NBA Draft: Every team’s best pick ever

Jun 10, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) speaks to the media during a press conference after game four of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors won 108-97. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

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LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1978: Wes Unseld /

Washington Wizards: Wes Unseld, No. 2, 1968 NBA Draft

An original Baltimore Bullet, Unseld was the second overall pick in the 1968 NBA Draft. Unseld averaged 13.8 points and 18.2 rebounds per game, winning Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season, an achievement that had only previously been done by Wilt Chamberlain. Unseld was a monster on defense, making up for his lack of size (playing center at just 6-8) with sheer power and energy. Unseld is famous for grabbing defensive rebounds and whipping the ball down the court to start a fast break, similar to Kevin Love in the modern NBA.

The Bullets won a NBA championship in 1978, with Unseld averaging 9 points and 12 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Over the course of his playoff career he averaged an eye-popping 10.6 points, 14.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. His combination of brawn and skill was unique then and would be just as unique in today’s NBA. No player has played more games for the Washington franchise than Unseld, who appeared in 984 career games. Unseld retired in 1981 and became head coach of the Bullets in 1987, coaching the team until 1994 when he resigned.

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