Rookie Year, 2003-2004

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In most NBA drafts, we know who’s going to get picked first. The rare occasions are when we know that number one pick is going to be really great, not just an All-Star, but a Superstar. We knew Blake Griffin and John Wall will go no.1, but it’s not very clear how good can they be. With Shaq, Duncan and LeBron, it was clear they were destined to be hall of famers.

On October 29, 2003, two months before his 19th birthday, LeBron James played his first NBA game, scoring 25 points in 42 minutes as the Cavs lost to the Sacramento Kings. LeBron immediately became the Cavs’ best player, averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists in nearly 40 minutes a night. He was only the third rookie in history to average a 20-5-5 during his rookie season, and became the youngest player ever to score 40 points in a game (March 27, 2004). Eventually James won the NBA Rookie of the year, the first Cavalier to receive the award, as Cleveland improved from a 17-65 record to a 35-47, missing the playoffs.

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In the summer of 2004 James competed with the U.S. Olympic basketball team in Athens, part of the only USA team with NBA players that missed out on Olympic gold. James was limited to 14 minutes a game, averaging 5.8 points, as the US got Bronze.

Second Year, 2004-2005

A huge improvement in his game didn’t help the Cavs make the playoffs, finishing 42-40, but everyone knew how good he was. James’ averages – 27.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game  while playing 42.4 minutes a night, more than anyone in the league. He became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple double, just three weeks after his 20th birthday. He made his first All-Star game and made his first All-NBA team, getting selected to the second team.

Third Season, 2005-2006 – First Playoffs

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Finally, playoffs for LeBron. James finished second in the MVP voting behind Steve Nash, leading the Cavs to a 50-32 season and their first post season appearance since 1998. James won the All-Star game MVP, the youngest player in history to win the award. In late March-early April James scored more than 35 points in nine consecutive games, joining Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan as the only players to accumulate a streak like that since 1970. He also had his first 50+ games, scoring 52 against the Bucks and 51 against the Jazz.

His playoff debut? Triple double, as the Cavs beat the Wizards, with Cleveland eventually winning the series 4-2 with James averaging 35.7 points during the series. Next up? The Detroit Pistons. It took Detroit seven games to dispose of James and the Cavs, with LeBron averaging 30.8 points and 8.1 rebounds during the series.

Season Four, 2006-2007 – NBA Finals

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James led the Cavs to another 50 win season and became only the second player in NBA history (along Oscar Robertson) to average 27-6-6 in three consecutive seasons, finishing the regular season averaging 27.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6 assists per game. In the playoffs the Cavs swept the Wizards in a heated series, with James averaging 27.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists. The Cavs beat Jason Kidd and the Nets 4-2 in the Eastern Semi Final, averaging 25 points, 7.2 rebounds and 8.6 assists, leading the Cavs to their first conference finals since 1992, in the Price-Nance-Daugherty era.

The Pistons took Games 1 and 2, but LeBron led the Cavs to four straight victories over Detroit, with an historic game 5 performance – he scored 48 points, scoring 29 of Cleveland’s last 30 points and their last 25 in the 109-107 double overtime win.

The Spurs, with the Duncan-Parker-Ginobili triangle at its best, were too much for LeBron and the Cavs, sweeping the NBA Finals, winning their fourth NBA title in 8 years.

Season 5, 2007-2008 – Celtics in the Way

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Individually, LeBron had his best season till then, leading the league in scoring with 30 points per game, winning his second All-Star game MVP, becoming the youngest player in NBA history and ninth fastest to reach 10,000 points, becoming the Cavs’ all-time leading scorer and twice recording back to back triple double games. Team-wise, the Cavs finished 45-37, leading to another first round meeting with the Wizards. LeBron was roughed up again, and again the Cavs won, 4-2. Cleveland met with the Boston Celtics next, and took the eventual NBA champions to seven games, despite LeBron playing horribly in the first four games, including an ugly 2-18 night in game 1, scoring only 12 points.

Game 7 went down in NBA history books thanks to the duel between James and Paul Pierce. James scored 45, Pierce scored 41. The Celtics went on to win 97-92.

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That summer James was part of the “Redeem-Team”, winning Gold in Beijing, with James averaging 14 points per game during the tournament.

