2011 NBA Draft: Ranking The Draft Classes Of The Last 20 Seasons

Andy BaileyJun 7, 2018

With the possible exception of John Wall, the players from the 2010 NBA Draft class have not exceeded anyone's expectations.

If the rest of their careers resemble the way they've started, this draft class may go down as one of the worst we've seen.

To punctuate this point, I'll add the fact that the best rookie this year wasn't even drafted in 2010.

Obviously, there's still some time for these young players to develop, and I hope they will. As of right now, they're one of the worst draft classes of the last 20 years.

Let's see how the rest of the classes stack up...

20: 2000 Class

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Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

11 Dec 2001: Forward Kenyon Martin #6 of the New Jersey Nets dribbles the ball during the NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Nets defeated the Bulls 107-93. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Best Player: Hedo Turkoglu

Biggest Bust: Marcus Fizer

Best Surprise: Michael Redd

There really isn't one legitimate superstar in this entire crop. When I have to debate whether the top player from the group was Hedo Turkoglu or Kenyon Martin, you know that pool is shallow.

Who remembers the high hopes you had for this class? We all thought Kenyon Martin, Stromile Swift and Darius Miles would be beasts.

Marcus Fizer dominated at Iowa State, and Mateen Cleaves led Michigan State to a national title. Both of those players were out of the league shortly after the start of their sixth seasons.

If Kenyon Martin and Michael Redd could stay healthy, they may have been legitimate superstars. Unfortunately, the dreaded injury bug has been feasting on both of them for years.

Take a look at the picks from this draft for yourself. See if you disagree with their ranking as the worst draft class of the last 20 years.

First Round:

1: Kenyon Martin

2: Stromile Swift

3: Darius Miles

4: Marcus Fizer

5: Mike Miller

6: DerMarr Johnson

7: Chris Mihm

8: Jamal Crawford

9: Joel Przybilla

10: Keyon Dooling

11: Jerome Moiso

12: Etan Thomas

13: Courtney Alexander

14: Mateen Cleaves

15: Jason Collier

16: Hedo Turkoglu

17: Desmond Mason

18: Quentin Richardson

19: Jamaal Magloire

20: Speedy Claxton

21: Morris Peterson

22: Donnell Harvey

23: DeShawn Stevenson

24: Dalibor Bagaric

25: Jake Tsakalidis

26: Mamadou N'diaye

27: Primoz Brezec

28: Erick Barkley

29: Mark Madsen

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Marko Jaric, Jake Voskuhl, Eddie House, Michael Redd, Brian Cardinal

19: 1991 Class

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Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

7 Mar 1994: LARRY JOHNSON OF THE CHARLOTTE HORNETS AT THE FREE-THROW LINE.

Best Player: Larry Johnson

Biggest Bust: Mark Macon

Best Surprise: Rick Fox

Like a lot of the early 90s drafts, many of these guys were forgotten as a result of playing in the Jordan era (no one would know who Luc Longley was had he not played for the Bulls).

That being said, there are a few guys at the top of this first round that were great. Larry Johnson, Dikembe Mutombo and Steve Smith all had long and successful careers.

The first round also features a couple of solid role players like Dale Davis and Rick Fox.

As for notable second-rounders from this draft, I had to search the group with a fine-toothed comb to find someone for that part of this slide.

First Round:

1: Larry Johnson

2: Kenny Anderson

3: Billy Owens

4: Dikembe Mutombo

5: Steve Smith

6: Doug Smith

7: Luc Longley

8: Mark Macon

9: Stacey Augmon

10: Bison Dele

11: Terrell Brandon

12: Greg Anthony

13: Dale Davis

14: Rich King

15: Anthony Avent

16: Chris Gatling

17: Victor Alexander

18: Kevin Brooks

19: LaBradford Smith

20: John Turner

21: Eric Murdock

22: LeRon Ellis

23: Stanley Roberts

24: Rick Fox

25: Shaun Vandiver

26: Mark Randall

27: Pete Chilcutt

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Bobby Phills

18: 1993 Class

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Tim DeFrisco/Getty Images

13 Nov 1993: FORWARD CHRIS WEBBER OF THE GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS ON THE COURT DURING A GAME AGAINST THE NUGGETS IN DENVER, COLORADO.

