2004 NBA draft
The 2004 NBA draft was the annual player selection meeting held by the National Basketball Association (NBA) on June 24, 2004, in New York City, where the Orlando Magic selected high school standout Dwight Howard from Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy with the first overall pick.[1] This event featured 59 total selections across two rounds, with 46 players ultimately appearing in at least one NBA game, marking a transitional draft influenced by the league's allowance of direct high school entries and international prospects.[1] The draft class yielded several long-term contributors, headlined by Dwight Howard, who became an eight-time All-Star, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, and led the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals during his 18-season career. Other notable successes included Andre Iguodala (ninth overall, Philadelphia 76ers), a one-time All-Star who won four NBA championships and earned Finals MVP honors in 2015; Luol Deng (seventh overall, Phoenix Suns, rights traded to Chicago Bulls), a two-time All-Star and 2012 Olympic gold medalist[2]; Al Jefferson (fifteenth overall, Boston Celtics), who averaged 15.7 points and 8.4 rebounds over 14 seasons[3]; and late-round gems like Jameer Nelson (twentieth overall, Denver Nuggets), an All-Star point guard, Josh Smith (seventeenth overall, Atlanta Hawks), a two-time All-Star forward renowned for his extraordinary athleticism—including nearly dunking with his head touching the backboard—and Kevin Martin (twenty-sixth overall, Sacramento Kings), who once averaged 24.6 points per game.[4] These players exemplified the class's potential, with Howard amassing 141.7 career win shares, the highest from the draft.[1] However, the 2004 draft is often critiqued for its unpredictability and high rate of underperformers among top selections, earning a reputation as a class that "tripped up many a team" due to the risks of unproven high school and overseas talents.[4] Lottery busts included Emeka Okafor (second overall, Charlotte Bobcats), who had a solid but injury-shortened career; Shaun Livingston (fourth overall, Los Angeles Clippers), whose promising start was derailed by a severe knee injury; Josh Childress (sixth overall, Atlanta Hawks), who left for Europe after six NBA seasons; Rafael Araújo (eighth overall, Toronto Raptors); and Luke Jackson (tenth overall, Cleveland Cavaliers), both of whom played minimally in the league.[4] The Minnesota Timberwolves also forfeited their first-round pick due to prior salary cap violations, adding to the draft's irregular nature.[1] Overall, while not among the league's deepest classes, the 2004 draft underscored evolving scouting challenges and produced a mix of stars who influenced multiple franchises over more than two decades; as of November 2025, no players from this draft class remain active in the NBA.[4]Background and Eligibility
Draft Context and Rules
The 2004 NBA Draft was held on June 24, 2004, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.[5] This event marked the first draft for the newly expanded league, which included the addition of the Charlotte Bobcats as the 30th franchise, following their expansion agreement that positioned them to select no higher than fourth overall in the first round but allowed for trades to improve their position.[6] As part of this expansion, the Bobcats acquired the second overall pick from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for forward Predrag Drobnjak just prior to the draft.[7] The draft followed the standard NBA structure at the time, consisting of a first round with 29 selections (due to the Minnesota Timberwolves' forfeited pick from prior salary cap violations) and a second round with 30 selections, one per team, though picks could be traded between teams before or during the event.[1] The order for the first 14 picks was determined by the draft lottery among the 14 non-playoff teams from the 2003–04 season, including the expansion Bobcats, using a weighted ping-pong ball system where poorer-performing teams had higher odds of securing the top selections; the remaining first-round picks (15 through 29) and all second-round picks were assigned in reverse order of the previous season's regular-season records for playoff teams.[6] This lottery format, expanded to 14 teams for 2004 due to the new franchise, ensured competitive balance while prohibiting the Bobcats from lottery wins beyond fourth place as a condition of their entry.[6] On May 14, 2004, the NBA announced that 94 players had filed as early-entry candidates, comprising 56 from U.S. colleges and high schools and 38 international players, highlighting the growing pool of prospects seeking professional opportunities.[8] At that time, high school seniors were still eligible to declare directly for the draft without prior college experience, a policy that permitted several top talents to bypass traditional paths but would end with the 2005 collective bargaining agreement, which imposed a minimum age of 19 and at least one year removed from high school graduation starting with the 2006 draft.[9]Early Entry Candidates
