The Top 5 NBA Draft Classes in Recent History

4. Class of 2003

WS/48: .1075

The aforementioned LeBron class doesn't measure up by a simple count of players who have played 1,000 minutes and accounted for .100 win shares per 48 minutes over the course of their career. However, of our set LeBron (2), Dwyane Wade (19) and Chris Bosh (35) rank in the top 35 in win shares per 48 among qualified players.

Not seen here is Carmelo Anthony, the fourth-best player of the draft class. While Melo hasn't always been that efficient -- ranking outside the top 50 among qualified players -- he has managed 96.3 total win shares in his career. He's averaged 24.8 points per game and has 9 All-Star appearances to his name.

Bosh has run into health problems over the last two-plus years, but that doesn't diminish what he's already accomplished in his 13-year career. While racking up .159 win shares per 48, the former Raptors and Heat star turned in 11 All-Star games, 1 All-NBA team and 2 championships.

Wade, on the other hand, has been fortunate enough to avoid major injury, but his level of play has dropped off considerably since the 2005-06 season, when he won his first title with Miami and was named Finals MVP. He's still sustained some impressive numbers, with 23.4 points per game and .176 win shares per 48 throughout his career. He's a 13-time All-Star, 3-time champion and an 8-time All-NBA player.

Clearly, James is the GOAT of the 2003 draft class. He's the only player above .200 win shares per 48 minutes and, like I said, of players with more than .100 WS/48 and 1,000 minutes, ranks second to only Chris Paul. His 199.2 win shares outnumber Paul's, as does his personal achievements. James has amassed, through 13-plus seasons, 14 All-Star games, 4 regular season MVPs, 3 Finals MVPs and 3 NBA championships.