Best Player: Chris Webber

Biggest Bust: Shawn Bradley

Best Surprise: Nick Van Exel

Outside of the top pick and a few solid players, this draft has a lot of no-names.

At one time, Chris Webber was one of the best power forwards in the NBA, and may one day be on his way to the Hall of Fame.

After him, the pickings from this class are pretty slim.

There are a few other solid players like Allan Houston, Jamal Mashburn and Isaiah Rider, but there also a lot of virtual no-names.

The third overall pick, Anfernee Hardaway, could've been truly elite if injuries hadn't derailed his career.

First Round:

1: Chris Webber

2: Shawn Bradley

3: Anfernee Hardaway

4: Jamal Mashburn

5: Isaiah Rider

6: Calbert Cheaney

7: Bobby Hurley

8: Vin Baker

9: Rodney Rogers

10: Lindsey Hunter

11: Allan Houston

12: George Lynch

13: Terry Dehere

14: Scott Haskin

15: Doug Edwards

16: Rex Walters

17: Greg Graham

18: Luther Wright

19: Acie Earl

20: Scott Burrell

21: James Robinson

22: Chris Mills

23: Ervin Johnson

24: Sam Cassell

25: Corie Blount

26: Geert Hammink

27: Malcolm Mackey

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Gheorghe Muresan, Nick Van Exel, Bryon Russell

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17: 2010 Class

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CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 08: John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards waits to play against the Charlotte Bobcats during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on January 8, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agr

Best Player: John Wall

Biggest Bust: To Be Determined

Best Surprise: Landry Fields

The verdict is still out on well, everybody in this year's draft class. So far, they've been underwhelming at best.

If I was forced to pick the biggest bust right now, I'd have to say Evan Turner. Right now, he just doesn't look cut out to compete on this level. However, he has plenty of time to prove me wrong.

Others who have not made as much of an impact as expected include: Greg Monroe, Gordon Hayward, and Derrick Favors (though in these players cases, you can easily blame that on a lack of minutes).

Take a look and tell me who else in this group can still become a star.

First Round:

1: John Wall

2: Evan Turner

3: Derrick Favors

4: Wesley Johnson

5: DeMarcus Cousins

6: Ekpe Udoh

7: Greg Monroe

8: Al-Farouq Aminu

9: Gordon Hayward

10: Paul George

11: Cole Aldrich

12: Xavier Henry

13: Ed Davis

14: Patrick Patterson

15: Larry Sanders

16: Luke Babbit

17: Kevin Seraphin

18: Eric Bledsoe

19: Avery Bradley

20: James Anderson

21: Craig Brackins

22: Elliot Williams

23: Trevor Booker

24: Damion James

25: Dominique Jones

26: Quincy Pondexter

27: Jordan Crawford

28: Greivis Vasquez

29: Daniel Orton

30: Lazar Hayward

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Landry Fields, Luke Harangody, Gary Neal

16: 2001 Class

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WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 31: Kwame Brown #5 of the Washington Wizards comes down with a rebound during the game against the Boston Celtics at MCI Center on October 31, 2002 in Washington, D.C. The Wizards won 114-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledg

Best Player: Pau Gasol

Biggest Bust: Kwame Brown

Best Surprise: Tony Parker

The top pick of the 2001 Draft may go down as the biggest bust of all-time.

The first pick is almost always looked at as a potential franchise-savior, and Kwame Brown obviously did not become that. He has some competition for biggest bust of all-time, but he's up there.

This class has a good amount of solid players who were taken later in the draft. Guys like Richard Jefferson, Zach Randolph, Gerald Wallace and Tony have exceeded the expectations of many.

There are a lot of solid role players in this bunch as well.

