Everyone knows that the 2005 NBA draft was one of those game-changers. Picture this: it's the middle of the first round, and boom, the Milwaukee Bucks scoop up Andrew Bogut at number one. Bogut, standing at a colossal 7 feet and weighing around 260 lbs, quickly proved his worth. He spent his first six seasons with the Bucks, averaging around 12 points and almost 10 rebounds per game. That’s not too shabby for a center.
Now, think about this for a moment: when the Atlanta Hawks picked Marvin Williams as the second overall pick, some eyebrows were raised. The 6'8" forward had the height, but there were valid concerns about his transition from college ball at North Carolina to the big league. Throughout his career, Marvin averaged about 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, which, while decent, wasn't exactly what the Hawks were hoping for from a second overall pick.
One pick that absolutely cannot go unmentioned is Chris Paul. Grabbed by the New Orleans Hornets as the fourth pick, Paul was a sensation from day one. Standing at 6 feet, he wasn’t the tallest point guard, but his agility, speed, and vision set him apart. Over his career, his average of 18.5 points and a staggering 9.5 assists per game made him one of the best floor generals the game has ever seen. Paul’s impact was immediate, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2006.
The Utah Jazz made an equally valuable decision by selecting Deron Williams with the third overall pick. Williams averaged 16.3 points and 8.1 assists in his career. In the 2007-2008 season, he helped lead the team to a 54-win season. His pick-and-roll plays with Carlos Boozer were practically a work of art, a display of basketball's finer tactics.
Now, think of a player who might not have been draftees in the top five but still made waves. Among them, Monta Ellis, picked 40th by the Golden State Warriors, comes to mind. Ellis wasn’t towering over others at 6'3", but boy, did he have explosive speed. By his third season, he was averaging 20.2 points per game. That’s impressive for someone picked so late in the draft. Just imagine the impact he had every time he drove to the basket, leaving defenders in the dust.
There’s another gem from this draft: David Lee, picked 30th overall by the New York Knicks. Lee stood out for his rebounding skills, dominating the boards at 6'9". He averaged a double-double, with 13.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game over his career. In the 2009-2010 season, he even averaged 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds. Nobody could ignore those numbers. He proved to be a valuable asset for multiple teams throughout his time in the NBA.
Another notable name from this draft class is Danny Granger, picked 17th by the Indiana Pacers. At 6'9", Granger’s scoring ability was a treat to watch. By the 2008-2009 season, he was averaging a solid 25.8 points per game. That season, he was named an NBA All-Star, a testament to his scoring prowess.
We can't forget about Lou Williams, selected 45th by the Philadelphia 76ers. He’s earned the Sixth Man of the Year award thrice during his career. His knack for scoring off the bench has made him invaluable to teams like the LA Clippers. With career averages of 14.2 points and 3.5 assists per game, he embodies the term “super-sub.” His durability and consistency, playing well into his mid-30s, have been nothing short of spectacular. Lou has even gone on record stating, "I take a lot of pride in the Sixth Man role."
Then there's Brandon Bass, picked 33rd by the New Orleans Hornets. He showcased versatility standing at 6'8" and playing both forward positions. Over his career, he averaged around 8.7 points and 4.5 rebounds. Not earth-shattering, but he carved out a reliable role for himself, particularly during his stints with the Orlando Magic and the Boston Celtics. His efficiency and solid mid-range shooting were often underappreciated traits.
Heading back to the top of the draft, let’s not overlook Raymond Felton, picked 5th by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets). At 6'1", Felton was a dynamo guard from UNC. His career averages of 11.2 points and 5.2 assists per game may seem modest, but he brought a unique blend of speed, defense, and playmaking to the court. His performance during the 2009-2010 season, averaging 12.1 points and 5.6 assists, played a crucial role in leading the team to its first-ever playoff appearance.
Besides players, think about the team strategies shaped by these picks. For example, 2005 nba draft ushered in a new era for many franchises. The Toronto Raptors’ selection of Charlie Villanueva at the 7th overall spot only to trade him two years later significantly impacted their roster dynamics. It’s fascinating to see how initially overlooked talent, such as Ellis and Williams, turned out to be pivotal for the teams that took a chance on them in later rounds.
In terms of value, some franchise-defining picks emerged from the depths of this draft. Even players like Martell Webster, picked 6th by the Portland Trail Blazers, had a significant impact despite bouncing around the league. Webster, standing at 6'7", averaged about 8.7 points per game throughout his career and served as a solid role player, especially known for his three-point shooting.
So, the 2005 NBA draft was far more than just a list of names. It was a tapestry of talent, strategy, and some surprises along the way. From top picks like Paul and Williams to gems like Ellis and Lee, this draft class has genuinely left an indelible mark on the NBA landscape.