Post by GP on Nov 20, 2008 13:34:56 GMT -5
BBS Senior Writer
Galo Pesantes[/i]
As we enter the 15th season of BBS2000, there have certainly been finds and steals throughout all the groundbreaking drafts in this league. Some with bigger names than others and even some that came unheralded but became superstars. Here’s a countdown of the biggest BBS Draft Gems in the past 14 drafts:
10- Mike Dunleavy PG 15th pick overall Houston Rockets 2003 Draft
Rated originally as a shooting guard, Dunleavy had marginal buzz about him going into the ’03 draft. And why should he have? With a top-heavy draft including the likes of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh, Dunleavy took the backseat until he was finally taken in the middle of the first round by the Rockets. The result? Perhaps, one of the most consistent players ever in BBS history. Dunleavy has constantly kept his ratings high and been one of the league leaders in points, assists and three point percentage. Definitely would be a top 10 pick if GMs in this draft had a mulligan.
9- Maurice Williams PG 14th pick overall New York Knicks 2003 Draft
This happened to a highly stocked class of point guard but Williams like Dunleavy, was taken lower than some others taken before them (Kirk Hinrich, Leandro Barbosa, Jose Calderon, Luke Ridnour). Although most of those point guards are still effective, Williams was clog with the Knicks and Rockets for a very long time. Even on the decline now, the former Alabama star had a rare scoring ability and speed. Certainly, one of the most underrated players in BBS history as well.
8- Ike Diogu PF 29th pick overall Memphis Grizzlies 2005 Draft
Diogu came into the league with less than desirable ratings which made him drop all the way till the last pick in the first round in 05. However, a few TCs and RCs later, Diogu was a formidable presence in the post and one of the most underrated forwards to play in the league. His scoring got better with every season and rebounding from the small forward spot was also one of his specialties. Although never a defensive threat, Diogu still managed to be one of the gems of past drafts.
7- Paul Millsap PF 18th pick overall Los Angeles Lakers 2006 Draft
The Lakers struck it well under new management of Nanz with the selection of Millsap in 06. The forward from Louisiana generated little interest from GMs and dropped out of the lottery and into LA’s hands. Millsap eventually became a double double threat every night and is still one of the most consistent rebounders in the game. Even with an undersized frame, Millsap combines a powerful inside game with good rebounding and solid defense.
6- Luther Head PG 37th pick overall Dallas Mavericks 2005 Draft
Would the Mavs’ been able to win a championship without the help of this former Illini guard? Hard to say. But Head was certainly a huge pick-up for them back in 05. Since then, Head has racked up 145 double doubles, 2 triple doubles and has been named player of the week twice. Now at the age of 31, Head is still one of the best floor generals in the game despite his ratings.
5- Rodney Stuckey SG 15th pick overall Washington Wizards 2007 Draft
Jah has now made a career of picking great players in the middle of the first round. He started with Stuckey, who somehow dropped out of the lottery after some concerns in his draft profile. Since then, Stuckey has been one of the best defensive players in the league and one of its better shooters as well. An All-league defender and consistent scorer, Stuckey certainly has established himself in this league and is free agent once again this off-season. Although not sought after, smart GMs like current owner Outlawz has kept Stuckey around for the simple reason that he can sim really well.
4- Paul Harris SG 18th pick overall Washington Wizards 2009 Draft
Two seasons later, Jah plucked another winner out of Syracuse University in Paul Harris. Rated initially as a small forward, Harris had a tremendous rookie training camp and has not stopped improving since. Although stashed away in Washington, Harris is still valued and has a very balanced game. He is also much better now than many players taken before him that year (Austin Daye, Victor Claver, Stanley Robinson).
3- Stephen Curry SG 17th pick Miami Heat 2009 Draft
A lot of people slept on the undersized Curry coming out Davidson in ’09. When he emerged after training camp, a lot of people were after the shooter who is now an unstoppable force for the Detroit Pistons. With Harris and Curry both dropping to the middle of the first round, many GMs must be kicking themselves over selections made before them (Alexis Ajinca #13, Ed Davis #14, Kosta Koufos #16). Curry is now an All-League performer constantly and could have even been the MVP last season. Arguably, the 2009 Draft was the deepest in the history of the league. Just recap the names (DeRozan, Jennings, Griffin, Harden, Patterson, Anderson, Thabeet, Harris, Curry, Beaubois).
