NBA’s Greatest Draft Value Picks of the 21st Century: Giannis, Jokić & More

In the NBA, a first overall draft pick is an incredibly potent asset. Its immense value often leads teams to deliberately underperform in hopes of securing it, prompting the league to implement rules to curb such practices. Basketball is fundamentally a sport driven by star power; with just ten players on the court, a single individual can significantly influence every play. A well-chosen draft pick possesses the potential to transform an entire franchise.

While a top pick sometimes yields a superstar, it`s frequently not the case. Nikola Jokić, widely considered the NBA`s premier player, was famously selected during a Taco Bell advertisement. The league has seen seven consecutive international MVP winners, yet only Joel Embiid was a top-10 draft selection among them. Notably, the Indiana Pacers recently reached the NBA Finals without a single player drafted in the top five in their active roster.

Twenty-five years into the 21st century, we`ve observed 25 rookie cohorts complete at least one season. This article will examine each of these classes to identify the most impactful draft selections. Our goal isn`t merely to pinpoint the best player from each class, but rather to determine which team secured the greatest value for their investment, considering the player`s draft position. We will cover drafts from 2000 through 2024.

2000: Michael Redd (43rd Overall)

The 2000 draft is often labeled the century`s weakest, with few players achieving reliable starter status. The top value pick debate often hinges on peak performance versus career longevity. Jamal Crawford enjoyed a long, respected 20-season career as a valuable role player. Michael Redd, though less remembered, played fewer minutes but achieved All-Star and Olympian honors. While Crawford was an 8th overall pick in a thin draft, Redd was a 43rd pick. Though career `betterment` can be subjective, Redd`s significantly later draft slot makes him the undisputed superior value pick.

2001: Tony Parker (28th Overall)

A Finals MVP selected 28th overall is almost always an exceptional pick, and Tony Parker is no exception. While Pau Gasol, a 3rd overall pick, offered mild competition, and Gilbert Arenas (31st overall) achieved higher statistical peaks, Parker was instrumental in steering a dynasty. It`s difficult to expect more from any draft selection, especially one made so late.

2002: Carlos Boozer (35th Overall)

Carlos Boozer, a two-time All-Star, is surprisingly often overlooked, though his son Cameron`s rising prospect status may soon enhance his legacy. Despite criticisms of the Cavaliers` roster construction in the 2000s, they successfully drafted Boozer at 35th overall. One wonders if retaining him could have altered the championship narrative for the 2003 draft`s top value pick.

2003: LeBron James (1st Overall)

LeBron James has amassed an astonishing 156.6 VORP (Value Over Replacement Player) in his career, dwarfing the combined 130.6 VORP of the next three highest players from his draft class: Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh. Even in a historically deep draft, James’s dominance is unparalleled, making him the obvious and undeniable top pick of 2003.

2004: Andre Iguodala (9th Overall)

The 2004 draft mostly yielded role players later on. The dilemma for the top value pick pits a player who briefly contended for MVP against one who consistently served as a third or fourth-best player on championship teams for 15 years. Considering Dwight Howard went first overall and Andre Iguodala ninth, Iguodala`s remarkable longevity and consistent championship impact secure him the value pick.

2005: Chris Paul (4th Overall)

The Blazers` decisions in 2004-2005 make for a peculiar story: drafting Sebastian Telfair late in the lottery, then passing on Chris Paul by trading down from No. 3 to No. 6 for Martell Webster, only to trade Telfair a year later. This series of missteps highlights the immense value of Chris Paul, who at 4th overall, far outshines any other player from his class, including potential contenders like Lou Williams (45th), David Lee (30th), or Danny Granger (17th) in a less top-heavy draft.

2006: Paul Millsap (47th Overall)

The 2006 draft presents a compelling three-way race for best value pick among Rajon Rondo (21st), Kyle Lowry (24th), and Paul Millsap (47th). While Rondo`s career might be more memorable due to his teams, and Lowry`s more consistently strong throughout, Millsap`s impact is often underestimated. Despite moving teams frequently, he earned four consecutive All-Star selections in Atlanta and was a trailblazer among versatile power forwards. Lowry is a close second, but Millsap`s achievement as a four-time All-Star drafted in the late second round makes his value unparalleled.

