The NBA draft is right around the corner, giving people a chance to think about the future of the league while still respecting the past.
Speaking of that past, Kendrick Perkins was recently asked about the best draft class of all time.
He had a quick response that wasn’t surprising.
“2003,” Perkins said, via ClutchPoints. “Forget ’96, forget ’09. 2003! Look, me, [LeBron James], you know what I’m saying?”
Reporter: “What’s the greatest NBA Draft class of all time?”
Kendrick Perkins: “2003. Forget 1996, forget 2009. 2003! Look, me, Bron, everyone else!”
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/n5g3rzAjNQ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 8, 2025
More than 20 years later, NBA fans are still talking about the 2003 draft class.
It was led by LeBron James, of course, who was the easy No. 1 pick chosen by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Perkins was in the mix too, but he was the 27th pick, right ahead of Leandro Barbosa and Josh Howard.
Other notable players from 2003 include Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, David West, and more.
It really was an exciting time in the league, and that draft clearly gave us multiple champions and iconic players.
James is the only one left from 2003, but his class will live on forever.
But is it really the best of all time?
Of course, Perkins’ view is biased because of his association with 2003, but many people agree with him.
It’s not often that a class has so many terrific players, but it has happened.
A lot of fans are excited about the 2025 draft.
Once again, the league has a clear-cut frontrunner for the No. 1 pick: Cooper Flagg.
But he’s not the only future superstar in the mix, and this class could end up being one of the best ever.
Will Perkins change his tune about this subject if 2025 plays out like many expect?
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