The NBA Draft is a largely a night of celebration, marking the first step in the careers of 60 hopefuls, some who even become legendary players, but it also produces its fair share of busts. This article explores the dark history of the NBA Draft, highlighting some of the worst draft picks ever, focusing on the impact of bad selections, especially those made early in the first round – unlike the best NBA draft picks ever, which puts stock into valuable gems found later in the draft.

History of the NBA Draft

The NBA Draft, established in 1947, originally allowed teams to select players based on their win-loss records. The draft evolved with the introduction of the territorial pick rule in 1950, which was later abolished in 1966. The draft lottery system was introduced in 1985 to prevent tanking, and the draft expanded to two rounds in 1995. Recent changes include refining the lottery process and incorporating international players, reflecting the draft’s role in shaping team rosters and the league’s global scope.

While early draft picks often receive the most attention and expectations, some selections fail to live up to their hype, resulting in significant setbacks for the franchises involved.

Top NBA Draft Busts Ever

1. Sam Bowie (2nd Pick, 1984)

Selected second overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, Sam Bowie is often remembered for being picked one spot ahead of Michael Jordan. Bowie, a talented center from Kentucky, was highly regarded but suffered from a series of injuries throughout his career. His inability to stay healthy limited his effectiveness and playing time, resulting in a career that never reached its full potential. While Bowie had some productive seasons, the Blazers’ decision to draft him over Jordan, who went on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history, remains a significant draft blunder.

2. Anthony Bennett (1st Pick, 2013)

Anthony Bennett was selected first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2013 draft out of UNLV. Bennett entered the NBA with high expectations as a powerful, physically imposing forward, but his career quickly faltered due to issues with conditioning and inconsistent performance. Over his four-year NBA career, he averaged just 4.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, failing to live up to the expectations of a top pick. Bennett’s struggle to contribute at a high level, compounded by the pressure to perform in the first post-LeBron James era, makes him one of the biggest draft busts in history.

3. Darko Miličić (2nd Pick, 2003)

Darko Miličić was selected second overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2003 draft, a class that included future stars like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. Miličić, a Serbian player known for his potential as a versatile big man, struggled to make an impact in the NBA. He averaged just 6.0 points and 4.2 rebounds per game over his career and never developed into the dominant player many had anticipated. The Pistons’ decision to draft Miličić over other highly talented prospects significantly affected their potential success during that period.

4. Greg Oden (1st Pick, 2007)

Greg Oden was selected first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2007 draft, chosen over future superstar Kevin Durant. Oden, an intimidating center from Ohio State, was expected to transform the Blazers into a championship contender. However, his career was plagued by chronic knee injuries, which limited him to just 105 games over five seasons. Despite his undeniable potential, Oden’s inability to stay healthy and contribute consistently was a major setback for the Blazers, especially in light of Durant’s subsequent achievements.

5. Hasheem Thabeet (2nd Pick, 2009)

Hasheem Thabeet was selected second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2009 draft. The 7-foot center from UConn was celebrated for his defensive prowess and shot-blocking ability. However, Thabeet struggled to adapt to the NBA’s speed and physicality, resulting in a career that fell well short of expectations. He averaged just 2.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game and spent considerable time in the NBA Development League. Thabeet’s failure to develop into a productive NBA player makes him one of the notable draft busts of the decade.