2- DeJuan Blair PF 15th pick Atlanta Hawks 2010 Draft
During GM Skillz' hiatus, Andrew took Blair in the draft while serving as the Hawks GM. Later when Skillz took back the position, he traded Blair - a move that probably would have want back now. Blair basically dropped to ATL at No. 15, with guys like Greg Monroe and Samardo Samuels already off the board. The former Pitt forward was then sent to the Sixers were he emerged as the budding superstar he is today. Undoubtedly one of the top 10 players in the league now, the Sixers recently re-signed Blair to a very reasonable deal and will stay locked up as long Maniac is GM. Still, Blair would have easily been the No. 2 pick in that draft or even No. 1 vying with Ricky Rubio for the top spot now.
1- Ivan Chiriaev PF 54th pick overall Chicago Bulls 2006 Draft
Bulls GM Play probably had to play with himself after finding out what he lost out on Chiriaev. Even with Outlawz rebuilding, Chiriaev somehow found his way to New York and developed into the biggest draft gem in history. The last pick in the 2006 draft has already won a championship, has more than 170 doubles and is only 29 years old. As a late bloomer, Chiriaev established himself and now is possibly a mainstay with the Los Angeles Lakers. The morale of the story? Don’t sleep on the second rounders! You might find a Chiriaev, Head or even a Diogu.
Honorable Mention:
Jarvis Varnado PF second round Dallas Mavericks 2010 Draft
Tyler Hansborough PF first round Washington Wizards 2009 Draft
Jason Maxiell PF first round Memphis Grizzlies 2005 Draft
Rodrigue Beaubois PG first round Houston Rockets 2009 Draft
Thabo Sefolosha SG first round Boston Celtics 2006 Draft
Stay tuned for Draft Busts soon...
Galo Pesantes[/i]
Best Draft Gems in BBS2000 History
As we enter the 15th season of BBS2000, there have certainly been finds and steals throughout all the groundbreaking drafts in this league. Some with bigger names than others and even some that came unheralded but became superstars. Here’s a countdown of the biggest BBS Draft Gems in the past 14 drafts:
10- Mike Dunleavy PG 15th pick overall Houston Rockets 2003 Draft
Rated originally as a shooting guard, Dunleavy had marginal buzz about him going into the ’03 draft. And why should he have? With a top-heavy draft including the likes of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh, Dunleavy took the backseat until he was finally taken in the middle of the first round by the Rockets. The result? Perhaps, one of the most consistent players ever in BBS history. Dunleavy has constantly kept his ratings high and been one of the league leaders in points, assists and three point percentage. Definitely would be a top 10 pick if GMs in this draft had a mulligan.
9- Maurice Williams PG 14th pick overall New York Knicks 2003 Draft
This happened to a highly stocked class of point guard but Williams like Dunleavy, was taken lower than some others taken before them (Kirk Hinrich, Leandro Barbosa, Jose Calderon, Luke Ridnour). Although most of those point guards are still effective, Williams was clog with the Knicks and Rockets for a very long time. Even on the decline now, the former Alabama star had a rare scoring ability and speed. Certainly, one of the most underrated players in BBS history as well.
8- Ike Diogu PF 29th pick overall Memphis Grizzlies 2005 Draft
Diogu came into the league with less than desirable ratings which made him drop all the way till the last pick in the first round in 05. However, a few TCs and RCs later, Diogu was a formidable presence in the post and one of the most underrated forwards to play in the league. His scoring got better with every season and rebounding from the small forward spot was also one of his specialties. Although never a defensive threat, Diogu still managed to be one of the gems of past drafts.