First Round:

1: Kwame Brown

2: Tyson Chandler

3: Pau Gasol

4: Eddy Curry

5: Jason Richardson

6: Shane Battier

7: Eddie Griffin

8: DeSagana Diop

9: Rodney White

10: Joe Johnson

11: Kedrick Brown

12: Vladimir Radmanovic

13: Richard Jefferson

14: Troy Murphy

15: Steven Hunter

16: Kirk Haston

17: Michael Bradley

18: Jason Collins

19: Zach Randolph

20: Brendan Haywood

21: Joseph Forte

22: Jeryl Sasser

23: Brandon Armstrong

24: Raul Lopez

25: Gerald Wallace

26: Samuel Dalembert

27: Jamaal Tinsley

28: Tony Parker

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Gilbert Arenas, Brian Scalabrine, Mehmet Okur, Earl Watson

15: 2006 Class

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 18: of the Toronto Raptors looks on before game action against the Denver Nuggets on November 18, 2006 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.The Nuggets won 117-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downlo

Best Player: LaMarcus Aldridge

Biggest Bust: Adam Morrison (by no fault of his own)

Best Surprise: Rajon Rondo

This draft had some gems, but it's also rife with disappointments.

Although I've argued that Adam Morrison never got a fair shot after the Bobcats, he's certainly produced less than a third overall pick should.

Other disappointments include Shelden Williams, Patrick O'Bryant and Mouhamed Sene.

But enough with the negatives, this year had some great players at the top and the bottom of the first round (and one in the second round).

I put Rondo in the slot for "Best Surprise" because I doubt anyone expected him to be putting up these kind of assist numbers, but you could easily make a case for Paul Millsap deserving that honor.

First Round:

1: Andrea Bargnani

2: LaMarcus Aldridge

3: Adam Morrison

4: Tyrus Thomas

5: Shelden Williams

6: Brandon Roy

7: Randy Foye

8: Rudy Gay

9: Patrick O'Bryant

10: Mouhamed Sene

11: J.J. Redick

12: Hilton Armstrong

13: Thabo Sefolosha

14: Ronnie Brewer

15: Cedric Simmons

16: Rodney Carney

17: Shawne Williams

18: Oleksiy Pecherov

19: Quincy Douby

20: Renaldo Balkman

21: Rajon Rondo

22: Marcus Williams

23: Josh Boone

24: Kyle Lowry

25: Shannon Brown

26: Jordan Farmar

27: Sergio Rodriguez

28: Maurice Ager

29: Mardy Collins

30: Joel Freeland

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Daniel Gibson, Paul Millsap

14: 2007 Class

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PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 19: Greg Oden #52 of the Portland Trail Blazers rests during the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Rose Garden on November 6, 2008 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading

Best Player: Kevin Durant

Biggest Bust: Brandan Wright

Best Surprise: Marc Gasol

The biggest discussion of this draft will always be Oden going before Durant. With the benefit of hindsight, it's easy for all of us to say we would've taken Durant.

However, if we put ourselves in the position of the Blazers brass of the time, we might understand how enticing the prospect of a potential franchise center can be.

Outside of those two, this class has also produced several solid players who may still be on the rise.

Guys like Al Horford, Jeff Green, Nick Young, Wilson Chandler and Aaron Brooks could all be all-stars at some point in there careers (Horford could be this season).

First Round:

1: Greg Oden

2: Kevin Durant

3: Al Horford

4: Mike Conley

5: Jeff Green

6: Yi Jianlian

7: Corey Brewer

8: Brandan Wright

9: Joakim Noah

10: Spencer Hawes

11: Acie Law

12: Thaddeus Young

13: Julian Wright

14: Al Thornton

15: Rodney Stuckey

16: Nick Young

17: Sean Williams

18: Marco Belinelli

19: Javaris Crittenton

20: Jason Smith

21: Daequan Cook

22: Jared Dudley

23: Wilson Chandler

24: Rudy Fernandez

25: Morris Almond

26: Aaron Brooks

27: Arron Afflalo

28: Tiago Splitter

29: Alando Tucker

30: Petteri Koponen

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Carl Landry, Glen Davis, Marc Gasol, Ramon Sessions

13: 1992 Class

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Tim DeFrisco/Getty Images

1992-1993: Center Shaquille O''Neal of the Orlando Magic looks on during a game against the Denver Nuggets at McNichols Arena in Denver, Colorado. Mandatory Credit: Tim DeFrisco /Allsport Mandatory Credit: Tim DeFrisco /Allsport

Best Player: Shaquille O'Neal

Biggest Bust: Adam Keefe

Best Surprise: Latrell Sprewell

This year gave the league some elite big men.

