# Who was the best rookie of the 2003 NBA draft class?

> One rookie class produced an MVP, two Finals heroes and a handful of steady pros, and their first seasons alone still spark arguments.

*By YPB Team · Published October 30, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-was-the-best-rookie-of-the-2003-nba-draft-class*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **LeBron James** — score 1000/1000
   The No. 1 pick out of high school who won 2003-04 Rookie of the Year with 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists for Cleveland.
2. **Carmelo Anthony** — score 635/1000
   Denver's No. 3 pick who led all rookies with 21.0 points a game and carried the Nuggets back to the playoffs.
3. **T.J. Ford** — score 440/1000
   Milwaukee's speedy No. 8 pick who handed out 6.5 assists a night before a spinal injury cut his rookie year short.
4. **Leandro Barbosa** — score 440/1000
   Phoenix's Brazilian guard, taken 28th, who averaged 7.9 points off the bench in his first NBA season.
5. **Josh Howard** — score 440/1000
   Dallas's No. 29 pick and All-Rookie Second Team forward who outplayed nearly everyone drafted above him.
6. **Jarvis Hayes** — score 314/1000
   Washington's No. 10 pick who scored 9.6 points a game and made the All-Rookie Second Team.
7. **Kirk Hinrich** — score 237/1000
   Chicago's No. 7 pick who ran the Bulls offense with 12.0 points and 6.8 assists, earning All-Rookie First Team honors.
8. **Dwyane Wade** — score 147/1000
   Miami's No. 5 pick who averaged 16.2 points and starred in the Heat's run to the 2004 Eastern Conference semifinals.
9. **Chris Bosh** — score 147/1000
   Toronto's No. 4 pick who posted 11.5 points and 7.4 rebounds and made the All-Rookie First Team.
10. **Chris Kaman** — score 0/1000
   The Clippers' No. 6 pick who started at center as a rookie and averaged six points and six rebounds.

Tags: basketball, players, nba, rookies, 2003