The Top 25 NBA Draft Picks Since 2004

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NEW YORK - JUNE 26: Players pose prior to the 2008 NBA Draft at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden June 26, 2008 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is conse

I was watching ESPN Classic on The Biggest NBA Draft Busts Ever. As I saw the top five draft picks (Sam Bowie, Kwame Brown, Mike Olowokandi, Darko Milicic, and Jonathan Bender) discussed as being the worst ever, I realized maybe there should be a topic about the best recent draft picks in the NBA.

So here is my top 25 draft picks (with a couple of honorable mentions along the way) since the 2004 NBA Draft.

#25- Rodney Stuckey

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 03: Jason Richardson #23 of the Charlotte Bobcats tries to stop Rodney Stuckey #3 of the Detroit Pistons during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 3, 2008 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly

Coming out of the 07' Draft, Rodney Stuckey signed with the Detroit Pistons as the 15th Overall pick in the First Round. Since then Rodney has been a vital part of the bench for the Pistons. He is now the starting PG and is averaging 10.3 ppg as well as 3.8 apg.

#24- Jeff Green

OKLAHOMA CITY - OCTOBER 29: Jeff Green #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder stands on the court during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Ford Center on October 29, 2008 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Bucks won 98-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly

Jeff Green (Georgetown) was drafted 5th overall by the celtics, later traded to the Thunder. Jeff Green is a key attribute to this struggling team. He provides size in the middle, and his seperation is key to his 13.7 ppg. He is averaging 31.7 mpg pulling down 5.7 rpg.

#23- Russell Westbrook

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 13: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Rookie team slam dunks over Kevin Durant #35 of the Sophomore team during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam part of 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend at US Airways Center on February 13, 2009 in Phoenix,

Another great athlete for the Thunder, Russell is playing the combo guard position. Although the Thunder are not very impressive this year, this man alone will help them bring wins to the record in the near future. 15ppg, 4.7rbg, 4.9apg is promosing for any rookie.

#22- O.J. Mayo

NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: O.J. Mayo #32 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes up for a shot during the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden January 23, 2009 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloa

Mr. USC went 3rd overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Memphis gave up there draft pick Kevin Love for this incredible athlete. Playing 38 minutes a game he is putting up ridiculous rookie stats. Averaging 19.3 ppg while shooting almsot 88% from the free-throw line.

#21- Derrick Rose

CHICAGO - FEBRUARY 12: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls brings the ball upcourt against the Miami Heat on February 12, 2009 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Heat defeated the Bulls 95-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

The Chicago Native was drafted #1 overall in the 08' Draft. Making the Chicago fans happy, he has really re-introduced the PG personality at 6'' 3'. Alot of NBA teams would love to have there starting PG dish out 6.5 apg while scoring 17ppg. He has also shown a sense of intelligence at his level. An all around great player to come.

#20- Ben Gordon

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 28: Ben Gordon #7 of the Chicago Bulls shoots over Eric Gordon #10 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 28, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

Ben Gordon came out of a depleted 04' class. Being drafted 3rd overall to the Chicago Bulls, he has already accomplished two amazing Awards. He is the only rookie to ever be given the NBA's 6th Man Award, and is the all-time leader in Bulls history with 3 point feild goals made. Ben gorodn has a career average of 18.3 ppg while msotly coming off the bench.

#19- Greg Oden

LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 4: Greg Oden #52 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives against Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers on January 4, 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

The #1 pick of the 2007 draft, the talented big man had the big game to match the big hype. Oden has had a rough start to his career though, having season ending microfracture knee surgery in his rookie year. He battled back from his injury and has looked good in limited minutes for the impressive, young Blazers team averaging 9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and is shooting .568 percent from the field in 22.9 minutes a game.

#18- Andre Iguodala

AUBURN HILLS, MI - APRIL 29: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives the ball upcourt in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Detroit Pistons during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at the Palace of Auburn Hills on April 29, 2008

Drafted 9th overall (Arizona) by the 76ers in 04, the new A.I. for the Sixers quickly staked his place as one of the most exciting players in the NBA. Iguodala is an explosive dunker and lockdown defender and has career averages of 15.2 points per game, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.8 steals, and 37.7 minutes.

#17- Kevin Martin

SACRAMENTO, CA - MAY 5: Kevin Martin #23 of the Sacramento Kings shoots against the San Antonio Spurs in game six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2006 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2006 at Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. The Spurs wo

Kevin Martin (Western Carolina) was drafted 26th overall in 2004 by the Sacramento Kings and proved to be one of the steals of the '04 draft. Martin, even with his unorthodox shooting stroke, is one of the best perimeter shooters in the league. Martin is still a rising star who has career averages of 16.4 points per game, 3.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.9 steals, and shoots 85 percent from the foul line.