Christian Laettner and Tom Gugliotta were both very solid for a time, and Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning will both be in the Hall of Fame.

After that, there are a few solid players like LaPhonso Ellis, Latrell Sprewell and Bryant Stith, but not much else.

The dominance of Shaq brings this group's rank up a bit, but they're certainly not top 10.

Take a look at the picks, and tell me if you think they belong higher than where they are.

First Round:

1: Shaquille O'Neal

2: Alonzo Mourning

3: Christian Laettner

4: Jim Jackson

5: LaPhonso Ellis

6: Tom Gugliotta

7: Walt Williams

8: Todd Day

9: Clarence Weatherspoon

10: Adam Keefe

11: Robert Horry

12: Harold Miner

13: Bryant Stith

14: Malik Sealy

15: Anthony Peeler

16: Randy Woods

17: Doug Christie

18: Tracy Murray

19: Don MacLean

20: Hubert Davis

21: Jon Barry

22: Oliver Miller

23: Lee Mayberry

24: Latrell Sprewell

25: Elmore Spencer

26: Dave Johnson

27: Byron Houston

Notable 2nd Round Picks: P.J. Brown

12: 1995 Class

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Todd Warshaw/Getty Images

3 Dec 1997: Forward Joe Smith of the Golden State Warriors looks to pass the ball during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during a game at the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California. The Cavaliers won the game 95-67.

Best Player: Kevin Garnett

Biggest Bust: Joe Smith

Best Surprise: Theo Ratliff

This class features a few great players, and a lot of flops.

Kevin Garnett is a surefire Hall of Famer, and Antonio McDyess, Jerry Stackhouse, Michael Finley and several others were all stars at one time.

There are also several solid role players to be found in this class (including the top pick).

Rasheed Wallace and Damon Stoudamire may end up being known for their attitudes and their place among the "JailBlazers", but they were both very talented players.

Check out the picks of 1995 and see if you agree with where I've ranked them.

First Round:

1: Joe Smith

2: Antonio McDyess

3: Jerry Stackhouse

4: Rasheed Wallace

5: Kevin Garnett

6: Bryant Reeves

7: Damon Stoudamire

8: Shawn Respert

9: Ed O'Bannon

10: Kurt Thomas

11: Gary Trent

12: Cherokee Parks

13: Corliss Williamson

14: Eric Williams

15: Brent Barry

16: Alan Henderson

17: Bob Sura

18: Theo Ratliff

19: Randolph Childress

20: Jason Caffey

21: Michael Finley

22: George Zidek

23: Travis Best

24: Loren Meyer

25: David Vaughn

26: Sherell Ford

27: Mario Bennett

28: Greg Ostertag

29: Cory Alexander

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Eric Snow

11: 2002 Class

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Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 24: Yao Ming #11 of the Houston Rockets is defended by Zhizhi Wang #16 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the game at Staples Center on November 24, 2002 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won 90-89. NOTE TO USER: User expr

Best Player: Amare Stoudemire

Biggest Bust: Nikoloz Tskitishvili

Best Surprise: Carlos Boozer

Arguably the best player in this draft came out of the second round. What does that tell you about the first round?

Well, that it wasn't great. However, it wasn't terrible either.

When Yao Ming was healthy, was easily one of the best centers in the NBA. He was probably the best player over 7'3" in history. It's unfortunate we may never see him play again.

There are a couple of real superstars in this bunch, and a handful of guys who had one or two good seasons.

