Post by kmatrixg on Feb 26, 2011 7:27:46 GMT -5
In one of the most anticipated drafts since LeBron, Wade and Amar’e entered their names into the draft, the 2004 SSBL draft featured a lot of hype, a lot of surprises, and quite a few busts. As these draftees’ rookie contracts come to a close, some players will start looking for their big payday, while others will be begging their agents to get them a minimum deal just to pay for their big mansions and 5 cars. The biggest name is Dwight Howard, and while most of us would agree that he’s serviceable, many of us would say he’s been a disappointing first overall pick thus far…
1 Phoenix Suns - Dwight Howard PF 6'11'' 265 19 B- D C- B+ B A
Current Team - Phoenix Suns (Starting PF)
Career Averages - 8.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.3 blocks
During the time of the draft, Phoenix was struggling internally - left without a GM, a star and a future, the SSBL front office made the pick of Dwight the “Manchild” in hopes of stimulating attendance, creating some buzz amongst fans, and give the team it’s next future after Kidd booked for the Northern Border. Needless to say, Dwight has turned into a great defensive presence in the post, but has yet to average double digit points, let alone become the offensive star many thought he would be. Don’t tell anyone, but Ha Sueng-Jin was selected with the last pick of the 1st round Phoenix received from Toronto during the year (Sueng-Jin: Career Averages - 12.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks)
Current Ratings: B D C- B+ A-
2 Toronto Raptors - Josh Smith SF 6'9'' 220 19 B C- C- B+ C+ A
Current Team - Sacramento Kings (Starting PF)
Career Averages - 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.1 blocks
Josh Smith was deemed by Toronto as the future of Raptor basketball next to a defensive minded Dwyane Wade. Playing on the wing, Smith was injured a quarter way through his rookie season and Raptor management was very worried about his offensive production, or lack thereof. After his rookie campaign he was dealt to Sacramento for Chinese center Yao Ming in a move that completely re-vamped Smith’s outlook and motivation. His sophomore year, Smith averaged 18 points, 7 rebounds with 2 steals and a block per game, kicking the sophomore slump square in the nuts. Since then, Smith has been a lynch-pin to a growing Sacramento squad with playoff hopes this season.
Current Ratings: B+ C C- A C+
3 New York Knicks - Emeka Okafor PF 6'10'' 255 22 B- D+ D+ A- B- B
Current Team - San Antonio Spurs (Starting PF)
Career Averages - 15.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks
In what could be one of the most productive careers from the 2004 lottery, Emeka has turned into a cornerstone type player for the Spurs, who acquired the PF in a deal for Tracy McGrady. Many GM’s around the league disapproved moving a superstar forward for a couple rookies and draft picks, however, Rmanske was adamant Okafor was worth the price of T-Mac. Boasting career averages of 15 points, 10 rebounds and over a block per game, you can’t deny Okafor is a post presence everyone wants. Paired with up and coming Andrew Bynum, it looks like the Spurs have their “twin towers” built up once again.
Current Ratings: B D+ C- A- B+
4 Cleveland Cavaliers - Andre Iguodala SG 6'6'' 210 20 B C C B+ C A
Current Team - Cleveland Cavaliers (Starting SF)
Career Averages - 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.5 steals
Andre Iguodala has enjoyed a productive career thus far, but as the number one in Cleveland, his playoff resume is less than ideal - leading the Cavs to only one playoff appearance since he was drafted. Now getting help from young star PG Rajon Rondo and Jermaine O’Neal, many in Cleveland hope the equation is enough to find the playoffs and continue to do so for the foreseeable future. While his ratings might not be flashy, Iguodala is currently enjoying a career year, scoring almost 19 points even on terrible shooting percentages. In his fourth year, Iguodala is only one player and can no longer take the blame for his teams woe’s, considering he’s surrounded by past all-stars and the 2006 rookie of the year.
