| 2003 NBA draft | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Sport | Basketball |
| Date(s) | June 26, 2003 |
| Location | The Theater at Madison Square Garden (New York City, New York) |
| Network(s) | ESPN |
| Overview | |
| 58 total selections in 2 rounds | |
| League | NBA |
| First selection | LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) |
The 2003 NBA draft was held on June 26, 2003, at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. The NBA announced that 41 college and high school players and a record 31 international players had filed as early-entry candidates for the 2003 NBA draft.[1] The Cleveland Cavaliers, who had a 22.50 percent probability of obtaining the first selection, won the NBA draft lottery on May 22, and Cleveland chairman Gordon Gund said afterward his team would select LeBron James, and they did.[2][3]The Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets were second and third, respectively. This draft was the first draft to be aired on ESPN after they picked up the license from TNT.
The 2003 draftees represented one of the deepest talent pools in NBA history. The draft contained 15 players who combined for 26 championships. Four of the top five picks are NBA All-Stars and "Redeem Team" Olympic Gold Medalists: Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James.
- ^ "NBA Announces Early-Entry Candidates". NBA. Archived from the original on April 27, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2007.
- ^ "Cavaliers Win NBA Draft Lottery 2003". NBA. Archived from the original on December 26, 2007. Retrieved April 20, 2007.
- ^ The Associated Press (June 26, 2003). "LeBron James Selected First by Cleveland". The New York Times.