With Josh Boone playing well in recent games--6.9 ppg and 4.4 rpg over the last eight plus his career night against Charlotte--interesting to see how he compares with others taken in last year's draft.
While this year's draft promises to be a great one if everyone comes out, last year's was a disappointment. Other than Andrea Bargnani, LaMarcus Aldridge and deep second round pick Paul Millsap, none of the big man picks have distinguished themselves...and an argument can be made that Boone is doing as well so far as most of the others taken ahead of him, particularly when you consider he missed the first month of the season with a torn labrum. Ironically, a few taken after him can state the same thing. (And remember, Thorn was on the record before the draft as trying to trade the Nets two picks so he could grab a big man, specifically Hilton Armstrong.)
Here's a basic comparison, with draft position...note only those drafted in 2005 are included. Obviously, free agent Jorge Garbajosa of the Raptors is having a great year, averaging 8.9 ppg and 4.9 rpg.
23. Josh Boone: 3.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg in 9 minutes, highs of 21 and 12.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1. Andrea Bargnani, Raptors: 11.5 ppg, 3.9 rrg in 25 minutes, highs of 23 and 11.
2. LaMarcus Aldridge, TrailBlazers: 8.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg in 22 minutes, highs of 30 and 17.
4. Tyrus Thomas, Bulls: 4.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg in 12 minutes, highs of 23 and 11.
5. Shelden Williams, Hawks: 4.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg in 17 minutes, highs of 20 and 15.
9. Patrick O'Bryant, Warriors: 1.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg in 7 minutes, highs of 7 and 5.
10. Saer Sene, Sonics: 1.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg in 5 minutes, highs of 10 and 6.
12. Hilton Armstrong, Hornets: 3.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg in 10 minutes, highs of 17 and 9.
15. Cedric Simmons, Hornets: 3.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg in 13 minutes, highs of 10 and 9.
36. Craig Smith, Timberwolves: 6.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg in 17 minutes, highs of 26 and 11.
41. James Augustine, Magic: 1.5 ppg, 1.0 rpg in 3 minutes, highs of 2 and 3.
45. Alexander Johnson, Grizzlies: 4.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg in 13 minutes, highs of 23 and 10.
47. Paul Millsap, Jazz: 6.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg in 18 minutes, highs of 20 and 17.
49. Leon Powe, Celtics: 3.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg in 10 minutes, highs of 11 and 12.