Re-Drafting All NBA Drafts from This Decade into One Mega Draft

The lockout has bummed us all out, and we've all looked for ways to pass the time until negotiations are settled. So I recently had an idea, and decided to make it into a fun article.

People have re-drafted certain drafts to see who should have been taken where and so forth. However, no one has done what I'm about to do. 

What if all the NBA drafts from 2000 to 2011 were mixed to make one giant MEGA DRAFT. We'd be able to see what players teams would take if every player starting from the 2000 draft was available. It's basically a giant free agency, but with a stipulation on the requirement of which players are available. 

Before we get started, there are a couple ground rules I want to establish.

1. I'm going to write about the players as if they were teams were scouting them, however I reserve the right to refer to present tense. I'll be going back and forth, and so I don't want there to be confusion.

2. Players are going to be the age they were when they were up for the draft. So for example, Pau Gasol won't be 31, but rather 21.

3. Players that have been playing longer will have the advantage over players with shorter careers. So taking the last example. Even though Pau Gasol is 21, we've seen his play until now when he's 31 so that's basically his potential. A player like John Wall, on the other hand, has only played one season and we don't know his potential, so I'll try to do my best to speculate accurately.

4. Certain positions are usually favored over others on draft day, so you may see point guards and big men higher up on the list since they are a more of a commodity than swingmen.

5. This is NOT a list ranking the best players from 2000, but rather a list of who teams would draft and at what spot they would draft them.  

Ok, that's it. Let's get started.

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30. Gerald Wallace

"Crash" is one of the best swingmen in the game.

Any team looking for a defensive-minded wing with a decent offensive game should look no further than Gerald Wallace.

A monster rebounder for his position (Averaged 10.0 rebounds a game in 2009-10 season), Wallace is also one of the more effective slashers in the league. Not to mention his terrific defensive abilities, as he's averaged two steals and a blocks for many seasons in a row.

Wallace would a steal at the back-end of this draft. 

29. Monta Ellis

Scorers that play no defense tend to come plenty in the NBA (i.e. Stephen Jackson, John Salmons etc)

Which is why Monta Ellis finds himself near the end of the first round. An elite scorer (8th in the league in scoring last year with 24.1 points per game) with a no defense mentality, Ellis' scoring doesn't usually tend to lead his team to wins.

Also at 6'3", Ellis is a bit undersized to play the 2-guard in the NBA, and teams would take note of that and risk having their starting SG get lit up every night.

Monta Ellis is a fine player and all, but at some point, he's going to have to learn to play defense if he wants to take his game to the next level.

28. David Lee

A very solid power forward with a high motor and terrific rebounding skills, Lee has made a living crashing the boards in the league. He'll be one of the many all rebound/no defense forwards that we'll see in this draft.

Lee was underwhelming with the Warriors this past season, as he certainly wasn't the low-post threat they thought they'd invested in. For that reason, Lee seems to be a bit overrated big man. Don't get me wrong, he's a great rebounder with a soft touch from 12-15 feet, but expecting him to do much more is setting yourself up for failure.

His statistics with the Knicks are a bit deceiving seeing as how he was largely a product of Mike D'Antoni's "All Offense/No Defense" system.

27. Carlos Boozer

We'll continue with the no defense trend and say that teams looking for a 20/10 power forward who couldn't guard a fly should look no further than Carlos Boozer.

An elite scorer on the block, as well as an highly-effective rebounder, Boozer has only shown up on one side of the scoreboard. His defensive abilities are pretty pathetic, but being a big man, and the fact that 20/10 scorers are hard to find, Boozer would still be taken in this draft. 

Teams looking to draft Boozer should be given a warning: Injury prone power forward, draft at your own risk.

26. Al Horford

Dominant centers are the dinosaurs of the NBA. A dying breed that's all but extinct.

Even though Horford has been said to be a far more effective power forward, he plays center for the Hawks so that's what I'll list him as.

Horford isn't anywhere close to a dominating center, but outside of Dwight Howard, he's as good as you can get at the center position. He's got a nice mid-range game and can occasionally score with his back to the basket.

Big men are a commodity in this draft so the team that ends up with Horford here would be lucky to have the highly-skilled Dominican.

25. Brandon Roy

I didn't know where to put Brandon Roy, really.

