03 and 09 Draft

[JohnBoy65]

Was looking at recent drafts the other day. I think it's a general consensus that the 03 draft was one of the best drafts in league history, but take a look at the 09 draft. That draft was REALLY good. 3 of the top 10 picks had been floated around the MVP discussion since they've been drafted, and two (Curry and Harden) have legitimate chances to win it this year.

So my question, does this draft compare to the 03 draft?

[D.o.s.]

Not even close, IMO.

2009 has one potential Hall of Famer (Curry). 2003 has four near-locks.

[JohnBoy65]

Not even close, IMO.

2009 has one potential Hall of Famer (Curry). 2003 has four near-locks.

Fair point, but let's not forget, the 03 class has been in the league twice as long as the 09 class.

[D.o.s.]

That's true, and this is actually a pretty interesting idea (even if my own opinion is as stated already).

Here's how the Big Six (Wade Bosh James Curry Harden Anthony) measure up to each other statistically -- 2003 for their first six seasons, while Curry and Harden are until the present day:
http://bkref.com/tiny/C8eMP

Save Harden, this captures each player on his original team. Unfortunately, I don't have time to go through the awards and accolades for each.

[Donoghus]

Was looking at recent drafts the other day. I think it's a general consensus that the 03 draft was one of the best drafts in league history, but take a look at the 09 draft. That draft was REALLY good. 3 of the top 10 picks had been floated around the MVP discussion since they've been drafted, and two (Curry and Harden) have legitimate chances to win it this year.

So my question, does this draft compare to the 03 draft?

Does '09 compare to the '03 draft or does this upcoming '15 draft compare to it?

2003 was a generational draft much like 1984 was.  '09 is looking pretty solid but I couldn't put it on the same pedestal as '03.  You have 3-4 HOFers in that draft and another handful of all stars like David West, Kamen, Josh Howard.  Not to mention very solid role players who have stuck around the league for years like Hinrich, Collison, Diaw, Perkins, Barbosa, etc...

Then you have second round guys like Mo Williams & Kyle Korver who have both made all star teams.  Bonner, Steve Blake, Willie Green. 

'03 was a pretty special draft.  Once in a generation type.  I wouldn't put '09 in that category.

[JohnBoy65]

My point was does the '09 draft at all compare to the '03 draft?

Certainly can't argue the depth of the '03 draft, but look at these names also in the '09 draft

1st round:

Ricky Rubio
Tyreke Evens
Jordan Hill
DeMar DeRozan
Brandon Jennings
Gerald Henderson
Tyler Hansbrough
Jrue Holiday
Jeff Teague
Darren Collison
Taj Gibson

Then there are 2nd rounders like:
DeJuan Blair
Jonas Jerekbo (our favorite!!)
Jodie Meeks
Patrick Beverley
Marcus Thorton
Chase Budinger
Danny Green
Patty Mills

The more I look at it the more I think it's closer in comparison to the '03 draft.

 

[Donoghus]

'03 produced two guys who are (at least) in the top 5 at their respective positions ever.  (Lebron & Wade).

'09 can't say that.

[Moranis]

09 is definitely underrated

Tier 1 - Curry, Harden, Griffin
Tier 2 - Teague, Lawson, Jennings, DeRozan, Holiday
Tier 3 - Rubio, Gibson, Collison, Evans
Tier 4 -  Meeks, Carroll, Green, Hill, Thornton

Pretty solid draft overall.  6 guys have already made all star teams (Tier 1 guys and Teague, Holiday, and DeRozan).  The "tier 1" guys all appear headed to the HOF and all certainly could win the MVP (I expect Harden to win this year).  Lawson and Jennings look like potential all stars.  There are also quite a few other players not even listed with solid NBA careers (like Hansbrough, Jerekbo, Blair, Beverly, Cunningham).


That said Lebron James is the greatest player of his era and one of the greatest ever.  Wade, Bosh, and Anthony are sure-fire HOFers.  5 other players from the 2003 draft have made all star teams (West, Kaman, Howard, Korver, and Williams).  A number of other players had multiple seasons of being starters and/or key contributors to good teams (Perkins, Pachulia, Diaw, Hinrich, Bonner, Collison, Blake, Pietrus, etc.). 


Also, I'm not really sure 2009 is even better than 2010 (another underrated draft).  George, Wall, Cousins, Monroe, Favors, Hayward, Bledsoe, Stephenson, Davis, Turner, Bradley, Booker, Vasquez, Fields, Patterson, etc. (even Larry Sanders was in this draft).  Heck who can forget Hassan Whiteside and his miraculous season.  Still a bit early on this one, but George was a MVP candidate last year, Wall is one of the best PG's in the game, Cousins is the best center in the game, and Monroe, Favors, Bledsoe, Hayward, and Stephenson all have all star potential. 

[D.o.s.]

As it stands right now I'm not sure Paul George has a leg on his competition.