First Round:

1: Yao Ming

2: Jay Williams

3: Mike Dunleavy

4: Drew Gooden

5: Nikoloz Tskitishvili

6: Dajuan Wagner

7: Nene Hilario

8: Chris Wilcox

9: Amare Stoudemire

10: Caron Butler

11: Jared Jeffries

12: Melvin Ely

13: Marcus Haislip

14: Fred Jones

15: Bostjan Nachbar

16: Jiri Welsch

17: Juan Dixon

18: Curtis Borchardt

19: Ryan Humphrey

20: Kareem Rush

21: Qyntel Woods

22: Casey Jacobsen

23: Tayshaun Prince

24: Nenad Krstic

25: Frank Williams

26: John Salmons

27: Chris Jefferies

28: Dan Dickau

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Roger Mason, Carlos Boozer, Matt Barnes, Rasual Butler, Luis Scola

10: 1998 Class

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Todd Warshaw/Getty Images

16 Feb 1999: Michael Olowokandi #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers looks on during the game against the Vancouver Grizzles at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, California. The Grizzles defeated the Clippers 93-89.

Best Player: Dirk Nowitzki

Biggest Bust: Michael Olowokandi

Best Surprise: Rashard Lewis

This class features a serious contender for biggest bust of all-time. After that, there are several superstars and even a few future Hall of Famers.

Michael Olowokandi is obviously the biggest bust in this group, and many would argue he is the biggest bust of all-time.

Mike Bibby, Antawn Jamison, Vince Carter and Al Harrington have all had very good careers. Plus, Dirk Nowitzki and Paul Pierce will almost certainly be in the Hall of Fame one day.

This year also had one of the best second rounds of the last 20 years.

First Round:

1: Michael Olowokandi

2: Mike Bibby

3: Raef LaFrentz

4: Antawn Jamison

5: Vince Carter

6: Robert Traylor

7: Jason Williams

8: Larry Hughes

9: Dirk Nowitzki

10: Paul Pierce

11: Bonzi Wells

12: Michael Doleac

13: Keon Clark

14: Michael Dickerson

15: Matt Harpring

16: Bryce Drew

17: Rasho Nesterovic

18: Mirsad Turkcan

19: Pat Garrity

20: Roshown McLeod

21: Ricky Davis

22: Brian Skinner

23: Tyronn Lue

24: Felipe Lopez

25: Al Harrington

26: Sam Jacobsen

27: Vladimir Stepania

28: Corey Benjamin

29: Nazr Mohammed

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Ruben Patterson, Rashard Lewis, Rafer Alston, Cuttino Mobley

9: 1997 Class

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Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

4 Nov 1997: Center Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during a game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won the game, 87-83. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport

Best Player: Tim Duncan

Biggest Bust: Tony Battie

Best Surprise: Stephen Jackson

1997's draft featured one of the greatest forwards of all-time. Tim Duncan has led his team to four championships.

He also finished in the top ten in MVP voting in each of his first 11 seasons. There is no doubt he'll be in the Hall of Fame.

The guy selected after him had a fantastic start to his career, but for some reason, basically fell off the NBA map after a few years.

Other players from this draft who have had great careers include Chauncey Billups, Tracy McGrady and Stephen Jackson.

First Round:

1: Tim Duncan

2: Keith Van Horn

3: Chauncey Billups

4: Antonio Daniels

5: Tony Battie

6: Ron Mercer

7: Tim Thomas

8: Adonal Foyle

9: Tracy McGrady

10: Danny Fortson

11: Tariq Abdul-Wahad

12: Austin Croshere

13: Derek Anderson

14: Maurice Taylor

15: Kelvin Cato

16: Brevin Knight

17: Johnny Taylor

18: Chris Anstey

19: Scott Pollard

20: Paul Grant

21: Anthony Parker

22: Ed Gray

23: Bobby Jackson

24: Rodrick Rhodes

25: John Thomas

26: Charles Smith

27: Jacque Vaughn

28: Keith Booth

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Stephen Jackson

8: 2004 Class

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Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

WAHINGTON - NOVEMBER 10: Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic is seen on the court during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 10, 2004 at the MCI Center in Washington D.C. The Wizards won 106-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowled

Best Player: Dwight Howard

Biggest Bust: Rafael Araujo

Best Surprise: Kevin Martin

So far, this class has only produced one legitimate superstar.

