User:Gman124/Sandbox2
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The 1997 WNBA Draft was the first draft in the WNBA's history. Unlike later drafts, this draft was unique because there were three different stages in which teams built their rosters. First on January 22, 1997, the Initial Player Allocation draft took place in which 16 players were assigned to each team in no particular order. On February 27, 1997 an Elite Draft added two more players to each team. On April 28, 1997 the four rounds of the regular WNBA draft took place.
In this draft, National Basketball Association (NBA) teams took turns selecting amateur college basketball players and other first-time eligible players, such as players from high schools and non-North American leagues. The draft was broadcast on ESPN at 7:30 PM (EDT). The NBA announced that 42 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.[2] The Detroit Pistons and the Denver Nuggets were second and third respectively.
The 2003 Draft is known for having one of the most talented draft pools in draft history. Many players have been in the starting line-ups of their respective teams; six have already participated in an All-Star Game, Dwyane Wade was named NBA Finals MVP in 2006, Boris Diaw won the Most Improved Player Award in 2006, Jason Kapono won the three point shootout back to back years in 2007 & 2008, and Leandro Barbosa won the Sixth Man Award in 2007.[3][4] The 2003 draft class has drawn comparisons to the legendary 1984 and 1996 NBA Draft classes,[5] but is also known for the Detroit Pistons making the controversial selection of Darko Miličić with the second pick over other prospects.[5]