Sixth Season, 2008-2009, MVP & Disappointment

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Many believed he deserved that award a year earlier, but James won his first MVP for the 2008-2009 season, which ended in painful disappointment. He led the Cavs in five statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks), averaging 27.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks, making his first NBA All-Defensive team. Cleveland finished 66-16, a franchise record and a league best, including going 39-2 at home during the regular season. The team seemed ready, James seemed ready, to go all the way. The first two playoff rounds went by like a breeze, sweeping the Pistons and the Hawks with ease. Then came Orlando, and Cleveland had no answer to Orlando’s strength and dominance in the paint, aka Dwight Howard. Orlando won 4-2, later losing in the Finals to the Lakers. After the game six loss, James walked off the court without shaking hands with Orlando playersearning him a huge amount of criticism from the press.

Seventh Season, 2009-2010 – Second MVP, Again Stopped by Celtics

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As usual, James was amazing during the regular season, leading Cleveland, again, to a league best 61-21 record. He became the youngest to reach 15,000 points and the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1962 to have a 40 points, 15 assists, 13 rebound game (he scored 43 in the loss to the Nuggets on February 18) and won his second consecutive MVP award. With Shaq, Jamison and Mo Williams, the Cavs looked favorites to go all the way this time. Again, it was the Celtics in the conference semi finals who took care of LeBron’s title hopes. James had an especially awful game 5, his last home game with the Cavs, scoring only 15 points as the Celtics destroyed the Cavs 120-88. James left the Q-Arena to boos and many empty seats. I guess it’s fitting to end his seven year chapter in Ohio like that, with his decision to join the Miami Heat a couple of months later, almost physically crushing Cleveland fans’ hopes of winning a title in the near future.

Brook Lopez, New Jersey Nets, 7′0

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Too bad he was on a really crappy team in 2009-2010, but maybe things will be a bit better for the Nets’ 7′0 Center. Lopez had a fantastic second season in the NBA, averaging 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, 9th in the NBA. From the roster right now, it doesn’t seem like the Nets or going to be anywhere near playoff contention in 2010-2011, but they have a very good player in the paint to build around.

Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors, 7′0

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The number one draft pick in the 2006 NBA draft has made a huge leap in his ability the last couple of seasons, finishing 2009-2010 with 17.2 points and 6.2 rebounds. His defense, which was terrible at first, won’t win him any defensive player of the year awards, but it has vastly improved, with Bargnani blocking 1.4 shots per game last season. Will this progress be halted now that Bosh has left to a warmer climate? Or a shift back to his preferred PF position be good for Toronto (no playoffs last two seasons) and for the Italian himself?

Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee Bucks, 7′0

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Another big man and no.1 draft pick that shouldn’t have been picked first and took his time before becoming a legitimate offensive threat in the league. Like Bargnani, Bogut had a very good 2009-2010, averaging 15.9 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots, second in the NBA, also making the All-NBA third team. The season’s ending was a bit sour with his dislocated elbow injury, not being able to help the Bucks in the playoffs, but is one of the main reasons the Bucks have quite high hopes for next season.

Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers, 7′0

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Kaman bounced back from an injury shortened 2008-2009 to have the best season of his career in 2009-2010, averaging 18.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. If Griffin stays healthy this season and the Clippers add one or two more players strengthen their bench, Kaman could lead these guys into their first playoffs since 2006.

Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers, 7′0

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A few years from now, Gasol might be written down in the books at the best European in the history of the NBA. After another terrific playoff performance (19.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks), Gasol has his second NBA ring and helped Kobe to his fourth and fifth. He made his third all-star game last season and his second All-NBA third team. I also think he should have won Finals MVP. Every time the Lakers needed him, defense & offense, he was there with the big move. Oh, and there’s his front line partner -

Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers, 7′0

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Like most of the guys on this list, Bynum keeps getting better. The only problem is he can’t seem to stay healthy. In the last three regular seasons he has played a total of 150 games, missing 96. He didn’t miss a game these playoffs, but was limited to only 24.4 minutes a night, averaging 8.6 points and 6.9 rebounds. Still, from a no defense player during his first few season, Bynum has vastly improved in the paint and is more than just a dunk only type of player. When healthy, the Gasol-Bynum duo is the best you have beneath the baskets of this league.

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks, 7′0

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How many times can I write about this guy? It seems every list we make here, Nowitzki finds his way inside. The greatest Mavs player ever tested free agency for a few days, but it just wouldn’t be right to play for another team it seems, re-signing for the same 20 million dollars he would have made anyway if he didn’t opt out. Nowitzki couldn’t carry Dallas past the Spurs in the 2010 playoffs and it seems that it doesn’t matter how good his numbers are (25 points, 7.7 rebounds, 42.1% from the three, 91.5% from the line), it’ll never be enough for a title.

