NBA: The 25 worst players to ever win Rookie of the Year

NBA: The 25 worst players to ever win Rookie of the Year: 14. Mike Miller

The 2000 NBA Draft is known among draft analyst circles as one of the worst drafts in league history. Only three players from the entire class made an All-Star game, one each (all in 2004!) for Kenyon Martin, Jamaal Magloire and Michael Redd. Redd also brought home the class’ only All-NBA nod.

Mike Miller thus stands representative for the class as the 2001 Rookie of the Year award winner. He played for the University of Florida and was taken fifth overall, following three picks who all fell well short of expectations. While no superstar, Miller at least made a return on his draft pick, including a strong rookie year for the Orlando Magic team that took him.

Playing alongside Tracy McGrady on the wing, Miller hit over 40 percent of his 3-pointers and scored 11.9 points per game. His ability to start for a playoff-bound team and put up solid numbers was enough to earn him the ROY award. He would have some strong seasons down the road, and spent seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies as a fan favorite. He would win two titles as a bench player for the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013.

Miller certainly saw the most team success of this rookie class, although Hedo Turkoglu (2001 second team All-Rookie) was a key part of some deep runs with the Orlando Magic after Miller had left. Kenyon Martin’s defensive impact and success with the New Jersey Nets establishes him as the best player from this class, but it’s not a standout honor.