2007: Marc Gasol (48th Overall)

The 2007 draft offers the most challenging value debate. While Kevin Durant (2nd overall) is undeniably the class`s best player and an all-time legend, the question is whether his early selection or Marc Gasol`s (48th overall) potential Hall of Fame career represents greater value. Gasol, I believe, is highly underrated. His exceptional passing, shooting, and defense, though often overshadowed by others, combined to create a truly unique skill set. Securing such a multifaceted talent so late in the draft provides enough value to surpass even a generational star like Durant.

2008: DeAndre Jordan (35th Overall)

The 2008 draft presents a similar value debate. Russell Westbrook, a 4th overall pick, earned an MVP, a level DeAndre Jordan (35th overall) never reached. However, Jordan`s sustained career and three All-NBA selections – a significant achievement even for centers of his era – make him a remarkable value pick. Despite his later career decline, he remained a respected and valued teammate, highlighting his long-term impact from a deep draft slot.

2009: Stephen Curry (7th Overall)

While not as unequivocally clear as LeBron James`s pick, Stephen Curry (7th overall) from the strong 2009 class is an undeniable value. Though James Harden would be a strong contender in most other drafts, the Warriors` selection of Curry at No. 7 laid the groundwork for a dynasty, making him an automatic choice for the best value pick.

2010: Paul George (10th Overall)

Paul George (10th overall) is a straightforward choice for the 2010 draft`s top value pick. While the class produced several good players, George uniquely sustained a high level of greatness. His consistent elite performance from the 10th spot solidifies his status as the best value selection.

2011: Jimmy Butler (30th Overall)

Despite Kyrie Irving being a solid first overall pick, two players drafted outside the lottery arguably surpassed him in value. Kawhi Leonard (15th overall) achieved the highest peak in this class, but Jimmy Butler (30th overall) demonstrated superior consistency and was a far greater surprise given his draft position. While a healthier career for Leonard might have made him the clear choice, Butler`s significantly more games played (an additional 136, nearly two full seasons) give him the narrow edge as the 2011 draft`s best value pick.

2012: Draymond Green (35th Overall)

The 2012 draft epitomizes the goal of this exercise, featuring outstanding picks throughout: Anthony Davis (1st overall) delivered on expectations, Damian Lillard (6th overall) was equally impactful, and Bradley Beal (3rd overall) proved a strong choice. Even a sleeper like Khris Middleton (39th overall) emerged. Yet, the clear top value pick is Draymond Green (35th overall). Golden State acquired a player who revolutionized NBA defenses, becoming a cornerstone of their dynasty. While the Warriors initially picked Festus Ezeli at 30th, just ahead of Green, their eventual selection of Green at 35th proved historic, securing a generational talent.

2013: Giannis Antetokounmpo (15th Overall)

The 2013 debate between Giannis Antetokounmpo (15th overall) and Rudy Gobert (27th overall) superficially resembles previous MVP-versus-star discussions. However, the crucial distinction is Antetokounmpo`s draft position: he wasn`t a top-five pick like Durant or Westbrook in their respective drafts. His selection only 12 spots ahead of Gobert, contrasted with the 46-pick gap between Durant and Gasol, highlights the immense value. The Milwaukee Bucks deserve immense credit for discovering the greatest player in their franchise history from Greece`s B-League.

2014: Nikola Jokić (41st Overall)

Introducing arguably the greatest draft pick in NBA history: Nikola Jokić (41st overall). The Denver Nuggets secured three MVP awards and a championship from Jokić before his 30th birthday, selecting him between Glenn Robinson III and Nick Johnson. This selection represents unparalleled draft value.

2015: Devin Booker (13th Overall)

The 2015 draft was notably top-heavy. Devin Booker (13th overall) and his college teammate Karl-Anthony Towns (1st overall) became reliable All-Stars, while Kristaps Porziņģis and Myles Turner emerged as high-end starters with unique skill sets. Beyond these, most players peaked as backups. Booker`s selection 12 spots after the top pick, Towns, makes him the clear choice for the best value pick in this class.

2016: Pascal Siakam (27th Overall)

The 2016 draft is unique, as the `best value pick` could vary greatly depending on the timing of the assessment. While Ben Simmons once appeared to be a logical first overall pick, and Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, Jamal Murray, and Domantas Sabonis have all had stellar periods, Pascal Siakam (27th overall) stands out. He is arguably the best player from this group currently, and his late draft position further elevates his value.

