Toronto Raptors: Top 10 No. 46 and 47 overall picks in NBA Draft history
By Mike Luciano
5. Mo Williams (No. 47, 2003)
While Williams is often remembered as an uninspiring co-star next to LeBron James during LBJ’s first run in Cleveland, that is a very harsh way to categorize his career, as the Alabama alum put up some quality offensive numbers during his prime.
Williams, a one-time All-Star, averaged 13.2 points and 4.8 assists per game during his career. From 2006-07 to 2011-12, which included stints with the Cavaliers, Bucks, and Clippers, Williams averaged 16.1 points per game on 45% shooting.
Williams’ legacy will be inexorably tied to James considering his role on LeBron’s final team, but his numbers depict a truly elite point guard. Hopefully, his career is looked back on in a very fond manner when it’s all said and done.
4. Vernon Maxwell (No. 47, 1988)
Much to the chagrin of the Utah fans that Maxwell despises with a burning passion, the Florida alum earns a high ranking on this list, as his perimeter play helped Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets win two championships in the 1990s.
Maxwell’s 12.8 points and 3.4 assists per game might not sound like earth-shaking numbers, but he has a vital role on those Rockets teams. Olajuwon and Houston were the clear best team in a Michael Jordan-less NBA, and Maxwell’s shooting and physicality on the perimeter helped that team in crunch time.
Maxwell’s career didn’t end in tremendous fashion, as a faked injury prompted a trade away from Houston, and he was never able to find the same success after leaving. Even with such a rocky end, his unforgettable start in the pros has him high on this list.