JAN

13

Picking a star in the NBA draft is a difficult task for any GM. Avoiding a relative bust can be difficult as well. The same can be said for fantasy owner in evaluating a former first round pick for a fantasy roster spot. Consider that only 18 of the 29 first round picks in 2004 have enjoyed fantasy relevance this season – with Tony Allen, Delonte West, J.R. Smith, and Dorell Wright barely making the cut. In 2005, it was worse as only 16 of 30 first-rounders are having an impact on the fantasy scene this year. Even if you take into account the two players sidelined by injuries, Shaun Livingston (2004) and Sean May (2005), you still have only about a 60% success rate. If you solely look at the top 20 picks of each draft, only 58% of the players hold some fantasy significance. With that in mind, here's a look at two match-ups involving players taken at the same draft slot in the 2004 and 2005 NBA drafts with a similar fantasy impact.

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