However, they have produced a strong group of players who have become major contributors for their team.

Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, Devin Harris, Al Jefferson and Andre Iguodala have all been the best players on their teams at some point in their careers.

You can also add Kevin Martin to that list, who is also the best surprise of this draft. He has developed into one of the best pure scorers in the NBA.

All that, plus Dwight Howard will go down as one of the greatest rebounders of all-time.

First Round:

1: Dwight Howard

2: Emeka Okafor

3: Ben Gordon

4: Shaun Livingston

5: Devin Harris

6: Josh Childress

7: Luol Deng

8: Rafael Araujo

9: Andre Iguodala

10: Luke Jackson

11: Andris Biedrins

12: Robert Swift

13: Sebastian Telfair

14: Kris Humphries

15: Al Jefferson

16: Kirk Snyder

17: Josh Smith

18: J.R. Smith

19: Dorell Wright

20: Jameer Nelson

21: Pavel Podkolzin

22: Viktor Khryapa

23: Sergei Monia

24: Delonte West

25: Tony Allen

26: Kevin Martin

27: Sasha Vujacic

28: Beno Udrih

29: David Harrison

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Anderson Varejao, Chris Duhon, Trevor Ariza

7: 1994 Class

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Al Bello/Getty Images

7 Feb 1995: Forward Glenn Robinson of the Milwaukee Bucks stands on the court during a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. The Knicks won the game 95-87.

Best Player: Jason Kidd

Biggest Bust: Sharone Wright

Best Surprise: Wesley Person

This year features a fantastic top three.

Glenn Robinson was great for years, and Grant Hill and Jason Kidd are both all-time greats and future Hall of Famers.

The two players selected second and third respectively, were engaged in one of the best Rookie of the Year races ever during the 1994-1995 season.

They wound up sharing the award that year.

Other solid players from this group include Eddie Jones, Jalen Rose and Wesley Person.

First Round:

1: Glenn Robinson

2: Jason Kidd

3: Grant Hill

4: Donyell Marshall

5: Juwan Howard

6: Sharone Wright

7: Lamond Murray

8: Brian Grant

9: Eric Montross

10: Eddie Jones

11: Carlos Rogers

12: Khalid Reeves

13: Jalen Rose

14: Yinka Dare

15: Eric Piatkowski

16: Clifford Rozier

17: Aaron McKie

18: Eric Mobley

19: Tony Dumas

20: B.J. Tyler

21: Dickey Simpkins

22: Bill Curley

23: Wesley Person

24: Monty Williams

25: Greg Minor

26: Charlie Ward

27: Brooks Thompson

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Howard Eisley, Voshon Lenard

6: 1999 Class

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Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

26 Oct 1999: Elton Brand #42 of the Chicago Bulls gestures during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT

Best Player: Manu Ginobili

Biggest Bust: Jonathan Bender

Best Surprise: Manu Ginobili

The best player in this class was a second-rounder, but there are some solid players in the first round as well.

During his time in Chicago and Los Angeles, Elton Brand was one of the best power forwards in the NBA. He was a very consistent 20 and 10 guy for years.

Steve Francis and Baron Davis were both considered to be among the league's best point guards, and Lamar Odom is considered to be one of the most versatile players in the league today.

That rounds out the top four. Some other good players from this draft include Wally Sczcerbiak, Richard Hamilton, Andre Miller, Shawn Marion... well, you can see for yourself.

