The Miami Heat acquired the No. 10 pick in Tuesday’s NBA Draft lottery, as they were one spot away from giving their protected top-10 pick to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Although some fans may have wanted to see Miami move above its projected 10th-overall selection, fans should consider themselves lucky that the Heat even walked away with a pick, considering the 13% chance they had of falling out of the top 10.
With a heavily talented group of individuals entering this year’s NBA Draft, the Heat are in a prime position to draft a solid big like Myles Turner or perhaps may even have somebody like a Stanley Johnson fall all the way to No. 10.
Regardless, previous NBA drafts have seen a plethora of legit talent fall all the way to No. 10. So without further ado we bring you the top 10 No. 10 draft picks from the past 30 years.
10. Brandon Jennings (2009)
Jennings was the 10th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks and has career averages of 16.6 points and 6.2 assists per game. Although many accuse Jennings of taking too many shots for a point guard, there is no doubt that he is one of the most talented ball handlers in our league today.
Next: Caron Butler
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Responsive-Ad”]
9. Caron Butler (2002)
Butler was the 10th pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat and once averaged 20.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, all while shooting 86% from the free throw line in a single season.
Next: Jason Terry
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Responsive-Ad”]
8. Jason Terry (1999)
Terry was the 10th pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks and in the 2000-01 season, Terry emerged as the Hawks’ best player with averages of 19.7 points and 4.9 assists. The current Houston Rockets guard is a one-time NBA champion (2011) and former NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2009).
Next: Horace Grant
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Responsive-Ad”]
7. Horace Grant (1987)
Grant was the 10th pick in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls and was part of Michael Jordan’s infamous Bulls in the 90’s. The tenacious center is a four-time NBA champion (1991-93, 2001) and made the NBA All-Defensive Second Team four times. Without a doubt, Grant would be one of the league’s best rebounders and post defenders today.
Next: Andrew Bynum
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Responsive-Ad”]
6. Andrew Bynum (2005)
Bynum was the 10th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Although he is currently a free agent, before his injury woes, Bynum was at one time, considered one of the best big men in the league because of both his offensive and defensive prowess. The 7-footer is a two-time NBA champion (2009, 2010), NBA All-Star, and made the All-NBA Second Team in 2012.
Next: Brook Lopez
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Responsive-Ad”]
5. Brook Lopez (2008)
Lopez was the 10th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets. Much like Bynum, Lopez has been plagued by injuries throughout his young career, but the emerging talent is evident. Lopez made the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2009 and has already made the All-Star team (2013). With tremendous upside, Lopez has a chance to be one of the best big men in the league for many years to come.
Next: Joe Johnson
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Responsive-Ad”]
4. Joe Johnson (2001)
Johnson was the 10th pick in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics and has emerged as one of the league’s best isolation scorers. “Iso Joe” is a seven-time NBA All-Star and deserves a top-four ranking on sheer talent alone.
Next: Eddie Jones
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Responsive-Ad”]
3. Eddie Jones (1994)
Jones was the 10th pick in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers and instantly made an impact. The 6’6″ swingman was a two-way player, who had career averages of 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Jones was a three-time NBA All-Star, NBA steals leader (2000), and made the All-NBA Third Team three times as well as the All-Defensive Second Team three times.
Next: Paul George
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Responsive-Ad”]
2. Paul George (2010)
George was the 10th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers and prior to his devastating leg injury in 2014, was one of the top small forwards in the East, next to LeBron James. In his five short years, George has already acquired two All-NBA Third Team selections, an NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, an NBA Most Improved Player award, and has been selected to the NBA All-Star team twice. George has a bright future ahead of him, if he can stay injury free.
Next: Paul Pierce
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Responsive-Ad”]
1. Paul Pierce (1998)
Pierce was the 10th pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics and remains one of the last remaining superstars of the 90’s era. The 6’7″ small forward from Inglewood is considered one of the greatest ever to wear a Celtics uniform. With career averages of 20.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, Pierce is most notably known for his playoff battles against both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. “The Truth” is a one-time NBA champion, one-time Finals MVP, and 10-time All-Star and has earned the respect of many greats today.
[xyz-ihs snippet=”Responsive-Ad”]