Yao Ming, Houston Rockets, 7′0

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The Rockets are praying they won’t see Yao like this in 2010-2011, after missing the entire 2009-2010 season after the injury he suffered in the 2009 playoffs against the Lakers. The Rockets managed a 42-40 record without him, and right now it looks like Ming (29) is ready to start the season and fight his way back into the playoffs and return to the great form he was in, when healthy. Like Bynum, Ming just can’t seem to stay off the DL for long – He did play 77 games in 2008-2009, but since the 2005-2006, Ming has played only 237 regular season games. A lot of “IF’s” are surrounding his return to the court – If Ming can stay healthy and If Ming can jump right back to his 20-10 ability pretty quickly, it’s going to be a good year for Houston.

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Got a glimpse of this post from ESPN, saying that according to a recent survey Kobe Bryant is tied at first among fans with Tiger Woods as the most popular American Sports star. Two things – These polls just show how short the memory is of so called “general fans” regarding the premier stars. Just a few years ago Kobe was one of the more hated athletes in America, a PR disaster and even getting booed by Lakers fans. Even Barry Bonds didn’t get booed by his home crowd. Now his Mr. Popular? Two NBA titles and three straight Finals’ appearances do that I guess. While Shaq was still good and could back up his talk with formidable plays, he was able to brainwash sports fans into thinking Kobe was the bad guy in the whole split. Things are a tad different now.

Get ready Miami Fans, Baby Powder is coming your way

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The second thing to make of this is about LeBron James. Right now he might be public enemy number one in Cleveland and generally regarded as a coward and a douche, but if this Miami Heat move pans out and LeBron is his usual amazing-self on the court, he’ll be at that number one spot. Maybe not if you ask Cavs fans, but I’m pretty sure that most of America will forget.

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The 2003 NBA draft no.2 pick who played only eight games last year for the Knicks got signed by the Wolves for four years and 20 million dollars. When asked about the subject, Kahn compared Milicic to Divac and in someway to Webber himself. C-Webb tried not to laugh, but still let out a priceless gem: Don’t put me and Darko in the same sentence. Just Fast Forward to 3:35 and get yourself a reason to smile.

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LeBron James announced just a few minutes ago that he’ll join the Miami Heat, saying he felt he has a chance to compete down there. I don’t know what he was doing in Cleveland, but I thought that was competing too. So ends the biggest free agency saga of modern history – LeBron James, after seven seasons with the Cavs, winning two MVP awards and finishing the last two seasons with very painful exits, is joining Dwyane Wade, who already has an NBA title and Chris Bosh, who is also seeking his first ring, more money and better weather. Good luck to the team that instantly became the favorites to win the Atlantic division, no matter who’s staying with them there.

Stayed -

The Rockets are hoping Ming can stay on his feet this season

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Yao Ming – The Rockets were hoping that keeping Yao Ming will help them land a big name free agent, with their intentions focused on Chris Bosh, but apparently they’ll have to turn elsewhere, with Bosh going to Miami. Still, if Ming is returning healthy, they have one of the best Centers in the league and an Idol to more than a billion Chinese.

Rudy Gay – Gay was on his way to Minnesota, but the Grizzlies decided to keep their star small forward and match any offer he gets. So Gay stays, getting 82 million dollars for next five years, not a bad deal, on a Memphis team that wasn’t too far from making the playoffs this year and should be in the chase mix in 2010-2011.

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John Salmons – John Salmons has proved in the last couple of years how much he can add to a team by helping both the Bulls and the Bucks make the playoffs, scoring nearly 20 points a night for both teams after arriving via trade. Milwaukee also added Drew Gooden to their promising mix, a rotation that went 18-5 after Salmons’ arrival last season, until Bogut got injured. Salmons signed for five years and will make around 40 million dollars, with Gooden making 32 in five. The Bucks, although not looking like a title contender, will be a dangerous side in the Central division. And who knows how much Jennings will get.

