The Worst No. 1 NBA Draft Picks Ever (Thoughts?)

[IT IS WHAT IT IS]

1989 - Pervis Ellison - Kings
"Never Nervous Pervis" was a force for Louisville, winning Most Outstanding Player while leading his team to the national title in 1986. The Kings took him with the first pick, but he saw limited action his rookie year due to injury. Danny Ainge went so far as to change his nickname to "Out of Service Pervis." Injuries hampered Ellison throughout his career, limiting his career totals to 9.6 ppg and 6.7 rpg.

Players taken after Ellison: Glen Rice, Tim Hardaway, Shawn Kemp.

1995 - Joe Smith - Warriors
Smith was the College Player of the Year at Maryland in 1995, and was selected No. 1 overall by the Warriors that same year. Smith became the definition of a journeyman in his NBA career, playing for 11 different clubs in his 15 years as a pro. Smith finished his career averaging 10.9 ppg, and only played more than 70 games in a season six times.

Players taken after Smith: Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace, Jerry Stackhouse.

1998 - Michael Olowokandi - Clippers
Long before the days of Lob City, the Clippers were known for their head-scratching personnel decisions. Drafting Olowokandi first overall was chief among them. Olowokandi was a force at small Pacific University, but those skills did not translate to the NBA. He averaged double-digits in scoring only twice during his career and never blocked more than 2.2 shots per season. He retired after the 06-07 season, finishing his career with 8.3 ppg and 1.4 blocks per.

Players taken after Olowokandi: Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, Paul Pierce (ouch).

2000- Entire Draft Class
Just take a look the first five picks: Kenyon Martin, Stromile Swift, Darius Miles, Marcus Fizer and Mike Miller. Woof. Widely considered as the worst NBA Draft of all time. Only three of the picks even made it to an All-Star Game (Martin, Jamaal Magloire, Michael Redd). Only 9 of the 58 picks ended up with double-digit scoring totals for their pro careers.

2001 - Kwame Brown - Wizards
Quite possibly the poster child for NBA draft busts. Brown was selected straight out of high school and can be viewed as a cautionary tale about going pro too soon. He was viewed by many as not being mature enough at the time, and it showed. He has spent most of his career feuding with teammates and getting in trouble with the law. Currently on his seventh NBA team, Brown has averaged a mere 6.8 ppg thus far.

Players taken after Brown: Pau Gasol, Zach Randolph, Tony Parker.


2007 - Greg Oden - Blazers
Oden was an absolute monster while at Ohio State and was everyone's consensus number one pick. Unfortunately for Oden (and Portland) he has spent more time in the operating room than on the court. Numerous knee surgeries have all but ended his career and he is currently without a team. While he is still only 24, many wonder if his body will allow him to dominate in the NBA.

Players taken after Oden: Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Joakim Noah.

 

[Amajorfucup]

Bennett.

/thread.

 

[LegalMoney]

Bennett.

/thread.

you been funny fam.

You remember the Kwame Brown era in DC?? Complete bust off hype and being MJs first draft pic.

It's between Kwame and Olawakandi.

 

[D-TOWN REP]

Bennett.

/thread.

I kind of agree cuz what's the potential here?

A tweener with the very first pick?

At least with Brown, Kandi man, and Oden you are trying to get a legit dominant big that is hard to find they flopped but you see what the team is going for

 

[JCAL1705]

Though he is doing better with the Knicks Andrea Bargnani, was an awful first pick. Though the 2006 draft was weak best player arguably the best player was pick 21: Rajon Rondo..

 

[kdogg3270]

you been funny fam.

You remember the Kwame Brown era in DC?? Complete bust off hype and being MJs first draft pic.

It's between Kwame and Olawakandi.

this

 

[Amajorfucup]

you been funny fam.

You remember the Kwame Brown era in DC?? Complete bust off hype and being MJs first draft pic.

It's between Kwame and Olawakandi.

YoungMoney, you were a dam child when Kwame was in DC and KandyMan was stinking it up in LA. I implore you to look to their stats and cross reference them with Bennett.

Bennett is BY FAR the worst #1overall I have even seen and it isn't even close. He has no position, requires no attention on the defensive end, cant defend, cant get to line, and his shooting percentage is below comical. He has already gotten DNP coaching decisions, and is the first #1 overall that has been given serious consideration to being sent to the D-league this soon. The guy is a step or two under trash.

