The 2003 NBA Draft: Who is still remaining in the league after 20 years?
A total of two players from the 2003 NBA draft have yet to retire from the league.
While LeBron James is obviously one of them, there were plenty of high-profile stars who were part of the 2003 draft class. Four of the top five picks – Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and James – went on to become All-Stars and "Redeem Team" Olympic Gold Medalists. While James is regarded by many as the greatest of all time, he has both Bosh and Wade for part of his success.
Despite its success, the 2003 draft is also known for the Detroit Pistons' controversial selection of Darko Miličić with the second pick. He started just 208 games and played for six teams in 10 seasons, averaging 6.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
While all other players in the 2003 draft class apart from LeBron James have announced their retirement, 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony has not.
Anthony, considered to be one of the greatest scorers in league history, was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary team in 2021. He last played alongside James for the LA Lakers last season, his 19th in the league. He started just three games, but averaged 13.3 ppg and 4.2 rpg in 26 minutes per game.
Like James, the Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem is in his 20th season. Haslem went undrafted in 2002 out of the University of Florida and spent the 2002-03 season playing professionally in France. Haslem, who has announced that he will retire after this season, and James are among the 10 players who have played at least 20 NBA seasons.
2003 NBA Draft Class
6-41: Retired
5. Wade: Retired
4. Bosh: Retired
3. Melo: Free Agent
2. Darko: Retired
1. LeBron: 27.4 PPG 8.5 RPG 8.3 APG last season
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Can LeBron James and LA Lakers make it to NBA playoffs?
LeBron James is having a difficult season for the LA Lakers. The team is on the periphery of playoff qualification and is one of three teams in the Western Conference with a 34-35 record. King James has had consistent injury troubles and last played Feb. 26 in a victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
All rumors point to the rest of this season playing an important role in deciding LeBron’s future. Anthony Davis has also had consistent injury troubles and has been linked with a summer trade. LeBron will turn 39 on Dec. 30, and while his fitness is an issue, a number of teams will jump at the opportunity to snap him up.
“I’m told (LeBron’s) right foot is feeling much better … the Lakers are bracing as if he will need a significant chunk of the remainder of the regular season to ramp up for a return.”
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on the status of Lakers star LeBron James. https://t.co/xhsOT1m1PR
The LA Lakers, who have already surpassed last season's win total (33-49), did well at the trade deadline but now need to capitalize to make it to the postseason. They have played well in the last few weeks, going 8-3 since Feb. 15, despite the absence of James, who is still some way from a return.
Regardless, the Lakers are in a much better position than they were before the trade deadline and have every chance of turning their season around.