Coming back for another round

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Paul Pierce & Ray Allen – The Boston Celtics had a few priorities right after their painful game 7 loss to the Lakers. 1 – Keep Rivers. 2 – Keep Pierce. 3 – Allen. That’s exactly the order of the way they took care of business – A couple of days after Doc Rivers said he’ll return for another year, Boston signed Pierce to what appears to be 61 millions in four years, creating a bit of cap space and keeping Pierce for years to come (already 12 years in Boston). Yesterday it was the final touch, with Ray Allen announcing he’ll return for two more years with a contract worth 20 million dollars, the amount speculated the C’s and Allen would agree on. Now Boston keep their core together, with an improving Rondo, and get some cap space to try and bolster the rotation for maybe a last shot at another title with this squad.

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Dwyane Wade – One part of the uneven triangle created in the last two weeks, as both him and Bosh announced, together, about their intentions to play together in Miami. There are rumors that someone for the LeBron camp leaked the news about Bosh and Wade so LeBron will have to stage to himself tonight, but that doesn’t matter. Miami have two superstars again, and who knows, maybe after tonight, they’ll have their own little All-Star team, which currently hardly has enough players to dress a starting five.

Joe Johnson – Got exactly what he wanted. Despite the boos and the criticism, JJ wanted to stay with Atlanta, but he also wanted big bucks. Atlanta were the only team that could give him 120 mil for six years, while the others offered 95 for five years, but understanding that he isn’t a first option for almost anyone, all craving for the LeBron-Wade-Bosh triangle, Johnson decided to stay where he’s comfortable and paid the most. Now the Hawks need to see how to get one step further in the playoffs.

Dirk Nowitzki – I couldn’t see Dirk playing for any other team, it just doesn’t seem right. He has spent the last 12 years with the Mavs and holds the scoring and rebounding record for the franchise, and now he’ll have four more years (with 80 million dollars) to try and get that title. I guess, like in every relationship, he needed some air, a night or two out with the guys, to know he can still land a hot girl if he wanted to, but knows that the wife at home is the best for him.

New Homes -

Amar’e Stoudemire - Never felt at home with Phoenix, but now he’ll have to adjust to a Nash-Less life, which could be very very hard, especially with the Knicks not looking anything like a contender. Amar’e will make nearly 100 million dollars for the next five years, and he hopes the Knicks can lure another big name (James’?) or a few decent players so he can help the Knicks be a winning team again. Last time they finished above .500 was the 2000-2001 season under Jeff Van Gundy.

Chris Bosh - He talked making the best decision for himself and his family, and teaming up with Wade and potentially LeBron does look like an excellent move. Even if LeBron doesn’t join them, there’s tremendous potential for a new title contended in Miami with the right moves made in the next couple of years, something that didn’t seem to happen with Toronto. Now the only matter is will Toronto do a sign-and-trade with the Miami Heat, which will have Bosh earn 96 million in five years, or 125 million in six years if he joins them as a free agent.

Boozer saying goodbye to D-Will and Utah

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Carlos Boozer - Chicago didn’t get the Wade-Bosh package they were hoping for, so they landed the best interior scorer they could get, and Boozer was the best one out there. He scored 19.5 points with 11.2 rebounds last season for the Jazz, joining a team that has made the playoffs the last two years and hopes it can raise its game and reach the conference semi finals or more for the first time since 2006-2007. Boozer signed for five years and will make around 80 million dollars. Chicago still have around 16-17 million dollars in cap room, and will probably be going for a shooting guard or a wing-man to put the final touch on the team being built there.

Who knows – Mike Miller? Kyle Korver? Maybe Richard Jefferson. After LeBron makes his decision tonight, we’ll all be glad it’s over, and a lot wiser about who’s going where.

LeBron James – Chris Bosh – Dwyane Wade

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The biggest free agent blue-chip ever? Well, a lot has to do with the age of the Internet we’re living in, but still, probably no one has drawn so much media interest when ending his contract. LeBron is the key to this free agency, with everything effected by his choices, like Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade said during the past weeks – It’s LeBron’s decision, and we’ll react according to it. The trio even got together this past weekend and talked about their futures.

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Certain reports indicate that Bosh and James have decided to join Wade in Miami, suddenly the new front-runners in the LeBron race, although Lebron is supposedly undecided about leaving Ohio just yet. Cleveland, still without a coach, need to come up with something before the city sinks back into sport depression. The Bulls are still in the race, with enough money to land to maximum contracts (Bosh & James probably), with the Mavs also looking like a long shot option, but still there. New York, Jersey and the Clippers? It’s always nice to dream.

