Team

Picks

Analysis

Atlanta

Derrick Rose (2008)

The Hawks selected Derrick Rose second in 2008 as the counterpart to 2007 draft prize Greg Oden. Though this one-two punch was supposed to revive this lifeless franchise, Oden has not been able to remain on the floor long enough to make an impact. However, Rose is the only bright spot on this perennial cellar dweller. Rose has put up serviceable stats in every category except wins in his short tenure in Atlanta. How good would this team be if it were Durant and Rose instead?

Boston

Andrea Bargnani (2006)

Has not lived up to the hype yet, but he could be ready for a breakout year for the boys in green. Bargnani’s shooting percentages are not what you would hope for from a seven footer and he has not proven himself to be the dominant player you would expect from the #4 overall selection. But, he is slowly improving and when the #2 pick that year is Adam Morrison you have to give the Celtics some credit.

Charlotte

LaMarcus Aldridge (2006)

A no-brainer. #1 overall pick has been solid if not spectacular thus far. He has replaced Ben Gordon as the marquee player for the Bobcats. In a 2006 lottery strewn with duds, Aldridge has been head and shoulders above the rest of his class. And he’s only 24 years old.

Chicago

Mickael Pietrus (2003)

This selection says more about the Bulls drafting tendencies than Pietrus himself. This supposed athletic swingman averaged only 7 points a game in his two plus seasons with Chicago. After a somewhat successful stint with Memphis and injury-laden season with the Lakers, Pietrus finally appears to be having the season you would expect from a lotto pick with the Heat.

Cleveland

Monta Ellis (2005)

Monta has been perhaps the most consistent Cav since his rookie season even though his career has been more drama and headache than GM Alejandro probably expected when drafting him. However, if you can get your leading scorer with the 40th overall selection, you have done something right. Ellis is at print time second in the league in scoring. Not bad for a 2nd rounder. Now he just needs to stay off the mopeds.