Current Ratings: B+ C+ C B+ C
5 Miami Heat - Jameer Nelson PG 6'0'' 192 22 C+ B+ B- B- D+ B
Current Team - Miami Heat (Starting PG)
Career Averages - 12.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.4 steals
Nelson was selected to provide the Heat with a viable threat up top - and while he distributes the ball well, his scoring hasn’t been exactly what the Heat have hoped for, especially his contract year. Currently in 2007, Nelson is averaging 9.1 points and 6.3 assists, both career lows. If he wants to get the payday is probably deserves, he needs to pick up the play fast, because I’m sure 30% from the field, and 19% from beyond the arc isn’t what shawncro has in mind for his future PG.
Current Ratings: C+ A- B- B+ C-
6 Chicago Bulls - Luol Deng SF 6'8'' 220 19 B- C C- B C+ A
Current Team - Denver Nuggets (Expected Starting SF)
Career Averages - 9.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals
With the recent acquisition of Carmelo Anthony and Paul Pierce in Milwaukee, Luol Deng’s role was basically reduced to the injured reserve. After shopping him around the league, Deng was able to find a home with Quintero and the Denver Nuggets. While Deng shows a lot of promise, his offensive game hasn’t been a factor until this year. Quintero will presumably make Deng his starting SF, and could even give him the offensive focus - thus proving Deng is a viable offensive player.
Current Ratings: B- B C A- B-
7 Utah Jazz - T.J. Ford PG 6'0'' 165 21 C+ C+ A- B- D+ A
Current Team - Milwaukee Bucks (Main backup PG)
Career Averages - 12.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.3 steals
TJ Ford, while not being the defender he was billed to become, has proven to be quite an effective offensive facilitator, both scoring and distributing the ball. As a starter, his averages are 15.9 points, 7.2 assists and 1.7 steals. He’s gotten a bad rap around the league for some reason, as Il Mago tried to shop him around with no success the past two years. With the addition of Chauncey Billups in Milwaukee, TJ will serve as his main backup while hopefully retaining some value around the league, so that maybe one day he can return to his sophomore form in which he averaged 18 points a game.
Current Ratings: C+ B- A- C+ D+
8 Philadelphia 76ers - Devin Harris PG 6'3'' 185 21 C+ B- B B- D+ A
Current Team - Philadelphia 76ers (IR Bound)
Career Averages - 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.9 steals
In possibly the most disappointing pick outside of Dwight, Devin Harris was deemed as the best PG in the draft, and also the one with the best future. Harris started his career on the top of his mountain; averaging 19 points, 8 assists, 2 steals and winning Rookie of the Year in 2004. He looked like the steal of the draft, and many around the league were envious they passed him up. However, it seems fame and fortune went right to Harris’ head like a bad high - each year since his rookie season, Devin has regressed and is now the backup to the backup - playing only 9 minutes a game. While nobody can account for WTF happened besides Harris himself, his story is surely the most surprising of the 2004 Draft, by far.
Current Ratings: C+ B B B+ D+
9 Boston Celtics - Eddy Curry C 6'11'' 285 22 B+ D D+ B C+ B
Current Team - Charlotte Hornets (Starting PF)
Career Averages - 18.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1 block
Eddy Curry is probably one of the bigger surprises of the 2004 Draft, in a GOOD way. Boston grabbed the gold mine (literally THAT big) at number 9 and never looked back. He enjoyed one good season as the teams starting Center, putting up 16 points and 8 rebounds in his rookie campaign, however was then traded in an effort to reunite the big-three from Vancouver. Curry was seen by many as a lazy, out of shape mess that wouldn’t amount to much other than an offensive threat in the low post. Curry however has proven the critics wrong, and has become a decent defender and rebounded, and despite his weight, is pretty quick in the block.