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Everything right now is pointing to Wade staying in Miami, despite being born in Chicago and some interest shown during the season. The Super-Team option, only possibly happening in Miami, sounds too good to be true. If not LeBron and Bosh, Boozer might be the one joining Wade. There’s no chance Bosh stays in Toronto anyway. Even Colangelo, the Raptors’ GM, said “I think it’s likely that he will leave … it’s the perfect storm for Chris Bosh to leave.”

The bottom line is everyone, every player and every team is waiting to see what LeBron decides and than push for the rest. And there’s plenty to push for -

The Rest -

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After another good regular season and a disappointing playoff performance, Joe Johnson is hoping for a max contract. Not sure he’ll get it – Atlanta want to keep him but I’m not sure they’ll do it for that much money. The Knicks seem to be the closest to him right now, with Amare also on their sights, also fishing for a max contract, which I’m not certain both of them deserve. I’m pretty sure Stoudemire will get it from one team or the other, although Phoenix really want to keep him, for a not too shabby 17 mil a year.

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Ray Allen wants to stay in Boston. Ray Allen still got game (16.3 points last season). The problem is, Allen probably wants a long contract, and the guy is 35 in less than a month. The Celtics will probably be able to offer him something like 2 years/20 mil contract, but their main concern is Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce – getting the coach to say and getting Pierce to keep his contract and not opt out early. Allen is good and the Celtics want to keep this championship contending core together, but Allen is probably the most expendable piece due to his age.

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By the way, age – Shaquille O’Neal is a free agent, and it’ll be interesting to see how low he goes looking for a fifth ring, if he still has it in him. McGrady will also be looking for a much much lower contract than before (highest paid player in the NBA last season).

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Dirk Nowiztki – According to reports, Nowitzki will be hitting the market come the deadline and test the waters. After a 25 points and 7.7 rebounds season, great as ever, there will be buyers for the 32 year old forward, but he will probably stay in Dallas, where he has spent his entire NBA career.

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Rudy Gay – He’s restricted, so the Grizzlies can match any offer he gets, but it seems Minnesota are very keen on getting the 23 year old, averaging 19.6 points the last season on a very talented and full of potential Memphis team. The Rockets, Knicks and Nets are also looking to get their hands on Gay. Still, the Wolves have the money that Memphis don’t have to sign him, despite already picking up three small forwards in the draft, with Wesley Johnson going 4th. There’s another option of Al Jefferson going to Memphis after Gay does a sign & trade, but Memphis don’t seem to be too keen on taking the big-man.

A farwell Salute

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Carlos Boozer – Not wanted in Utah it seems, after six seasons, averaging 19.3 points and 10.5 rebounds but full of dissatisfaction from the fans and himself, oh and lets not forget the injuries – 354 games in six seasons, always failing to get by the Lakers. There’s a good chance the Jazz will sign him only to trade him somewhere, with Miami, New Jersey and Chicago taking interest in the power forward, all depending on what LeBron – Bosh – Wade do.

Number 5 Pick – 9.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists

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Kevin Love, 2008 – Picked by the Grizzlies and traded to Minnesota, Love had a nice rookie season, especially after Kevin McHale took over as head coach, mentoring the former Bruin. Love usually came up from the bench for the Timberwolves, but after Al Jefferson tore his ACL, Love got much more playing time and even won the March rookie of the month award. He finished the season with 11.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game (9th in the NBA).

Raymond Felton, 2005 – Picked after Deron Williams and Chris Paul, Felton was actually better than Deron during his rookie season, becoming a starter for the young Bobcats franchise, averaging 11.9 points and 5.6 assists while playing just over 30 minutes a night.

Jeff Green, 2007 – Picked by the Celtics and traded to Seattle (part of the Ray Allen deal), Green had a good rookie season alongside Kevin Durant, also a rookie that year. Green averaged 10.5 points and 4.7 rebounds during his rookie season, making the 2007-2008 All-Rookie first team.

Shelden Williams, 2006 – Bust. 5.5 Points and 5.4 rebounds during his rookie season, playing 18.7 minutes a night for Atlanta. That has been his best season.

Ricky Rubio, 2009  - Preferred staying in Europe and sign with Barcelona than take his chances with the Timberwolves.

Number 4 Pick – 13.2 Points, 5.4 Rebounds, 4.7 Assists

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Tyreke Evans, 2009 – The 2009-2010 NBA rookie of the year, Evans’ looks like a huge star in the making, taking over a young Sacramento Kings team from the get go, especially after Kevin Martin got injured in the beginning of the season that just ended. He averaged 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists in 37 minutes a night, only the fourth player in NBA history to do a 20-5-5. The other three? Oscar, MJ and LeBron.

