The Top of the Draft: 2002-2003

[42PhD]

1. Yao Ming. Drafted by Bucks, immediately traded to Knicks. No titles.

2. Amare Stoudamire. Drafted by Bucks, lives on the trade block. No titles.

3. Mehmet Okur. Drafted by Pacers. No titles.

4. Carlos Boozer. Drafted by Celtics. No titles.

5. Caron Butler. Drafted by Spurs. No titles.

At least these guys lasted 2 seasons, except for the top pick. Irony?

[WigNosy]

1. Yao Ming. Drafted by Bucks, immediately traded to Knicks. No titles.

2. Amare Stoudamire. Drafted by Bucks, lives on the trade block. No titles.

3. Mehmet Okur. Drafted by Pacers. No titles.

4. Carlos Boozer. Drafted by Celtics. No titles.

5. Caron Butler. Drafted by Spurs. No titles.

At least these guys lasted 2 seasons, except for the top pick. Irony?

Since the top pick was traded immediately for the #2 pick in a draft day swap, I think there are slightly extenuating circumstances there. In effect, Yao is still with the team that drafted him.

[42PhD]

Eh, not really. The top selection in the draft was traded for a worse player and the immensely valuable Cavs 03 first rounder (which I was counseled against trading because it was so so very valuable).

I know what you are saying, but the Bucks are trying to endure Amare while Yao is performing well out of the gate. Maybe he'll be purple in a couple seasons. Amare will not.