A Draft Bust From LeBron James’ Class Helped $1,900,000,000 Rich Franchise to Annihilate Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O?Neal

Several things are kept in mind when a team approaches the NBA draft. After all, these drafts can make or break a franchise. One such case was with the NBA draft class of LeBron James when the Detroit Pistons chose Darko Milicic over some of the incredible players such as Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. However, the franchise managed to hit the jackpot with their final selection.

The selection of Milicic will continue to remain one of the most upsetting selections. His selection is the biggest draft bust in the history of the franchise. However, the team managed to pull their biggest victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, thanks to this trade. Let?s take a look at the brighter side of this decision.

When the Detroit Pistons redeemed their reputation

Back in 2003, the Pistons lost their opportunity to bring Dwyane Wade on the roster. Instead, they chose Milicic as the No. 2 pick. Milicic averaged just 5.7 mpg and 1.6 ppg in the three seasons, he spent with the Pistons. During his fourth season, he was traded to Orlando. With every game, he kept enhancing his skills, but it wasn?t enough for the team to win the championship.

Just as they neared the NBA trade deadline of 2004, the franchise was able to acquire Rasheed Wallace with a three-team trade. Rasheed went on to become an instrumental piece of the team that propelled them to give tough competition to the Shaquille O?Neal and Kobe Bryant-led Lakers.

Frank Michael Smith’s latest Twitter post reminded fans of the bitter memory.

The Pistons earned their reputation back as they defeated the Lakers who held previous last three NBA titles. With a roster full of talented players, the only piece that the Pistons required was Wallace. After playing only one game with the Atlanta Hawks, he won the championship with the Pistons in 2004.

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?However, the success was short-lived as the team lost the 2005 finals.

The Pistons’ lost to the San Antonio Spurs in 2005

The Bad Boys put up a fierce battle against the Spurs but lost with 74-81 in game 7. This was the Piston?s fourth loss after making seven appearances at the finals. Previously, the team won the NBA titles in 1989 and 1990.

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Would things have been different if the Pistons had chosen Wade or Bosh during the 2003 NBA draft? What is your opinion? Tell us in a comment below!