There's really 4 top prospects in that time. Duncan, Lebron and Shaq top the list (you can argue about the order). The 4th?
Greg Oden. While there were a few people talking about how KD would be great, most thought that Oden was going to be the next great big man of the league. 16 points, 10 boards and 3 blocks per game as a freshman. For cryin' out loud, he BEAT KD's time in the 3/4 court sprint. He'd have been the top pick in 2006 if not for the age limit. When the stage was biggest he was at his best, too. Look at the Vegas Reebok camp final game - he dominated. In Ohio State's loss to Florida in the NCAAs, against Al Horford AND Joakim Noah (both Juniors at the time) Oden went for 25/12 and 4 blocks. He came out with as much hype as anyone in recent years (and it's not his fault his body broke down).