Chris Paul, 2005 – Another rookie of the year (2005-2006) and when he isn’t injured, probably the best point guard in the NBA. Paul averaged 16.1 points, 7.8 assists, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game in 36 minutes a night, immediately becoming the star and leader of the Hornets.

Russell Westbrook, 2008 – Part of the frightening team that was built in Oklahoma City the past three years. Westbrook was Kevin Love’s teammate at UCLA and opted for the pro’s alongside the big man. Westbrook had a very good rookie campaign, averaging 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 32.5 minutes, making the All-Rookie first team.

Mike Conley, Jr. , 2007 – Memphis have also been building something nice, and Conley is the point guard of the Grizzlies, finally becoming the sole holder of the starter position in 2009-2010. His rookie year? up and down, averaging 9.1 points with 4.2 assists in 26 minutes a night.

Tyrus Thomas, 2006 – Not a bust yet, but I’m pretty sure the Bulls regret the trade that sent Aldridge to Portland for Thomas on draft night. Thomas is no longer with Chicago, now playing with the Bobcats. He didn’t get much playing time during his rookie season, but showed lots of promise in 13 minutes a night, with 5.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

Number 3 Pick – 12.2 Points, 4.4 Rebounds, 2.6 Assists

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O.J. Mayo, 2008 – Picked by the Timberwolves but traded for Kevin Love and more, Mayo had an excellent rookie season, selected in the All-Rookie first team and finishing second behind Derrick Rose for Rookie of the year. He averaged 18.5 points in 38 minutes a night, starting all 82 games for Memphis.

Al Horford, 2007 – A two time NCAA Finals MVP, Horford left Florida as an all-conquering champion, winning two titles for Billy Donovan and the Gators. He was the final piece in the puzzle of making the Hawks a playoff team after a very long time, averaging 10.1 points and 9.7 rebounds in 31.4 minutes a night, making the All-Rookie first team.

Deron Williams, 2005 – It has been a common debate among fans, who’s better, Paul or Williams? Well, during their rookie season, Williams wasn’t nearly as impressive as CP3, starting 47 games for Utah while starting 33 on the bench, averaging 10.8 points and 4.5 assists in 28.8 minutes a night. He made the All-Rookie first team alongside Paul.

James Harden, 2009 – Didn’t start even once for the Thunder this season, but they do have a very good duo at Forward. Harden averaged 9.9 points and 3.2 rebounds in 22 minutes a night, making the All-Rookie second team.

Adam Morrison, 2006 – We already addressed Morrison’s bust status last month, but his rookie season wasn’t THAT bad. He was a starter at first of the Bobcats, but his awful shooting and defense sent him to the bench, and he hasn’t picked himself up since. He averaged 11.8 points, but shot 37.6% from the field. He’s since moved on to the Lakers, winning two titles by watching and cheering from the bench.

Number 2 Pick – 11 Points, 4.6 Rebounds, 1 Assist

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Kevin Durant, 2007 – Arguably one of the top 3 players in the league, with some saying he’ll be better than LeBron in a few years. Durant was fantastic from the start, averaging 20.3 points with 4.4 rebounds playing with the Sonics during the final season of Basketball in Seattle (until someone gets them a new franchise), winning the 2008 Rookie of the year and proving Portland they should have went with him.

Michael Beasley, 2008 – Like Durant, Beasley had a monster freshman year in college, leading the nation in rebounding (12.4) while dropping 26.2 points a night and breaking the Big 12 double-double record with 26. Chicago went with Derrick Rose, wise choice. Beasly is good, but wasn’t great, and it’s doubtful he ever will be. Averaged 13.9 points with 5.4 rebounds, playing 24.8 minutes a night, usually coming off the bench. He was in the All-Rookie First team.

LaMarcus Aldridge, 2006 – Picked for his raw talent after two years in Texas, Aldridge didn’t produce right away, having a quiet rookie season, playing 22 minutes a night, providing 9 points and 5 rebounds a game. He’s much better now, averaging 18-8, with Chicago feeling sorry about trading him with Tyrus Thomas on draft night. He made the All-Rookie team in 2007.

Marvin Williams, 2005 – Played only one season with North Carolina, but winning the national championship made him think he’s had enough. Picked during Atlanta’s frenzy with athletic swing-men, Williams was picked ahead of Deron Williams and Chris Paul. He started only 7 times during 2005-2006, playing 79 games, averaging 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 24 minutes a night. Although he’s a started for the Hawks now, he hasn’t made a huge leap and seemed to have regressed in 2009-2010.

