2003 NBA Draft
June 26, 2003
Madison Square Garden, New York City
7:30 PM
Lebron James
NBA Draft Page Awards Winners, Losers and Slippery Sliders
Lebron James
No surprise here. Cleveland has all along said they will take the top prep prospect in the nation. He would have been number one if he came out last year as a high school junior. On July 3, 2003, Cleveland signed Lebron to a 3 year, $12,961,080 contract with a 4th year worth $5,828,090 at the team's option. You remember that $90 million Nike deal he signed before he was drafted don't ya? He's not going to be hurting for cash and can probably afford to pick up one or two throw-back jerseys. Surprise, surprise. Lebron was named rookie of the year in relatively decisive fashion beating Carmelo Anthony 508-430. Dywane Wade finished third in the balloting. LeBron was also named to the 2004 USA Basketball Team that will compete in the Summer Olympics. He will be joined on the team by fellow rookies Dywane Wade and Carmelo Anthony. Lebron was an all-star starter in 2005 for the Eastern Team as a guard, and the starting forward in 2006 in his second straight appearance. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team in 2005. He was the runner up in MVP voting for the 2005-2006 season, and named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time. He was back on the the All-NBA Second Team for 2007. On July 12, 2006 Cleveland signed LeBron James to a three year, maximum contract extension with a fourth year at the player's option.
 Lebron James Jersey at amazon.com |
Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com |
LeBron James Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com |
 
LeBron James Action Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com |
Lebron James - King James Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com |
There was a little suspense as to whether they would take Carmelo Anthony or Darko Milicic, but I guess they stuck with their word and got one of the top European prospects since maybe Dirk Nowitzki. He can play anyone of the three frontcourt positions and can make the NBA "3". Thats a pretty dangerous weapon to bring off of your bench. On September 12, 2003, Detroit signed Darko Milicic to a 3 year,
$11,596,440 contract with a 4th year worth $5,218,622 at the team's option. On July 14, 2007 Memphis signed Orlando free agent Darko Milicic to a three year, $21 million contract.
The only suspense with this pick was whether or not anyone could work a deal and take Carmelo away from the Nuggets. They already gave him his own locker, so I guess they better pick him or they might need to paint over it.... Many basketball people, Carmelo included, think he will be the Rookie of the Year. He finished second in balloting to rookie phenom Lebron James. Carmelo joins Lebron, and other rookie Dywane Wade, on the 2004 USA Basketball Team that will compete in the Summer Olympics in Athens. On July 17, 2003 Denver signed Carmelo to a 3 year, $10,414,200 contract with a 4th year worth $4,694,041 at the team's
option. They exercised that option. Carmelo was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2006, his first All-NBA selection. He was once again on the All-NBA Third Team in 2007. On July 12, 2006 Denver signed Carmelo Anthony to a four year, maximum contract extension with a player option for a fifth year.
 Carmelo Anthony Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com |
 Carmelo Anthony Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com |
The Raptors had to put a lot of thought into this pick, and shopped it rather heavily. I am surprised that they kept the pick. They toyed with T.J. Ford, but Bosh was really a pretty much foregone conclusion. There were several teams who wanted to move up and get Bosh, and a few teams that wanted to move up here and get Ford, but I guess the Raptors weren't "wowed". I won't even start on his critics who says he doesn't have an NBA body and he is too willowy. Wasn't Garnett a willowy kid? On July 7, 2003 Toronto signed Bosh to a a 3 year, $9,389,040 contract with a 4th year worth $4,235,220 at the team's option. They picked up that fourth year option. On July 14, 2006 Toronto signed Chris Bosh to a three year, maximum contract extension with a fourth year at the player's option. Bosh joined Lebron on the All-NBA Second Team in 2007.