I gave it some thought and realized that if teams were told of Roy's knee problems prior to being drafted, I feel as if he would take a major free-fall (sort of like DeJuan Blair did back in '08 draft due to his knees). If it wasn't for the knees (or should I say no-knees) Roy would be near the top of this stacked draft.

Again, when healthy, Roy is an elite scorer that can put teams on his back and carry them to the finish line. When healthy, Roy is one of the best 2-guards in the game, who can light it up from just about anywhere. He can come through in the clutch and play the point for team at times. At 6'6", he's also got great size for a shooting guard.

Again, all this is only when healthy. It's sad but it's true. Teams willing to take a risk on Roy would look long and hard at his injury concerns.

24. Rudy Gay

Rudy Gay is one of those scoring forwards that come often and in plenty.

Teams won't be fighting each other for Rudy Gay's services, but he's an emerging player to say the least. 

Gay possesses incredible athleticism and is a potent offensive threat. His game is improving each year, and he's a good second scoring option on a solid team. Gay certainly isn't a franchise changer, but he's a difference maker and can be the cornerstone to a franchise.

23. Danny Granger

Similar to Gay, Granger is largely a great wing scorer. He's one of the more underrated players in the league. He would be a great first option on a weak team, but would make an even better second option on a contending team. Scoring is what Granger does well.  

However, the list pretty much ends there because Granger is either average or below average in all other statistical categories. Defensively, he isn't that great either. He lacks leadership abilities and intangibles.

Still, he's a near elite scorer and teams looking for a high-scoring wing would do well by drafting Granger. However, don't expect much more.

22. Tony Parker

Parker is the first of what will be a draft filled with superb point guards.

However, unlike the ones you'll find later on in this list, Parker isn't a franchise player by any means. Still, he's a very solid floor general who's a little bit more adept to the scoring side. He can provide a scoring punch at the point for teams that lack scoring in their backcourt.

Parker is also a viable defensive player who can help anchor a solid defensive team. He's a solid choice at the point guard spot, and can be a cornerstone for whatever franchise drafts him.

21. Zach Randolph

Another big who's going to attract teams with his massive 6'9" 260 lbs frame.

Randolph is in the second tier of big men in the league who's looking to make the jump into the elite league of bigs. Already an established low post threat with a solid jumper, Randolph is also a terrific rebounder and an improving defensive talent.

Teams craving for some low-post scoring could use a little Z-Bo.

20. Eric Gordon

Easily one of the most underrated guards in the association, Gordon is a player with loads of potential.

He's an emerging scoring threat who you can lock for 20+ points each night. He's also rounding out the other parts of his game as he's an improving passer and rebounder. Also a tremendous three-point shooter, Gordon can absolutely light it up from the outside.

He may seem like nothing more than a scorer, but Gordon's got massive potential and will attract many teams for his services.

19. Joe Johnson

Joe "Cool" went under the radar for most of his career until he got the fat paycheck this past offseason. I'm on the same boat as the public stating that he clearly isn't worth the money. But throwing that all out the window and just observing Johnson from a basketball standpoint, you can't ignore his talents.

Johnson is a smooth, skilled offensive threat who has range from virtually anywhere on the court. He would give teams interested in him a suitable 2-guard with solid size and skill.

He's a prototypical 20-point scorer, and teams looking for someone to stretch out the floor and put points on the board can look no further than Joe Johnson.

18. Tyreke Evans

Tyreke Evans went virtually unheard of last year as he was dealing with serious injury issues. He had to take a back seat to other young superstars. But make no mistake about it, Evans is special in every which way.

First and foremost, Evans is a big guard who can utilize his physical strengths to bully his opponents. Due to that, he's a terrific slasher and scorer. He does tend to isolate his plays more often than not, but only because he's using his strengths.

Evans has something teams love in NBA drafts—potential. He may not have a set position, but he'll be a special player regardless.

17. Kevin Love

Teams looking for a hard-nosed rebounder with range on his shot should look no further than Kevin Love.

Love is an absolute beast on the boards and cleans the glass just like Mr. Clean. However, the most surprising part about his game is his shooting ability. Love can hit the long ball with consistency, and provides an offensive threat to go along with his rebounding prowess.

Defensively, he can improve immensely, but he's got many years to fix that and is absolutely filled with potential. Think Dennis Rodman, but with a jump shot. Scary.

16. Lamarcus Aldridge

A vastly underrated power forward, LaMarcus Aldridge has not gotten the recognition he deserves.

