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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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MAY 01: Forward Shane Battier /

Memphis Grizzlies: Shane Battier, No. 6, 2001 NBA Draft

Shane Battier was the sixth overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft by the then Vancouver Grizzlies, but never played in the city of Vancouver, as the Grizzlies organization was relocated to Memphis that same year. Battier was the National Player of the Year in his senior season at Duke, and was notorious for his ability to draw charges. He brought his scrappy play and defensive chops to the NBA, collecting over 100 steals in each of his first three seasons. Battier didn’t have a large role in the offense, with Pau Gasol leading the team in scoring. The Grizzlies made the playoffs in 2004, qualifying for the postseason in the following two seasons as well.

The Grizzlies glue guy was traded to the Houston Rockets in June 2006, and would be traded back to the Grizzlies in 2011. Battier signed with the Miami Heat the following offseason, and won two championships playing alongside LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade. Battier retired at age 35 following the 2014 season, and while he never was a flashy scorer, or a player that earned a ton of headlines, he’ll be remembered for his intelligent, efficient, and versatile contributions to all the teams he was a part of.

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