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2003 NBA draft
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| 2003 NBA draft | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Sport | Basketball |
| Date | June 26, 2003 |
| Location | The Theater at Madison Square Garden (New York City, New York) |
| Network | ESPN |
| Overview | |
| 58 total selections in 2 rounds | |
| League | NBA |
| First selection | LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) |
| Hall of Famers | 3
|
The 2003 NBA draft was held on June 26, 2003, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The NBA announced that 41 college and high school players and a record 31 international players had filed as early-entry candidates for the 2003 NBA draft.[1] The Cleveland Cavaliers, who had a 22.50 percent probability of obtaining the first selection, won the NBA draft lottery on May 22, and Cleveland chairman Gordon Gund said afterward his team would select LeBron James, and they did.[2][3] The Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets were second and third, respectively. This draft was the first draft to be aired on ESPN after they picked up the license from TNT.
The 2003 draftees represented one of the deepest talent pools in NBA history. The draft contained 15 players who combined for 26 championships. Four of the top five picks were NBA All-Stars and "Redeem Team" Olympic Gold Medalists: Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and James. Nine of the players drafted were named All-Stars at least once. As of 2026, James is the last remaining active player from this draft class, having held this distinction since Anthony's retirement in 2023.
Overview
[edit]Four of the top five picks of the 2003 draft became NBA All-Stars and "Redeem Team" Olympic Gold Medalists: Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James. Nine players have participated in an All-Star Game. Dwyane Wade was named NBA Finals MVP in 2006 and won NBA championships with the Miami Heat in 2006, 2012 and 2013, as well as the NBA All Star Game MVP in 2010. Boris Diaw won the Most Improved Player Award in 2006, Jason Kapono won the three point contest in back-to-back years in 2007 and 2008, James Jones won the three point contest in 2011, Leandro Barbosa won the Sixth Man Award in 2007, Kyle Korver set the NBA record for three point shooting percentage in 2010 (53.6%), and in the 2009, 2010, 2012, and 2013 seasons, LeBron James won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, and the NBA Finals MVP in 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2020. Carmelo Anthony won the 2013 NBA scoring title and was the only player in NBA history to win at least three Olympic gold medals[4] until Kevin Durant won his third one in 2020. Zaza Pachulia and David West won NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Matt Bonner won NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs in 2007 and 2014. Dahntay Jones and Mo Williams won the NBA championship in 2016 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Luke Walton won three NBA championships, two as a player with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010 and one as an assistant coach with the Warriors in 2015. Chris Bosh left the Toronto Raptors in 2010 as its all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, double doubles, free throws made and attempted, and minutes played; he went on to win championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013.
The 2003 draft class has drawn comparisons to the 1984 and 1996 NBA draft classes[5] but is also known for the Detroit Pistons' selection of Darko Miličić with the second overall pick over other prospects who went on to have much more success in the league.[5] As of 2026, LeBron James is the only remaining active player from the 2003 draft class.
Eleven of the players selected in this draft never played in an NBA game throughout their professional basketball careers. Two of those players were the sole selection of the draft by their respective teams: Malick Badiane (Houston's only pick) and Paccelis Morlende (Philadelphia's only pick).
Draft selections
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| PG | Point guard | SG | Shooting guard | SF | Small forward | PF | Power forward | C | Center |
| ^ | Denotes player who has been inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |
| * | Denotes player who has been selected for at least one All-Star Game and All-NBA Team |
| + | Denotes player who has been selected for at least one All-Star Game |
| # | Denotes player who has never appeared in an NBA regular-season or playoff game |
| ~ | Denotes player who has been selected as Rookie of the Year |
^ a: Chris Kaman was born in the United States, but also has German citizenship through his great-grandparents and competes internationally for Germany.[30]
Notable undrafted players
[edit]These players were not selected in the 2003 NBA draft, but have played at least one game in the NBA.
| Player | Position | Nationality | School/club team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earl Barron | C |  United States
|
Memphis (Sr.) |
| Kevin Burleson | PG | United States
|
Minnesota (Sr.) |
| José Calderón | PG |  Spain
|
Tau Cerámica (Spain) |
| Matt Carroll | SG | United States
|
Notre Dame (Sr.) |
| Marquis Daniels | SG | United States
|
Auburn (Sr.) |
| Ronald Dupree | SF | United States
|
LSU (Sr.) |
| Noel Felix | PF | United States Belize
|
Fresno State (Sr.) |
| Hiram Fuller | PF | United States Libya
|
Fresno State (Sr.) |
| Britton Johnsen | SF/PF | United States
|
Utah (Sr.) |
| Desmond Penigar | PF | United States
|
Utah State (Sr.) |
| Kirk Penney | SG/SF |  New Zealand
|
Wisconsin (Sr.) |
| Josh Powell | PF | United States
|
NC State (So.) |
| Kasib Powell | SF | United States
|
Texas Tech (Sr.) |
| Quinton Ross | SG | United States
|
SMU (Sr.) |
| Melvin Sanders | SG/SF | United States
|
Oklahoma State (Sr.) |
| James Singleton | SF/PF | United States
|
Murray State (Sr.) |
| Theron Smith | SF/PF | United States
|
Ball State (Sr.) |
Draft lottery
[edit]| ^ | Denotes the actual lottery result |
| Team | 2002–03 record |
Lottery | Lottery probabilities | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th | ||||