Current Ratings: B+ D+ C- B+ B-
10 Houston Rockets - JR Smith SG 6'6'' 220 19 B- C+ C C+ C- A
Current Team - Dallas Mavericks (Starting SG)
Career Averages - 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 20.8 minutes
JR has been a disappointing lottery pick so far, never quite living up to his potential in his offensive development. He has, however, become an imposing defensive presence on the perimeter - averaging 2 steals per 36 minutes for his career, and 2.3 steals this year in his first starting role. Along with his defense, Smith seems to be a great all-around player; this season for the Mavs, he is averaging 9.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 steals. With a couple offensive camps, Smith could be a reliable option for his career (Think young Shane Battier)
Current Ratings: C+ B- B- B+ C-
11 Indiana Pacers - Trevor Ariza SF 6'7'' 197 19 C+ B- C B C A
Current Team - Indiana Pacers (Starting SF)
Career Averages - 10.8 points, 5.5 rebounds 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals
Kemba has probably been the luckiest GM when it comes to drafting players (recently drafting Andray Blatche with the 9th pick), picking up Ariza with the 11th pick in the 2004 Draft. Ariza has become a 23 point, 7 rebound, 4 assist player and without a doubt, the teams future. There is not much to say about Ariza other than his focus during his first four years has been incredible - learning from Al Harrington during his brief stay here, and practicing his ass off to become the player he is today. Last season, Ariza was on the brink of being traded - averaging just 12 points (pretty much on par with his career averages). This year, Ariza is proving he deserves a payday at the end of the season, and whether or not that comes from Indiana, might not be important to Ariza.
Current Ratings: B+ B C A- C
12 Portland Trailblazers - Shaun Livingston PG 6'7'' 180 19 B- C B- B C A
Current Team - Charlotte Hornets (Starting PG)
Career Averages - 13.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.6 steals
Another serviceable, yet somewhat disappointing pick here, Livingston showed he can score, distribute, and defend - he just struggles to do it all in the same year. His sophomore stint, Livingston averaged a career best 18.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 1.9 steals, while many attributed his success to him playing on a offensively depleted Mavericks team. Well, they were right. Since being traded to Charlotte (who has turned their team around and brought in some offensive threats) Shaun has averaged just 9 points in his starting role. Serviceable, yes, as far as traditional pass-first PG’s go. Franchise PG? He’s got a long way to go.
Current Ratings: C+ C+ A- B+ C
1 Phoenix Suns - Dwight Howard PF 6'11'' 265 19 B- D C- B+ B A
Current Team - Phoenix Suns (Starting PF)
Career Averages - 8.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.3 blocks
During the time of the draft, Phoenix was struggling internally - left without a GM, a star and a future, the SSBL front office made the pick of Dwight the “Manchild” in hopes of stimulating attendance, creating some buzz amongst fans, and give the team it’s next future after Kidd booked for the Northern Border. Needless to say, Dwight has turned into a great defensive presence in the post, but has yet to average double digit points, let alone become the offensive star many thought he would be. Don’t tell anyone, but Ha Sueng-Jin was selected with the last pick of the 1st round Phoenix received from Toronto during the year (Sueng-Jin: Career Averages - 12.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks)
Current Ratings: B D C- B+ A-
2 Toronto Raptors - Josh Smith SF 6'9'' 220 19 B C- C- B+ C+ A
Current Team - Sacramento Kings (Starting PF)
Career Averages - 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.7 steals, 1.1 blocks
Josh Smith was deemed by Toronto as the future of Raptor basketball next to a defensive minded Dwyane Wade. Playing on the wing, Smith was injured a quarter way through his rookie season and Raptor management was very worried about his offensive production, or lack thereof. After his rookie campaign he was dealt to Sacramento for Chinese center Yao Ming in a move that completely re-vamped Smith’s outlook and motivation. His sophomore year, Smith averaged 18 points, 7 rebounds with 2 steals and a block per game, kicking the sophomore slump square in the nuts. Since then, Smith has been a lynch-pin to a growing Sacramento squad with playoff hopes this season.
