Arena Plus 2005 NBA Draft Recap

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Hey, the 2005 NBA Draft sure brought some serious talent into the league. I remember that night like it was yesterday. Andrew Bogut went first overall to the Milwaukee Bucks. Some people questioned if he was really worth the top pick. I mean, a seven-footer from Utah, really? But let's be real. He brought some serious skills to the table and ultimately proved his worth over the years. The guy averaged 9.8 points and 7.4 rebounds over his NBA career, numbers that definitely made him worthy of that first pick, even if he didn’t become a superstar.

Then there's Marvin Williams. The Atlanta Hawks picked him up at number two. Williams had a decent career, probably not as stellar as some might have hoped for a number two pick. He played 15 seasons, averaged 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Some might say that the Hawks could have picked someone else, like Chris Paul, who went fourth and turned into one of the best point guards ever. It’s crazy to think about the what-ifs, isn't it? Just imagine the Hawks with CP3 running the show.

Speaking of Chris Paul, his selection by the New Orleans Hornets was probably one of the highlights of the entire draft. This guy didn't just deliver; he exceeded every expectation. With career averages of 18.0 points, 9.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, he’s a true point god. Paul became a 12-time All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA First Team multiple times. His impact on and off the court extends to being a leader in the NBA Players Association, embodying what it means to be a consummate professional.

Deron Williams was another standout, picked third by the Utah Jazz. At his peak, Williams was one of the best point guards in the league, averaging 16.3 points and 8.1 assists per game. Utah really got a gem with this one, at least during his prime years. He made three All-Star appearances and even led the Jazz to the Western Conference Finals in 2007. Everyone was talking about the rivalry between Deron Williams and Chris Paul back then, and honestly, they both brought something unique to the table.

Then you’ve got Andrew Bynum at the tenth spot, picked by the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers making this pick was a bit of a gamble at the time, considering Bynum was only 17 years old, the youngest player chosen in that draft. But man, did that gamble pay off. Bynum ended up being a crucial part of the Lakers' back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. He averaged 11.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game over his career. Sure, injuries cut his time in the league short, but when he was healthy, he was an absolute beast in the paint.

Let’s not forget about Danny Granger, selected 17th by the Indiana Pacers. Granger was a scoring machine for the Pacers, averaging 16.8 points per game over his career. He made an All-Star appearance in 2009 and was even named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2009. His career got derailed by injuries too, but for a while, he was the heartbeat of Indiana’s offense.

Another interesting pick was David Lee, who went 30th to the New York Knicks. Lee turned out to be quite the steal for a late first-round pick. After all, he made two All-Star teams, and in the 2009-2010 season, he averaged 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. New York Knicks fans were always thrilled to watch him play; dude could light up the Garden on any given night.

The 2005 NBA Draft also had its share of busts and disappointments, just like any draft. Rashad McCants, picked 14th by the Minnesota Timberwolves, never quite lived up to his potential, averaging just 10 points per game over a short career. Then there’s Fran Vázquez, whom the Orlando Magic picked 11th, but he never played a single game in the NBA. You've got to wonder if some of these teams might have done things differently with the benefit of hindsight.

All in all, the 2005 NBA Draft was a fascinating mix of hits, misses, and huge "what if" scenarios. One thing’s for sure, though; it gave us plenty to talk about for years to come. Whether it's the dominance of Chris Paul, the potential seen in Andrew Bogut, or the hidden gems like David Lee, that draft class left its mark on the league in ways both big and small.

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