Who was drafted after LeBron James and ahead of Carmelo Anthony?

Who was drafted after LeBron James and ahead of Carmelo Anthony? Darko Miličić was the answer. In the 2003 NBA draft, Cleveland selected James first overall, Detroit selected Serbian center Darko Miličić second, and Denver selected Carmelo Anthony third.

Miličić entered the draft from Hemofarm Vršac and was one of the most highly regarded international prospects available. The Detroit Pistons obtained the second pick through a trade involving the Memphis Grizzlies and chose him over several future stars, including Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

The selection became famous because Miličić had a comparatively modest NBA career, while the surrounding picks produced multiple Hall of Fame-level careers and major award winners. He did, however, win an NBA championship with Detroit in 2004, although he played a limited role during the Pistons’ title run.

A common mix-up is assuming Anthony was the second pick because he was one of the draft’s biggest prospects. Officially, though, Miličić was No. 2 and Anthony was No. 3. The 2003 class is now remembered as one of the strongest in NBA history.