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The Best Picks at Each Draft Spot since 1985
11th Overall Pick
Robert Horry (1992)
By: Houston Rockets
Robert Horry has a nice collection of seven NBA titles in his long tenured NBA career. If rings are the mark of caliber for players, than Robert Horry is a top 10 player. He would earn the nickname “Big-Shot Rob” for his uncanny ability to knockdown clutch shots when teams needed them the most.
Honorable Mention: Reggie Miller (1987)
By: Indiana Pacers
Reggie is one of the biggest trash talkers the NBA has ever seen. His beef with Spike Lee will go down in NBA history as one of, if not the, biggest player/fan rivalries. A five time NBA All-Star, Miller has had his #31 retired by both the UCLA Bruins and the Indiana Pacers. In a time where money rules, Reggie’s loyalty to one team sticks out like a welcome reminder of a time that once was.
10th Overall Pick
Paul Pierce (1998)
By: Boston Celtics
Selected out of Kansas by the Boston Celtics has been a pivotal member of every team that he has played with. A McDonald’s All American and 10 time All-Star, Paul Pierce really is “The Truth”.
Honorable Mention: Paul George (2010)
By: Indiana Pacers
All the drama surrounding Paul George this offseason is well warranted. The center piece of the Pacer organization, George has been the reason for the recent success in Indiana, but that could all change. PG-13 fought back from a nasty leg break while playing for Team USA in Las Vegas to be voted to four All-Star Teams and an All-Defensive team.
9th Overall Pick
Tracy McGrady (1997)
By: Toronto Raptors
Another player to come straight out of high school, Tracy McGrady was a phenom. A seven time NBA All-Star and voted twice to the All-NBA First Team, McGrady holds eight team record with the Orlando Magic including, most points in a game with 62.
Honorable Mention: Dirk Nowitzki (1998)
By: Milwaukee Bucks
The most prolific European to ever play in the NBA, Dirk is a 13 time NBA All-Star and has been voted to four All-NBA First Teams. He is only one of three players to score 30,000 plus points with one team, joining Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant.
8th Overall Pick
Jamal Crawford (2000)
By: Cleveland Cavaliers
Handles for days, Jamal Crawford put Rainer Beach High School on the map. Crawford is the only player to be win three 6th Man of the Year Awards, including being the older recipient at 36 years old.
Honorable Mention: Ron Harper (1986)
By: Cleveland Cavaliers
Five time champion, Ron Harper has played alongside some of the greats in his career, but that’s doesn’t mean he didn’t pull his own weight. Finishing with 13,910 career points, 3,916 assists and 1,716 steals, Harper was voted to the NBA All-Rookie team in 1987 and had his #34 retired by Miami University.
7th Overall Pick
Stephen Curry (2009)
By: Golden State Warriors
Being dubbed the “baby-faced assassin” in middle school stuck because he is still killing defenders in the NBA. A two time NBA champion, two time NBA Most Valuable Player, four time NBA All-Star, two All-NBA First Team selections and NBA scoring champion. Curry is the only player to be voted unanimous MVP to date.
Honorable Mention: Jason Williams (1998)
By: Sacramento Kings
Crossing over Gary Payton and passing balls off his elbows led to Jason Williams taking the NBA by storm. The accolades don’t do him justice as he “only” has a All-NBA Rookie Team and NBA Champion to his name.
6th Overall Pick
Brandon Roy (2006)
By: Minnesota Timberwolves
Injuries cut his career short, but we got to see glimpses of brilliance from Roy during his tenure with the Trailblazers. He was voted the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2001 before being voted to four NBA All-Star teams.
Honorable Mention: Shane Battier (2001)
By: Vancouver Grizzlies
The wily vet helped LeBron James win his first NBA title in Miami. In 2001 Battier won every single National Player of the Year honors at Duke. His #31 has since been retired at Duke.