20 best draft picks last 20 years

My criteria is about impact with the team that drafted them so for example Brunson was a great pick by Dallas but ultimately it didn’t get them anything. A pick like Wenbanyama is not gonna make this list, too obvious. I do have a few young guys that haven’t done as much playoff wise as the others but there is a small amount of projection with those picks.

20. Tyler Herro – 13th pick 2019 – He scored 16 ppg in the playoffs as a rookie for a team that went to a title series and has spent his whole career with the Heat.

19. MPJ – 14th pick 2018 – Fell due to injuries but was an impact player on a title team.

18. Jalen Johnson – 20th pick 2021 – Certainly not as accomplished as the other two but he’s 24 and is still improving.

17. Maxey – 21st pick 2020 – Pretty much the same as Johnson.

16. Bam – 14th pick 2017 – Similar to Herro but that 83 point game gotta count for something.

15. Booker – 13th pick 2015 – He has been to one less championship than the two heat guys but he was the number one option for that team unlike the two Heat guys.

14. Westbrook and Ibaka – 4th and 24th pick 2008 – The only double dip on this list but Westbrook at 4 was pretty controversial at the time and he was Durant’s Robin on a 2nd place team.

13. Kyrie – 1st pick 2011 – The only #1 pick on the list but he was not a no doubt pick, a lot of people thought Derrick Williams was the better choice.

12. Castle – 4th pick 2024 – The most recent pick on the list but he is arguably the 2nd best player on a team playing for a title.

11. Jaylen Brown – 3rd pick 2016 – A finals MVP was not an obvious top 3 pick, Kris Dunn was also being considered at pick #3.

10. Tatum – 3rd pick 2017 – The trade back is just a chef’s kiss on this great pick. Fultz was atop everyone’s board except the Celtics apparently.

9. J Murray – 7th pick 2016 – Him and Buddy Hield were considered a toss up but in a redraft Murray probably goes 2nd after Jaylen Brown.

8. Siakam – 27th pick 2016 – The third player from the 2016 draft, each with one ring.

7. Kawhi – 15th pick 2011 – Part of a draft day trade but I think it still counts, he won a finals MVP at age 22.

6. J Dub – 12th pick 2022 – One ring and set up to compete for more.

5. Klay – 11th pick 2011 – Just a perfect #2 or #3 option with 4 championships.

4. Giannis – 15th pick 2013 – Just a lottery ticket in a god awful draft that hit and gave the Bucks a title.

3. Draymond – 35th pick 2012 – One groin punch away from 5 rings as a second round pick.

2. Jokic – 41st pick 2014 – Famously drafted during a taco bell commercial and is now a literal walking triple double.

1. Steph – 7th pick 2009 – The wolves passed on him twice, smh. A pick that started a mini dynasty and gave us the best shooter of all time.