3. Class of 2004
Superstars: Dwight Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge
Snubs: You could make a case for J.R. Smith on the team, or Glen "Big Baby" Davis. Corey Brewer and Nick "Swaggy P" Young have also had solid careers.
Recruiting notes: Dwight Howard was the No. 1 player in the class, and was subsequently taken as the top pick in the 2004 NBA Draft (back when players could enter the league straight out of high school). Shaun Livingston may have lived up to his No. 2 ranking had he not suffered a catastrophic injury early in his NBA career. Joakim Noah was ranked No. 72, while big man Roy Hibbert was ranked No. 101.
Why they're ranked here: This team is all about one thing: size. With the toughness of Kyle Lowry and Rajon Rondo and the scoring of Rudy Gay on the wing, it opens up the middle for twin towers Howard and Aldridge. Off the bench you have even more size, with All-Star/All-NBA big men Al Jefferson, Noah, Hibbert and Al Horford. It might be the era of small ball, but good luck matching up with this team.
2. Class of 2006
Superstars: Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant
Snubs: A lot of solid NBA players from this class, but nobody that really moves the needle. D.J. Augustin is probably closest to making the team.
Recruiting notes: Greg Oden was the top-ranked player in the class, followed by Kevin Durant. The debate between those two lasted all the way until draft day, when Oden was notoriously taken over Durant. This team's starting backcourt wasn't even on the recruiting radar in high school — All-NBA guard Russell Westbrook was ranked No. 101 while NBA MVP Steph Curry wasn't ranked at all.
Why they're ranked here: This team's "Big Three" is the best on the list. It's mind-boggling to think what kind of nightmare Curry, Westbrook and Durant would be for any defense. Since the team doesn't need much more scoring, Taj Gibson and Brook Lopez provide defense and rebounding, with All-Defense guard Mike Conley coming off the bench to run the second unit. Ty Lawson adds speed, while Spencer Hawes and Ryan Anderson will stretch the floor. Overall this team would be nearly impossible to beat.
Nearly ...
