A Look Back at the 2003 NBA Draft
With the 2004 NBA Draft merely days away, it’s time to revisit how the First Round draft picks from the 2003 NBA Draft held up during their rookie seasons. To finish off, we will honor our choices for All Rookie Team and Rookie of the Year.
1. LeBron James, Cleveland
Gee, let’s see how King James fared. Rookie of the Year, averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. His Cavs battled until the final weeks of the season for a playoff birth. James not only matched his tremendous hype, he exceeded it. And he did while having fun. Consider this pick an immediate success.
2. Darko Milicic, Detroit
Even until the conference finals, experts continued to rip Detroit president of operations Joe Dumars for selecting Milicic instead of Carmelo Anthony. Looks like Dumars knew what he was doing. Milicic rarely saw the court last year, but didn’t need to as the Pistons won the NBA title. Saw action in 34 games. The jury is not only out still, it hasn’t even been selected yet.
3. Carmelo Anthony, Denver
Another slam dunk. Battled all year for Rookie of the Year honors with James, finishing with averaged of 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Was the star on a resurgent Denver Nuggets squad that made the playoffs after finishing with the third worst record in the league the previous year. Another immediate success.
4. Chris Bosh, Toronto
Quietly had a solid season at Toronto, a team that had yet another disappointing season. Averaged 11.5 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Showed he can make the outside jumper if need be. If Raptors depart with Vince Carter, Bosh could be a player to build around. Solid selection.
5. Dwyane Wade, Miami
Possibly the surprise of the lottery. Averaged 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists and turned it up a notch during the playoffs. Hit crucial shots during two of Miami’s wins in the first round proved he was a big time player. He averaged 18.0 points during the playoffs and became the team’s go-to player. Selected to the NBA All-Rookie Team. Another big success.
6. Chris Kaman, Clippers
Decent season for the big man in another bad season (surprise) for the Clips. Averaged 6.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Displayed solid offensive game, needs to become a little stronger on the glass and the defensive side. Good player, but how often do they actually stay with the Clippers?
7. Kirk Hinrich, Chicago
Remember how everyone questioned this pick last year with T.J. Ford still on the board? Hinrich quieted his critics with an outstanding rookie season (12.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists per game). Became the floor leader for young Bulls squad. Was solid from outside (39 percent from behind the arc). Great pick by Chicago.
8. T.J. Ford, Milwaukee
Questions remain with Ford after neck injury cost him 27 games and no certainty on his return. Played solid, not great, during the first two-thirds of the season (7.1 points, 6.5 assists per game). Still needs to greatly improve his outside shot. If healthy, can be one of the top point guards in the league. The jury is still out.
9. Mike Sweetney, New York
Only appeared in half of the games this season, averaging 4.3 points and 3.4 rebounds. Came on stronger towards the end of the season and played 14.3 minutes per game during the Knicks’ loss during the first round of the playoffs. Again, jury is still out.
10. Jarvis Hayes, Washington
Hayes had a solid rookie campaign, finishing with 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Needs to improve on his outside shot (30.6 percent from deep) but will continue to receive playing time. Could be the team’s starting shooting guard next season.
11. Mickael Pietrus, Golden State
Showed signs of his athletic ability during somewhat limited action with the Warriors. Averaged 5.3 points per game, and started 22 contests. Hard to be more than a role player for Golden State as a small forward.
12. Nick Collison, Seattle
Missed the entire season due to surgery on both shoulders in early October.
13. Marcus Banks, Memphis
Traded to the Celtics the night of the draft, Banks was a solid role player. Appearing in 81 games, Banks averaged 5.9 points and 2.2 assists per game and subbed at both guard positions. Could develop into a solid pro.
14. Luke Ridnour, Seattle
Did not make an immediate impact that some expected, still managed to average 5.5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. Had some explosive evenings, including a seventeen-point, seven-rebound, five-assist outburst during his first start.
15. Reece Gaines, Orlando
Pretty much a non-factor for the Magic, appearing in only 38 games. Could receive more playing time next season with the Orlando shake up and the possible departure of Tracy McGrady.
16. Troy Bell, Boston
Traded to Memphis on draft night, only appeared in six games all season. Deep on the bench of a surprising playoff team, Bell was allowed to watch and learn.
17. Zarko Cabarkapa, Phoenix
Appeared in 49 games, averaging 4.1 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. Showed good touch around the hoop, needs to become a better defender. Should earn more time next year.
18. David West, New Orleans
Earned more playing time as the season progressed, playing in 71 games and averaging 3.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Could develop into solid rebounder (ala Tyrone Hill, former Xavier player).
19. Aleksandar Pavlovic, Utah
Important role player for surprising Jazz. Averaged 14.3 minutes per game and 4.8 points. Fit nicely in with the team; expect more of the same next year.
20. Dahntay Jones, Boston
Traded with Bell to Memphis the night of the draft, Jones also sat deep on the Grizzlies bench. Appeared in 20 games during the regular season and did not play in the playoffs.
21. Boris Diaw-Riffiod, Atlanta
Surprising performance from France import. Averaged 4.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, while making 37 starts. Displayed his versatility, which make him a full-time starter next season.
22. Zoran Planinic, New Jersey
Used sparingly, this rookie forward did appear in 49 games and averaged 3.1 points per game. Don’t expect to see much more of him next year.
23. Travis Outlaw, Portland
Trail Blazers kept him on the bench and let him learn the pro game. Like all high schoolers, its unknown if Outlaw will pan out or not. Expect to see more of the same next year.
24. Brian Cook, Lakers
Received playing time when Karl Malone went down with a knee injury mid-way through the season. Likely will battle for playing time next year with Luke Walton, who played well during the playoffs.
25. Carlos Delfino, Detroit
Did not appear with the Pistons last season.
26. Ndudi Ebi, Minnesota
Only appeared in seventeen games last season. Also being brought along slowly (high school player).
27. Kendrick Perkins, Memphis
Traded to Boston the night of the draft along with Banks, only appeared in ten games. Same story, (high school player).
28. Leandro Barbosa, San Antonio
The surprise of the late round. Started 46 games and averaged 7.9 points per game and replaced Stephon Marbury in the lineup when he was traded to New York. Could be the team’s full-time point guard next year.
29. Josh Howard, Dallas
Another great surprise. On a team filled with super starts Howard averaged 8.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. If owner Mark Cuban dumps any of his high-priced players, Howard will receive even more PT.
All Rookie Team:
LeBron James
Carmelo Anthony
Dwyane Wade
Chris Bosh
Kirk Hinrich
Rookie of the Year:
LeBron James