In the last few weeks his stock has steadily climbed. He only snuck into Miami's plans in the last couple of days, as they seemed to be auditioning big men very heavily including Maciej Lampe. The Heat were very busy shopping the pick. They seemed determined not to take T.J. Ford, arguably the best player in the draft who was left on the board. There were a few teams that wanted to move up to get Ford. Geez it really seemed like on paper the Heat needed a PG. If I were Eddie Jones I'd be dusting off my resume right about now. Wade was one of two underclassmen to be named All-Americans, he joined the other one, TJ Ford, in declaring for the draft. Wade was named to the 2004 USA Basketball Team that will play in the Athens Summer Olympics. On August 19, 2003 Miami signed Dwyane to a 3 year,
$8,502,480 contract with a 4th year worth $3,841,443 at the team's option. In 2005 Wade was an all-star, named to the All-NBA Second Team and named to the All-Defensive Second Team. He became the all-star starter in 2006, and was also back on the All-NBA Second Team. Wade had an injury plagued 2007 season, but was still able to be selected to the All-NBA Third Team. Unfortunately he was unable to lead the Defending Champs out of the First Round of the Playoffs in 2007, though. On July 12, 2006 Miami signed Dwyane to a three year, maximum contract extension with a fourth year at the player's option.
The Clippers liked him a few weeks back, but he seemed to be playing himself lower and lower in the draft. They seemed to be looking at Wade and Pietrus more than this big guy, but I guess they were bound and determined to take him and replace Kandi Man. His performance last year was enough in itself for people to take notice though, when he averaged 22.4 points and 12 rebounds per game. And the predicted slide of T.J. Ford has begun! Just another good reason to hate the Clippers. Look at all these teams that will regret not taking Ford! On July 12, 2003 the Clippers signed Chris to a 3
year, $7,722,600 contract with a 4th year worth $3,491,768 at the team's option. On October 28, 2006 The LA Clippers signed Chris to a five year, $52.5 million contract extension.
A week ago it was only a tossup between Mickael Pietrus and Dwyane Wade. Well Wade worked himself up and out of range, and Jay Williams gave them another PG opening in their backcourt. Kirk is the first senior taken, and gives some hope to other four year college players by going relatively high in the draft. He was another player that helped himself out in workouts and his potential to be a truly great floor general moved him up to the top ranked PG in the draft. He might be the smartest player in the draft and that is a good thing for your court leader. Last year the first senior taken was Melvin Ely at #12. On July 15, 2003 Chicago signed Kirk to a 3 year,
$7,049,640 contract with a 4th year worth $3,192,628 at the team's
option.
Ford might be the fifth best player in the draft, but I find it hard to argue with Hinrich being better. This is a slide, and Milwaukee got a very good player at #8, but it is also where I predicted that he would go! This is the era of the big PG, and maybe he really is too small. We'll watch him for a couple of years and see, I suppose. New York will be disappointed that their two long shots Ford and Kaman will both be gone. On July 2. 2003, The Bucks signd T.J. to a 3 year,
$6,458,520 with a 4th year worth $2,929,467 at the team's option. They picked up that option. With Payton and Cassell out the door he will be thrown into the fire right from the start. He was injured in 2004-2005, but looks to regain his spot in the elite of this draft class in 2005. On June 30, 2006 Milwaukee traded T.J. Ford to Toronto for Charlie Villanueva and cash.
The Knicks were auditioning Collison and Sweetney pretty heavily the last week and Sweetney had the slight edge. I think that Lampe wasn't really in their plans, but I'm not sure how much they really scouted him due to the fact that they didn't want to draft the next Frederick Weiss, since they already had one of them. (Gotta mention it every year to keep the Knicks fans happy). Sweetney has more of that dreaded upside than Collison, while Collison might be ready to contribute more this year. If the Knicks didn't take Sweetney he might have been in for a slide. On July 7, 2003 The Knicks signed Sweetney to a 3 year,
$5,936,640 contract with a 4th year worth $2,696,956 at the team's
option.
Rumor had them making some sort of a deal with Hayes, but I think they would have still taken say Hinrich or Wade if they were still on the board. A week ago, Hayes had disappeared into slippery slider oblivion, possibly going in the bottom of the first round, but he had an excellent workout for the Wiz, and a few other people had liked what they saw recently too, including the Magic who would have not let him slip past the middle of the first round. He averaged 18.4 points per game this year, and is a dangerous inside-outside player. In a contrast to last year, the young international prospects are sliding rather than the college players. Lampe and Pietrus were thought to be top 10 locks. On August 20, 2003 Washington signed Jarvis to a 3 year,
$5,639,760 contract with a 4th year worth $2,564,127 at the team's
option. On August 16, 2007 Detroit signed Jarvis to a one year deal.