#16- Emeka Okafor

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 30: Emeka Okafor #50 of the Charlotte Bobcats shoots over Ron Artest #93 of the Sacramento Kings during an NBA game on January 30, 2008 at ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

After winning the NCAA Championship at UConn in 2004, Okafor was selected 2nd overall by the Charlotte Bobcats. A true defensive specialist, Okafor's presence in the middle was quickly felt. Averaging 14.2 points per game, 10.8 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and a .504 field goal percentage for his career, Okafor has proven himself worthy of a #2 pick. He also has averaged a double-double every year in points and rebounds.

#15- LaMarcus Aldridge

NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 14: LaMarcus Aldridge #12 of the Portland Trail Blazers takes a jump shot against David West #30 of the New Orleans Hornets during the game at the New Orleans Arena on November 14, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Hornets defe

Aldridge (Texas) was drafted 2nd in the 2006 draft by the Chicago Bulls and then sent to Portland in a trade. A long, skilled power forward, Aldridge possesses a deadly midrange jumper and has a release point similar to Rasheed Wallace. With career averages of 14.8 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks, Aldridge and the Blazers have a great future.

#14- Rudy Gay

BOSTON - FEBRUARY 01: Al Jefferson #25 of Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the net in the first half against the Boston Celtics on February 1, 2009 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that

In the 06' Draft, Gay was drafted 8th overall by the Houston Rockets. The Grizz then made a significant trade that allowed Gay to come on over. Gay has been an essenital player for the Grizz. playing almost 34 minutes a game, scoring 16.5 a game and pulling down 5.5 rebounds per game.

#13- Josh Smith

BOSTON - APRIL 30: Referee Dick Bavetta #27 will not listen as Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks tries to plead his case during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2008 at the TD Banknorth Garden i

Smith was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with their 17th overall pick in the 04' Draft. He is one of the most theatrical dunkers on the list. Winning the Slam Dunk Contest in 2005, gave him the confidence to put up huge numbers for the rest of his career. Not only does he average 16.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists a game, but his defensive efforts are unbeliveable for such an offensive minded team.

#12- Jameer Nelson

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: Jameer Nelson #14 of the Orlando Magic throws a pass against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 16, 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Magic won 109-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

Another player from the 04' Draft, Jameer Nelson was drafted 20th and then traded to the Magic. He is turned into a premire PG in the league and was selected to his first All-Star game this year. He has been scoring close to 13 points a game while dishing out 5 assists a game.

#11- Rajon Rondo

NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 06: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 6, 2009 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or usi

Rondo decided to leave school early and enter the 06' Draft. With the 20th pick, the Suns held him for a couple of days then sent him packing to the Celtics. This trade might be the most influential of all for Boston. Rajon helped the defensive minded Celtics win a championship. Rajon is a player of many caliber, already racking up two triple-doubles this season.

#10- Andrew Bynum

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 22: Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Andray Blatche #32 of the Washington Wizards during the first quarter January 22, 2009 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User

Andrew Bynum was selected 10th overall by the Lakers in the 05' Draft. Thus, making him the youngest player ever to be drafted by a NBA franchise. Alot of people think he is a flop since he is injury prone and cant stay healthy long enough to prove them wrong. But i cant call a player a flop until they have hit Puberty. The kid is only 20 years old to the day, averaging 21.2 minutes a game, 8.7 points and 6.2 boards a game. He will also have the most talented team in the NBA to look forward to being with for a long time.

#9- Monta Ellis

DALLAS - JANUARY 28: Guard Monta Ellis #8 of the Golden State Warriors takes a shot against the Dallas Mavericks on January 28, 2009 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading an

Monta Ellis, the first second round pick on the list, was drafted by the Warriors with the 40th overall pick in the 05' Draft. Monta has been a freak of nature fo rmost of his career, but came back down to earth when he had a knee injury earlier this year. Despite the injury he has come back strong this year. He is averaging 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists a game for his career.

#8- Kevin Durant

OKLAHOMA CITY - OCTOBER 29: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder makes a shot over Richard Jefferson #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks at the Ford Center October 29, 2008 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Bucks defeated the Thunder 98-87. NOTE TO USER:

KD was drafted 2nd overall by the Seattle Supersonics in 2007. After his amazing freshman season at Texas, many wondered if his skinny body could make the transition into the NBA. Durant is a natural scorer who finds unlimited ways to get buckets. Only in his 2nd season as a pro, he is proving he can compete with the best players in the league. The Thunder are counting on him to be the face of their franchise for years to come. He already has achieved career averages of 22.5 points per game, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 steals, 0.9 blocks, 1.1 steals, and 36.7 minutes per game.