I would tell you his shooting percentage but you wouldn't believe me if I did.

Keep in mind that Kwame was a teenager straight outta high school and Kandi was a legit 7footer who had to accounted for on the court and was a lock for around 8 and 8. Bennett is a got dam disgrace.

Cavs are fucking clueless. This was a bad pick even without hindsight.

 

[Spectrum]

Bennett is BY FAR the worst #1overall I have even seen and it isn't even close. He has no position, requires no attention on the defensive end, cant defend, cant get to line, and his shooting percentage is below comical

Yeah. I don't like to count someone out so early. However, this dude is stinking it up in a historical way. 21% from the field... 38% from the free throw line.. PER of 1.5 this is HISTORIC.

He owns this right now.

 

[IT IS WHAT IT IS]

YoungMoney, you were a dam child when Kwame was in DC and KandyMan was stinking it up in LA. I implore you to look to their stats and cross reference them with Bennett.

Bennett is BY FAR the worst #1overall I have even seen and it isn't even close. He has no position, requires no attention on the defensive end, cant defend, cant get to line, and his shooting percentage is below comical. He has already gotten DNP coaching decisions, and is the first #1 overall that has been given serious consideration to being sent to the D-league this soon. The guy is a step or two under trash.

I would tell you his shooting percentage but you wouldn't believe me if I did.

Keep in mind that Kwame was a teenager straight outta high school and Kandi was a legit 7footer who had to accounted for on the court and was a lock for around 8 and 8. Bennett is a got dam disgrace.

Cavs are fucking clueless. This was a bad pick even without hindsight.

Yeah. I don't like to count someone out so early. However, this dude is stinking it up in a historical way. 21% from the field... 38% from the free throw line.. PER of 1.5 this is HISTORIC.

He owns this right now.

I actually thought of adding him but I already have a thread about him full of Dudes saying dumb shit trying to cape for him! They're gonna have to come up with a new word for him because bust isn't strong enough!

 

[Spectrum]

I actually thought of adding him but I already have a thread about him full of Dudes saying dumb shit trying to cape for him! They're gonna have to come up with a new word for him because bust isn't strong enough!

You mean there are people who cape for Bennett???

 

[Brother Blues]

Yeah,Bennett has a running start on this 'award'...

There is a reason why some teams stay losing...and that pick was exhibit A.

Greg Oden,you can understand why Portland did it...but given their history

Bowie over Jordan,and now having to watch Durant...

They should be barred from ever having the no.1 pick again...as should Cleveland.

 

[Amajorfucup]

I actually thought of adding him but I already have a thread about him full of Dudes saying dumb shit trying to cape for him! They're gonna have to come up with a new word for him because bust isn't strong enough!

Hes a testament to just how awful an organization the Cavs truly are. They win the lottery twice since Lebron leaves (a joke in and of itself) and they burn the latest #1 on Bennett. An undersized, overweight, tweener, whose stock was plummeting leading up the draft because of work ethic and injury concerns. Then the bastard came into camp 30lbs overweight.

 

[idoit4theluv]

How are y'all including a dude who's played less than 20 games? LOL

Kwame shouldn't be in the conversation. Hasn't been a star but has carved out a LONG productive career and teams have repeatedly picked him up dude to his superior defense and exceptional interior passing ability. Just wasn't #1 worth. Dudes like Kandi who didn't last in the league at all are FAR WORSE #1 picks. Like they weren't even NBA worthy talent when you can't stick and didn't have a career ending injury that cause it...

 

[D-TOWN REP]

How are y'all including a dude who's played less than 20 games? LOL

Kwame shouldn't be in the conversation. Hasn't been a star but has carved out a LONG productive career and teams have repeatedly picked him up dude to his superior defense and exceptional interior passing ability. Just wasn't #1 worth. Dudes like Kandi who didn't last in the league at all are FAR WORSE #1 picks. Like they weren't even NBA worthy talent when you can't stick and didn't have a career ending injury that cause it...

Kandi just retired he could have played more years

Nigga didn't even like basketball just got rich off of it and bounced

 

[Spectrum]

How are y'all including a dude who's played less than 20 games? LOL

.

