2005 NBA Draft Lottery Revamp

By Brian Kalchik

2005 NBA Draft Lottery Revamp

Chris Paul NBA Draft — If NBA general managers had the gift of hindsight, how would the lottery selections of the 2005 draft be used? Here now is my re-draft of the 2005 NBA lottery picks.

1. Milwaukee Bucks: Chris Paul

Chris Paul Hornets

1. Milwaukee Bucks: Chris Paul

Chris Paul Hornets — Old pick: Andrew Bogut

Paul is the best player in the 2005 Draft, and is therefore the No. 1 overall pick here.

2. Atlanta Hawks: Deron Williams

Deron Williams Illinois

2. Atlanta Hawks: Deron Williams

Deron Williams Illinois — Old pick: Marvin Williams

The Atlanta Hawks were rightfully mocked for selecting Marvin Williams, who never panned out into anything. This time around, they select an All-Star caliber point guard in Deron Williams.

3. Utah Jazz: Andrew Bogut

Andrew Bogut NBA Draft

3. Utah Jazz: Andrew Bogut

Andrew Bogut NBA Draft — Old pick: Deron Williams

This is a perfect pick for the Jazz. Bogut was dominant with the Utah Utes, and would be an even better fit with the Jazz.

4. New Orleans Hornets: Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum Lakers

4. New Orleans Hornets: Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum Lakers — Old pick: Chris Paul

With Paul off the board, New Orleans grabs a legitimate center in Bynum. Even though he would wear out his welcome at several different places, Bynum was a productive center for a two-time championship team.

5. Charlotte Bobcats: Monta Ellis

Monta Ellis Warriors

5. Charlotte Bobcats: Monta Ellis

Monta Ellis Warriors — Old pick: Raymond Felton

Ellis is one of the best scorers in the game today, yet he was the 40th pick in the draft in 2005. The Bobcats/Hornets have lacked an elite backcourt scorer, and Ellis would have been that.

6. Portland Trail Blazers: Danny Granger

Danny Granger New Mexico

6. Portland Trail Blazers: Danny Granger

Danny Granger New Mexico — Old pick: Martell Webster

Webster was an okay wing player, but Granger was an All-Star caliber player. A tandem of Brandon Roy and Granger could have made the Trail Blazers contenders earlier.

7. Toronto Raptors: David Lee

David Lee Knicks

7. Toronto Raptors: David Lee

David Lee Knicks — Old pick: Charlie Villanueva

Even with Chris Bosh already in place, another All-Star caliber big man like Lee would be too good to pass up.

8. New York Knicks: Nate Robinson

Nate Robinson Knicks

8. New York Knicks: Nate Robinson

Nate Robinson Knicks — Old pick: Channing Frye

Robinson has been a good scorer coming off the bench, but never got an opportunity to shine in New York.

9. Golden State Warriors: Marcin Gortat

Marcin Gortat Magic

9. Golden State Warriors: Marcin Gortat

Marcin Gortat Magic — Old pick: Ike Diogu

Diogu was a bust almost from the get-go, while Gortat would eventually blossom into one of the best big men in the NBA. A lot of teams missed on Gortat, not just the Warriors.

10. Los Angeles Lakers: Raymond Felton

Raymond Felton UNC

10. Los Angeles Lakers: Raymond Felton

Raymond Felton UNC — Old pick:: Bynum

Felton would never be a point guard to build a team around, but he would have been an upgrade over Smush Parker.

11. Orlando Magic: Marvin Williams

Marvin Williams Hornets

11. Orlando Magic: Marvin Williams

Marvin Williams Hornets — Old pick: Fran Vasquez

Marvin Williams didn't play up to his No. 2 overall selection status, but he's been an okay forward in the league. He could have been a defensive stopper for the Magic.

12. Los Angeles Clippers: Jarrett Jack

Jarrett Jack Georgia Tech

12. Los Angeles Clippers: Jarrett Jack

Jarrett Jack Georgia Tech — Old pick: Yaroslav Korolev

When given the opportunity, Jack has been a good starting-caliber point guard wherever he has gone to. The Clippers had an aging backcourt back in 2005, and Jack would've been a good piece to groom for the future.

13. Charlotte Bobcats: Channing Frye

Channing Frye Arizona

13. Charlotte Bobcats: Channing Frye

Channing Frye Arizona — Old pick: Sean May

May was a bust in Charlotte and was one of Michael Jordan's worst picks. Frye is one of the best big men who can shoot it from the deep.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves: Lou Williams

Lou Williams 76ers

14. Minnesota Timberwolves: Lou Williams

Lou Williams 76ers — Old pick: Rashad McCants

Like May, McCants was another talented North Carolina Tar Heels player who flopped in the NBA. Williams will never be an All-Star caliber player, but he has been a effective sixth man, especially with the Toronto Raptors.

Brian Kalchik is a Houston Texans writer and featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

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