First Round:

1: Elton Brand

2: Steve Francis

3: Baron Davis

4: Lamar Odom

5: Jonathan Bender

6: Wally Sczerbiak

7: Richard Hamilton

8: Andre Miller

9: Shawn Marion

10: Jason Terry

11: Trajan Langdon

12: Aleksandar Radojevic

13: Corey Maggette

14: William Avery

15: Frederic Weis

16: Ron Artest

17: Cal Bowdler

18: James Posey

19: Quincy Lewis

20: Dion Glover

21: Jeff Foster

22: Kenny Thomas

23: Devean George

24: Andrei Kirilenko

25: Tim James

26: Vonteego Cummings

27: Jumaine Jones

28: Scott Padgett

29: Leon Smith

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Manu Ginobili

5: 2005 Class

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LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 15: Andrew Bogut #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks stands on the court in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on November 15, 2005 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

Best Player: Chris Paul

Biggest Bust: Sean May

Best Surprise: Monta Ellis

The 2005 NBA Draft may be remembered for having one of the best second rounds in history, but it was the first round that was truly loaded.

Within the first five picks, this class features three of the top 10 guards in the league, and one of the top five centers.

The 10th overall pick was Andrew Bynum, who could also be considered one of the top centers in the NBA.

A few picks later, the Indiana Pacers selected Danny Granger. He quickly became the team's franchise player and was a big contender for my choice of best surprise in this class.

Getting back to the second round of this draft, this year features at least nine players who are regular rotation players on their team right now.

First Round:

1: Andrew Bogut

2: Marvin Williams

3: Deron Williams

4: Chris Paul

5: Raymond Felton

6: Martell Webster

7: Charlie Villanueva

8: Channing Frye

9: Ike Diogu

10: Andrew Bynum

11: Fran Vasquez

12: Yaroslav Korolev

13: Sean May

14: Rashad McCants

15: Antoine Wright

16: Joey Graham

17: Danny Granger

18: Gerald Green

19: Hakim Warrick

20: Julius Hodge

21: Nate Robinson

22: Jarrett Jack

23: Francisco Garcia

24: Luther Head

25: Johan Petro

26: Jason Maxiell

27: Linas Kleiza

28: Ian Mahinmi

29: Wayne Simien

30: David Lee

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Brandon Bass, C.J. Miles, Ersan Ilyasova, Ronny Turiaf, Monta Ellis, Lou Williams, Andray Blatche, Ryan Gomes, Marcin Gortat

4: 2009 Class

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 12: Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers scores on a layup against the Miami Heat at Staples Center on January 12, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by download

Best Player: Blake Griffin

Biggest Bust: Hasheem Thabeet

Best Surprise: Rodrigue Beaubois

Many of you will question this class's high ranking. Just hear me out. This class is loaded with talented guards, and a flying Clipper who is clearly the cream of this crop.

There are several point guards from this group who already possess starter level talent.

Tyreke Evans, Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, Jrue Holiday, Darren Collison and Rodrigue Beaubois all have what it takes to be successful in the NBA for years.

Plus, there are several others who are already key contributors for their teams in just their second seasons.

First Round:

1: Blake Griffin

2: Hasheem Thabeet

3: James Harden

4: Tyreke Evans

5: Ricky Rubio

6: Jonny Flynn

7: Stephen Curry

8: Jordan Hill

9: DeMar DeRozan

10: Brandon Jennings

11: Terrence Williams

12: Gerald Henderson

13: Tyler Hansbrough

14: Earl Clark

15: Austin Daye

16: James Johnson

17: Jrue Holiday

18: Ty Lawson

19: Jeff Teague

20: Eric Maynor

21: Darren Collison

22: Victor Claver

23: Omri Casspi

24: Byron Mullens

25: Rodrigue Beaubois

26: Taj Gibson

27: DeMarre Carroll

28: Wayne Ellington

29: Toney Douglas

30: Christian Eyenga

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Sam Young, DeJuan Blair, Jodie Meeks, Chase Budinger

3: 2008 Class

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Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - DECEMBER 17: Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls brings the ball upcourt against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 17, 2008 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agreees that, by downloading

Best Player: Derrick Rose

Biggest Bust: Joe Alexander

Best Surprise: Kevin Love

This group is loaded with freshman to NBA stars, and many of them are already making their mark on the league.