You have to man. I usually wouldn't want to include someone after a bit over a month but how can you not? This dude doesn't look ready for the NBA. He's not just playing horribly. Shooting 38 percent or something would be off to a bad start. Shooting 21 percent though??? that's pretty epic man. It's early but he's playing so badly that you almost have to wonder if he'll make it through the year.

 

[IT IS WHAT IT IS]

You mean there are people who cape for Bennett???

See for yourself

How did he do during the preseason?

Too early to call him a bust, he's had some injuries

This was a bad draft

and this is a team that didn't need a 1 or 4.

Plus they got a 2 last year

So that ruled out Oladipo, Mclemore and Zeller

Noel...they have Varejao, and he might miss all of this year. They have Bynum for that.

So it was clearly Porter or Bennett

Yeah, Turner just sucked for a season and a half

Turner's problems weren't Collins. It's that for his whole career he was used to having the ball versus playing off it. Now with Holiday gone, him and Young are the primary scorers.

Dudes saying a player is a bust after a few games

So who was a number one pick in this draft?

Because none of them were

We'll see how this works out and who changes their tune.

http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=764415

 

[idoit4theluv]

You have to man. I usually wouldn't want to include someone after a bit over a month but how can you not? This dude doesn't look ready for the NBA. He's not just playing horribly. Shooting 38 percent or something would be off to a bad start. Shooting 21 percent though??? that's pretty epic man. It's early but he's playing so badly that you almost have to wonder if he'll make it through the year.

Dudes have slumps who are seasoned vets... I watched him play a few games in preseason and all these shots he's missing now, he made with ease.... It's about confidence and repetition. He's a player and will get there. He has the total package he just gotta get going.... Here's a sample:

 

[idoit4theluv]

You have to man. I usually wouldn't want to include someone after a bit over a month but how can you not? This dude doesn't look ready for the NBA. He's not just playing horribly. Shooting 38 percent or something would be off to a bad start. Shooting 21 percent though??? that's pretty epic man. It's early but he's playing so badly that you almost have to wonder if he'll make it through the year.

Couple that with the fact that the kid is 20-25 lbs overweight due to his offseason surgery and not getting the proper work in. He'll get there. He just has to bust his ass and get in proper shape... Tough ass kid too, he'll be fine

 

[Amajorfucup]

Dudes have slumps who are seasoned vets... I watched him play a few games in preseason and all these shots he's missing now, he made with ease.... It's about confidence and repetition. He's a player and will get there. He has the total package he just gotta get going.... Here's a sample:

Mostly wideopen shots in the 4th quarter of a preseason game? Foh.

 

[idoit4theluv]

Mostly wideopen shots in the 4th quarter of a preseason game? Foh.

He was missing wide open shots in the reg season... Same shit different toilet.. He has the ability to knock shots down. Bottom line is he's been jacking a lot of threes (which very few rookies ever shoot well, even KD shot under 30%)... His problem is conditioning

 

[Spectrum]

Dudes have slumps who are seasoned vets...

You've probably see him play way more than me, but 21% is a bit more than a slump. That's really problematic man. NBA players that are POOR shooters don't really shoot the ball that poorly.

 

[IT IS WHAT IT IS]

Dudes have slumps who are seasoned vets... I watched him play a few games in preseason and all these shots he's missing now, he made with ease.... It's about confidence and repetition. He's a player and will get there. He has the total package he just gotta get going.... Here's a sample:

Couple that with the fact that the kid is 20-25 lbs overweight due to his offseason surgery and not getting the proper work in. He'll get there. He just has to bust his ass and get in proper shape... Tough ass kid too, he'll be fine

He was missing wide open shots in the reg season... Same shit different toilet.. He has the ability to knock shots down. Bottom line is he's been jacking a lot of threes (which very few rookies ever shoot well, even KD shot under 30%)... His problem is conditioning

Dude, don't play yourself referencing ANY KD stats as it relates to this bust. Not saying he won't turn into a SERVICABLE pro, but as a number 1 pick, BUST!!! #1's are selected to IMMEDIATELY contribute, not as 2-3 year projects (Dude said that stupid shit in my thread)!

At least, show some signs of other talents, if your shot isn't falling, rebound, if you can't rebound, hit a damn FT, if not, defend, do some shit! Dude wouldn't even start in the D-League at this point...

