NBA Draft: Ranking every draft class from 1996-2020
By Corey Rausch
Ranking NBA Draft classes from 1995-2020: 2. 2003
The difference between the top two classes on this list is splitting hairs. Both 2003 and 1996 boasted a whopping 10 All-stars, setting them above the rest of the classes on this list. In the win column for 2003 is they have arguably the greatest player of all time, a solid win in their favor. However, comparing seven All-NBA talents vs. four is the deciding factor.
Having a top five with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh is the stuff of legends. It has put 2003 in the argument for best draft class ever, not just of the last 25 years. Chris Kaman was taken sixth and while it is a noticeable drop-off, he still made an All-Star appearance. Later in the draft came David West (18), Josh Howard (29), Mo William (47) and Kyle Korver (51) also made All-Star games.
This draft was also loaded with role players like Kirk Hinrich, TJ Ford, Dahntay Jones, Boris Diaw, Zaza Pachulia and more. Nick Collison has his jersey retired by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kendrick Perkins started for the champion Boston Celtics and turned into a respected veteran leader. James Jones went to eight straight NBA Finals as a player and was just named the Executive of the Year. This draft class was exceptional, but 1996 was just a little bit better.