#7- Danny Granger

DENVER - JANUARY 04: Danny Granger #33 of the Indiana Pacers takes a shot against the Denver Nuggets as the Nuggets defeated the Pacers 106-86 on January 4, 2006 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agree

Granger (New Mexico) was drafted 17th overall in the 2005 draft to the Indiana Pacers. Granger has one of the most solid all-around games in the league. He can go outside, inside, and he gets to the line. His jump shot is getting better every year especially from behind the arc. Granger has career averages of 15.7 points per game, 5.2 rebounds, 1 block, 0.9 steals, a .841 percent free throw percentage, and 31.9 minutes per game.

#6- Devin Harris

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - MARCH 02: Devin Harris #34 of the New Jersey Nets is fouled by Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs during their game on March 2, 2008 at the Izod Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

Devin Harris is so fast he can turn off the lights and be in bed before it's dark. The speedy guard out of Wisconsin was drafted by the Wizards and then traded to the Mavericks. Harris showed flashes of brilliance with the Mavericks but he has truly blossomed as a scorer when he was traded to New Jersey. Harris is one of the best scoring point guards in the league. Harris has career averages of 11.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 steals. His stats have also improved each year.

#5- Al Jefferson

BOSTON - FEBRUARY 01: Al Jefferson #25 of Minnesota Timberwolves takes a shot in the first half against the Boston Celtics on February 1, 2009 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Big Al Jefferson was drafted 15th overall in 2004 by the Boston Celtics. He was sent to Minnesota in the trade for Garnett. In Minnesota he developed into one of the best big men in the game, dominating the paint and the boards every game.

Jefferson is a true banger down low who is aggressive and will attack the rim and any defenders in the way of it. Jefferson has career numbers of 14.9 points per game, 8.5 boards, 1.2 blocks, and is shooting .505 from the field. Look for Jefferson to continue to dominate the post for years to come.

#4- Deron Williams

SALT LAKE CITY - MAY 16: Deron Williams #8 of the Utah Jazz shoots a jumper while taking on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at EnergySolutions Arena on May 16, 2008 in Salt Lake City, U

The Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams debate will never end but I think the Jazz can look back at the end of the day and be happy that they chose Deron Williams (Illinois) with the 3rd pick in the 2005 draft. Williams has been a true leader for the Jazz, whether carrying the team with his scoring or distributing the ball with perfection. He has impressive career averages of 15.9 points per game, 8.4 assists, 1 steal, and 34.6 minutes a game. Williams will definitely have the Jazz contending for a title in years to come.

#3- Brandon Roy

CHICAGO - JANUARY 12: Brandon Roy #7 of the Portland Trail Blazers moves against Ben Gordon #7 of the Chicago Bulls on January 12, 2009 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Trail Blazers defeated the Bulls 109-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ac

Drafted 6th overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves and traded to the Portland TrailBlazers, Brandon Roy has become one of the best all around players in the NBA today. Roy has one of the best basketball I.Q.'s around and combined with his athleticism, he is nearly unstoppable. Roy is a solid defender, passer, shooter......basically he does everything well. With career averages of 19.4 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 36.9 minutes a game, Roy has the Blazers set for the future.

#2- Chris Paul

NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 21: Chris Paul #3 of the New Orleans Hornets drives around Brook Lopez #11 of the New Jersey Nets on January 21, 2009 at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Drafted 5th overall in 2005 by the New Orleans Hornets, CP3 took the league by storm and is regarded as the best point guard in the NBA today. With the passing ability of Magic Johnson and the quickness of Kenny Lofton on acid, Paul can get anywhere on the floor he wants. Your favorite Globetrotter wishes he could dribble half as good as Chris Paul. Surround him with Chandler, Peja, and the underrated David West and watch as he thrives, dishing the ball, and shooting short jumpers. Paul already has career averages of 18.8 points per game, 4.7 rebounds, 9.7 assists, 2.4 steals, and 36.9 minutes per game. Paul will continue to wow fans for years to come.

#1- Dwight Howard

PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 14: Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic wears a Superman cape during the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest on All-Star Saturday Night, part of 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend at US Airways Center on February 14, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER

Superman himself was drafted 1st overall in 2004 by the Orlando Magic. Howard has become one of the most popular players in the NBA and it is obvious why. With shoulders each the size of Nate Robinson and the athleticism of a shooting guard, Howard is more explosive around the rim than any center that has ever played the game. His thunderous dunks come in massive quantity as do his rebounds and blocks. He owns every aspect of the paint night in and night out. D12's career averages of 17.1 points per game, 12.5 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and a .567 field goal percentage only show a glimpse of how dominating he is. The Magic should be very proud of this once in a lifetime draft pick.

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