The Warriors promised that they wouldn't take another SG or SF. Those are the only positions that Pietrus can play....hmmmmmmm.... There is no arguing that he is a good player though, as he can hit the three and is athletic enough to create his own shots. On July 7, 2003, The Warriors signed Mickael Mickael Pietrus to a 3
year,
$5,357,760 contract with a 4th year worth $2,535,260 at the team's
option.
He was at the top of the Sonics draft board and had the best workouts for them. He is also predicted to be able to play right away. A lot of so-called draft experts had him low low low in the First Round. Not me! I had him going to the Sonics all along. He averaged 22.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game as a senior. Collison was named as the only College player to the USA Basketball Team. Is that just another similarity to Christian Laettner? I know he's not the sexy pick, but I see him as an immediate impact player in the NBA. Already two seniors in the top 12, that beats last year! On July 7, 2003 the Sonics signed Nick to a 3 year,
$5,089,920 contract with a 4th year worth $2,501,070 at the team's
option. They exercised that option. Nick had surgery on both shoulders
forcing him to miss his entire rookie season. He dislocated his left shoulder and
tests showed a similar weakness in his right shoulder.
Somehow Banks elevated himself above the crowd and got himself into the lottery. I know that his stock has been rising, but this is unexpected. Maybe the talk of his deal to go to Boston got other teams looking at him. With the way the Griz scout international prospects I'm shocked they passed on Lampe. Truthfully, Banks fits on the Griz's roster about as well as Pietrus fits on the Warriors'. I still can't really see much of a difference between Luke Ridnour, Troy Bell and Banks. Banks leaped over the others with his physical strength and ability to run the floor. Marcus Banks and Kendrick Perkins were traded to Boston for Troy Bell and Dahntay Jones. On July 10, 2003 Boston signed Marcus to a 3 year,
$4,835,520 contract with a 4th year worth $2,463,996 at the team's
option. On July 20, 2006 Phoenix signed Marcus Banks to a five year, $21 million contract.
Wow! I picked both of the Sonics picks dead on. And thats with having a couple of unexpected players still on the board like Lampe and Reece Gaines. Maybe Orlando gets their wish and Gaines ends up with the Magic. Many thought that Ridnour's stock was slipping, but not in the Sonics' book. On July 9, 2003 Seattle signed Luke to a 3 year, $4,593,600 contract with a 4th year worth $2,425,878 at the team's
option. They exercised that option. On October 30, 2006 Seattle signed Luke to a three year, $18 million contract extension.
Gaines topped the Magic's wish list and looky here! He was available! His stock was climbing in the last week, and it is a little bit of a surprise he fell out of the lottery. He's a combo guard that will be called on to play the point. He was one of the top senior prospects in the nation, and here you go...he's drafted as the fourth senior at #15. Another argument to stay in school? On July 19, 2003 Orlando signed Reece Gaines to a 3 year, $4,363,920 contract with a 4th year worth $2,385,593 at the team's
option. On June 29, 2004, Houston traded Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato to
Orlando for Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, and Reece Gaines. On February 24, 2005 Milwaukee traded Mike James and Zendon Hamilton to Houston for
Reece
Gaines, a 2nd round draft pick in 2006, and a 2nd round draft pick in
2007.
Oh my! That is the biggest surprise yet! Bell was a borderline first rounder, but I really can't see how he is much worse than Banks or Ridnour. This was the year of the PG, but no-one could have predicted they would be gobbled up this fast. The last few years, PGs have slipped and could be had rather cheaply. Marcus Banks and Kendrick Perkins were traded to Boston for Troy Bell and Dahntay Jones. On July 5, 2003 Memphis signed Troy to a 3 year,
$4,145,640 contract with a 4th year worth $2,267,682 at the team's option. Prior to the 2005-2006 season, Memphis released Bell using the amnesty clause where they have to pay his salary, but it doesn't count against the cap.