Straight bust and garbage, in the context of a #1 PICK!!!

 

[IT IS WHAT IT IS]

You've probably see him play way more than me, but 21% is a bit more than a slump. That's really problematic man. NBA players that are POOR shooters don't really shoot the ball that poorly.

Fam is looking through Rose colored glasses... Hard to see garbage that way! The way you can reference a slump, is based on previous performance... How the hell you START a career in a slump?

Shit, if this Dude slumps, he might be shooting 8% from the field!

 

[Amajorfucup]

He was missing wide open shots in the reg season... Same shit different toilet.. He has the ability to knock shots down. Bottom line is he's been jacking a lot of threes (which very few rookies ever shoot well, even KD shot under 30%)... His problem is conditioning

Lets not even mention KD at all here bro. Its insulting. The guy is shooting 17percent from 3. He just climbed to 21percent from the field. Hes ate like 37percent from the line.... That aint conditioning. That's a problem transitioning to the NBA game. Combine that poor work ethic, injury concerns, and now confidence issues, and dude is a fucking mess. And being a fatass trying to play himself into shape is only gonna lead to injuries on top of this all.

 

[Brother Blues]

So wait....there were concerns over Bennett's weight and work ethic pre-draft.

So then he got hurt,and that's the excuse for not being in shape...ok.

 

[LegalMoney]

YoungMoney, you were a dam child when Kwame was in DC and KandyMan was stinking it up in LA. I implore you to look to their stats and cross reference them with Bennett.

Bennett is BY FAR the worst #1overall I have even seen and it isn't even close. He has no position, requires no attention on the defensive end, cant defend, cant get to line, and his shooting percentage is below comical. He has already gotten DNP coaching decisions, and is the first #1 overall that has been given serious consideration to being sent to the D-league this soon. The guy is a step or two under trash.

I would tell you his shooting percentage but you wouldn't believe me if I did.

Keep in mind that Kwame was a teenager straight outta high school and Kandi was a legit 7footer who had to accounted for on the court and was a lock for around 8 and 8. Bennett is a got dam disgrace.

Cavs are fucking clueless. This was a bad pick even without hindsight.

Bruh I vividly remember the Olawakndi draft because that was the Vince and Antwan Jamison draft! And I was 19 when Kwame was drafted, I followed his career because that Jordan era was so poignant and relevant for most DMV teens because MJ and Anthony Williams began the transformation and revitalization of the City.

Kwame was an abject failure, but I'd attribute some of that to MJ and Olawakandis only skill was height.

In my opinion, a bust has to do with failed expectations in comparison to other available options. Clippers could have had Antwan or Vince who had legendary collegiate careers compared to Olawakandi who I believe was a senior when he was drafted. Kwame draft was weak but Chandler would have been a better option with the Richard Hamilton Wizards.

Now I looked up Bennett, because I honestly didn't see his game and ...wow he's horrible maybe give him more than a quarter to determine whether he's a bust or not.

 

[IT IS WHAT IT IS]

Lets not even mention KD at all here bro. Its insulting. The guy is shooting 17percent from 3. He just climbed to 21percent from the field. Hes ate like 37percent from the line.... That aint conditioning. That's a problem transitioning to the NBA game. Combine that poor work ethic, injury concerns, and now confidence issues, and dude is a fucking mess. And being a fatass trying to play himself into shape is only gonna lead to injuries on top of this all.

Exactly... Even injured there are some things you can do to stay in some sort of shape! Change your diet, unless your injury is leg related, hit an exercise bike, something?!?!?!

If he was struggling, as some do, I could understand it, but there is a difference between struggling and being horrible! Plus, to be a #1 pick and sent to the D-League?!?! What happens if he sucks there? Cleveland fucked up with this pick no matter what way you slice it! Dude had some Oliver Miller tendencies even at UNLV, always has been a ham sandwich away... Once he got drafted, he ate that motherfucking sandwich!

 

[runteldat]

you been funny fam.

You remember the Kwame Brown era in DC?? Complete bust off hype and being MJs first draft pic.

It's between Kwame and Olawakandi.

Man... some of those stories were epic! I remember when it came out just how lost that boy was... he didn't have a clue how to feed or dress his own ass! The young nigga was eatin Popeye's chicken for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! And, cause he had no clue how to dress or get his clothes laundered, he just kept buyin brand new fuckin suits and shit for everyday! The nigga thought he had Jordan type money on a fuckin rookie contract!