2017: Donovan Mitchell (13th Overall)

While Jayson Tatum is arguably better than Donovan Mitchell (13th overall), the question is whether he`s ten picks better. This is a tougher argument, especially considering Tatum`s more favorable team environment. Mitchell`s situation hasn`t been poor, and it`s plausible Boston could have won the 2024 title with him instead of Tatum. Given the significant difference between a 3rd overall and a 13th overall pick, Mitchell holds the edge for draft value.

2018: Jalen Brunson (33rd Overall)

Historically, the debate between Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (11th overall) mirrored Mitchell vs. Tatum, with the higher pick being superior but the lower pick offering strong competition. However, Gilgeous-Alexander`s MVP and championship eliminate any value debate with Dončić. The key difference in 2018 is Jalen Brunson (33rd overall), who emerged as a consistent All-NBA talent from the second round. While Gilgeous-Alexander`s MVP at pick 11 is impressive, the 20-pick gap to Brunson makes the latter the standout value.

2019: Tyler Herro (13th Overall)

The 2019 draft proved unpredictable, with perceived sure-fire stars Zion Williamson and Ja Morant not living up to expectations. While second-round centers like Daniel Gafford and Nic Claxton offer some value, the main debate for top value pick is between Darius Garland (5th overall) and Tyler Herro (13th overall). Although Garland is arguably superior, his postseason track record doesn`t warrant an 8-pick difference. Herro, who reached the Finals as a rookie in 2020 and has proven his offensive playoff capabilities, along with his All-Star selection, gives him the edge as the best value pick.

2020: Tyrese Haliburton (12th Overall)

The 2020 draft offers several star-level talents across the first round: Anthony Edwards (1st overall), Tyrese Maxey (21st overall), and Desmond Bane (30th overall) all present strong cases. However, Tyrese Haliburton (12th overall) distinguishes himself by definitively proving he can be the lead player on a championship-contending team – a claim even Edwards hasn`t yet solidified. Maxey and Bane typically fit roles as second or third options on elite teams. Despite Edwards` potential, an 11-spot gap in the draft is significant, and Haliburton`s proven leadership and impact from the 12th pick make him the clear top value choice over Maxey and Bane.

2021: Alperen Sengun (16th Overall)

While top-three picks Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley are excellent choices, and Herb Jones (35th overall) could become an elite defender with a consistent three-point shot, Alperen Sengun (16th overall) strikes the perfect balance for value. Though not quite at the level of Cunningham or Mobley, Sengun`s All-Star selection this season significantly narrows the gap. For a 16th overall pick, this is an outstanding achievement, and combining his recent defensive strides with his 2023-24 shooting suggests a strong path to All-NBA recognition.

2022: Jalen Williams (12th Overall)

Consider this historical fact: Jalen Williams (12th overall) earned an All-NBA Team selection in his third season. The last player drafted outside the top 10 to achieve this was none other than Kobe Bryant. While it`s highly improbable Williams will reach Bryant`s legendary heights, this remarkable feat alone unequivocally justifies his selection as the 2022 draft`s best value pick.

2023: Victor Wembanyama (1st Overall)

The 2023 draft has proven fruitful overall, with Toumani Camara (52nd overall) being a strong value candidate in many years, and Amen Thompson showing superstar potential. However, Victor Wembanyama (1st overall) has already reached that superstar level. He belongs in the exclusive category of generational talents like LeBron James, where his impact from the top pick is so profound that no other player in his class could possibly unseat him for the top value, especially given his career has just begun.

2024: Jared McCain (16th Overall)

Unlike 2023, the 2024 draft lacks a generational talent like Wembanyama. The top value pick comes down to Jaylen Wells (39th overall), a rookie who contributed effectively to a winning team, and Jared McCain (16th overall), who showcased significant upside. Wells offered remarkable second-round value as a 3-and-D player but saw his performance dip. McCain, despite an injury-shortened season, was a strong Rookie of the Year contender before getting hurt. His scoring potential at pick 16 is exceptional, especially in a weaker draft class, highlighting a brilliant selection by Philadelphia. While Stephon Castle (4th overall) also displayed star potential, his higher draft slot makes McCain`s value pick more impressive.