Many already consider Derrick Rose to be the best point guard in the NBA (fourth overall pick Russell Westbrook is also competing for that spot).

Kevin Love is leading the NBA in rebounding and almost everyone agrees he's the best in the league in that category.

Overall, there are around 15 guys from this draft that are already regular starters (and several of them are putting up huge numbers).

Also, like many drafts of the past five or six years, this one had a second round with plenty of solid players.

If you'll look through this draft, you'll start to realize this group may be taking over the NBA very soon (along with the 2009 class).

First Round:

1: Derrick Rose

2: Michael Beasley

3: O.J. Mayo

4: Russell Westbrook

5: Kevin Love

6: Danilo Gallinari

7: Eric Gordon

8: Joe Alexander

9: D.J. Augustin

10: Brook Lopez

11: Jerryd Bayless

12: Jason Thompson

13: Brandon Rush

14: Anthony Randolph

15: Robin Lopez

16: Marreese Speights

17: Roy Hibbert

18: JaVale McGee

19: J.J. Hickson

20: Alexis Ajinca

21: Ryan Anderson

22: Courtney Lee

23: Kosta Koufos

24: Serge Ibaka

25: Nicolas Batum

26: George Hill

27: Darrell Arthur

28: Donte Greene

29: D.J. White

30: J.R. Giddens

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Mario Chalmers, DeAndre Jordan, Luc Mbah a Moute, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Goran Dragic

2: 2003 Class

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Brian Bahr/Getty Images

DENVER - DECEMBER 2: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks during the game against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on December 2, 2003 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets won 115-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees tha

Best Player: LeBron James

Biggest Bust: Darko Milicic

Best Surprise: Mo Williams

The talent level in this year's top five picks is remarkable. There's a huge drop off after that.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have been two of the five best players in the world over the last few years, and Carmelo Anthony is probably a top ten NBA player.

There's also the third member of "The Heatles", Chris Bosh.

After that, there may not be a lot more real superstars, but there are plenty of role players who are key pieces to their teams.

I'm anticipating a big debate over whether or not this group truly deserves the top spot.

Many will say the 1996 class, but in 2003, two (possibly three) of the greatest players of all-time were drafted.

First Round:

1: LeBron James

2: Darko Milicic

3: Carmelo Anthony

4: Chris Bosh

5: Dwyane Wade

6: Chris Kaman

7: Kirk Hinrich

8: T.J. Ford

9: Mike Sweetney

10: Jarvis Hayes

11: Mickael Pietrus

12: Nick Collison

13: Marcus Banks

14: Luke Ridnour

15: Reece Gaines

16: Troy Bell

17: Zarko Cabarkapa

18: David West

19: Sasha Pavlovic

20: Dahntay Jones

21: Boris Diaw

22: Zoran Planinic

23: Travis Outlaw

24: Brian Cook

25: Carlos Delfino

26: Ndudi Ebi

27: Kendrick Perkins

28: Leandro Barbosa

29: Josh Howard

Notable 2nd Round Picks: Jason Kapono, Luke Walton, Steve Blake, Willie Green, Zaza Pachulia, Keith Bogans, Matt Bonner, Mo Williams, James Jones, Kyle Korver

1: 1996 Class

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Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

2 Nov 1996: Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers moves the ball up the court during a 115-86 loss to the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

Best Player: Kobe Bryant

Biggest Bust: Samaki Walker

Best Surprise: Kobe Bryant

People may have expected Kobe to be good, but there weren't many who thought he'd be one of the all-time greats 15 years after he was drafted.

That's why I selected him as not only this draft's best player, but also its best surprise.

This draft has four guys who will absolutely be in the Hall of Fame someday (Iverson, Allen, Nash and Bryant).

Plus, another player in Marcus Camby who may be one of the best rebounders in NBA history.

On top of all that, there are a few others who were legitimate superstars at one point or another during their careers.

First Round:

1: Allen Iverson

2: Marcus Camby

3: Shareef Abdur-Rahim