 

[Amajorfucup]

Bruh I vividly remember the Olawakndi draft because that was the Vince and Antwan Jamison draft! And I was 19 when Kwame was drafted, I followed his career because that Jordan era was so poignant and relevant for most DMV teens because MJ and Anthony Williams began the transformation and revitalization of the City.

Kwame was an abject failure, but I'd attribute some of that to MJ and Olawakandis only skill was height.

In my opinion, a bust has to do with failed expectations in comparison to other available options. Clippers could have had Antwan or Vince who had legendary collegiate careers compared to Olawakandi who I believe was a senior when he was drafted. Kwame draft was weak but Chandler would have been a better option with the Richard Hamilton Wizards.

Now I looked up Bennett, because I honestly didn't see his game and ...wow he's horrible maybe give him more than a quarter to determine whether he's a bust or not.

MJ aint revitalize shit. He was Abe Polins bottombitch and got used up and tossed aside like blood filled tampon. Revitalization began half decade earlier when Polin brought that awful ass franchise from the Cap Center to Chinatown and investors came with him.

Kwame was a failure but his draft was a toss up between 3high schoolers who all were consensus top pick candidates. KandiMan was the wrong pick on draft day. Bibby should have gone, and in hindsight Dirk. But both were traditional bigs with a true position. Bennett, not only was a consensus lower lottery pick, he has no position, and leading to the draft his stock fell as injury and work ethic rumors ran amuck. On top of that his production thus far has been historically abysmal.

I think a bust- in this context- is a player that falls tremendously short of expectations. I think a bust can exist in a vacuum in that regard and can be judged on the merits. As a #1overall pick in lottery system draft, this pick should have an immediate impact, and at very least immediate contribution in some aspect. He fails on all accords. And moreso than any other #1 overall I can remember.

But even by you standard this guy Is a colossal fuck up of a pick. He was nobodies #1 candidate.

 

[d-weezy]

Folks that got injured a lot or had no business going #1 aren't really busts to me.

 

[Amajorfucup]

Man... some of those stories were epic! I remember when it came out just how lost that boy was... he didn't have a clue how to feed or dress his own ass! The young nigga was eatin Popeye's chicken for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! And, cause he had no clue how to dress or get his clothes laundered, he just kept buyin brand new fuckin suits and shit for everyday! The nigga thought he had Jordan type money on a fuckin rookie contract!

Nah, that had nothing to do with him thinking he had MJ type money. Kwame was raised in backwoods Georgia as a very poor child of a middle aged single mother of bad health. He was very sheltered, lacking confidence, and immature. That lady entrusted MJ and the organization to take care of her son and they failed him and her. He was a fucking child and had no knowledge of owning suits let alone knowing how to clean or care for them. There was nothing funny about how they did Kwame. MJ is a fucking disgrace on all accords with that entire situation. He ruined Kwame Brown.

 

[Spectrum]

There was nothing funny about how they did Kwame. MJ is a fucking disgrace on all accords with that entire situation. He ruined Kwame Brown.

Fan of MJ the basketball player. The only thing that fucked up Kwame more than his small hands was MJ. Everyone responds to things in different ways. That kid DID NOT NEED that type of humiliating tough love that MJ gave him. Some of the shit Jordan did to Kwame was

 

[mrbillcollecta]

Oden.....

 

[TNazT]

Bennett is coming off of shoulder surgery and probably rushed himself back, so I'll give him a pass this season, but next season he gotta get right....

 

[runteldat]

Nah, that had nothing to do with him thinking he had MJ type money. Kwame was raised in backwoods Georgia as a very poor child of a middle aged single mother of bad health. He was very sheltered, lacking confidence, and immature. That lady entrusted MJ and the organization to take care of her son and they failed him and her. He was a fucking child and had no knowledge of owning suits let alone knowing how to clean or care for them. There was nothing funny about how they did Kwame. MJ is a fucking disgrace on all accords with that entire situation. He ruined Kwame Brown.

Oh yeah... all bs'ing aside, he most definitely he ended up being the poster child for how NOT to bring a KID into the NBA... there was definitely some organizational blame.