Do you remember the buzz around the NBA Draft in 2000? I sure do. It was held on June 28, 2000, at the Target Center in Minneapolis. No doubt, the draft had its share of excitement and controversy. In fact, it’s often considered one of the weaker drafts in NBA history. That year, the draft saw a total of 58 players picked by various teams over two rounds. Kenyon Martin was the first overall pick, selected by the New Jersey Nets. He proved to be a solid player, but not quite the superstar you’d expect from a top pick. What’s interesting is the disparity between draft position and career success for many players that year.
Take Michael Redd, for example, who was picked 43rd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite his low draft position, Redd managed to average 19.0 points per game over his NBA career, even making it to the All-Star Game in 2004. It's crazy how a player with so much potential can almost go unnoticed. On the flip side, several higher picks didn’t live up to the hype. Stromile Swift, selected second overall by the Vancouver Grizzlies, had an underwhelming career with averages of 8.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. If you compare those numbers to what was expected of him, it’s clear he didn’t meet expectations.
Interestingly, the 2000 draft brought 18 international players into the league, reminding us how global the NBA has become. Hidayet Turkoglu from Turkey, taken by the Sacramento Kings at 16th, turned out to be one of the better international players from this draft. He spent 15 seasons in the NBA, known for his versatility and clutch performances, particularly during his time with the Orlando Magic. He accumulated career averages of 11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. His journey illustrates how non-American players have become integral to the league’s success.
Speaking of success, the draft also featured players who became significant contributors despite being low picks. Take Eduardo Nájera, picked 38th by the Houston Rockets and later traded to the Dallas Mavericks. Nájera wasn't a standout star, but he was a reliable role player, known for his defensive skills and hustle, appearing in over 620 games. You could argue that his contributions on the defensive end were invaluable, even if they didn’t always show up in the box score.
Another fascinating aspect was the relatively short career lengths for many draftees. Of those picked, only a handful enjoyed careers lasting over ten years. For example, Kenyon Martin, the top pick, played 15 seasons, while Speedy Claxton, chosen 20th by the Philadelphia 76ers, played nine seasons but also contributed off the court after his playing days. When discussing career longevity, it’s important to look at various factors, including injuries and versatility—both of which played a role in Martin and Claxton's careers.
Intriguingly, the financial stakes were high, even for the lower picks. Teams invested millions hoping to find diamonds in the rough. Erick Barkley, selected 28th by the Portland Trail Blazers, received a rookie contract worth approximately $3.5 million over four years. However, Barkley played just 27 NBA games before his career fizzled out. Compare that to Michael Redd’s second-round pick earnings and later lucrative contracts; it’s clear that initial draft position doesn’t always correlate with financial success.
What's more, the draft introduced players who later made significant impacts in media and coaching. Mike Miller, the fifth overall pick by the Orlando Magic, not only won the Rookie of the Year award but also became a respected NBA analyst and coach. His insights into the game are highly valued, reflecting his deep understanding developed through years of professional play and later as a coach.
Jay Williams, picked second overall by the Chicago Bulls, offers another intriguing tale. His promising career abruptly ended due to a motorcycle accident after just one season. However, Williams reinvented himself as an ESPN analyst, using his firsthand experience to provide compelling commentary on the game. It’s a stark reminder of how career paths can dramatically change and how players can find meaningful work within the sport beyond their playing days.
Don't forget the coaches from this draft class. Mark Madsen, picked 29th by the Los Angeles Lakers, moved into coaching after his playing days. He currently serves as head coach for the Utah Valley University basketball team. His transition from player to coach speaks volumes about the diverse opportunities available in the NBA’s ecosystem.
It would be remiss not to mention the corporate investments and sponsorships tied to draftees. Guys coming in from college or overseas meant brands were keen to sign endorsement deals. Remember, this was a time when players like Tracy McGrady and Kobe Bryant were establishing themselves as marketable stars. Corporations viewed the new draftees as potential gold mines. Some, like Kenyon Martin, secured deals that enhanced their financial portfolios beyond what their NBA salaries could offer.
It’s fascinating how arenas like the Target Center, which hosted this event, become historical markers in players’ lives. The energy, the anticipation—everyone remembers where they were when their name was called. For fans, it’s not just about numbers or career stats. It’s about narratives, about the stories that unfold from one night of decisions. The NBA Draft 2000 encapsulated all that and more, making it a memorable chapter in the annals of basketball history.
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