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 17–65 | 225 | .225^ | .215 | .178 | .357 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Denver Nuggets | 17–65 | 225 | .225 | .188 | .171^ | .319 | .123 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Toronto Raptors | 24–58 | 157 | .157 | .157 | .156 | .226^ | .265 | .040 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Miami Heat | 25–57 | 120 | .120 | .126 | .133 | .099 | .350^ | .161 | .013 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 28–54 | 89 | .089 | .097 | .107 | — | .261 | .360^ | .084 | .004 | — | — | — | — | — | |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 28–54 | 64 | .064 | .071^ | .081 | — | — | .440 | .304 | .040 | .001 | — | — | — | — | |
| Chicago Bulls | 30–52 | 44 | .044 | .049 | .058 | — | — | — | .599^ | .232 | .018 | .000 | — | — | — | |
| Atlanta Hawks | 35–47 | 29 | .029 | .022 | .027 | — | — | — | — | .724^ | .197 | .011 | .000 | — | — | |
| New York Knicks | 37–45 | 15 | .015 | .022 | .027 | — | — | — | — | — | .784^ | .143 | .005 | .000 | — | |
| Washington Wizards | 37–45 | 14 | .014 | .021 | .025 | — | — | — | — | — | — | .846^ | .087 | .002 | .000 | |
| Golden State Warriors | 38–44 | 7 | .007 | .009 | .012 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | .907^ | .063 | .001 | |
| Seattle SuperSonics | 40–42 | 6 | .006 | .008 | .010 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | .935^ | .039 | |
| Houston Rockets | 43–39 | 5 | .005 | .007 | .009 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | .960^ | |
Early entrants
[edit]College underclassmen
[edit]In terms of underclassmen declaring for this year's draft, the number of players available for entry this year would increase up to 73 after previously being down a bit the previous year. However, it would also see the most withdrawn entries from underclassmen either in college, overseas, or even high school in the case of Charlie Villanueva with 27 total people doing exactly that. As such, there would actually be 46 underclassmen that qualified as such for this year's draft, which would be an overall step down when compared to last year's official number of underclassmen entering the NBA draft. The following college basketball players successfully applied for early draft entrance.[31]
Chris Alexander – C, Iowa State (junior)- Carmelo Anthony – F, Syracuse (freshman)
- Mario Austin – F, Mississippi State (junior)
- Ronald Blackshear – G, Marshall (junior)
- Chris Bosh – F, Georgia Tech (freshman)
- Lamar Castile – G, CC of Beaver County (sophomore)
- Rod Edwards – G, Ouachita Baptist (junior)
Carl English – G, Hawaii (junior)- T. J. Ford – G, Texas (sophomore)
- Zack Fray – F, Santa Ana (sophomore)
- Jonathan Hargett – G, West Virginia (freshman)
- David Hamilton – F, Salem International (junior)
- Jarvis Hayes – F/G, Georgia (junior)
- Maurice Jackson – F, Texas–Permian (junior)
- Richard Jeter – G, Atlanta Metro (sophomore)
Chris Kaman – C, Central Michigan (junior)- Josh Powell – F, NC State (sophomore)
- Rick Rickert – F, Minnesota (sophomore)
- Luke Ridnour – G, Oregon (junior)
- Rob Smith – F, North Carolina Wesleyan (junior)
- Michael Sweetney – F, Georgetown (junior)
- Dwyane Wade – G, Marquette (junior)
- Mo Williams – G, Alabama (sophomore)
- Doug Wrenn – F/G, Washington (junior)
High school players
[edit]This would be the ninth straight year in a row where at least one high school player would declare their entry into the NBA draft directly out of high school after previously only allowing it one time back in 1975. However, it would be one of the most famous ones due to the entry of high school phenom LeBron James entering the NBA draft this year, being the second high schooler to be drafted at #1 behind only Kwame Brown back in 2001, as well as being the second high schooler to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award behind Amar'e Stoudemire only a year prior. This draft also saw a high schooler named Charlie Villanueva initially enter for the NBA draft, but withdraw his name and go to college before the draft began. The following high school players successfully applied for early draft entrance.[31]
Ndudi Ebi – F, Westbury Christian School (Houston, Texas)- LeBron James – G, St. Vincent–St. Mary High School (Akron, Ohio)
- James Lang – F, Central Park Christian High School (Birmingham, Alabama)
- Travis Outlaw – F, Starkville High School (Starkville, Mississippi)
- Kendrick Perkins – F, Clifton J. Ozen High School (Beaumont, Texas)
International players
[edit]The following international players successfully applied for early draft entrance.[31]
Malick Badiane – F, Langen (Germany)
Leandro Barbosa – G, Bauru Tilibra (Brazil)
Carlos Delfino – G, Skipper Bologna (Italy)
Boris Diaw – F, Pau-Orthez (France)
Maciej Lampe – F, Universidad Complutense (Spain)
Darko Miličić – F, Hemofarm Vršac (Serbia and Montenegro)
Zaza Pachulia – F/C, Ülker (Turkey)- Aleksandar Pavlović – G/F, Budućnost (Serbia and Montenegro)
- Mickaël Piétrus – G, Pau-Orthez (France)
Zoran Planinić – G, Cibona (Croatia)
Sofoklis Schortsanitis – F, Iraklis (Greece)
Nedžad Sinanović – C, Brotnjo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Jón Arnór Stefánsson – G, Trier (Germany)- Szymon Szewczyk – F, Braunschweig (Germany)
Remon van de Hare – C/F, FC Barcelona (Spain)- Slavko Vraneš – C, Budućnost (Serbia and Montenegro)
Xue Yuyang – F, Hong Kong Flying Dragons (China)
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "NBA Announces Early-Entry Candidates". NBA. Archived from the original on April 27, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2007.
- ^ "Cavaliers Win NBA Draft Lottery 2003". NBA. Archived from the original on December 26, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2007.
- ^ The Associated Press (June 26, 2003). "LeBron James Selected First by Cleveland". The New York Times.
- ^ "Carmelo Anthony wins third gold medal, says he's finished with Team USA". August 21, 2016. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved September 2, 2016.
- ^ a b "2003 draft eventually may be best in history". MSNBC. Archived from the original on January 26, 2007. Retrieved April 19, 2007.