It was believed that the Suns had a deal in place with Zarko, and it seems that it was true. There wasn't much suspense in my mind with this pick. Now there is only the drama of when will the last player in the green room be taken-Maciej Lampe anyone? I'm not sure if anyone this low ever took a look at him, so his slide could continue. On July 14, 2003, Phoenix signed Zarko to a 3 year,
$3,938,400 contract with a 4th year worth $2,157,097 at the team's
option.
He is in the running for the top "tweener" label, but can't we just get past it? Just cuz you're a tweener doesn't mean that you can't play in the NBA...right Sir Charles? Many thought that Brian Cook had the inside track to this spot, but I thought West would be the better player. As the College Player of the Year, that has to get you some props huh? I bought into the Cook hype, along with everyone else though. West could very easily be the best senior PF, depending on how Collison does. On July 11, 2003 New Orleans signed David to a 3 year, $3,741,480 contract with a 4th year worth $2,051,938 at the team's option. They picked up that option. On October 30, 2006 New Orleans signed David to a five year, $45 million contract extension.
Pavlovic climbed a little bit higher than even where he was sa... yesterday. The Jazz were rumored to be looking at PFs, and there were still a couple left to take. The international little men are being drafted ahead of the international big men. Not what usually happens huh. The local little men are also going fast with all of those PGs being gobbled up.
Yowza! This is not only the year of the guard it is the year of the senior! He had some great work in the Chicago camp and in workouts, but it was unlikely he would find his way into the first round. Most thought that Boston would go big. Marcus Banks and Kendrick Perkins were traded to Boston for Troy Bell and Dahntay Jones. On July 5, 2003, Memphis signed Dahntay to a 3 year,
$3,430,200 contract with a 4th year worth $1,886,113 at the team's
option. They picked up that option.
He stirred up some interest last year, but withdrew. He decided he was ready this year. He does everything that you look for in a player, except shoot the ball. He has a small forward's body, but could easily play PG, and that is his real strength. Atlanta signed Boris on July 10, 2003 to a 3 year, $3,292,920 contract with a 4th year worth $1,870,501 at the team's option.
They liked Planinic going in to the draft and stuck to their guns. Its nice getting some picks this late in the draft right on. They might have taken Lampe if he worked out for them. On July 11, 2003 New Jersey signed Planinic to a 3
year, $3,161,280 contract with a 4th year worth $1,854,376 at the team's
option. They picked up that option.
They must have had their mind already set on Outlaw with some of the talent still left on the board. Portland is usually pretty good at picking the slippery sliders. The Outlaw goes the Blazers.... On July 14, 2003, Portland signed Travis to a 3 year,
$3,034,800 contract with a 4th year worth $1,836,426 at the team's
option. On July 18, 2007 Portland re-signed Outlaw to a three year $12 million contract.
We thought he had a top 20 guarantee, but I guess not. He didn't ever seem to look like a real top PF prospect, due to his perceived lack of toughness. He was climbing up draft boards the last week, but I honestly couldn't see why. We'll see if he can do anything for the Lakers next year. Probably not. Being the Big 10 Player of the Year ought to get you something? Maybe an NBA ring for warming the bench? On July 6, 2003 The Lakers signed Brian to a 3 year,
$2,913,480 contract with a 4th year worth $1,817,141 at the team's
option. They picked up that option.
Detroit seemed to have their mind set on him. He has an NBA ready body, and is solid all-around. Carlos is an excellent defender and does all of the small stuff real well, but his offensive game is streaky. On July 14, 2004, Detroit signed him to a three year, $2,908,800 contract with a fourth year worth $1,868,141 at the team's option. On June 15, 20007 Detroit traded Carlos Delfino to Toronto for second round draft picks in 2009 and 2010.
Another HS senior sneaks into the first round, ahead of some of the higher ranked international prospects. They will take another chance on a high schooler, but don't expect the next Kevin Garnett. We thought that he had played himself low down in the draft due to poor workouts, but that dreaded upside must have countered the short comings. On July 5, 2003, Minnesota signed Ndudi Ebi to a 3 year, $2,704,320 contract with a 4th year worth $1,738,669 at the team's option.
