17th Overall Pick

Shawn Kemp (1989)

By: Seattle Supersonics

The other half of “Sonic Boom”, Shawn Kemp was a McDonald’s All-American in High School and went on to be a six time NBA All-Star and make three All-NBA Second Teams. Nicknamed the “Reign Man”, Kemp was a high flyer that few could slow down.

Honorable Mention: Doug Christie (1992)

By: Seattle Supersonics

It’s always big when a boy gets selected by his hometown team and that’s exactly what happened with Doug Christie. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, he was selected by the Seattle Supersonics, but unfortunately never played a game for them. He was traded away, but a majority of his career in Toronto where he is still the Raptor’s All-Time Steals leader.

16th Overall Pick

Ron Artest (1999)

By: Chicago Bulls

It’s tough to know which Artest is most known for, changing his name multiple times or the Malice in the Palace where he ran into the stands to fight a fan. Despite the controversy surrounding Artest, he has still had a prolific career including, being an NBA champion in 2010, an NBA All-Star in 2004, winning the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2004 and being named to two All-Defensive First Teams.

Honorable Mention: Hedo Turkoglu (2000)

By: Sacramento Kings

Turkoglu was voted the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2008 and was a member of the Turkish National team that took Silver in the 2001 European Championships.

15th Overall Pick

Steve Nash (1996)

By: Phoenix Suns

Arguably one of the best passers to ever grace the floor. Nash has recorded over 10,000 assists in his career. Along with those numbers he has been named MVP two times (Shaq is still mad about one of them) he is an eight time All-Star, made three All-NBA First Teams, led the NBA in assists in five different seasons, and make the 50-40-90 club on four separate occasions.

Honorable Mention: Kawhi Loenard (2011)

By: Indiana Pacers

One of the most upsetting names for a Pacer fan to hear, Kawhi Leonard is in contention of being one of the best players in the NBA right now. Rumors of Leonard actually being a robot have surfaced recently and honestly he was probably made in a lab by coach Pop. Leonard was an NBA Champion in 2014, he also won the Finals MVP that year. He has been voted to back to back NBA All-Star Teams and All-NBA First-Teams as well as being named the back to back NBA Defensive Player of the Year and being voted to back to back NBA All-Defensive First Teams.

14th Overall Pick

Tim Hardaway (1989)

By: Golden State Warriors

Hardaway has big shoes for his son to fill. Making the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1990, five NBA All-Star Teams and voted to the All-NBA First Team in 1997. Hardaway is the second fastest player to reach 5,000 points and 2,500 assists, sitting behind only Oscar Robertson. His number has been retired by both UTEP and the Miami Heat.

Honorable Mention: Peja Stojakovic (1996)

By: Sacramento Kings

This European sharpshooter made it look too easy sometimes. He won the 3-Point shootout in back to back years, 2002-2003, made three consecutive NBA All-Star Teams, led the NBA in 3-Point field goals for a season, and free throw percentages for two before finally being crowned an NBA Champion in 2011.

13th Overall Pick

Kobe Bryant (1996)

By: Charlotte Hornets

“The Black Mamba” has had a career that makes even the most decorated athletes bow. Five time NBA Champion, two time Finals MVP, MVP in 2008, 18 time All-Star, four time All-Star MVP, 11 time All-NBA First Team, nine time All-Defensive First Team and was the NBA scoring champion twice. Kobe is up there with all-time greats and he made all this look easy.

Honorable Mention: Karl Malone (1985)

By: Utah Jazz

1/2 of the best pick and roll duo of all time,”The Mailman” as he is known had an incredible career at the power forward position. Two time MVP, 14 time All-Star, two time All-Star Game MVP, 11 time All-NBA First Team, three All-Defensive first teams and made the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1986. He made his money in Utah with Stockton, but he still had a solid career after he moved on to join the real first super team with Gary Payton, Shaq and Kobe in LA.

12th Overall Pick

Mookie Blaylock (1989)

By: New Jersey Nets 

Mookie was one of the best defensive players to grace the hardwood. An All-Star in 1994, he would go on to make two NBA All-Defensive First Teams, four NBA All-Defensive Second Teams and led the NBA in steals, twice. On top of that Mookie is the the Atlanta Hawks’ all-time franchise leader in three-point field goals made with 1,050, three-point field goal attempts with 3,023, and steals with 1,321.

Honorable Mention: Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues (1987)

By: Washington Wizards

The shortest player in NBA History, Muggy Bogues stood at 5 feet 3 inches, but that didn’t stop him from making a huge impact on the court. In his time in Charlotte he is the Hornets’ career leader in minutes played with 19,768, 5,557 assists, 1,067 steals, 1,118 turnovers, and assists per 48 minutes at 13.5.

Nick Sato