- ^ "Most anticipated No. 1 draft picks". CBC Sports. July 27, 2005. Archived from the original on June 21, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2008.
- ^ Smith, Mark David. "NBA Draft: Is Darko Milicic the Biggest Draft Bust Ever?". Bleacher Report.
- ^ The Grizzlies traded this pick to the Pistons for Otis Thorpe on August 7, 1997.
Boeck, Greg (August 8, 1997). "Thorpe trade frees Pistons to chase Bulls' Williams". USA Today. p. 12C.
Enlund, Tom (June 28, 2003). "Selections have Pistons popping; Sonics also do well on draft day". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. p. 3C. - ^ The Hawks traded this pick along with Toni Kukoč and Leon Smith to the Bucks for Glenn Robinson on August 2, 2002.
Saladino, Tom (August 3, 2002). "Robinson traded by Milwaukee to Hawks for No. 1 pick and Kukoc". The Associated Press State & Local Wire. - ^ The Rockets traded this pick along with Othella Harrington, Brent Price, Antoine Carr, and Michael Dickerson to the Grizzlies as part of a three-way deal in which the Rockets received draft rights to Steve Francis and Tony Massenburg from Grizzlies and Don MacLean and future first-round draft choice from Orlando Magic, and Magic received Michael Smith, Rodrick Rhodes, Lee Mayberry and Makhtar Ndiaye from Grizzlies on August 27, 1999.
Murphy, Michael (August 27, 1999). "Rockets land Francis, 5 others; Grizzlies get 4 in largest deal in NBA history". The Houston Chronicle. p. 1. - ^ a b c d The Grizzlies traded No. 13 and No. 27 picks to the Celtics for No. 16 and No. 20 picks on the draft day.
Baird, Woody (June 27, 2003). "West wastes no time for draft-night trades". Associated Press. - ^ The Bucks traded this pick along with Ray Allen, Kevin Ollie, and Ronald Murray to the SuperSonics for Gary Payton and Desmond Mason on February 20, 2003.
Ruiz, Don (February 21, 2003). "Goodbye, Glove: Sonics trade Payton; NBA deal: Fan favorite Mason also sent to Milwaukee Bucks". The News Tribune (Tacoma, Washington). p. A01. - ^ The 76ers traded this pick along with Roshown McLeod to the Celtics for Jérôme Moïso on August 3, 2001.
Doyle, Bill (August 4, 2001). "Celts move forward in Sixers deal; Little-used Moiso swapped for McLeod, future first-round pick". Telegram & Gazette (Massachusetts). p. B1. - ^ The Pacers traded this pick to the Hawks for Jamaal Tinsley on June 27, 2001.
Marot, Michael (June 28, 2001). "Pacers wait their turn, wind up with 2 guards". The Associated Press State & Local Wire. - ^ The Kings traded this pick along with Tariq Abdul-Wahad to the Magic for Nick Anderson on August 3, 1999.
"Magic trades Anderson for Kings' Abdul-Wahad". The Houston Chronicle. August 4, 1999. p. Sports 9.
The Magic traded this pick along with Mike Miller and Ryan Humphrey to the Grizzlies for Drew Gooden and Gordan Giricek on February 19, 2003.
Scanlon, Dick (March 7, 2003). "Trade Pays Off Quickly". The Ledger. p. C1. - ^ The Spurs traded this pick to the Suns for a future pick (#30 pick in 2005 NBA draft) on June 26, 2003.
Badger, T.A. (June 26, 2003). "Spurs select and then trade Brazilian point guard". The Associated Press State & Local Wire. - ^ The Nuggets traded this pick along with Antonio McDyess and the draft rights to Frank Williams to the Knicks for Marcus Camby, Mark Jackson and the draft rights to Maybyner "Nenê" Hilario on June 26, 2002.
"Knicks blockbuster may be the tip of iceberg". ESPN. June 26, 2002. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved September 11, 2016. - ^ a b The Raptors traded No. 32 pick along with Tracy Murray and Kareem Rush to the Lakers for the No. 52 pick, Lindsey Hunter, and Chris Jefferies on June 26, 2002.
Harris, Beth (June 27, 2002). "Lakers trade Hunter, first-round pick to Toronto for Murray". The Associated Press State & Local Wire. - ^ The Grizzlies traded this pick to the Bucks for Chris Owens on June 26, 2002.
Finger, Mike (June 27, 2002). "Owens off to Memphis ; Injury didn't scare off teams". San Antonio Express-News. - ^ a b The 76ers traded No. 41 pick to the SuperSonics for the No. 50 pick and cash during the draft.
"Green has thumb surgery". ESPN. Associated Press. December 5, 2003. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved September 11, 2016. - ^ The Bucks traded this pick to the Magic for cash considerations on the draft day.
Mulhern, Tom (June 27, 2003). "Short, to the Point; Bucks Choose Texas' Ford". Wisconsin State Journal. - ^ The Suns traded this pick along with Soumaila Samake to the Bulls for C Jake Voskuhl on October 29, 2001.
"Bulls trade Voskuhl to Suns for draft pick". The Associated Press State & Local Wire. October 29, 2001. - ^ The Bulls traded this pick to the Raptors for a future pick (#38 pick in 2004 NBA draft) on the draft day.
Gray, Kevin (June 27, 2003). "Toronto trades for Bonner". The Union Leader. - ^ The Celtics traded this pick along with Shammond Williams to the Nuggets for Mark Blount and Mark Bryant on February 20, 2003.
"Celtics add bulk with additions of Blount, Bryant". ESPN. Associated Press. February 20, 2003. Archived from the original on September 24, 2012. Retrieved March 8, 2009. - ^ The Nets traded this pick to the 76ers for cash considerations on the draft day.