7- Paul Millsap PF 18th pick overall Los Angeles Lakers 2006 Draft
The Lakers struck it well under new management of Nanz with the selection of Millsap in 06. The forward from Louisiana generated little interest from GMs and dropped out of the lottery and into LA’s hands. Millsap eventually became a double double threat every night and is still one of the most consistent rebounders in the game. Even with an undersized frame, Millsap combines a powerful inside game with good rebounding and solid defense.
6- Luther Head PG 37th pick overall Dallas Mavericks 2005 Draft
Would the Mavs’ been able to win a championship without the help of this former Illini guard? Hard to say. But Head was certainly a huge pick-up for them back in 05. Since then, Head has racked up 145 double doubles, 2 triple doubles and has been named player of the week twice. Now at the age of 31, Head is still one of the best floor generals in the game despite his ratings.
5- Rodney Stuckey SG 15th pick overall Washington Wizards 2007 Draft
Jah has now made a career of picking great players in the middle of the first round. He started with Stuckey, who somehow dropped out of the lottery after some concerns in his draft profile. Since then, Stuckey has been one of the best defensive players in the league and one of its better shooters as well. An All-league defender and consistent scorer, Stuckey certainly has established himself in this league and is free agent once again this off-season. Although not sought after, smart GMs like current owner Outlawz has kept Stuckey around for the simple reason that he can sim really well.
4- Paul Harris SG 18th pick overall Washington Wizards 2009 Draft
Two seasons later, Jah plucked another winner out of Syracuse University in Paul Harris. Rated initially as a small forward, Harris had a tremendous rookie training camp and has not stopped improving since. Although stashed away in Washington, Harris is still valued and has a very balanced game. He is also much better now than many players taken before him that year (Austin Daye, Victor Claver, Stanley Robinson).
3- Stephen Curry SG 17th pick Miami Heat 2009 Draft
A lot of people slept on the undersized Curry coming out Davidson in ’09. When he emerged after training camp, a lot of people were after the shooter who is now an unstoppable force for the Detroit Pistons. With Harris and Curry both dropping to the middle of the first round, many GMs must be kicking themselves over selections made before them (Alexis Ajinca #13, Ed Davis #14, Kosta Koufos #16). Curry is now an All-League performer constantly and could have even been the MVP last season. Arguably, the 2009 Draft was the deepest in the history of the league. Just recap the names (DeRozan, Jennings, Griffin, Harden, Patterson, Anderson, Thabeet, Harris, Curry, Beaubois).
2- DeJuan Blair PF 15th pick Atlanta Hawks 2010 Draft
During GM Skillz' hiatus, Andrew took Blair in the draft while serving as the Hawks GM. Later when Skillz took back the position, he traded Blair - a move that probably would have want back now. Blair basically dropped to ATL at No. 15, with guys like Greg Monroe and Samardo Samuels already off the board. The former Pitt forward was then sent to the Sixers were he emerged as the budding superstar he is today. Undoubtedly one of the top 10 players in the league now, the Sixers recently re-signed Blair to a very reasonable deal and will stay locked up as long Maniac is GM. Still, Blair would have easily been the No. 2 pick in that draft or even No. 1 vying with Ricky Rubio for the top spot now.
1- Ivan Chiriaev PF 54th pick overall Chicago Bulls 2006 Draft
Bulls GM Play probably had to play with himself after finding out what he lost out on Chiriaev. Even with Outlawz rebuilding, Chiriaev somehow found his way to New York and developed into the biggest draft gem in history. The last pick in the 2006 draft has already won a championship, has more than 170 doubles and is only 29 years old. As a late bloomer, Chiriaev established himself and now is possibly a mainstay with the Los Angeles Lakers. The morale of the story? Don’t sleep on the second rounders! You might find a Chiriaev, Head or even a Diogu.
Honorable Mention:
Jarvis Varnado PF second round Dallas Mavericks 2010 Draft
Tyler Hansborough PF first round Washington Wizards 2009 Draft
Jason Maxiell PF first round Memphis Grizzlies 2005 Draft
Rodrigue Beaubois PG first round Houston Rockets 2009 Draft
Thabo Sefolosha SG first round Boston Celtics 2006 Draft
Stay tuned for Draft Busts soon...
