NBA Draft: Best No. 4 Overall Picks of the 2000s

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CHICAGO – DECEMBER 6: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes to the basket ahead of Taj Gibson #22 of the Chicago Bulls during the NBA game on December 6, 2010 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Russell Westbrook, 2008

While the debate about his true merits as a player rages on, the facts cannot be trifled with: Russell Westbrook racks up popcorn stats like no other player in NBA history.

A perpetual blur of transcendent athletic rage, he plays each game like a Royal Rumble. He heaps on equal parts dramatic flair and synchronized destruction, taking on all comers by himself.

Westbrook’s trophy case speaks for itself: 7-time NBA All-Star, 7-time All-NBA selection, the rare scoring (twice) and assist Championship Belts, and yes, James Harden stans, an MVP award. If Oklahoma City’s 2013-16 teams had not been sabotaged by numerous injuries or Kevin Durant’s cowardice, maybe there’s a Larry O. trophy to add.

Call his presence a problem if you will; it is one that any NBA team would take in a heartbeat on NBA Draft Night.

NEW ORLEANS – JUNE 29: 2005 1st round draft pick (fourth overall) Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets smiles at the podium during a press conference to introduce Paul as the newest Hornet June 29, 2005 at the New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, Lousiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the term and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo by Chris Graythen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Chris Paul, 2005

The fact that Chris Paul ever slid to No. 4 is one of the NBA Draft’s all-time atrocities. The 2004-05 Atlanta Hawks were an 18-win disaster featuring Tyronn Lue, Royal Ivey, and a beyond-washed Kenny Anderson at the point position. Point guard was a need for them like water is a need for life. They held the No. 2 pick in the ’05 NBA Draft.

Instead of taking either of Paul or fellow future All-NBAer Deron Williams – two consensus top prospects – the Hawks settled with the underwhelming Marvin Williams. Utah then took Deron third, leaving the Hornets to giddily scoop Paul fourth overall.

Atlanta’s decision was widely questioned at the time, and only compounded when Paul and D-Will ascended to the pinnacle of point guards. Deron’s window of supremacy was relatively brief; CP3 has been the standard for two-way point guard play for over a decade. Regardless of rings, he will go down amongst the position’s all-time greats.

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