"Korver drafted by Nets, traded to Philadelphia". The Associated Press State & Local Wire. June 27, 2003. - ^ The Pistons traded this pick along with Cedric Ceballos to the Heat for a second-round draft pick (#38 pick in 2002 NBA draft) on November 26, 2000.
The Heat traded this pick to the Bulls for Sean Lampley on October 2, 2001.
"Heat acquire F Lampley from Chicago". The Associated Press State & Local Wire. October 2, 2001. - ^ The Kings traded this pick along with a future pick (#53 pick in 2005 NBA draft) to the Celtics for Darius Songaila on June 23, 2003.
"Celtics Acquire Second round Draft Choice From Sacramento Kings For Rights To Songaila". NBA. June 23, 2003. Archived from the original on June 20, 2017. Retrieved May 20, 2007. - ^ The Mavericks traded this pick to the Nuggets for a future pick (#50 pick in 2004 NBA draft) on the draft day.
"Xue Yuyang Joins Denver After Dallas Draft". China Internet Information Center. June 28, 2003. Archived from the original on October 17, 2007. Retrieved May 20, 2007. - ^ The Spurs traded this pick to the Pistons for Mengke Bateer on October 3, 2002.
"Pistons trade Menks to Spurs". The Associated Press State & Local Wire. October 3, 2002. - ^ Clippers' Kaman becomes German citizen for Olympics Archived June 13, 2017, at the Wayback Machine. Los Angeles Times. July 3, 2008.
- ^ a b c "2003 Underclassmen". The Draft Review. August 4, 2007. Archived from the original on December 23, 2022. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
- "NBA.com Draft 2003". NBA. Archived from the original on April 19, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2007.
- "Player profiles with their career transaction information". NBA. Archived from the original on April 19, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2007.
External links
[edit]- ESPN.com Draft 2003 Archived July 1, 2017, at the Wayback Machine
- databaseBasketball.com Draft 2003
- "How LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and the 2003 draft class transformed the NBA". SC Featured. ESPN. June 25, 2018. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021 – via YouTube.
2003 NBA draft
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
The 2003 NBA draft was an annual player selection meeting held on June 26, 2003, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the Cleveland Cavaliers chose high school phenom LeBron James as the first overall pick.[1] This event featured 58 total selections across two rounds, with 47 of those players eventually appearing in at least one NBA game, marking it as a particularly deep and influential class in league history.[1]
The top five picks exemplified the draft's extraordinary talent, including James at No. 1 by Cleveland, Darko Miličić at No. 2 by the Detroit Pistons, Carmelo Anthony at No. 3 by the Denver Nuggets, Chris Bosh at No. 4 by the Toronto Raptors, and Dwyane Wade at No. 5 by the Miami Heat.[1] While Miličić became a notable draft disappointment despite winning a championship with Detroit in 2004, the other four selections all developed into NBA superstars, combining for 55 All-Star appearances, nine NBA championships, and multiple MVP awards across their careers.[2] James, in particular, emerged as a generational talent, leading the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2007 and earning four MVP honors, while Anthony averaged 22.5 points per game over 19 seasons, Bosh contributed to two titles with Miami as a 11-time All-Star, and Wade secured three championships en route to 13 All-Star nods.[2]
Beyond the lottery, the draft yielded several impactful role players and steals, such as power forward David West (selected 18th by the New Orleans Hornets), who earned two All-Star selections and helped Indiana reach the 2014 Finals; sharpshooter Kyle Korver (51st by the New Jersey Nets), a one-time All-Star known for his record-setting three-point shooting; and guard Mo Williams (47th by the Utah Jazz), a 2009 All-Star and key contributor to Cleveland's 2007 Finals run.[1] Overall, the class produced Hall of Famers in Bosh and Wade, with James and Anthony also likely future inductees, along with a wealth of All-Stars and contributors who shaped the 2000s and 2010s eras of the NBA.[2]
Widely regarded as one of the greatest drafts in NBA history—often ranked in the top three—the 2003 class not only delivered immediate star power but also influenced the league's landscape through player empowerment and superteam formations, exemplified by James, Wade, and Bosh joining forces in Miami from 2010 to 2014, where they won two championships and reached four straight Finals.[2] Its legacy endures as a benchmark for talent depth and long-term success, with draftees accumulating over 1,000 combined Win Shares and revolutionizing modern basketball.[1]
The Detroit Pistons' selection of Miličić at No. 2 drew immediate controversy, as many expected them to choose Miami's Dwyane Wade or Georgia Tech's Chris Bosh instead, given the team's need for a dynamic guard or forward; Miličić, a 18-year-old center from Serbia, was seen as a high-upside international prospect but ultimately became one of the draft's most debated picks.[27][28] In contrast, the Denver Nuggets' choice of Anthony at No. 3 was hailed as a steal, especially amid pre-draft trade rumors swirling around the pick, which ultimately stayed with Denver and paired Anthony with the franchise from the outset.[29][30]
Among the round's successes, Kyle Korver, selected 51st overall by the New Jersey Nets, emerged as one of the NBA's premier long-range shooters, enjoying a 17-season career across six teams and earning All-Star honors in 2015.[31] His elite three-point accuracy, peaking at a career .429 percentage on 2,989 attempts, allowed him to thrive as a specialist, contributing to playoff runs with the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers.[31] Similarly, Matt Bonner, picked 45th by the Chicago Bulls, developed into a reliable floor-spacer known as the "Red Rocket," playing 10 seasons primarily with the San Antonio Spurs and helping them win a championship in 2014 while averaging 6.1 points per game over 772 contests.[32]
