Not all NBA Draft classes are created equal.
Some years contain multiple All-Stars, All-NBA Players, or even Hall of Fame members.
While others may only have the occasional role player amongst the prospect pool.
With the 2021 NBA draft occurring recently, let’s look back at some of the best draft classes since the turn of the century.
Top picks since the start of 2000 include future Hall of Famers like Dwight Howard and LeBron James.
But they also include infamous busts like Kwame Brown and Anthony Bennett.
The 2018, 2019, and 2020 drafts were not considered due to lack of review time.
None of these players have played more than three seasons.
These drafts have produced some high-end talent but will need more time to develop.
Here are the three best draft classes since the year 2000.
3. 2011
This was mostly a toss up between this year and 2012.
2011 gets the nod because of the depth this class offers on top of the star power.
The class is headlined by superstars Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, and Jimmy Butler.
It also includes stars like Kemba Walker, Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris, Isaiah Thomas, and Klay Thompson.
These star players have combined for six NBA Titles, two Finals MVPs, 16 All-NBA Selections, and 30 All-Star Appearances.
Leonard is arguably the greatest two-way wing in the league.
He has developed into a consistent 25 point-per-game scorer while continuously making All-Defensive teams.
Kyrie hit one of the biggest shots in NBA Finals history and is one of the greatest pure scorers to ever play in the NBA.
Why Kyrie Irving’s late 3-pointer in Game 7 was the most clutch shot in NBA history https://t.co/hcRkoxcUjD via @WSJSports pic.twitter.com/uJJgEgk8Xr
— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) December 20, 2016
The star power speaks for itself, but this draft offered talent from top to bottom.
Notable role players include Jonas Valanciunas, Reggie Jackson, Enes Kanter, the Morris twins, Davis Bertans, Cory Joseph, Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks, Tristan Thompson, and E’Twaun Moore.
All those guys are still in the league with some playing key roles on playoff teams.
Deciding between 2011 and 2012 is splitting hairs.
2011 gets mentioned here for its star power and quality depth from top to bottom.
2. 2009
This year was a guarantee to make the list.
While not as deep of a draft as other years, the star power at the top shines bright.
2009 is headlined by James Harden, Steph Curry, and Blake Griffin.
Three mega-stars that have combined for three NBA Titles, three MVPs, 19 All-NBA Selections, and 22 All-Star appearances.
Harden and Curry are generational offensive talents.
Their gravity bends defenses, and they have been the driving force behind some of the greatest offenses in NBA history.
The rockets are creating some separation for best nba offense ever pic.twitter.com/N9iFqzWAOI
— LebronJamesHarden™️ (@LBJamesHarden) March 21, 2018
While Griffin is no longer the player he used to be, he was one of the biggest stars during his prime.
His athleticism and highlight dunks made him and Lob City must-see television.
Griffin has also re-styled his game to remain an effective player as a stretch four.
The stars are bright in this class, but there is also some depth behind them.
Jrue Holiday just won his first NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks.
DeMar DeRozan is a talented scorer who has developed into a quality ball handler.
Danny Green, Jeff Teague, Darren Collison, Ricky Rubio, Patrick Beverly, Patty Mills, and Wayne Ellington are quality role players for teams across the league.
Green, Teague, and Mills are all NBA Champs as well.
2009 may not have the depth of other years, but the star power at the top of the class is undeniable.
1. 2003
This one was a no-brainer.
2003 is one of the greatest draft classes of all time, not just of the 2000’s.
Which NBA draft class was the BEST? 🤔👇
2021 NBA Draft is Thursday at 8 ET on ESPN/ABC 📺 pic.twitter.com/6OEdAS6JIW
— ESPN (@espn) July 29, 2021
It was of course headlined by LeBron James, arguably the greatest player to ever step foot on the NBA hardwood.
But the talent doesn’t stop there.
Joining LeBron in the top five were Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh.
Four players who combine for nine NBA Titles, four MVPs, 32 All-NBA Selections, and 51 All-Star Appearances.
All four are locks for the Hall of Fame, with Bosh already being a member.
Their resumes speak for themselves as all four are incredibly talented players who contributed to winning basketball teams.
The superstar talent dries up after those four, but guys with quality NBA careers are still found throughout the draft.
David West, Kyle Korver, Boris Diaw, Kirk Hinrich, and Mo Williams all played significant roles on multiple teams.
Other guys like Josh Howard, Leandro Barbosa, Luke Ridnour, James Jones, Nick Collison, Zaza Pachulia, Kendrick Perkins, and Chris Kaman played for a decade or longer.
The 2003 draft class will go down in history because of the four Hall of Fame players that were taken in the top five.
James alone would have given merit to this draft class, but he does not stand alone.
It will go down as one of the greatest draft classes in NBA history.
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