How would you draft the 2010 class differently? 📺 The 2025 NBA Draft starts June 25 at 8 PM ET on ESPN and ABC

With the 2025 NBA Draft just around the corner, fans are turning back the clock to reflect on some of the most memorable draft classes of the modern era. One of the most intriguing in hindsight? The 2010 NBA Draft. At the time, it was seen as a solid if not spectacular class. But looking back now, with over a decade of player data, development, and legacy, the 2010 draft deserves a full re-evaluation. So let’s play the ultimate “what if” game: If we knew then what we know now, how would the 2010 class look today?

Originally, the top of the 2010 draft featured some big swings—and some even bigger misses. John Wall was the No. 1 overall pick by the Washington Wizards, followed by Evan Turner at No. 2 and Derrick Favors at No. 3. All were highly-touted prospects at the time, but hindsight is always 20/20. Let’s redraft the top 10 based on career accomplishments, impact, and longevity.

1. Indiana Pacers (original pick: Paul George at 10) → Paul George

Paul George went 10th in the actual draft. That’s a massive steal in retrospect. With nine All-Star appearances, multiple All-NBA honors, and elite two-way impact, PG13 has had the most balanced and productive career of anyone in the class. His mix of scoring, perimeter defense, and clutch playoff moments make him the clear No. 1 pick in a redraft. Indiana struck gold—imagine if they had actually started with him at the top.

2. Philadelphia 76ers (original pick: Evan Turner) → John Wall

John Wall was electric in his prime. A five-time All-Star and one of the fastest guards to ever play the game, Wall was a dynamic playmaker who led Washington to multiple playoff appearances. Injuries derailed what could have been a Hall of Fame trajectory, but for a solid 6–7-year stretch, Wall was one of the best point guards in the league. Philly needed a floor general at the time, and Wall would’ve delivered.

3. New Jersey Nets (original pick: Derrick Favors) → Gordon Hayward

Hayward’s career has been defined by elite versatility, basketball IQ, and one very unfortunate injury. But even with that setback, he became a one-time All-Star, the face of a Utah franchise, and a high-level wing player for multiple teams. His ability to score, pass, and defend makes him a great value at No. 3—especially considering how the Nets were desperate for wings who could do it all.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves (original pick: Wesley Johnson) → DeMarcus Cousins

Boogie Cousins was a force of nature during his prime years in Sacramento. From 2014–2018, he averaged over 25 points and 10 rebounds per game and made four straight All-Star teams. While his attitude and injuries hurt his long-term value, his peak performance was arguably the best in the class. Minnesota, in desperate need of interior toughness and offensive firepower, would’ve benefited hugely from Cousins’ dominance—at least short term.

5. Sacramento Kings (original pick: DeMarcus Cousins) → Eric Bledsoe

Eric Bledsoe was a defensive menace at his peak and an underrated point guard. While he never became a superstar, he was a key piece on playoff teams in Phoenix and Milwaukee. The Kings may have originally picked Boogie, but in this version, they could’ve landed a guard to stabilize their backcourt for years—plus, Bledsoe’s effort and energy would’ve been a better cultural fit.

6. Golden State Warriors (original pick: Ekpe Udoh) → Avery Bradley

This one hurts for Warriors fans. Instead of Ekpe Udoh, who was out of the league within a few years, they could’ve taken Avery Bradley, a defensive specialist who was a perfect 3-and-D fit for any contending roster. Imagine pairing Bradley with the emerging Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in those early years. He would’ve added defensive pressure while letting the Splash Bros cook offensively.

7. Detroit Pistons (original pick: Greg Monroe) → Hassan Whiteside

Whiteside was a late bloomer—he didn’t truly break out until the 2014–15 season—but once he did, he led the league in blocks and rebounds and became a double-double machine. For a Detroit team looking for a big man post-Ben Wallace era, Whiteside’s rim protection and rebounding could’ve made him a defensive anchor. It may not have been pretty, but it would’ve worked.

8. Los Angeles Clippers (original pick: Al-Farouq Aminu) → Jeremy Lin (Undrafted)

This one’s spicy. Jeremy Lin was undrafted in 2010, but “Linsanity” in 2012 was one of the most thrilling runs in basketball history. Beyond that, Lin went on to have a solid, respectable career as a scoring guard and later won a championship with the Raptors in 2019. For the Clippers, who were still building around Blake Griffin, Lin’s scoring punch off the bench would’ve added a fun wrinkle.

9. Utah Jazz (original pick: Gordon Hayward) → Lance Stephenson

Lance Stephenson brought chaos, flair, and elite defense when locked in. While his career was wildly inconsistent, his high moments—especially with Indiana during their battles with the Heat—were unforgettable. Utah could’ve used that edge in a post-Deron Williams era, and Lance would’ve given them toughness, swagger, and defensive grit.

10. Indiana Pacers (original pick: Paul George) → Ed Davis

Since we already gave PG to Indiana at No. 1, let’s round out the top 10 with Ed Davis. While not a star, Davis was a reliable big who carved out a 12-year career as a rebounder and shot blocker. Teams always need solid role players, and Davis was just that—no drama, no ego, just work.

Looking back, the 2010 NBA Draft was deeper and more influential than it initially appeared. While it didn’t have a LeBron or a Durant, it was filled with rock-solid pros, All-Stars, and players who defined playoff runs. With the 2025 NBA Draft on the horizon (June 25 at 8 PM ET on ESPN and ABC), it’s a reminder that greatness doesn’t always come at the top—and that the real gems sometimes take a little time to shine.