Mo Williams, taken 47th by the Utah Jazz, provided backcourt depth and leadership, earning All-Star selection in 2009 during a stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers where he averaged a career-high 17.8 points and 4.9 assists that season.[33] Zaza Pachulia, the 42nd pick by the Orlando Magic, became a gritty rebounder and defender over 16 seasons with multiple teams, including a 2017 NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors, where he averaged 6.1 points and 5.9 rebounds in the regular season.[34] Jason Kapono, the 31st selection by the Cleveland Cavaliers, specialized in three-point shooting, leading the league in 2006-07 at .514 while contributing to the Miami Heat's 2006 title run, though his overall scoring averaged 6.7 points across nine seasons.[35]
Intra-draft trades were limited in the second round compared to the first, with most activity involving prior rights exchanges rather than on-the-spot deals; for instance, the Chicago Bulls acquired the Phoenix Suns' pick (No. 45, Bonner) from a previous transaction, while the Boston Celtics obtained the No. 56 selection via a swap with the Sacramento Kings for player rights.[36] Many second-rounders, such as international prospects like Maciej Lampe (No. 30) and Sofoklis Schortsanitis (No. 34), faced immediate challenges adapting to the NBA, leading to quick releases or overseas returns, underscoring the round's high-risk, developmental nature.[1]
Background and Eligibility
Draft Rules and Changes
The 2003 NBA draft operated under eligibility rules that permitted a broad pool of domestic prospects without a mandatory age minimum, distinguishing it from subsequent drafts. For U.S. college players, seniors were automatically eligible, while underclassmen—freshmen, sophomores, and juniors—could declare as early-entry candidates, forfeiting their remaining NCAA eligibility upon signing with an agent or being selected. High school graduates were also allowed to declare directly for the draft, a practice that continued through the 2005 draft before the league's 2005 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) imposed an age minimum of 19 during the calendar year of the draft and one year removed from high school graduation, starting with the 2006 draft. This policy enabled prospects like those hyped as generational talents to bypass additional college seasons. International players faced no uniform age minimum but were required to meet verification standards for professional or amateur status, often aligned with FIBA regulations to ensure compliance with global basketball governance. A key rule adjustment announced in February 2003 repealed a prior bylaw that had barred players turning 18 within 45 days of the draft, allowing more young foreign talents to enter in the calendar year they reached that age. This change, part of broader efforts to globalize the league, resulted in a record 31 international early-entry declarations for the 2003 draft.[3] The draft consisted of two rounds totaling 58 selections, reflecting the league's 29 teams at the time, with each team allocated one pick per round unless traded. Traded first-round picks often included automatic protections to safeguard the originating team, such as top-X position clauses (e.g., top-1 or top-3 protected), which would defer conveyance to future years or convert to second-round picks if the condition was unmet. These mechanisms, embedded in trade agreements, ensured balanced distribution while accommodating roster-building strategies across the league.Pre-Draft Expectations
The 2003 NBA draft generated significant anticipation as one of the most talent-laden classes in years, with scouts and analysts emphasizing a deep pool of versatile forwards and guards capable of transforming struggling franchises. Pre-draft buzz centered on the potential for multiple All-Star caliber players, particularly after a season where the league sought a new generation of stars to boost popularity. Media outlets highlighted the draft's depth beyond the top picks, including skilled big men and international talents, though questions lingered about the transition for young entrants.[4] LeBron James emerged as the consensus No. 1 prospect, viewed unanimously as a generational talent straight out of high school due to his size, athleticism, and all-around game, often compared to a young Magic Johnson or Michael Jordan. Following him in most evaluations were college standouts Carmelo Anthony, who led Syracuse to the NCAA title as a freshman, Chris Bosh from Georgia Tech with his floor-spacing ability, and Dwyane Wade from Marquette, whose Final Four performance elevated his stock from mid-first-round projections. Analysts like ESPN's Chad Ford ranked these four as the core of the class, predicting they would anchor lottery teams for years.[4][5] Mock drafts from major outlets reflected high expectations for the Cleveland Cavaliers to secure the top pick via the lottery, given their league-worst 17-65 record and 22.5% odds. ESPN's pre-lottery projections, led by Chad Ford, frequently slotted James to Cleveland at No. 1, with variations sending Anthony to Denver at No. 3, Bosh to Toronto at No. 4, and Wade to Atlanta or Milwaukee in the 5-7 range, while international prospect Darko Milicic appeared as high as No. 2 to Detroit. The Sporting News previews similarly favored the Cavaliers' lottery chances, emphasizing James' transformative potential and projecting Anthony and Bosh as safe top-five selections in a post-lottery scenario. These mocks underscored the draft's front-loaded nature, with little consensus on picks beyond the top six due to workout performances. The annual pre-draft camp in Chicago in mid-May further fueled excitement, where James measured 6-foot-8 barefoot, 240 pounds, and under 7% body fat, then dominated drills with precise shooting and fluid movement against older prospects. His performance, including efficient 3-point and free-throw shooting, eliminated any lingering doubts about his physical readiness and solidified his status as a can't-miss prospect, drawing praise from scouts for his poise under scrutiny. Debates raged over the preparedness of high school players like James and fellow early entrant prospects, with critics questioning whether teenagers could handle the NBA's physicality and maturity demands without college seasoning. Anthony, despite his one NCAA season, faced similar scrutiny for his shot selection and defense, though his championship pedigree eased some concerns; analysts warned that direct jumps from prep ranks risked stunted development, citing past high school draftees' mixed results.[4][6] International scouting intensified in Europe that spring, with NBA teams dispatching evaluators to Serbia to assess 18-year-old Darko Milicic of Hemofarm Vrsac, whose 7-foot frame, ball-handling, and shooting drew Dirk Nowitzki comparisons. Milicic's workouts in Treviso, Italy, impressed with his mobility and skill set, positioning him as a potential top-three pick despite limited pro experience in the Yugoslav league.[7]Draft Lottery