I guess the high school seniors will be rewarded in this draft as well. The moral of the story is don't go to college unless you plan on graduating. Marcus Banks and Kendrick Perkins were traded to Boston for Troy Bell and Dahntay Jones. On July 10, 2003 Boston signed Kendrick to a 3 year,
$4,315,610 contract with a 4th year worth $1,689,410 at the team's
option. On September 11, 2006 Boston signed Kendrick Perkins to a 4 four year, sixteen million dollar contract extension.
The Spurs are really doing their best to make Tony Parker feel unwelcome. Most thought they would go big, and it seems like there are big men left on the board. At one point his stock was really soaring, but then teams got a look at him and saw that he had some pretty raw skills and needed some more seasoning before he could lead an NBA team. I had him going one pick higher, so I wasn't that far off. This makes sense, Phoenix traded a future #1 pick to the Spurs for Barbosa. On July 16, 2003 Phoenix signed Leandrinho to a 3
year, $2,609,880 contract with a 4th year worth $1,679,733 at the team's
option. On August 4, 2006 Phoenix signed Leandro Barbosa to a 5 year, $33 million contract extension.
He is a nice all-around player, but his NBA position is in question. Another senior in the first round! Thats 9 college seniors in the first round, compared to 4 high school seniors and only 8 college underclassmen! The other 8 spots go to the International Players, so that gives the College seniors the win this year! On July 3, 2003, Dallas signed Josh to a 3 year,
$2,590,920 contract with a 4th year worth $1,667,603 at the team's
option. They exercised that option.
No doubt about the winner of our slippery slider award this year. They probably considered him pretty hard with the number nine pick. Maybe no one out of the lottery gave him a look There is a problem with his Euro-League Contract, so he might be playing overseas for another couple of years. New York signed Lampe to a 3 year,
$2.88 million contract. Lampe had a $2 million buyout clause with Real
Madrid and New York can only pay $350,000 towards the buyout, so Real Madrid
and Lampe are working on a considerably less buyout and terms for the buyout. On January 21, 2005 New Orleans traded Jim Jackson and a 2005 2nd round draft pick to Phoenix for Casey Jacobsen, Maciej Lampe, and Jackson Vroman.
Before the Chicago Camp, most thought that he would not hear his name called on draft day. Kapono's loyal fans stuck with him and he kept creeping up draft boards, stirring up interest until finally he was considered a first round bubble player...and sure enough here he is as the second pick of the second round. And notice its another senior being drafted. Cleveland signed him to a one year deal. On July 11, 2007 Toronto signed Jason Kapono to a four year, $24 million contract, after shooting lights out from the three point line the year before for Miami.
He seems to be one of those consumate college players. He should do well in the NBA, but there may be questions. He lit it up in the Chicago camp, so that helped his cause. He is definately the best big man passer in the draft, and maybe can even hold his own with the little men too. But his dad did that too didn't he. Are the seniors going to dominate the second round too? I had Kapono here and Walton down one, so that is not too far off... On July 11, 2003, The Lakers signed Walton to a 2 year minimum contract. On August 8, 2005 the LA Lakers re-signed Luke Walton to a 2 year contract. On July 12, 2007 the LA Lakers re-signed Luke Walton to a six year, $30 million contract.
He starts to show up on radar as the MVP of the Portsmout Invitational Tourney, and carried his momentum through the Chicago Camp. I didn't see him sneaking into the first round though, but he has the skills to make it in the NBA. Miami signed him to a one year deal.
There have been questions about his weight lately (maybe too much?), but Baby Shaq wasn't supposed to fall this far into the second round. He's a raw player, but has the size.
He declared last year then withdrew, just to show up on the radar. I thought he had worked his way into the first round, but he just didn't have the skills to go with the body I guess. Orlando signed him to a one year deal. Pachulia signed a 4 year deal with Atlanta on August 8, 2005.
Badiane is runner up for the slippery slider award to another international prospect Maciej Lampe. Badiane did well in workouts and was thought to be a lock for the first round, maybe even going as high as 20.
Tracy McGrady Buy This Poster At AllPosters.com |
Allen Iverson Buy This Poster At AllPosters.com |
Kobe Bryant Buy This Poster At AllPosters.com |
Last Updated July 7, 2004
Number of Visitors Since April 29, 2003: