Three members of the 2003 NBA Draft class just completed back-to-back title runs. And a fourth member was the league’s leading scorer this season.
Tonight’s draft class has a lot to live up to.
It’s been ten years, but the Miami Heat trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, and Knicks scoring machine Carmelo Anthony set the bar pretty high back in ’03. The word most associated with this years’ draft class is “underwhelming.”
There’s no consensus No. 1 pick and there certainly aren’t players that analysts, scouts and fans are expecting to become superstars – no immediate-impact players. The Cleveland Cavaliers secured the top pick and Kentucky freshman Nerlens Noel seemed their early frontrunner. But now some draft boards have Noel dropping to No. 5 and the Phoenix Suns.
It’s just how this year’s draft is going to go.
’03 shined, will ’13 fizzle?
James was arguably the most hyped player in sports history before his debut against the Sacramento Kings. James rose to the occasion that game and the entire season, becoming only the third rookie in NBA history to average 20, 5 and 5.
He was the clear Rookie of the Year.
Wade helped lead his team to the playoffs. Bosh laid the foundation for what would be a statistically solid time with the Raptors. And Anthony was putting up 21 points a game out in Denver.
Melo told TMZ Tuesday his class was the best ever. It’s hard to argue the class isn’t among the all-time great classes, along with others like ’84, ’85 and ’96.
This class doesn’t have to be ’03, and they won’t be. It’s an unfair comparison, but worth reflecting on. We’ll be having these same conversations next year with the highly touted ’14 draft class coming 30 years after Jordan’s arrival in ’84. Top prospect Andrew Wiggins is already putting up jaw-dropping highlights in Lawrence.
2013 standouts
This year, Georgetown’s Otto Porter and Indiana’s Victor Oladipo have shot up draft boards due to their versatility on both ends of the floor. They have the makings of solid pros.
Maryland’s Alex Len has been lauded for his polish and size. Despite being unable to participate in workouts due to injury, some experts have Len possibly going No. 1 to Cleveland.
Again, it’s just how this year’s draft is going to go.
As the Dallas Morning News’ Kevin Sherrington points out, it’s tough for NBA teams to build through the draft. The Spurs are the exception, not the rule. Getting a LeBron James or a Chris Bosh to sign as a free agent definitely helps.
For the Cavaliers, Magic and Bobcats of the world, that’s next to impossible.
Let the Wiggins-watch begin.
Follow theGrio’s Sports Editor Todd Johnson on Twitter @rantoddj