Lottery Process
The NBA draft lottery was introduced in 1985 as a weighted selection process to determine the order of the first three draft picks among the league's non-playoff teams, primarily to discourage intentional losing or "tanking" during the regular season by giving poorer-performing teams better but not guaranteed chances at top selections.[8] Prior to this, from 1966 to 1984, tied teams flipped a coin for draft position, which had led to suspicions of manipulated outcomes; the 1985 system initially used an envelope draw with equal odds, but it evolved in 1990 to the ping-pong ball method with weighted probabilities to further balance competitive incentives.[9] In 2003, the lottery involved the 13 teams that failed to qualify for the playoffs out of the league's 29 total franchises, with the drawings determining the teams for picks 1 through 3; picks 4 through 13 followed the inverse regular-season records among the remaining non-playoff teams, while picks 14-29 followed reverse regular-season records among the 16 playoff teams. The process used a lottery machine containing 14 ping-pong balls numbered 1 through 14; for each of the top three picks, four balls were drawn sequentially without replacement to create one of 1,001 possible four-number combinations (sorted in ascending order), with the balls replaced and machine reset between draws. Each non-playoff team received a number of these combinations based on their regular-season winning percentage, with the team holding the worst record assigned 250 combinations (25% chance at the No. 1 pick), decreasing progressively to the 13th-worst team receiving 5 combinations (0.5% chance).[10] This structure ensured that while the worst teams had the highest probability of landing the top pick, every lottery participant had at least a slim opportunity, promoting broader competitive effort across the league.[11] When teams finished with identical records, tiebreaker procedures established their relative order for assigning combinations, starting with head-to-head results, followed by records against teams in their division, conference record, and a random draw if necessary. For instance, in cases of ties for the worst records, the shared combinations were split equally, adjusting the probabilities downward for those teams while preserving the overall distribution.[12] The 2003 lottery drawing took place on May 22 at the NBA Entertainment studios in Secaucus, New Jersey, conducted under the supervision of independent auditors to ensure transparency and randomness, with results broadcast live on ABC.[13][4]2003 Results and Odds
The 2003 NBA draft lottery, held on May 22, 2003, in Secaucus, New Jersey, involved the league's 13 non-playoff teams from the 2002–03 season, whose order of finish determined their probabilities for the top three draft positions. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets shared the highest odds of 22.5% each for the No. 1 overall pick, reflecting their tied league-worst records of 17–65. The Toronto Raptors followed with 15.7% odds based on their 24–58 mark, while the Miami Heat (25–57) held 11.6%, the Los Angeles Clippers (27–55) 8.9%, and the Memphis Grizzlies (28–54) 6.3%. Further down, teams like the Chicago Bulls (30–52) had 4.5%, the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets (both 35–47) around 3.1% combined, and tied squads Washington Wizards and New York Knicks (both 37–45) split adjusted odds around 1.5–2.1% combined, with the Golden State Warriors (38–44) at 1.0% and Utah Jazz (35–47 wait, Utah 35-47 tied with Atl/Char but West).[14][15] In a highly anticipated drawing broadcast live on ABC, the Cavaliers defied their shared top odds to win the No. 1 selection, setting the stage for drafting local superstar LeBron James. The Grizzlies made a dramatic leap from sixth in the pre-lottery order to secure the No. 2 pick, but due to a prior top-1 protected trade obligation to the Detroit Pistons stemming from the 1997 Otis Thorpe deal, they had to convey the selection, allowing Detroit to draft at No. 2—while the Nuggets dropped to No. 3 despite entering as co-favorites. The Raptors, with the third-best odds, landed at No. 4, followed by the Heat at No. 5 and Clippers at No. 6. This outcome fulfilled the odds structure effectively, as none of the three teams with the highest probabilities fell outside the top six, reinforcing perceptions of the lottery's fairness under the pre-2019 weighted system.[15][10][4] The event, hosted by Mike Tirico and announced by NBA Deputy Commissioner Russ Granik via the traditional envelope reveal, built intense drama amid the era's lowest-rated NBA Finals viewership. Granik's reading of the Cavaliers' envelope elicited widespread celebration in Cleveland, where fans erupted in joy over the homecoming for James after the franchise's five-year absence from the playoffs. Conversely, Grizzlies executive Jerry West displayed visible dejection upon learning of their No. 2 finish, highlighting the high stakes tied to their traded pick protections.[10] The Cavaliers' victory carried profound implications, igniting expectations of a long-awaited turnaround for a franchise mired in mediocrity since its last playoff appearance in 1998. Securing James was viewed as a pivotal moment to revitalize attendance and competitiveness in a basketball-crazed market, ultimately launching a new era of success. Meanwhile, the Nuggets' No. 3 slot positioned them to select Carmelo Anthony, contributing to their own resurgence.[10][16]| Pre-Lottery Rank | Team | Record | Odds for No. 1 Pick | Final Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (tied) | Cleveland Cavaliers | 17–65 | 22.5% | 1 |
| 1 (tied) | Denver Nuggets | 17–65 | 22.5% | 3 |
| 3 | Toronto Raptors | 24–58 | 15.7% | 4 |
