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Anthony Gharib, ESPN
There is an underlying story heading into the matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs on Friday (4:30 p.m. ET on ESPN) that includes two of the NBA’s oldest players: LeBron James (39) and Chris Paul (39 ). .
The future Hall of Famers have combined for more than 60,000 points and 32 All-Star Game appearances. They are also half of the memorable Banana Boat crew.
They are also the last active players in their respective NBA drafts.
The Cleveland Cavaliers selected James No. 1 in 2003, while the then-New Orleans Hornets selected Paul No. 4 in 2005. Paul and James lead their drafts in games, minutes, points and assists.
Those two years are not the only ones without many players still active. Here’s a look at the draft classes with the fewest players remaining in the league.
Year:
2006
Players:
Kyle Lowry (No. 24), PJ Tucker (No. 35)
Lowry has played the most games of the selected group of players. Currently with the Philadelphia 76ers, Lowry has suited up for five franchises. The Memphis Grizzlies drafted him before going to the Houston Rockets, then the Toronto Raptors (where he won the NBA championship in 2019), Miami Heat and 76ers.
Tucker is also a champion and played a key role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ victory in 2021. Although he was drafted by the Raptors, he spent five seasons overseas after his rookie year before returning to the league. Tucker is part of the LA Clippers roster but away from the team as the franchise seeks to find him a “different situation.”
The 2006 NBA draft also included the selection of current Lakers head coach JJ Redick, Rajon Rondo, Lamarcus Aldridge and the recently retired Rudy Gay.
Year:
2007
Players:
Kevin Durant (No. 2), Al Horford (No. 3), Mike Conley (No. 4), Jeff Green (No. 5)
Every active player in this class placed in the top five, showing that those decisions paid off. Two of the four players are champions and made at least five All-Star Game appearances: Durant (14) and Horford (5). Green won his first ring with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.
Thaddeus Young, (12th pick), is not part of an NBA roster for the first time since being drafted, however, he has not officially retired.
Durant’s longevity stands out in this group. The Phoenix Suns star averaged 27.6 points before being sidelined with an injury.
Year:
2008
Players:
Russell Westbrook (No. 4), Kevin Love (No. 5), Eric Gordon (No. 7), Brook Lopez (No. 10), Nicolas Batum (No. 25), DeAndre Jordan (No. 35)
More than 15 years later, the class of 2008 found a way to continue contributing to the league. Although Love and Jordan appear sparingly, the other four members have key roles on teams with high aspirations.
Westbrook leads the group in minutes, games, points and assists. Jordan leads in rebounding and field goal percentage, eclipsing 60% for his career.
Year:
2010
Players:
Paul George (No. 10)
In a draft headlined by big names including John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, George held out the longest. Gordon Hayward’s retirement in the offseason ensured George’s status as the last man standing of the 2010 class.
He’s approaching 30,000 minutes and 20,000 points, both the highest of any prospect drafted that year. A nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA, the 76ers forward remains a key member of the NBA ecosystem.