The 2004 NBA draft featured a significant number of college underclassmen declaring for early entry, allowing them to bypass remaining collegiate eligibility and enter the professional ranks ahead of their automatic qualification after four years of play. These players, primarily sophomores and juniors, submitted letters of intent by the league's deadline of May 10, 2004, to become eligible for selection.[8] The NBA announced a total of 56 early-entry candidates from U.S. colleges and high schools combined, with international players numbering 38 more, reflecting a growing trend of young talents testing the draft waters.[8] Among the approximately 43 college underclassmen who applied, notable figures included Andre Iguodala, a sophomore guard from the University of Arizona, who had averaged 12.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in the 2003-04 season, prompting his decision to pursue NBA opportunities following Arizona's Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA tournament.[10] Other prominent entrants were Tony Allen, a junior guard from Oklahoma State who declared after leading his team to the Big 12 title with 15.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.[11] These players were motivated by recent on-court successes, such as conference accolades or tournament runs, and the allure of immediate professional contracts in a league increasingly open to younger talent.[12] Additional examples of early declarants included Kirk Snyder, a junior from Nevada whose scoring outbursts made him a projected lottery pick, and J.R. Giddens, a sophomore from Kansas recovering from injury but showcasing perimeter skills.[10] Redshirt juniors and other non-traditional underclassmen, such as those with limited prior playing time, also joined the pool, though the majority were rising juniors or sophomores seeking to capitalize on peak developmental years. The group represented a diverse range of programs, from powerhouses like Kansas and Arizona to mid-majors like Nevada and Oklahoma State.[13] Underclassmen had until June 17, 2004, at 5:00 p.m. ET to withdraw their names and retain NCAA eligibility.[8] Ultimately, 21 college players withdrew, including high-profile talents like Brandon Bass from LSU and Sean May from North Carolina, leaving about 22 eligible for the draft held on June 24, 2004.[10] This process underscored the risks and rewards for young athletes, as those who stayed, such as Iguodala (selected ninth overall by Philadelphia), transitioned successfully to the pros, while others faced undrafted free agency.[1]Automatic and International Entrants
The 2004 NBA draft featured a significant number of high school players entering directly from their senior years, a pathway that would be curtailed in subsequent years under new league rules requiring at least one year of post-high school experience. Thirteen such players declared as early-entry candidates, bypassing college basketball to pursue professional opportunities.[12] Prominent among them were Dwight Howard, a dominant center from Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy in Atlanta, Georgia; Shaun Livingston, a versatile guard from Peoria Central High School in Peoria, Illinois; and Sebastian Telfair, a quick point guard from Abraham Lincoln High School in New York City. These entrants brought raw athleticism and potential to the draft pool, contributing to the selection of a record eight high school players in the first round.[14][15] In contrast to the college underclassmen who dominated early-entry declarations, these high school prospects represented a distinct non-collegiate route into the NBA, emphasizing untapped talent over seasoned play. International players added a global dimension to the 2004 draft pool, with 38 early-entry declarations from prospects under age 22, primarily from European and Asian leagues. These players often arrived with professional club experience, offering maturity beyond their years. Notable examples included Luis Scola from Argentina, who had established himself as a forward with Saski Baskonia in Spain's Liga ACB; Anderson Varejão from Brazil, a rebounding big man developed at FC Barcelona in Spain; and Sergei Karaulov from Russia, a 7-foot-1 center who played for Sakha-Yakutia Yakutsk in the Russian Super League. Their inclusion highlighted the NBA's growing interest in international talent during an era of expanding scouting networks abroad.