Current Ratings: B+ C C- A C+
3 New York Knicks - Emeka Okafor PF 6'10'' 255 22 B- D+ D+ A- B- B
Current Team - San Antonio Spurs (Starting PF)
Career Averages - 15.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.4 blocks
In what could be one of the most productive careers from the 2004 lottery, Emeka has turned into a cornerstone type player for the Spurs, who acquired the PF in a deal for Tracy McGrady. Many GM’s around the league disapproved moving a superstar forward for a couple rookies and draft picks, however, Rmanske was adamant Okafor was worth the price of T-Mac. Boasting career averages of 15 points, 10 rebounds and over a block per game, you can’t deny Okafor is a post presence everyone wants. Paired with up and coming Andrew Bynum, it looks like the Spurs have their “twin towers” built up once again.
Current Ratings: B D+ C- A- B+
4 Cleveland Cavaliers - Andre Iguodala SG 6'6'' 210 20 B C C B+ C A
Current Team - Cleveland Cavaliers (Starting SF)
Career Averages - 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.5 steals
Andre Iguodala has enjoyed a productive career thus far, but as the number one in Cleveland, his playoff resume is less than ideal - leading the Cavs to only one playoff appearance since he was drafted. Now getting help from young star PG Rajon Rondo and Jermaine O’Neal, many in Cleveland hope the equation is enough to find the playoffs and continue to do so for the foreseeable future. While his ratings might not be flashy, Iguodala is currently enjoying a career year, scoring almost 19 points even on terrible shooting percentages. In his fourth year, Iguodala is only one player and can no longer take the blame for his teams woe’s, considering he’s surrounded by past all-stars and the 2006 rookie of the year.
Current Ratings: B+ C+ C B+ C
5 Miami Heat - Jameer Nelson PG 6'0'' 192 22 C+ B+ B- B- D+ B
Current Team - Miami Heat (Starting PG)
Career Averages - 12.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.4 steals
Nelson was selected to provide the Heat with a viable threat up top - and while he distributes the ball well, his scoring hasn’t been exactly what the Heat have hoped for, especially his contract year. Currently in 2007, Nelson is averaging 9.1 points and 6.3 assists, both career lows. If he wants to get the payday is probably deserves, he needs to pick up the play fast, because I’m sure 30% from the field, and 19% from beyond the arc isn’t what shawncro has in mind for his future PG.
Current Ratings: C+ A- B- B+ C-
6 Chicago Bulls - Luol Deng SF 6'8'' 220 19 B- C C- B C+ A
Current Team - Denver Nuggets (Expected Starting SF)
Career Averages - 9.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals
With the recent acquisition of Carmelo Anthony and Paul Pierce in Milwaukee, Luol Deng’s role was basically reduced to the injured reserve. After shopping him around the league, Deng was able to find a home with Quintero and the Denver Nuggets. While Deng shows a lot of promise, his offensive game hasn’t been a factor until this year. Quintero will presumably make Deng his starting SF, and could even give him the offensive focus - thus proving Deng is a viable offensive player.
Current Ratings: B- B C A- B-
7 Utah Jazz - T.J. Ford PG 6'0'' 165 21 C+ C+ A- B- D+ A
Current Team - Milwaukee Bucks (Main backup PG)
Career Averages - 12.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.3 steals
TJ Ford, while not being the defender he was billed to become, has proven to be quite an effective offensive facilitator, both scoring and distributing the ball. As a starter, his averages are 15.9 points, 7.2 assists and 1.7 steals. He’s gotten a bad rap around the league for some reason, as Il Mago tried to shop him around with no success the past two years. With the addition of Chauncey Billups in Milwaukee, TJ will serve as his main backup while hopefully retaining some value around the league, so that maybe one day he can return to his sophomore form in which he averaged 18 points a game.