| 4 | Miami Heat | 25–57 | 11.6% | 5 |
| 5 | Los Angeles Clippers | 27–55 | 8.9% | 6 |
| 6 | Memphis Grizzlies | 28–54 | 6.3% | 2 |
| 7 | Chicago Bulls | 30–52 | 4.5% | 7 |
| 8 (tied) | Atlanta Hawks | 35–47 | 1.7% | 10 |
| 8 (tied) | Charlotte Hornets | 35–47 | 1.7% | 8 |
| 8 (tied) | Utah Jazz | 35–47 | 1.7% | 13 |
| 11 (tied) | New York Knicks | 37–45 | 1.0% | 9 |
| 11 (tied) | Washington Wizards | 37–45 | 1.0% | 11 |
| 13 | Golden State Warriors | 38–44 | 0.7% | 12 |
Early Entry Declarations
College Underclassmen
In the 2003 NBA draft, college underclassmen were eligible to declare early entry under NBA rules allowing players with remaining eligibility to submit letters to the league office, with those not signing an agent able to withdraw by June 19, 2003, to preserve NCAA eligibility.[17] This process enabled approximately 33 college underclassmen to initially enter the draft pool, though many later withdrew, resulting in varying success rates among those who remained, from lottery selections to undrafted free agents.[17] Prominent declarants included freshman forward Carmelo Anthony from Syracuse, who entered after leading his team to the NCAA championship, significantly boosting his draft stock as a top prospect.[18] Junior guard Dwyane Wade from Marquette also declared, following a standout Final Four performance that highlighted his versatility.[19] Similarly, freshman forward Chris Bosh from Georgia Tech opted in, motivated by his freshman season averages of 15.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, positioning him as a promising big man.[20] Other notable college early entrants encompassed players like T.J. Ford from Texas, Mike Sweetney from Georgetown, and Jameer Nelson from Saint Joseph's, reflecting a mix of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors testing professional interest.[17]High School Players
The 2003 NBA Draft marked a peak in the "prep-to-pro" trend, where high school seniors bypassed college to enter the professional ranks directly, a practice enabled by league eligibility rules allowing players at least 18 years old to declare. Nine high school seniors initially filed early-entry declarations that year, but four withdrew before the deadline; the remaining five were ultimately selected, reflecting teams' willingness to invest in raw potential despite the inherent risks of unproven maturity and physical development. This group exemplified the era's fascination with young talents who dominated at the prep level, though scouts often highlighted concerns about their readiness for the NBA's demands.[21] LeBron James, a senior at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, stood out as a once-in-a-generation talent, earning McDonald's All-American Game MVP honors with 27 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in the 2003 showcase. His hype was unparalleled, fueled by a landmark seven-year, $90 million endorsement deal with Nike signed just weeks before the draft, which underscored his marketability as an 18-year-old phenom. James's national profile exploded further with a 2002 Sports Illustrated cover dubbing him "The Chosen One," capturing the media frenzy that turned his high school games into must-see events broadcast on ESPN. This cultural phenomenon not only elevated James but also amplified scrutiny on the prep-to-pro pipeline, portraying it as a high-stakes gamble on adolescent stars. Among the other declarants, Kendrick Perkins from Clifton J. Ozen High School in Beaumont, Texas, drew attention as a physically imposing 6-foot-10 center but faced questions about his emotional maturity and need for seasoning, with projections placing him in the late first or mid-second round due to raw skills over polish. Travis Outlaw, a versatile forward from Starkville High School in Mississippi, impressed with athleticism and scoring upside, while Ndudi Ebi, a Nigerian-born prospect at Westbury Christian School in Houston, Texas, showcased international flair after relocating to the U.S. for prep ball. James Lang, from Central Park Christian High School in Birmingham, Alabama, rounded out the group as a long-shot big man valued for size but needing refinement. These selections highlighted the trend's risks, as high schoolers often struggled with the leap, prompting debates that would culminate in the NBA's 2005 collective bargaining agreement change requiring players to be at least one year removed from high school.International Players
The 2003 NBA draft featured a significant influx of international talent, reflecting the league's growing globalization following the success of players like Yao Ming in the prior year. A record 31 international players filed as early-entry candidates, highlighting the increasing appeal of the NBA to prospects from Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia.[22] Eligibility for these non-U.S. players differed from domestic underclassmen, requiring them to be at least 18 years old during the calendar year of the draft and typically to have professional experience abroad, without the need for college attendance. This pathway allowed young professionals from overseas leagues to enter directly, as exemplified by Serbian center Darko Milicic, who at 18 had already played for Hemofarm Vrsac in the Yugoslav League and was made eligible through a special NBA agreement adjusting prior age restrictions.[3] Similarly, French forward Boris Diaw, aged 21 and coming from the INSEP academy before professional stints with Pau-Orthez in France's Pro A league, and Georgian center Zaza Pachulia, 19 and experienced with ULEB Cup teams like Türk Telekom in Turkey, represented the diverse professional backgrounds of these entrants.[1] Scouting international players in 2003 presented unique challenges due to limited exposure to U.S. audiences and reliance on game tapes from European competitions like the EuroLeague. For instance, Milicic's evaluation centered on video footage showcasing his 6'11" frame, versatile skills in passing, shooting, and defense, though in-person workouts were rare amid political instability in Serbia that restricted travel. NBA scouts, including those from multiple teams, traveled to Serbia in late 2002 to assess him firsthand, praising his athleticism and potential as a "next Dirk Nowitzki," but the scarcity of direct observation often led to overhyped projections based on partial information.