[8][16] Automatic entrants formed the backbone of the draft pool, comprising approximately 50 players who were eligible without needing to declare early. This group included U.S. college seniors who had exhausted their four years of eligibility and international professionals aged 22 or older with prior pro experience. Unlike the high school and under-22 international paths, automatic eligibility provided a straightforward entry for those completing standard career milestones, ensuring a balanced mix of veterans and prospects in the overall pool. Following withdrawals, the total eligible players exceeded 100, blending domestic high school talents, international declarations, and automatic entrants to create a diverse draft class that underscored the NBA's evolving global appeal.[8]Pre-Draft Developments
Draft Lottery Results
The 2004 NBA Draft Lottery was held on May 25, 2004, at the NBA Entertainment Studios in Secaucus, New Jersey, to determine the order of the first nine picks in the draft among the league's nine non-playoff teams.[17][18] The lottery determined the order for 9 picks among 8 non-playoff teams (excluding the expansion Bobcats' protected entry), as the Minnesota Timberwolves forfeited their first-round pick due to prior salary cap violations involving Joe Smith.[1] As part of the league's weighted system in place at the time, the Orlando Magic entered with the worst record (21-61) and thus the highest probability of securing the No. 1 pick at 25%, based on 250 out of 1,000 possible combinations.[19] The lottery employed the standard ping-pong ball drawing method, utilizing 14 balls numbered 1 through 14 placed in a machine, from which four balls were drawn to form one of 1,000 assigned combinations determining the order for picks 1 through 3; the process was repeated for subsequent picks up to the ninth, with the Charlotte Bobcats guaranteed no worse than the fourth position per their expansion agreement.[6] Under the rules, no team could improve its position by more than four spots from its pre-lottery seeding based on regular-season record.[6] This system aimed to reward poorer-performing teams while limiting extreme jumps. The results produced several notable outcomes, including the Orlando Magic retaining the top pick as expected, selecting high school phenom Dwight Howard. The Los Angeles Clippers, seeded fourth with 8.8% odds (88 combinations), jumped two spots to second. The Chicago Bulls fell one spot to third, while the Seattle SuperSonics, seeded sixth, advanced one spot to fifth, and the New Orleans Hornets, seeded eighth, jumped two spots to sixth in upsets that highlighted the lottery's variability.[19][14] The expansion Charlotte Bobcats, seeded ninth with top-four protection, landed at fourth. Following the lottery, on June 22, 2004, the Clippers traded their second pick to the Bobcats for Charlotte's fourth and 33rd picks, plus Predrag Drobnjak, granting the Bobcats an advantageous position.[20]| Pre-Lottery Seed | Team | Record | Odds for No. 1 Pick | Post-Lottery Position | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orlando Magic | 21–61 | 25.0% | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | Chicago Bulls | 23–59 | 19.9% | 3 | –1 |
| 3 | Washington Wizards | 25–57 | 15.7% | 9 | –6 |
| 4 | Los Angeles Clippers | 28–54 | 8.8% | 2 | +2 |
| 5 | Portland Trail Blazers | 36–46 | 6.7% | 7 | –2 |
| 6 | Seattle SuperSonics | 37–45 | 5.3% | 5 | +1 |
| 7 | Atlanta Hawks | 28–54 | 3.6% | 8 | –1 |
| 8 | New Orleans Hornets | 41–41 | 2.5% | 6 | +2 |
| 9 | Charlotte Bobcats (protected) | N/A | N/A (guaranteed min. 4th) | 4 | N/A |
Scouting and Combine Insights
