Wizards (1st).

Draft-day image: "Hawks? Grizzlies? To be honest, I wouldn't mind playing for the Lakers."

2002 DRAFT IN REVIEW

The biggest this problem this class has faced has been staying healthy, from Jay Williams' career-ending motorcycle crash to Dajuan Wagner needing his colon removed to ailments suffered by Yao Ming (93 games missed), Amare Stoudemire (140), Mike Dunleavy (75) and Nene (204). GRADE: C

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Yao Ming, China (Rockets)	1. Amare Stoudemire
2. Jay Williams, Duke (Bulls)	2. Yao Ming
3. Mike Dunleavy, Duke (Warriors)	3. Carlos Boozer, Duke (34th, Cavs)
4. Drew Gooden, Kansas (Grizzlies)	4. Tayshaun Prince, Kentucky (23rd, Pistons)
5. Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Georgia (Nuggets)	5. Caron Butler
6. Dajuan Wagner, Memphis (Cavs)	6. Drew Gooden
7. Nene Hilario, Brazil (Nuggets)	7. Mike Dunleavy
8. Chris Wilcox, Maryland (Clippers)	8. Nene Hilario
9. Amare Stoudemire, high school (Suns)	9. Luis Scola, Argentina (55th, Spurs)
10. Caron Butler, Connecticut (Heat)	10. Nenad Krstic, Serbia (24th, Nets)

Best pick: Carlos Boozer, Cavs (34th).

Worst pick: Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Nuggets (5th).

Draft-day image: "Yes, this is a basketball. I will prove to be very skilled at putting it in the basket."

2003 DRAFT IN REVIEW

No denying the greatness of the top four, and the depth that includes guys like Mickael Pietrus, Boris Diaw and Kyle Korver, but it seems like it will fall a bit short of the immortal 1984 draft (Jordan, Olajuwon, Barkley, Stockton, Alvin Robertson, Kevin Willis, Otis Thorpe, Sam Perkins, Jerome Kersey and Michael Cage's Jheri curl). GRADE: A

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. LeBron James, high school (Cavs)	1. LeBron James
2. Darko Milicic, Serbia (Pistons)	2. Dwyane Wade
3. Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse (Nuggets)	3. Carmelo Anthony
4. Chris Bosh, Georgia Tech (Raptors)	4. Chris Bosh
5. Dwyane Wade, Marquette (Heat)	5. David West, Xavier (18th, Hornets)
6. Chris Kaman, Central Michigan (Clippers)	6. Josh Howard, Wake Forest (29th, Mavs)
7. Kirk Hinrich, Kansas (Bulls)	7. Kirk Hinrich
8. T.J. Ford, Texas (Bucks)	8. Leandro Barbosa, Brazil (28th, Suns)
9. Mike Sweetney, Georgetown (Knicks)	9. Mo Williams, Alabama (47th, Jazz)
10. Jarvis Hayes, Georgia (Wizards)	10. Chris Kaman

Best pick: LeBron James, Cavs (1st).

Worst pick: Darko Milicic, Pistons (2nd).

Draft-day image: Could anyone else have pulled this off?

2004 DRAFT IN REVIEW

The Magic took the right guy in high schooler Dwight Howard, Luke Jackson proved to be one of the all-time top-10 busts, and if Robert Swift ever develops this grade will go up. GRADE: B-minus

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Dwight Howard, high school (Magic)	1. Dwight Howard
2. Emeka Okafor, Connecticut (Bobcats)	2. Andre Iguodala
3. Ben Gordon, Connecticut (Bulls)	3. Al Jefferson, high school (15th, Celtics)
4. Shaun Livingston, high school (Clippers)	4. Emeka Okafor
5. Devin Harris, Wisconsin (Mavs)	5. Josh Smith, high school (17th, Hawks)
6. Josh Childress, Stanford (Hawks)	6. Kevin Martin, Western Carolina (26th, Kings)
7. Luol Deng, Duke (Bulls)	7. Devin Harris
8. Rafael Araujo, BYU (Raptors)	8. Ben Gordon
9. Andre Iguodala, Arizona (Sixers)	9. Luol Deng
10. Luke Jackson, Oregon (Cavs)	10. Jameer Nelson, Saint Joseph's (20th, Magic)

Best pick: Dwight Howard, Magic (1st).

Worst pick: Shaun Livingston, Clippers (4th).

Draft-day image: "I plan on having a long career with the Hawks!"