With the spotlight on him, Aldridge was able to man the ship in Portland and become a nightly 20/10 threat. He's got great footwork, terrific agility for a big, an effective jump hook and a smooth 15-foot jumper.

He's a highly-polished offensive big, which is rare in today's NBA. That alone will make teams go gaga over Aldridge. 

Defensively, Aldridge is improving and can be a force at the power forward spot for years to come.

15. Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo is in the upper echelon of point guards in the league. He's got virtually every point guard skill down to a tee except for one—a basic jump shot.

Teams looking to draft the defensive point guard should be aware of his offensive liabilities and his atrocious shooting. If the team Rondo gets drafted to has multiple offensive options, then he'll thrive. But if he's put in a situation where he is a top scoring option, look for Rondo to struggle.

Overall, Rondo is an elite point guard who just needs to improve his shooting to round out his game.

14. John Wall

John Wall gets the nod over Rondo for a couple reasons.

I believe Wall has much more potential than Rondo, as he'll become one of the top point guards in the league in no time. His shooting, unlike Rondo's, can easily be fixed and will come in due time similar to Derrick Rose.

Wall is an absolute freak in the open court, and can change direction and speed better than anyone not named Derrick Rose. If his team has athletes, Wall can throw lobs all day long.

13. Russell Westbrook

Similar to Tony Parker, if you team needs scoring at the one spot, then Russell Westbrook is your guy.

Just don't put another No. 1 option alongside the former UCLA point guard, as Westbrook is going to have some Batman/Robin issues. In the end, though, Westbrook is a very explosive point guard who drives to the basket with reckless abandonment, and can draw fouls.

His jump shot is a work in progress, and his defense certainly isn't elite, but it's improving. Westbrook is already one of the better point guards in the game, and will continue to get better no matter where he plays.

12. Chris Bosh

Bosh took a lot of scrutiny this past season for being soft and overrated, however, the lefty power forward is still one of the best bigs the league has to offer. Teams looking for a skilled four will be more than happy to land Bosh. 

Bosh has a soft touch on his jumper, and has made the mid-range jumper his bread and butter. His defense is a bit suspect, but he can hold his own when he wants to. Bosh has an effective post game when he decides to utilize it, and while he may not be a No. 1 option, he can still be the nightly 20/10 threat he was in Toronto.

11. Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol is one of the elite power forwards in the league.

Offensively, he may just be the most polished. He's got a great touch on his jumper, and has a refined offensive post game. He can back down his defender and throw up a nice little jump hook, or he can set out and hit a solid 12-15 footer. Just having the ability to throw the ball down to Gasol and having him go to work is a luxury. 

Gasol is also a solid rebounder and an adequate defender. He lacks toughness overall, but any team would be lucky to have one of the few lethal post scoring options in the league. 

10. Amar'e Stoudemire

Arguably the second best power forward in the league (Dirk Nowitzki is first of course). 

He's about as athletic of a big man you can find outside of Dwight Howard, and his offensive game is only second to Dirk Nowitzki's in terms of post players. He's known to finish off his plays with ferocious dunks and even has a solid mid-range jumper. Stoudemire is also one of the better pick-n-roll bigs in the association.

Teams looking for a scoring forward can do no better than Amar'e Stoudemire. Even though his defense leaves a lot to be desired, he's still a premier big man in the league.  

9. Carmelo Anthony

One of the best offensive talents in the league, Carmelo Anthony is an offensive nightmare. 

Players that have to guard Melo have trouble sleeping the night before. There isn't a single skill that Melo lacks offensively, as he can shoot it, drive it, post up, hit the long ball and deliver in the clutch. Simply put, if you can put the ball in Melo's hands, he will find a way to put it in the basket. His offensive skills alone are enough to attract teams. 

Defensively, Anthony isn't all that great, but it's more to do with desire to play defense than lack of skill. Still, you can't look past Anthony's offensive abilities and not drool over them.   

8. Deron Williams

The first actual franchise point guard in this draft, Deron Williams is an absolute steal for any team at the eighth spot. 

He's a game changer on the floor, and one of the best at his position. Williams is a big guard by nature, who is able to utilize his size to bully opposing point guards and find ways to score. Passing-wise, Williams is one of the very few point guards who truly averages 20 points and 10 assists as he did last season.

Simply put, Deron Williams can be the franchise player on a team, and if you can put a lethal scoring big next to him, then that team will be title contenders for years to come.  

7. Blake Griffin

I know what your thinking. How can Blake Griffin be this high already? 

