The NBA Draft is an exciting event where teams look to the future, hoping to secure the next superstar. Unfortunately, not every selection lives up to the hype. Some players are labeled as “busts” due to a combination of poor performance, injury struggles, or failure to develop into the player many expected.
We take a look at the worst NBA draft busts of all time, ranking the players who ended up being the biggest disappointments in league history.
10. Dajuan Wagner (2002 – Cleveland Cavaliers)
Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 6th overall pick in 2002, Dajuan Wagner entered the NBA with high expectations. Known for his scoring ability at the University of Memphis, Wagner had the potential to be a major piece in Cleveland’s rebuild.
However, injuries and off-court issues derailed his career. After just three seasons in the league and a single game in 2006-07 with the Warriors, his time in the NBA was over after an average of 21.4 minutes and only 9.4 points per game, making his selection one of the biggest NBA draft busts of the early 2000s.
9. Michael Olowokandi (1998 – Los Angeles Clippers)
The Los Angeles Clippers took Michael Olowokandi with the 1st overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft, hoping to find a dominant center. However, Olowokandi’s career was underwhelming, to say the least.
A combination of inconsistent play and lackluster effort ultimately led to his downfall, as he never came close to justifying the number one overall selection. Olowokandi’s name is forever associated with one of the worst NBA draft busts in modern history.
8. Chris Washburn (1986 – Golden State Warriors)
Selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 3rd overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft, Chris Washburn showed promise in college but struggled to make an impact in the NBA.
His career was marred by a lack of work ethic and off-court issues, which led to his early departure from the league after only three seasons. Washburn remains one of the most disappointing draft selections ever.
7. LaRue Martin (1972 – Portland Trail Blazers)
LaRue Martin was chosen by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 1st overall pick in the 1972 NBA Draft, a selection that still haunts the team. Although Martin had a decent college career at Loyola, his skills didn’t translate to the NBA.
He struggled to make any significant impact, averaging just 5.3 points per game over his four-year career. Martin’s selection ranks among the worst NBA draft busts in history.
6. Kwame Brown (2001 – Washington Wizards)
Kwame Brown entered the NBA with immense expectations, being selected by the Washington Wizards as the first overall pick in the 2001 Draft. Unfortunately, his career was marred by poor performances and an inability to live up to his potential.
Despite playing for multiple teams during his 12-season NBA tenure, Brown never developed into the star many envisioned. His selection remains one of the biggest NBA draft busts in recent memory.
5. Greg Oden (2007 – Portland Trail Blazers)
Greg Oden was touted as a future NBA superstar after being selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. At 7-feet tall and possessing immense athleticism, Oden seemed like the ideal franchise center.
However, injuries continuously derailed his career, and Oden never lived up to the expectations placed on him. Despite showing flashes of potential, Oden’s injuries ultimately earned him a place among the worst NBA draft busts in history.
4. Hasheem Thabeet (2009 – Memphis Grizzlies)
Hasheem Thabeet was chosen by the Memphis Grizzlies with the 2nd overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, and his career can only be described as a colossal failure.
Standing at 7-feet-3-inches, Thabeet’s size should have made him a dominant force in the paint. However, his lack of basketball IQ and inability to adjust to the speed of the NBA led to a brief and unproductive career. His selection is one of the most notable NBA draft busts of the 21st century.
3. Sam Bowie (1984 – Portland Trail Blazers)
In the 1984 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers made the fateful decision to select Sam Bowie with the second overall pick, bypassing Michael Jordan, who was selected third overall by the Chicago Bulls. Bowie’s career was plagued by injuries, and although he had a few solid years, he was never able to live up to his draft position.
In hindsight, Portland’s decision is often cited as one of the worst NBA draft busts of all time, especially given the success Jordan went on to have.
2. Anthony Bennett (2013 – Cleveland Cavaliers)
When the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Anthony Bennett with the first overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, few expected the disastrous outcome that followed.
Bennett’s career was marked by poor conditioning, lackluster performances, and an inability to adapt to the professional game. After just four seasons in the NBA, Bennett was out of the league, making him one of the biggest NBA draft busts of the modern era.
1. Darko Milicic (2003 – Detroit Pistons)
The number one spot on our list of worst NBA draft busts goes to Darko Milicic, who was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 2nd overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. While the Pistons hoped Milicic could develop into a key piece for their championship-contending team, he never lived up to expectations.
You may remember the 2003 draft class, renowned for the exceptional talents of LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, all of whom were selected after Milicic. In comparison, Milicic’s career — which ultimately spanned only 10 seasons with minimal impact — is widely regarded as the ultimate NBA draft bust.
Conclusion: Biggest NBA Draft Busts
The NBA draft will continue to produce hits and misses, but these players stand as the most infamous examples of promise gone unfulfilled.
While some of them had flashes of potential, injuries, lack of development, or off-court issues prevented them from becoming the stars they were projected to be. When it comes to the biggest NBA draft busts, these players will forever be at the top of the list.