2005 DRAFT IN REVIEW

A solid draft featuring point guards Chris Paul and Deron Williams, and four North Carolina players taken in the top 14 picks. How did Danny Granger fall all the way to the 17th pick? GRADE: C-plus

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Andrew Bogut, Utah (Bucks)	1. Chris Paul
2. Marvin Williams, North Carolina (Hawks)	2. Deron Williams
3. Deron Williams, Illinois (Jazz)	3. Danny Granger, New Mexico (17th, Pacers)
4. Chris Paul, Wake Forest (Hornets)	4. Andrew Bogut
5. Raymond Felton, North Carolina (Bobcats)	5. Marvin Williams
6. Martell Webster, high school (Blazers)	6. David Lee, Florida (30th, Knicks)
7. Charlie Villanueva, Connecticut (Raptors)	7. Andrew Bynum
8. Channing Frye, Arizona (Knicks)	8. Monta Ellis, high school (40th, Warriors)
9. Ike Diogu, Arizona State (Warriors)	9. Charlie Villanueva
10. Andrew Bynum, high school (Lakers)	10. Ryan Gomes, Providence (50th, Celtics)

Best pick: Chris Paul, Hornets (4th).

Worst pick: Fran Vazquez, Magic (11th).

Draft-day image: "Yes, I am very excited to leave Russia to play for the Clippers."

2006 DRAFT IN REVIEW

Uninspiring, highlighted by top-five flop Adam Morrison, but kudos to the Jazz for getting Ronnie Brewer with the 14th pick and Paul Millsap with the 47th pick. GRADE: C-minus

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Andrea Bargnani, Italy (Raptors)	1. Brandon Roy
2. LaMarcus Aldridge, Texas (Blazers)	2. LaMarcus Aldridge
3. Adam Morrison, Gonzaga (Bobcats)	3. Rudy Gay
4. Tyrus Thomas, LSU (Bulls)	4. Andrea Bargnani
5. Shelden Williams, Duke (Hawks)	5. Rajon Rondo, Kentucky (21st, Celtics)
6. Brandon Roy, Washington (Blazers)	6. Paul Millsap, Louisiana Tech (47th, Jazz)
7. Randy Foye, Villanova (T-Wolves)	7. Ronnie Brewer, Arkansas (14th, Jazz)
8. Rudy Gay, Connecticut (Grizzlies)	8. Randy Foye
9. Patrick O'Bryant, Bradley (Warriors)	9. Tyrus Thomas
10. Saer Sene, Senegal (Sonics)	10. Kyle Lowry, Villanova (24th, Grizzlies)

Best pick: Brandon Roy, Blazers (6th).

Worst pick: Adam Morrison, Bobcats (3rd).

Draft-day image: "Adam, I see a championship ring in your future."

2007 DRAFT IN REVIEW

The early returns indicate a draft short of future All-Stars aside from Kevin Durant, but fairly deep in solid contributors (players outside the top 10 include Rodney Stuckey, Wilson Chandler, Rudy Fernandez and Carl Landry). GRADE: C-plus

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Greg Oden, Ohio State (Blazers)	1. Kevin Durant
2. Kevin Durant, Texas (Sonics)	2. Al Horford
3. Al Horford, Florida (Hawks)	3. Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech (12th, Sixers)
4. Mike Conley, Ohio State (Grizzlies)	4. Greg Oden
5. Jeff Green, Georgetown (Sonics)	5. Marc Gasol, Spain (48th, Lakers)
6. Yi Jianlian, China (Bucks)	6. Jeff Green
7. Corey Brewer, Florida (T-Wolves)	7. Spencer Hawes
8. Brandan Wright, North Carolina (Warriors)	8. Al Thornton
9. Joakim Noah, Florida (Bulls)	9. Mike Conley
10. Spencer Hawes, Washington (Kings)	10. Ramon Sessions, Nevada (56th, Bucks)

Best pick: Ramon Sessions, Bucks (56th).

Worst pick: Greg Oden, Blazers (1st).

Draft-day image: Joakim Noah wears a suit yet still manages to violate the NBA dress-code policy.

2008 DRAFT IN REVIEW

Derrick Rose led a terrific rookie season for this class, with O.J. Mayo, Eric Gordon and Michael Beasley showing the potential to develop into big-time scorers. GRADE: B

How They Did It Then	How They'd Do It Now
1. Derrick Rose, Memphis (Bulls)	1. Derrick Rose
2. Michael Beasley, Kansas State (Heat)	2. O.J. Mayo
3. O.J. Mayo, USC (Grizzlies)	3. Michael Beasley
4. Russell Westbrook, UCLA (Thunder)	4. Brook Lopez
5. Kevin Love, UCLA (T-Wolves)	5. Kevin Love
6. Danilo Gallinari, Italy (Knicks)	6. Russell Westbrook
7. Eric Gordon, Indiana (Clippers)	7. Eric Gordon
8. Joe Alexander, West Virginia (Bucks)	8. D.J. Augustin
9. D.J. Augustin, Texas (Bobcats)	9. Anthony Randolph, LSU (14th, Warriors)
10. Brook Lopez, Stanford (Nets)	10. Jason Thompson, Rider (12th, Kings)

Best pick: Brook Lopez, Nets (10th).

Worst pick: Hey, we're not ready to write off Danilo Gallinari just yet. Check back in a few years.

Draft-day image: The beginning of the Robin Lopez era in the NBA did not disappoint.

David Schoenfield | email

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Senior writer of SweetSpot baseball blog
Former deputy editor of Page 2
Been with ESPN.com since 1995