2003 Draft

A lot has been written about who would be chosen from the 2003 draft if it were reheld today.

I, for one, would still draft Lebron James over, Wade, Bosh and (ahem) Darko. Leaving Darko out of the mix, because it is clear that drafting him at #2 was a mistake, let's examine the other players.

My prior posts have paid homage to the fact that I think Wade may be the best player in the league and I still believe there is truth to that belief. However, his reckless play on a 6'4" body leads me to believe that his career will not be that long. It will be great while he plays at such a high level, but I suspect that within 3 years, he will be the Grant Hill of the NBA.

I have a bias to Chris Bosh who should play at a high level for many years and will likely lead the Raptors to the playoffs (and maybe further) for a long time. But Bosh isn't yet the go to guy that someone like Lebron james is - someone who can score regardless who is on him and can beat you in many ways. Bosh will rely on supporting parts and will be great at it as well as being the ultimate team player and leader. I would have taken him 2nd in this new draft.

Lebron is still the man and while he has been disappointing in many ways, he will play for a long time and will lead the Cavs to success. he cannot be defended when he goes to the basket and creates all kinds of mismatches on the court. Too strong for most, he is too fast for those who are nearly as strong. he still has a long way to go before he is the force that we all felt he would be, but heck, he is only 22. I don't see injuries curtailing his career.

So, in the end, I take Lebron again.