The NBA Draft Combine for the 2004 draft, then known as the pre-draft camp, took place from June 8 to 11 in Chicago at the Moody Bible Institute's Solheim Center, inviting approximately 66 college and international prospects for evaluations.[21] The event featured anthropometric measurements such as height, weight, wingspan, and hand size; athletic testing including the vertical leap, lane agility drill, 3/4 court sprint, and bench press (185-pound reps); and on-court drills simulating game scenarios to assess skills like shooting, passing, and defense. While many top high school prospects like Dwight Howard and Shaun Livingston opted for private workouts, the combine provided crucial data for teams, influencing projections through medical evaluations and interviews that revealed player maturity and injury risks.[22] Key performances highlighted elite athleticism among big men. Dwight Howard, though not attending, had pre-combine measurements showing him at 6 feet 9 inches barefoot with a 7-foot-4.5-inch wingspan and 240 pounds, combining with a reported 35.5-inch vertical leap to underscore his rare explosiveness for a center prospect.[23] Emeka Okafor impressed in strength tests with 22 bench press reps—among the highest for forwards—and demonstrated strong defensive instincts in drills, reinforcing his reputation as a rim protector with quick feet for his 6-foot-9 frame.[22] Josh Smith's combine showing elevated his stock, as his 39.5-inch vertical leap and 8-foot-10.5-inch standing reach showcased freakish athleticism, propelling him from a late-lottery projection to a mid-first-round lock based on medicals and interviews emphasizing his versatility.[24] Concerns emerged for guard prospects regarding physical readiness. Sebastian Telfair, a 6-foot high school point guard, faced questions about his size and ability to handle NBA physicality, with scouts noting his quickness but limited strength in agility drills as potential hurdles to immediate impact.[25] Shaun Livingston's lane agility time of 10.72 seconds highlighted his fluidity at 6 feet 7 inches, but pre-draft medicals raised minor flags on his slender 186-pound frame, prompting debates on durability despite his no-show vertical and sprint times.[22] International and college players like Luol Deng benefited from the event; Deng's 31.5-inch vertical and 11.46-second lane agility, paired with interviews showcasing his basketball IQ, caused his stock to rise from outside the top 10 to a consensus lottery pick due to his Duke-seasoned versatility.[26] Mock drafts leading into the combine reflected a strong consensus on the top tier, with Emeka Okafor and Dwight Howard frequently slotted as Nos. 1 and 2 interchangeably for their defensive anchors, while Shaun Livingston held the No. 3 spot in many projections for his point-forward potential.[27] Rafael Araujo's post-combine workouts, revealing solid post skills at 6 feet 11 inches and 290 pounds, unexpectedly boosted his evaluation, moving him into late-lottery conversations despite earlier mid-first doubts.[28] These insights, drawn from combine data and team interviews, shaped team strategies post-lottery, emphasizing athletic upside over immediate polish for high picks.Draft Selections
First Round Picks
The first round of the 2004 NBA Draft took place on June 24, 2004, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, featuring 29 selections after the Minnesota Timberwolves forfeited their pick due to salary cap violations from the Joe Smith scandal.[1] This draft class was notable for its high number of high school prospects (eight in the first round) and international players, reflecting teams' strategies to acquire young talent for long-term rebuilding amid a league shifting toward athleticism and versatility. The Orlando Magic, coming off a playoff appearance, prioritized building a foundation with the top pick, while the expansion Charlotte Bobcats used their selections to stock an inaugural roster focused on defensive anchors. Several trades occurred on draft night, affecting eight picks and involving cash, future picks, and players, as teams maneuvered to match immediate needs or future flexibility.[14]| Pick | Player | Position | Drafting Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dwight Howard | C | Orlando Magic | High school (Atlanta); selected as franchise cornerstone to pair with Tracy McGrady and bolster interior defense.[1] |
| 2 | Emeka Okafor | PF/C | Charlotte Bobcats | UConn; expansion team's first-ever pick, chosen for two-way frontcourt presence and leadership.[1] |
| 3 | Ben Gordon | SG | Chicago Bulls | UConn; added scoring punch to backcourt in rebuilding effort post-Jordan era.[1] |
| 4 | Shaun Livingston | PG | Los Angeles Clippers | High school (Peoria); high-upside playmaker to develop alongside core veterans.[1] |
| 5 | Devin Harris | PG | Washington Wizards | Wisconsin; acquired via prior trade from Dallas, aimed at injecting speed into backcourt.[1][29] |
| 6 | Josh Childress | SF | Atlanta Hawks | Stanford; versatile wing to complement young core in ongoing rebuild.[1] |
