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The 2003 NBA Draft was held on June 26, 2003 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. In this draft, National Basketball Association (NBA) teams took turns selecting basketball players and other first-time eligible players, such as players from high schools and non-North American leagues. The draft was broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 pm (EDT). The NBA announced that 42 college and high school players and a record 31 international players had filed as early-entry candidates for the 2003 NBA Draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who had a 22.50 percent probability of obtaining the first selection, won the NBA Draft Lottery on May 22, and Cleveland chairman Gordon Gund said afterward his team would select LeBron James. The Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets were second and third respectively.
The 2003 Draft is known for having one of the most talented draft pools in draft history. Four of the top five picks are NBA All-Stars and "Redeem Team" Olympic Gold Medalists: Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James. Many players have been in the starting line-ups of their respective teams; eight have already participated in an All-Star Game, Dwyane Wade was named NBA Finals MVP in 2006 and won the NBA All Star Game MVP in 2010, Boris Diaw won the Most Improved Player Award in 2006, Jason Kapono won the three point shootout back to back years in 2007 & 2008, Leandro Barbosa won the Sixth Man Award in 2007, and in the 2009 and 2010 seasons LeBron James won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award. The 2003 draft class has drawn comparisons to the legendary 1984 and 1996 NBA Draft classes, but is also known for the Detroit Pistons making the controversial selection of Darko Miličić with the second pick over other prospects.
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