Hasheem Thabeet, 2009 – What a failure. Yes, he’s been in the league for only a year, but getting demoted to the D-League during the season doesn’t bode well. Too raw of a talent, but who knows, with a lot of hard work could become a decent backup center. The Tanzanian left UCONN too early. He played only 13 minutes a night with Memphis, averaging 3.1 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

Number 1 Pick – 11.7 Points, 5.5 Rebounds, 2.5 Assists

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Derrick Rose, 2008 – Two years in the league and already an All-Star, Rose looks like a star who’s going to be with us for a long time. He needed only one college season to get picked number one in the 2008 draft, and immediately became the Bulls’ leader and best player, averaging 16.8 points and 6.3 assists, playing 37 minutes a night. He won the NBA’s Rookie of the year.

Andrea Bargnani, 2006 – A very surprising pick by Toronto a few years back, Bargnani isn’t exactly a superstar, but has developed into a very good player. He is the first European to be picked number one, and produced11.6 points in 25 minutes a night during his rookie season, making the All-Rookie first team. He has made a very big breakthrough the last couple of seasons, averaging 17.2 points during 2009-2010.

Andrew Bogut, 2005 – Another non-American picked first, Bogut took his time and developed slowly, like Bargnani, having a real breakout year in 2009-2010, slowed down only by injuries. His rookie campaign? 9.4 points and 7 rebouunds for the Bucks, making the All-Rookie first team.

Greg Oden, 2007 – Could go down in history as one of the biggest busts ever, instead of the “new Bill Russell”. Didn’t even play in 2007-2008 due to the surgery on his right knee, and did his rookie tour in 2008-2009, missing 21 games, averaging 8.9 points and 7 rebounds a night, playing 21.5 minutes. Showed some improvement in 2009-2010 but managed only 21 games before injuring his left knee, going out for the season.

Blake Griffin, 2009 – Like Oden, will start his rookie season a year late. Again, knee problem which didn’t heal well enough during the season, making 2010-2011 his official rookie year. During his 2008-2009 season with Oklahoma, he broke the Big-12 record for double-doubles, recording 30, and grabbing more rebounds (504) than anyone else in Big-12 history.

Number 9 – Carlos Boozer, 2002, 34th pick

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He was Jay Williams and Mike Dunleavy Jr. teammate at Duke, but while the first two got picked in the top 5, Boozer dropped deep into the second round after three years in the ACC. He does have a knack of getting injured, but otherwise, he is one of the best power forwards in the league, making two all-star games (2007-2008) and constantly among the top 10 rebounders in the league.

Stat Line – 510 games, 17.2 points, 10.2 rebounds per game, 2 NBA All-Star Games

Number 8 – Gilbert Arenas, 2001, 30th pick

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Arenas didn’t stay in college too long, and after two good seasons in Arizona bolted to the NBA. He wasn’t picked in the first round, but a made a lot of teams sorry after a solid rookie campaign he had an even better 2002-2003 season for the Golden State Warriors, winning the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award. He signed with the Wizards, immediately becoming a star player for the team and one of the best offensive guards in the league. In the last few years, injuries and the famous gun in the locker room incident have turned him into one of the most hated players in sports.

Stat Line – 465 games, 22.7 points, 5.6 assists, 3 All-Star Games

Number 7 – Rajon Rondo, 2006, 21st pick

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Only four years in the league – if it wasn’t clear during his first two seasons how big of a steal Rondo is, now everybody knows. He’s become the Celtics best player, and the one that they count on the most to preform. His last two playoffs have been fantastic, averaging 16.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 9.5 assists, leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals for the second time in three years this season, including a title in 2008. He also led the league in steals with 2.3 per game in 2009-2010, becoming one of the best point guards in the league.

Stat Line – 316 games ,10.7 points, 6.8 assists, 1.7 steals, one NBA title, one All-Star

Number 6 – Latrell Sprewell, 1992, 24th pick

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After only two years with Alabama (ahhh, the old days, when players stayed more than a year in college) Sprewell decided he’s good enough to go pro, and had to wait until the 24th pick by the Golden State Warriors. Sprewell came into the finest offensive machine in basketball, with Chris Mullin and Tim Hardaway and had a very strong rookie season, scoring nearly 16 points per game. He continued to improve despite the Warriors’ lack of success, averaging more than 20 points per game in four of the next five seasons. Then came the choking incident with P.J. Carlesimo, “Spree” got suspended and eventually traded to the Knicks. He led the Knicks to the NBA finals in 1999, and later on helped the Timberwolves reach their first Western Conference Finals. After 2005, Sprewell decided that 7 million a year isn’t enough for him, quoted “I have a family to feed”. He hasn’t played in the NBA since, and has apparently lost all his money.

