When discussing notable players from the 2004 NBA Draft, one can't ignore the incredible impact of Dwight Howard, who was the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic. But the real gems of this draft were found deeper down the list, embodying true steals for their respective teams.
Take, for example, the Phoenix Suns' selection of Leandro Barbosa with the 28th overall pick. During his time with the Suns, Barbosa was known for his lightning-fast speed and ability to get to the basket, earning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2007. Barbosa’s scoring peaked at 18.1 points per game in the 2006-2007 season, a clear testament to his scoring prowess and efficiency off the bench.
Another noteworthy steal is Trevor Ariza, picked 43rd overall by the New York Knicks. Ariza went on to become a defensive stalwart in the NBA, contributing significantly to the Los Angeles Lakers' championship run in 2009. Ariza's versatility on the court, allowing him to guard multiple positions, coupled with his three-point shooting, which averaged 35% in his career, made him a valuable asset. His career longevity, having played for over 16 seasons, showcases his consistency and importance to numerous teams.
Then, there's Kevin Martin, selected 26th overall by the Sacramento Kings. Martin became one of the most efficient scorers of his era, with a career points per game average of 17.4. Notably, during the 2008-2009 season, Martin averaged a staggering 24.6 points per game. This outburst of scoring ability and his remarkable 40% shooting from three-point range during peak years made him an invaluable asset in the league.
Let's not forget Anderson Varejão, the 30th overall pick by the Orlando Magic but immediately traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Known for his relentless motor and rebounding skills, Varejão provided a crucial role alongside LeBron James. His 5.7 rebounds per game average over his career, with peaks in the double digits in some seasons, highlighted his ability to control the boards. His impact often went beyond statistics, providing energy and hustle plays that bolstered his teams' defenses significantly.
One can also point to the case of Jameer Nelson, selected 20th overall by the Denver Nuggets but traded to the Orlando Magic. Nelson developed into the cornerstone of the Magic's backcourt, earning an All-Star selection in 2009. Jameer Nelson averaged 12.6 points and 5.4 assists per game over his career, consistently demonstrating his playmaking ability and leadership on the court. His tenure with the Magic saw him become one of the most reliable point guards in the league, marking his draft selection as a brilliant decision.
Lastly, consider Ben Gordon, who was selected third overall by the Chicago Bulls. Although not a late pick, he often gets overlooked in conversations about the draft's lasting impacts. Gordon was phenomenal in his rookie season, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award and averaging 15.1 points per game. He even had seasons where he averaged more than 20 points per game, like in 2006-2007, when he hit 21.4 points per game. Gordon's ability to score, particularly in clutch moments, provided the Bulls with a consistent offensive threat.
These players, among others, highlight that the impact of the 2004 draft went beyond just the top picks. By diving into the statistics, play styles, and significant contributions, one can appreciate the depth of talent that emerged in this particular year. Whether it's Barbosa's speed, Ariza's defense, Martin's scoring, Varejão's rebounding, or Nelson's playmaking, each player brought something unique to the court, making their late picks all the more impressive.
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