[23] This era marked a shift, with 9 international players selected in the first round—a record at the time—signaling the NBA's embrace of global talent pipelines.[1] Not all international prospects required formal declarations; automatic eligibility applied to those meeting age and professional criteria, streamlining entry for players like Milicic without the withdrawal deadlines faced by U.S. college underclassmen. Other notables included Brazilian guard Leandro Barbosa from Bauru in Brazil's Novo Basquete Brasil, Argentine swingman Carlos Delfino from Skipper Bologna in Italy's Lega Basket Serie A, and Greek center Sofoklis Schortsanitis from Peristeri in Greece's A1 Basket League, underscoring the draft's emphasis on established overseas pros. Overall, 20 international players were drafted across both rounds, a total that underscored the post-Yao Ming trend toward international scouting and integration.[1]Draft Selections
First Round Picks
The 2003 NBA draft took place on June 26, 2003, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.[1][4] The selection order for the first round was determined by the preceding lottery and regular-season records.[1] A total of five trades involving first-round picks occurred during the event, adding to the night's excitement.[24] The first round featured a highly anticipated class, headlined by the Cleveland Cavaliers selecting LeBron James from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School with the top pick. James, wearing an iconic white suit, shared a memorable handshake with NBA Commissioner David Stern on stage, marking the beginning of his legendary career.[25][26]| Pick | Team | Player | Position | School/Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleveland Cavaliers | LeBron James | SF | St. Vincent-St. Mary HS (USA) |
| 2 | Detroit Pistons | Darko Miličić | C | Serbia |
| 3 | Denver Nuggets | Carmelo Anthony | SF | Syracuse (USA) |
| 4 | Toronto Raptors | Chris Bosh | PF/C | Georgia Tech (USA) |
| 5 | Miami Heat | Dwyane Wade | SG | Marquette (USA) |
| 6 | Los Angeles Clippers | Chris Kaman | C | Central Michigan (USA) |
| 7 | Chicago Bulls | Kirk Hinrich | PG | Kansas (USA) |
| 8 | Milwaukee Bucks | T.J. Ford | PG | Texas (USA) |
| 9 | New York Knicks | Mike Sweetney | PF | Georgetown (USA) |
| 10 | Washington Wizards | Jarvis Hayes | SF | Georgia (USA) |
| 11 | Golden State Warriors | Mickaël Piétrus | SG/SF | France |
| 12 | Seattle SuperSonics | Nick Collison | PF/C | Kansas (USA) |
| 13 | Memphis Grizzlies | Marcus Banks | PG | UNLV (USA) |
| 14 | Seattle SuperSonics | Luke Ridnour | PG | Oregon (USA) |
| 15 | Utah Jazz | Gordan Giriček | SG | Cibona VIP (Croatia) |
| 16 | Boston Celtics | Troy Bell | PG | Boston College (USA) |
| 17 | Phoenix Suns | Žarko Čabarkapa | SF | Serbia and Montenegro |
| 18 | New Orleans Hornets | David West | PF | Xavier (USA) |
| 19 | Utah Jazz | Saša Pavlović | SG/SF | Serbia and Montenegro (traded to Cleveland Cavaliers) |
| 20 | Boston Celtics | Dahntay Jones | SG | Duke (USA) |
| 21 | Atlanta Hawks | Boris Diaw | SF/PG | France |
| 22 | New Jersey Nets | Zoran Planinić | SG | Croatia |
| 23 | Portland Trail Blazers | Travis Outlaw | SF | High school (USA) |
| 24 | Los Angeles Lakers | Brian Cook | PF | Illinois (USA) |
| 25 | Detroit Pistons | Carlos Delfino | SG/SF | Argentina |
| 26 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Ndudi Ebi | SF | High school (USA) |
| 27 | Memphis Grizzlies | Kendrick Perkins | C | High school (USA) |
| 28 | San Antonio Spurs | Leandro Barbosa | PG | Brazil (traded to Phoenix Suns) |
| 29 | Dallas Mavericks | Josh Howard | SF | Wake Forest (USA) |
Second Round Picks
The second round of the 2003 NBA Draft featured 29 selections, spanning picks 30 through 58, held on June 26, 2003, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.[1] These picks often targeted developmental prospects, international talents, and under-the-radar college players, with teams prioritizing potential over immediate impact due to the lack of guaranteed rookie contracts for second-rounders—a policy that resulted in many selections being waived or signing non-guaranteed deals shortly after the draft.[1] While the round produced fewer stars than the first, it yielded several overlooked gems who carved out long, productive NBA careers through specialized skills like sharpshooting and role-playing versatility.[1] The full list of second-round selections is as follows:| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College/Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | New York Knicks | Maciej Lampe | PF | Poland |
| 31 | Cleveland Cavaliers | Jason Kapono | SF | UCLA |
| 32 | Los Angeles Lakers | Luke Walton | SF | Arizona |
| 33 | Miami Heat | Jerome Beasley | PF | North Dakota |
| 34 | Los Angeles Clippers | Sofoklis Schortsanitis | C | Greece |
| 35 | Milwaukee Bucks | Szymon Szewczyk | C | Poland |
| 36 | Chicago Bulls | Mario Austin | PF | Mississippi State |
| 37 | Atlanta Hawks | Travis Hansen | SG | BYU |
| 38 | Washington Wizards | Steve Blake | PG | Maryland |
| 39 | New York Knicks | Slavko Vraneš | C | Montenegro |
| 40 | Golden State Warriors | Derrick Zimmerman | PF | Mississippi State |
| 41 | Seattle SuperSonics | Willie Green | SG | Detroit Mercy |
| 42 | Orlando Magic | Zaza Pachulia | C | Georgia (country) |
| 43 | Milwaukee Bucks | Keith Bogans | SG | Kentucky |
| 44 | Houston Rockets | Malick Badiane | C | Senegal |
| 45 | Chicago Bulls | Matt Bonner | PF | Florida |
| 46 | Denver Nuggets | Sani Bečirović | SG | Slovenia |
| 47 | Utah Jazz | Mo Williams | PG | Alabama |
| 48 | New Orleans Hornets | James Lang | PF | Bowman HS (GA) |
| 49 | Indiana Pacers | James Jones | SF | Miami (FL) |
| 50 | Philadelphia 76ers | Paccelis Morlende | PG | France |
| 51 | New Jersey Nets | Kyle Korver | SG | Creighton |
| 52 | Toronto Raptors | Remon van de Hare | C | Netherlands |
| 53 | Chicago Bulls | Tommy Smith | PF | Arizona State |
| 54 | Portland Trail Blazers | Nedžad Sinanović | C | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| 55 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Rick Rickert | PF | Minnesota |
| 56 | Boston Celtics | Brandon Hunter | PF | Ohio |
| 57 | Dallas Mavericks | Xue Yuyang | SF | China |
| 58 | Detroit Pistons | Andreas Glyniadakis | C | Greece |