Stat Line – 913 games, 18.3 points per game, 4 All-Star games

Number 5 – Tony Parker, 2001, 28th pick

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Only 19 when picked in the NBA draft, who would believe that the skinny French point guard from Racing Paris would become one of the cornerstones to the Spurs’ odd years dynasty, winning three NBA titles alongside Duncan and Manu, winning the 2007 Finals MVP, averaging 24.5 points as the Spurs swept the Cavs. He had a rough 2009-2010 after a record 2008-2009, averaging 22 points per game, leading the Spurs while Duncan and Ginobili battled with age and injuries. It was the opposite this season, as Parker missed nearly 30 games while Duncan and Manu held the team, especially late in the season.

Stat Line – 668 games, 16.6 points, 5.6 assists, 3 NBA titles, one Finals MVP, 3 All-Star games

Number 4 – Sam Cassell, 1993, 24th pick

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“Sam I am” Or Gollum, as described by Charles Barkley, Cassell played for seven different teams during his 16 year career, winning three NBA titles – two with the Houston Rockets during his rookie and sophomore seasons and one with the Celtics in 2008, giving Rondo some rest during the playoffs. He never stayed too long with any team, but always made an impact with his offensive ability and leadership, making the playoffs 11 times, despite not always playing with the strongest teams.

Stat Line – 993 games, 15.7 points, 6 assists, 3 NBA titles, one All-Star game

Number 3 – Manu Ginobili, 1999, 57th pick

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He was picked late in the 1999 second round, but wanted to conquer Italy and Europe with Kinder Bologna. When he came to the NBA, at the age of 25, he was an established basketball star outside the United States, and didn’t have a hard time adjusting if it wasn’t for injuries. Sometimes a sixth man, sometimes a starter, when healthy, Ginobili is one of the most exciting players to watch, with his ability to penetrate and make impossible shots. Oh, and there’s also the flopping and the bat snatching. Above everything, is the three titles with the Spurs in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

Stat Line – 553 games, 27.8 minutes, 15.0 points, 3 NBA titles, one All-Star, one time 6th man of the year

Number 2 – Steve Nash, 1996, 15th pick

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Picked 15th in the loaded draft of 1996, the soccer loving Canadian took his time before becoming a star in the league. He finally became a full time and healthy starter in the 2000-2001 season for the Mavericks, scoring nearly 18 points per game while shooting over 40% from three. Cuban didn’t want to give him more money, so Nash left for Phoenix, where he has been maybe the best point guard in the league for the last six seasons, leading the league in assists four times while still being one of the more dangerous shooters in the league. He has also led the Suns to three conference finals and cemented his place as one of the greatest point guard of all time.

Stat Line – 1015 games, 14.6 points, 8.3 assists, 2 MVP’s, 7 All-Star games

Number 1 – Kobe Bryant, 1996, 13th pick

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“One more than Shaq. You can take that to the bank.” The man that never gets tired and is never tired of winning titles, Bryant won’t rest until he’s considered the best ever, better than Michael. I’m not sure that will happen, but Bryant will go down eventually as one of the greatest ever, right along Michael, Magic, Bird. Better than Shaq. He can be too self absorbing, costing his team a win, but there have been few better scorers and clutch players in the history of the game and continues to prove that despite LeBron and Wade, there’s no one better to have on your side if you’re gunning for a title. Getting Pau Gasol for peanuts isn’t bad, too. 13th Isn’t that low, but doesn’t matter who got picked ahead of him (Iverson, Camby, Abdur-Rahim, Marbury, Ray Allen, Antoine Walker, Lorenzen Wright, Kerry Kittles, Samaki Walker, Erick Dampier, Todd Fuller, Vitaly Potapenko).

Stat Line – 1021 games, 24.8 points, 5 NBA titles, one MVP, two Finals MVP, 12 All-Star games

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Bol, who probably had the biggest and best smile in NBA history, will be sorely missed by just about anybody who heard about him or came in contact with this huge man, who had an even bigger heart. R.I.P, big guy.

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