We continue our eDraft exclusive look at the top NBA draft choices over the past 40 years. Our continued look back through history will determine who was the best draft selection through each slot in the draft. We don’t stop with the first overalls, we will go pick by pick, year by year to to identify the very best selections of all-time.
After sifting through two consecutive draft slots of what amounted to lesser competition, our greatest 19th overall draft pick was none other than Zach Randolph. The depth at this draft spot was weak as Randolph who has two All-Star nominations to his name to go along with a 2004 Most Improved Player award and an All-NBA Third Team nomination was the clear-cut winner.
As we move upward, next up is the 18th overall spot and here’s hoping that the field is getting stronger rather than weaker. So far the draft picks 25 through 30 have been the strongest while the lower the pick the worse the result. Do lower drafted players have an edge that compels them to succeed or is it just the luck of the draft? Let’s take a look at the competition out of the 18th draft spot.
At least this draft slot offers some competition as a dozen players warranted some mention and consideration. Most recently Ty Lawson, J.R. Smith and David West were all a part of the consideration. While going a bit further back we come across Quentin Richardson, James Posey, John Wallace and Theo Ratliff.
Once we cracked into the 1980’s though is where the talent began to really rise to the top. The 80’s saw a plethora guards being drafted 18th overall. The Association welcomed B.J. Armstrong who was drafted in 1989 by Chicago, Mark Jackson who was drafted 1987 by the New York Knicks, Vern Fleming who was drafted in 1984 by Indiana and Ricky Pierce who was drafted in 1982 by Detroit.
Armstrong enjoyed much success with the Chicago Bulls as he was a part of the dynasty years that won six championships. Mark Jackson is still third all-time on the career assist leader board while Pierce himself is a former NBA All-Star and two time winner of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
Through it all though it is another Detroit Piston’s draft pick that is the cream of this crop. In 1985 the Pistons selected Joe Dumars. Dumars paired with Isiah Thomas to form a lethal backcourt combo for the Pistons as they made their championship runs. Dumars has two championships to his name and he was named Finals MVP in 1989.
Dumars went on to appear in six All-Star games and was selected to five All-Defensive Teams throughout his career. Upon retirement, the Pistons retired Dumar’s #4 jersey in 2000. It took a few more years; however, in 2006 the Naismith Hall of Fame came calling and Dumars was elected to the Hall. Post-retirement, Dumars has been the Piston’s President of Basketball Operations and while there have been some awful years since his appointment in 2000; Dumars is hoping to turn things around in Motown this season with the addition of Josh Smith to the team.