| 7 | Luol Deng | SF | Phoenix Suns (traded to Chicago Bulls) | Duke; Suns traded rights on draft night for $3 million cash and second-round pick (#31, Jackson Vroman) to avoid luxury tax hit, allowing Bulls to add international talent.[1][30] |
| 8 | Rafael Araujo | C | Toronto Raptors | BYU; international-style big man for rebounding, though he played minimally (2 NBA seasons).[1] |
| 9 | Andre Iguodala | SG/SF | Philadelphia 76ers | Arizona; athletic perimeter defender to support aging roster around Allen Iverson.[1] |
| 10 | Luke Jackson | SG | Cleveland Cavaliers | Oregon; shooter to space floor for LeBron James in first post-James rebuild phase.[1] |
| 11 | Andris Biedrins | C | Golden State Warriors | International (Latvia); raw big for frontcourt depth in up-tempo system.[1] |
| 12 | Robert Swift | C | Seattle SuperSonics | High school (Findlay Prep); project center with size for future rotation.[1] |
| 13 | Sebastian Telfair | PG | Portland Trail Blazers | High school (Lincoln); point guard prospect despite crowded backcourt.[1] |
| 14 | Kris Humphries | PF | Utah Jazz | Minnesota; rebounder to replace aging frontcourt in veteran-led team.[1] |
| 15 | Al Jefferson | PF/C | Boston Celtics (traded to Minnesota Timberwolves) | High school (Prentiss); Celtics traded rights on draft night (along with pick 25 and Milt Palacio) for Ricky Davis, Mark Blount, Troy Hudson, and Dwayne Jones to acquire veteran scoring.[1] |
| 16 | Kirk Snyder | SG | Utah Jazz (traded to Houston Rockets) | Nevada; athletic guard traded on draft night for future second-round pick to acquire immediate help.[1][29] |
| 17 | Josh Smith | SF/PF | Atlanta Hawks | High school (Maine Central Institute); athletic forward for defensive versatility.[1] |
| 18 | J.R. Smith | SG | New Orleans Hornets | High school (Lake Oswego); scoring guard to energize backcourt.[1] |
| 19 | Dorell Wright | SF | Miami Heat | High school (South Kent Prep); wing prospect for depth behind Dwyane Wade.[1] |
| 20 | Jameer Nelson | PG | Denver Nuggets (traded to Orlando Magic) | Saint Joseph's; traded rights on draft night for future second-round pick (#35 in 2005) to reunite with Howard.[1] |
| 21 | Pavel Podkolzin | C | Utah Jazz | International (Russia); developmental big who never played in NBA.[1] |
| 22 | Viktor Khryapa | SF | New Jersey Nets | International (Russia); versatile forward for bench role.[1] |
| 23 | Sergei Monia | SF | Portland Trail Blazers | International (Russia); athletic wing who never played in NBA.[1] |
| 24 | Delonte West | PG/SG | Boston Celtics | Saint Joseph's; combo guard for backcourt depth.[1] |
| 25 | Tony Allen | SG | Boston Celtics (traded to Minnesota Timberwolves) | Oklahoma State; defensive specialist traded with pick 15 in multi-player deal for veterans.[1] |
| 26 | Kevin Martin | SG | Sacramento Kings | Western Carolina; shooter to complement Kings' high-octane offense.[1] |
| 27 | Sasha Vujacic | PG/SG | Los Angeles Lakers | International (Slovenia); perimeter player for championship contending roster.[1] |
| 28 | Beno Udrih | PG | San Antonio Spurs | International (Slovenia); backup point guard for title defense.[1] |
| 29 | David Harrison | C | Indiana Pacers | Colorado; rim protector for Eastern Conference contender.[1] |
Second Round Picks
The second round of the 2004 NBA draft, consisting of picks 30 through 59, saw teams prioritize developmental prospects, international talents, and immediate bench contributors, often with less fanfare than the star-laden first round. With 30 picks available due to the absence of a 60th selection, teams executed numerous trades to acquire rights to players suited for depth roles, reflecting strategies aimed at building rosters through cost-controlled contracts and future potential rather than instant impact. This round emphasized versatility in guards and forwards, with a notable influx of international selections that highlighted the league's growing global scouting efforts.[1]| Pick | Player | Position | College/Country | Drafting Team | Notes on Draft-Night Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | Anderson Varejão | PF | Brazil | Orlando Magic | Retained by Magic; international forward valued for toughness, rebounding, and passing in frontcourt depth.[1] |
| 31 | Jackson Vroman | PF | Iowa State | Chicago Bulls | Traded to Phoenix Suns for cash considerations; valued as a big man project with rebounding upside but limited NBA readiness.[1][29] |
