In 2004, the best bigs were Harrison/Varejao available to us. Both have shown some good things over the last couple season, Varejao more than Harrison. Harrison, so far, also still has a temper problem. But back then we still had Webber/Brad Miller, and got Ostertag, who didn't work out at all.
2005 it was Petro/Maxiell/Mahinmi/Simien/Lee. Simien having a history of injury problems, and has shown a few things with the Heat so far as a light-footed, strong, good shooter, good rebounder, tough kid. Probably won't get much more time this season. Lee's been good with the Knicks as a hustling team-player big, but not an interior presence or shot blocker. Maxiell, even if 6'7", from what I've gathered plays bigger than his height. He's wide, strong, athletic, can score around the basket, has an okay jumper. I hope he gets time with the Pistons, intriguing player. Petro, I haven't seen much of or heard enough about, isn't really an athlete though. Mahinmi's still a project, and has only played in summer league games. Think he's coming into the league this season.
2006, Josh Boone was the only solid big man prospect there, and he's out for 4-6 months with shoulder surgery. Then of course, were likely to get Amundson and/or Justin Williams, which is like 1 or 2 R2 picks. As the explosion of European players in R2 stunted those guys and many others who were expected to be drafted, out of the draft.