One word—potential

Teams can drool all day long about Griffin's potential because it really is that high. An All-Star big man is a commodity in this league, but a franchise big man? Forget about it. The sky is the limit for the athletic freak we know as Blake Griffin. 

Very few can match this man athletically. He's already an absurdly good rebounder and a surprisingly decent passer. Defense is the only area which Griffin needs to catch up with to his other skills. He really is just a jump shot away from becoming unstoppable. 

6. Chris Paul

The best pure point guard in the league bar none. 

He's the epitome of the point guard position and can do both score and pass, and do them very well. An elite point guard by all standards, Paul is a franchise player. If the right team is put around Paul, they can easily become contenders because he is an absolute stud. 

One of the best passers in the game, Paul is as crafty with the basketball as they come. He is one of the few players that can truly make his teammates look better than they are (i.e. Tyson Chandler). Defensively, Paul is also elite.

He's got the whole package. 

5. Derrick Rose

Yes, Rose is ahead of Paul. For one reason and only reason only. 

Chris Paul is the better point guard but Derrick Rose is the better player. 

There is a difference.

The NBA MVP is an absolute can't miss in this draft. Another one of those franchise players, Rose is an absolute beast in every which way. Already one of the best slashers in the game, Rose can get to the cup better than any player not named LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. 

Athletically, no point guard can even touch him. Rose is also one of the quickest, fastest players both with and without the basketball in his hand. He can change direction and speed faster than you can say M-V-P. His jump shot has vastly improved, and he's added a three-point shot to his repertoire. Defensively, he's adequate while his passing is improving quickly. 

Derrick Rose is a game changer. Point. Blank. Period. 

4. Kevin Durant

I thought there was some debate as to who is the best scorer in the league, but after watching Durant tear it up in the summer league rec games, there is absolutely no question he is the best scorer in the game today. 

Durant should lead the league in shot attempts every year that he's in the league, because he's that elite of a scorer. Any shot Durant puts up has a very good chance of going in the basket. He can light it up from literally anywhere on the floor. He's got unlimited range due to this silky smooth jump shot. 

Durant is rounding out parts of his game, as he's becoming a solid rebounder and defender. However, his scoring is what truly separates him from the rest. At 6'9", he's also got great size and is the prototypical small forward in the league.

Teams looking for a franchise talent that can score the basketball would be lucky to have Kevin Durant on their team. He's that good. 

3. Dwyane Wade

Another Franchise player. 

Dwyane Wade really doesn't get enough credit for what he brings to the table. 

He is without a doubt, one of the most complete basketball players I've ever seen in this league. He can score inside, outside, block, steal, pass, rebound, defend and be clutch, all in one game, mind you. Wade is truly an elite slasher who can draw fouls with the best of them. 

At 6'4", Wade's got good size for the shooting guard position, and has an amazing vertical for someone his size. He's already shown he can lead a team to the championship, so if Dwyane Wade is your team's best player, you know your set. 

2. Dwight Howard

What do teams crave for more than anything in a draft? 

A franchise center to anchor their team. 

Look no further than the best center the league has to offer, Dwight Howard. The gap between Howard and the second best at his position is the biggest gap in talent of all five positions. There is just no way teams can pass on a big man the caliber of Howard. 

He's a complete monster standing at 6'11", built like a truck with shoulders the size of Volvo's. Howard is an elite defender and rebounder, actually he's arguably the best in the league in both categories. His offensive game is improving, slowly but surely. He's got a nice jump hook in there. Free throws are his one weakness, but then again, what big man doesn't struggle with free throws?

Howard isn't the second best player in the league, but teams love to draft a center, and he would be taken here without a doubt.   

1. Lebron James

Surprise, Surprise!

Ask any general manager who they would take with the first pick if all the NBA players were put in a draft. I'm guessing the overwhelming majority would say LeBron James. Actually, he would run away with the votes. 

Hate him all you want, but he's a once in a generation type player. The most complete player in the league today, and the best player on the planet.

James can do it all, and do it well.

At 6'8" and 240 lbs, James is also a physical specimen that can probably play all five positions. Meaning, he might as well be the most versatile player in the league, and the only threat to Oscar Robertson for being able to average a triple-double in a season. 

His ability to show up in the clutch has been suspect, but that's still no reason to ignore other parts of his game. 

No questions asked here. LeBron James is No. 1 without a doubt.