"2003 NBA Draft: The Next Generation Arrives."

To conclude our special series of "NBA Drafts," this next class had a lot
of generational talent which would help usher in the post Michael Jordan
era after his final farewell season. It was filled with excitement, plenty of
prospects and a very strange draft lottery which everyone knew would
be the first pick overall. Sit back and relax, as I revisit another stacked
draft class.

1. LeBron James: The best prospect in this draft and it wasn't even
close. A high school superstar who led St. Vincent St. Mary to a national
championship, made the cover of Sports Illustrated, and an overall great
young man. All the attributes of scoring, passing, rebounding, this was
meant to be for Cleveland. Akron's native son stayed home and helped
revive the Cavaliers franchise. Winning two MVPs, and one Finals
appearance; James sought further skillsets and left home in 2011.
Winning two titles and MVPs in Miami before returning home in the
summer of 2014. A long-awaited title arrived in 2016 as the unthinkable
occurred; defeating the 73 win Golden State Warriors in seven games.
The second Cavs tenure was met with praise and skepticism; but
winning a title closed the wounds of broken hearts four years earlier.
Winning another title in 2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers, all-time
leading scorer and still elite at age 40, James' longevity is unmatched in
basketball.

2. Darko Milicic: Man oh man, if the Detroit Pistons could turn back the
hands of time and re-do this pick, they'd draft Carmelo Anthony. Milicic
had a lot of hype coming from Serbia and Montenegro. The buzz and
comparison was Kevin Garnett; and what the scouts seen in hindsight
was a bright future. He was apart of the 2004 team who won a
championship against the Los Angeles Lakers. Coaching changes

forced him to a much smaller role and eventually bounced around from
team to team. Nevertheless, his name will always be attached to what
Detroit could've done with the second pick.

3. Carmelo Anthony: Fresh off a college championship at Syracuse,
Anthony was selected by the Denver Nuggets. As a freshman, he led
the Orange back to dominance. A scoring prowess, he could attack and
shoot the mid-range at will. Not much of a defensive specimen, it was
middle of the road which kept him at bay. Internal issues with the
Nuggets organization and power struggle with head coach George Karl,
Anthony forced his way to New York middle of the 2010-11 season. He
became the face of New York Knicks basketball. Three straight playoff
appearances, Anthony found himself listening to broken promises. It
was a slow fall from the mountain top to revving his career as a sixth
man. Even in his twilight years, he could still score. Post retirement,
Anthony has transitioned to digital media and hall of fame.

4. Christ Bosh: One of the unsung power forwards of this draft class as
he was selected by the Toronto Raptors. In the midst of keeping them
relevant, Bosh had instant impact on the team and established himself
as an elite all-star. Making eleven appearances, and minor playoff
success. It was the summer of 2010 which he left Toronto and joined
forces with Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. After playing with both in
the 2008 Olympics, it was destined for Bosh to be apart of winning
basketball in Miami. Winning two titles, he remained in Miami post Wade
and James. A health issue ended his career early and his number one
jersey was raised to the rafters. In his short career, Bosh's name was
enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

5. Dwayne Wade: One of the best blocking shooting guards to play the
game, Wade had a decorated career at Marquette. Forgoing his senior
year, he was a steal by Miami. It was early on he established himself as

a superstar. Highlights of posterizing dunks, hustle plays and jumping
on the scorer's table proclaiming "my house." Reaching playoff success
and winning a title in 2006, the injuries followed him in 2007 and 2008.
Shortcomings and never reaching the height of greatness due to the
Boston Celtics, Wade recruited Chris Bosh and LeBron James. From
there, it took time but they figured out to make it work. Winning two
more titles, his first tenure ended with disappointment as his age and
lingering knee issues were a topic. Joining the Chicago Bulls in 2017,
returning home and suiting up for his childhood team. A short stop in
Cleveland before a final farewell tour in Miami. Wade's greatness came
in spurts, but the "Flash" always gave fans something to cheer for. Hall
of Fame career and a smooth transition into digital media.

There were other players in this draft class who had impacts on their
teams. Some went on to have good careers and solid roles during their
tenure. They didn't reach the superstardom as their classmates but still
apart of a stacked 2003 draft. If I were to rate this, it's third on my list
behind 1984 and 1996. Those two prior were goated with aura and flare.

2003 draft was built around LeBron James who was arguably going to
Cleveland after a 17-65 record. I still have this particular draft lottery
recorded on VHS. Yes, we had VCRs and video cassettes during this
era. It's probably on YouTube like everything else is, but we didn't have
the technology as today.

This concludes my series on greatest NBA Drafts of all-time. Be sure to
checkout all my journalism content on The Gryd's webpage. Good luck
to all the draft prospects in 2025!