1998 NBA Draft, selected 3rd overall
Denver Nuggets, 1998-2002
Dallas Mavericks, 2002-2003
Boston Celtics, 2003-2006
Portland Trail Blazers, 2006-2008
LaFrentz dominated the competition he faced in college. He was the first and second-ever Big 12 Player of the Year after the conference transitioned from the Big 8, winning it in 1997 and 1998. However, he had a more difficult time adjusting to the NBA than he did while playing at Kansas.
One of the worst parts about LaFrentz being drafted third overall is who was selected behind him. The Nuggets took him over current and future Hall of Famers such as Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, and fellow Jayhawk Paul Pierce. He and Pierce were a dynamic tandem at KU, but “The Truth” is the one who had the majority of the NBA success.
The Kansas product was a mediocre stretch big who could block shots and sink some threes. He did show some promise, averaging 2.7 blocks per game in 2001-02, although his averages dipped significantly after his first few seasons. Here are his stats as an NBA player:
- 563 games played
- 10.1 points
- 6.1 rebounds
- 1.6 blocks
- 46.6% FG
- 36.3% 3PT
Lasting a decade in the NBA is something to be proud of, but the Nuggets must deeply regret their selection on the day of the 1998 draft. Instead of taking a perennial All-Star and one of the greatest power forwards ever, they settled for a middling role player who only lasted three full years with the team.