Re-drafting the impactful 1997 NBA Draft Lottery picks

Honorable Mentions

The undrafted free agent signings didn’t bring all that much to the table from the 1997 rookie class. Most rookie classes at least have some second round picks that are truly hidden gems or quality contributors among the undrafted free agents. But the 1997 NBA Draft did not.

Ron Mercer, Small Forward

The former Kentucky Wildcats 6-foot-7 standout small forward was one of the more highly touted prospects in this draft class. Ron Mercer was picked with the sixth overall pick in the 1997 draft by the Boston Celtics. He played in just over 430 regular season games and played with a whopping seven different teams.

Scot Pollard, Center

There was never a single season where the former Pistons 19th overall pick in the 1997 draft and 6-foot-11 center Scot Pollard started in more than half of the 82 games. And there was only one season where he started in at least half of the games he played in (more than 500 in his career).

Anthony Parker, Shooting Guard/Small Forward

With the 21st overall pick in the 1997 draft, the New Jersey Nets (now the Brooklyn Nets) picked up the former Bradley wing Anthony Parker. The modern skill set of Parker was well ahead of his time. His NBA career finally ended with the Cleveland Cavaliers following the 2011-12 season.

Maurice Taylor, Power Forward/Center

The 14th overall pick in the 1997 draft was the former Michigan Wolverines 6-foot-9 and 260 pound towering big man Maurice Taylor. A few quality years with the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks marked a decade long career for Taylor.

Kelvin Cato, Center

The last honorable mention in this re-draft is the former 15th overall pick of the Dallas Mavericks, and the Iowa State Cyclones center Kelvin Cato. The 6-foot-11 Cato played in more than 500 regular season games, amassing 28.6 win shares in his career.