Current Ratings: C+ B- A- C+ D+
8 Philadelphia 76ers - Devin Harris PG 6'3'' 185 21 C+ B- B B- D+ A
Current Team - Philadelphia 76ers (IR Bound)
Career Averages - 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.9 steals
In possibly the most disappointing pick outside of Dwight, Devin Harris was deemed as the best PG in the draft, and also the one with the best future. Harris started his career on the top of his mountain; averaging 19 points, 8 assists, 2 steals and winning Rookie of the Year in 2004. He looked like the steal of the draft, and many around the league were envious they passed him up. However, it seems fame and fortune went right to Harris’ head like a bad high - each year since his rookie season, Devin has regressed and is now the backup to the backup - playing only 9 minutes a game. While nobody can account for WTF happened besides Harris himself, his story is surely the most surprising of the 2004 Draft, by far.
Current Ratings: C+ B B B+ D+
9 Boston Celtics - Eddy Curry C 6'11'' 285 22 B+ D D+ B C+ B
Current Team - Charlotte Hornets (Starting PF)
Career Averages - 18.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1 block
Eddy Curry is probably one of the bigger surprises of the 2004 Draft, in a GOOD way. Boston grabbed the gold mine (literally THAT big) at number 9 and never looked back. He enjoyed one good season as the teams starting Center, putting up 16 points and 8 rebounds in his rookie campaign, however was then traded in an effort to reunite the big-three from Vancouver. Curry was seen by many as a lazy, out of shape mess that wouldn’t amount to much other than an offensive threat in the low post. Curry however has proven the critics wrong, and has become a decent defender and rebounded, and despite his weight, is pretty quick in the block.
Current Ratings: B+ D+ C- B+ B-
10 Houston Rockets - JR Smith SG 6'6'' 220 19 B- C+ C C+ C- A
Current Team - Dallas Mavericks (Starting SG)
Career Averages - 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 20.8 minutes
JR has been a disappointing lottery pick so far, never quite living up to his potential in his offensive development. He has, however, become an imposing defensive presence on the perimeter - averaging 2 steals per 36 minutes for his career, and 2.3 steals this year in his first starting role. Along with his defense, Smith seems to be a great all-around player; this season for the Mavs, he is averaging 9.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.3 steals. With a couple offensive camps, Smith could be a reliable option for his career (Think young Shane Battier)
Current Ratings: C+ B- B- B+ C-
11 Indiana Pacers - Trevor Ariza SF 6'7'' 197 19 C+ B- C B C A
Current Team - Indiana Pacers (Starting SF)
Career Averages - 10.8 points, 5.5 rebounds 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals
Kemba has probably been the luckiest GM when it comes to drafting players (recently drafting Andray Blatche with the 9th pick), picking up Ariza with the 11th pick in the 2004 Draft. Ariza has become a 23 point, 7 rebound, 4 assist player and without a doubt, the teams future. There is not much to say about Ariza other than his focus during his first four years has been incredible - learning from Al Harrington during his brief stay here, and practicing his ass off to become the player he is today. Last season, Ariza was on the brink of being traded - averaging just 12 points (pretty much on par with his career averages). This year, Ariza is proving he deserves a payday at the end of the season, and whether or not that comes from Indiana, might not be important to Ariza.
Current Ratings: B+ B C A- C
12 Portland Trailblazers - Shaun Livingston PG 6'7'' 180 19 B- C B- B C A
Current Team - Charlotte Hornets (Starting PG)
Career Averages - 13.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.6 steals
Another serviceable, yet somewhat disappointing pick here, Livingston showed he can score, distribute, and defend - he just struggles to do it all in the same year. His sophomore stint, Livingston averaged a career best 18.5 points, 8.5 assists, and 1.9 steals, while many attributed his success to him playing on a offensively depleted Mavericks team. Well, they were right. Since being traded to Charlotte (who has turned their team around and brought in some offensive threats) Shaun has averaged just 9 points in his starting role. Serviceable, yes, as far as traditional pass-first PG’s go. Franchise PG? He’s got a long way to go.
Current Ratings: C+ C+ A- B+ C
