The 2003 NBA Draft was held on June 26, 2003 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. In this draft, National Basketball Association (NBA) teams took turns selecting college basketball players and other first-time eligible players, such as players from high schools and non-North American leagues. The draft was broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 pm (EDT). The NBA announced that 42 college and high school players and a record 31 international players had filed as early-entry candidates for the 2003 NBA Draft. 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. The Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets were second and third respectively.
The 2003 Draft is known for having one of the most talented draft pools in draft history. Four of the top five picks are NBA All-Stars and "Redeem Team" Olympic Gold Medalists: Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James. Many players have been in the starting line-ups of their respective teams; eight have already participated in an All-Star Game, Dwyane Wade was named NBA Finals MVP in 2006 and won the NBA All Star Game MVP in 2010, Boris Diaw won the Most Improved Player Award in 2006, Jason Kapono won the three point shootout back to back years in 2007 and 2008, James Jones won the three point shootout in 2011, Leandro Barbosa won the Sixth Man Award in 2007, and in the 2009, 2010 and 2012 seasons LeBron James won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, and the NBA Finals MVP in 2012. The 2003 draft class has drawn comparisons to the legendary 1984 and 1996 NBA Draft classes, but is also known for the Detroit Pistons making the controversial selection of Darko Miličić with the second pick over other prospects. Four of the five first picks (all but Carmelo Anthony) have won an NBA Championship: Darko Miličić with the Pistons in 2004; Dwyane Wade with the Heat in 2006 and in 2012; Chris Bosh and LeBron James also with the Heat in 2012.
Famous quotes containing the word draft:
“Why not draft executive and management brains to prepare and produce the equipment the $21-a-month draftee must use and forget this dollar-a-year tommyrot? Would we send an army into the field under a dollar-a-year General who had to be home Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays?”
—Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908–1973)