| 32 | Peter John Ramos | C | Puerto Rico | Washington Wizards | Retained by Wizards; seen as a raw center with size (7'3") for developmental minutes in a rebuilding frontcourt.[1] |
| 33 | Lionel Chalmers | PG | Xavier | Los Angeles Clippers | Acquired by Clippers from Charlotte in a first-round trade package; prized for perimeter shooting but projected as a backup.[1][29] |
| 34 | Donta Smith | SF | Southeastern Illinois | Atlanta Hawks | Retained by Hawks; valued for athleticism and scoring potential off the bench in a youth-focused rebuild.[1] |
| 35 | Andre Emmett | SG | Texas Tech | Seattle SuperSonics | Traded to Memphis Grizzlies for a future second-round pick; appreciated for scoring flair but questioned for defensive fit.[1][29] |
| 36 | Antonio Burks | SG | Memphis | Orlando Magic | Traded to Memphis Grizzlies; noted for local ties and mid-range game, targeted as a low-risk depth addition.[1] |
| 37 | Royal Ivey | PG | Texas | Atlanta Hawks | Acquired by Hawks from New Jersey Nets via prior trade; valued as a defensive specialist for backcourt rotation.[1][29] |
| 38 | Chris Duhon | PG | Duke | Chicago Bulls | Retained by Bulls; highly regarded for leadership and playmaking, seen as a reliable floor general for a young core.[1] |
| 39 | Albert Miralles | PF | Spain | Toronto Raptors | Traded to Chicago Bulls via Toronto; international prospect with post skills, acquired for developmental potential in a trade chain.[1][29] |
| 40 | Justin Reed | SF | Ole Miss | Boston Celtics | Traded to Minnesota Timberwolves; valued for rebounding and energy as a wing role player.[1] |
| 41 | David Young | SG | NC Central | Seattle SuperSonics | Retained by SuperSonics; overlooked shooter with size, targeted for perimeter depth.[1] |
| 42 | Viktor Sanikidze | SF | Georgia | Atlanta Hawks | Traded to San Antonio Spurs; international wing with upside, part of a multi-pick swap for future assets.[1][29] |
| 43 | Trevor Ariza | SF | UCLA | New York Knicks | Traded to Orlando Magic for Steve Francis (in a larger deal); prized for athleticism and defense, viewed as a high-value swap for wing versatility.[1][29] |
| 44 | Tim Pickett | SG | Florida State | New Orleans Hornets | Traded to Seattle SuperSonics; combo guard with shooting, acquired for backcourt competition.[1] |
| 45 | Bernard Robinson | SG | Michigan | Charlotte Bobcats | Retained by Bobcats; defensive-minded guard for an expansion team's foundational depth.[1] |
| 46 | Ha Seung-Jin | C | South Korea | Portland Trail Blazers | Retained by Blazers; first South Korean selected, valued for international market potential and size.[1] |
| 47 | Pape Sow | PF | Cal State Fullerton | Miami Heat | Traded to Toronto Raptors; athletic forward with rebounding, seen as a project for frontcourt rotation.[1][29] |
| 48 | Ricky Minard | SG | Morehead State | Sacramento Kings | Retained by Kings; scorer with mid-major pedigree, targeted for bench scoring punch.[1] |
| 49 | Sergei Lishouk | PF | Ukraine | Memphis Grizzlies | Traded to Houston Rockets via Memphis; international big with mobility, part of a cash-and-pick deal.[1][29] |
| 50 | Vassilis Spanoulis | PG | Greece | Dallas Mavericks | Traded to Houston Rockets; skilled European point guard, acquired in a multi-player international swap.[1][29] |
| 51 | Christian Drejer | SG | Florida | New Jersey Nets | Traded to Sacramento Kings; Danish sharpshooter, valued for overseas experience and shooting.[1] |
| 52 | Romain Sato | SG | Xavier | San Antonio Spurs | Traded to New Orleans Hornets; athletic wing with defense, part of a trade for immediate help.[1][29] |
| 53 | Matt Freije | PF | Vanderbilt | Miami Heat | Retained by Heat; stretch forward with shooting, seen as a low-cost addition for spacing.[1] |
| 54 | Rickey Paulding | SG | Missouri | Detroit Pistons | Retained by Pistons; combo guard for depth, valued in a contending team's strategy for reserves.[1] |
| 55 | Luis Flores | PG | Manhattan | Houston Rockets | Traded to Golden State Warriors via Dallas; quick guard with scoring, flipped in a chain of deals.[1][29] |
| 56 | Marcus Douthit | PF | Providence | Los Angeles Lakers | Retained by Lakers; rebounder with size, targeted for frontcourt competition.[1] |
| 57 | Sergei Karaulov | SG | Russia | San Antonio Spurs | Retained by Spurs; international guard with potential, added to a system emphasizing development.[1] |
| 58 | Blake Stepp | PG | Gonzaga | Minnesota Timberwolves | Traded to Seattle SuperSonics; shooter with college success, acquired for backcourt options.[1][29] |
| 59 | Rashad Wright | PG | Georgia | Indiana Pacers | Retained by Pacers; speedy guard, valued as a developmental piece for depth.[1] |