[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Since we already know Blake Griffin is going first, and really know next to nothing after that, why not look at some draft history. First off, lets look at the worst players to go first in the draft. Maybe later I will give my list of Top 10 #1 picks, and maybe even try and break down all time draft busts. Also, let’s make the cut-off 1957, which is when the NBA started to become the league it has turned into today. I guess it is fair to also put the rankings into perspective with how disappointing the player was compared to their expectations. Well, lets get it started:

1. LaRue Martin Portland Trail Blazers 1972
2. Michael Olowokandi, LA Clippers 1998
3. Kwame Brown, Washington Wizards 2001
4. Hot Rod Hundley, Cincinnati Royals 1957
5. Jim Barnes, New York Knicks 1964
6. Pervis Ellison, Sacramento Kings 1988
7. Joe Smith, Golden State Warriors 1995
8. Fred Hetzel, San Francisco Warriors 1965
9. Art Heyman, New York Knicks 1963 (Back-to-back wackness)
10. Joe Barry Carroll (Had numbers, but the man referred to as Joe “Barely Cares” was a big disappointment)

Keep in mind, these were the first picks in the draft, so even as busts, many are not that terrible. I am willing to give reasons for my first few picks, including Brown being not as bad as Michael Olowokandi. Discuss, refute and criticize, I can take it. Also, before people start, I will not yet put my man Greg Oden on this list, and hopefully will not have too 🙂

[nepaliman_7Participant]

andrew bogut? he was taken ahead of chris paul, deron williams, danny granger, monta ellis, andrew bynum

[Knicksboy34Participant]

andrew bogut, he is not 1 of the worst. He was the “safe” pick at number 1. his numbers are solid

I think Bargani was a terrible choice at number 1

[RickyRubio9Participant]

Bargnani really started to get his game last season. I don’t think he is a horrible pick considering the only Star in that draft is B-Roy. Rudy Gay and Aldridge are both good, but not in Roy’s class. Then there are Paul Millsap and Rajon Rondo, but who knew they’d be this good. Tyrus Thomas still has a chance, but I think the Raptors should be happy with Andrea. He still is only 24 years old or somewhere around there. A poor man’s Dirk is nothing to be ashamed of.

[Mr. BasketballParticipant]

its too early but greg oden with KD, Thadeus Young, Al thornton, jeff green, and rudy fernandez picked after him.

[RickyRubio9Participant]

Glenn Robinson? Um, I just started researching on the 1st picks. Kenyon Martin hasn’t been the same since his injuries and the last one I looked at showed…Derrick Coleman. Well I wouldn’t consider Martin a bad pick because his draft didn’t have much and he was good early on in his career

[j1232eParticipant]

he started like he was already old and washed up.

[AllenParticipant]

Yea, with bogut there wasnt an obvious no brainer cant miss pick so they just went with the safe pick. Hes doing exactly what was expected of him.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

I was definitely thinking of putting Bogut on there, but I am still giving him time. People knew Chris Paul was certified dope, but as others have pointed out, Bogut was the safe pick, which is not always the best pick. As far as Bargnani goes, he was in a bad draft due to the fact that no high school players were available (Oden and Durant would have likely gone 1 and 2 to the Raptors, Bulls). LaMarcus Aldridge might be a better player right now, I actually think he might be a better player forever, but I think the best has yet to come from Bargnani. He did have a solid third year, and the dude has skills. He can shoot the rock, has great handle for a guy his size and he is a stone cold killer at the end of games. I remember reading in ESPN that he took a psychological test that showed how one might perform in the clutch, and he did as well as you possibly could. I have seen him make shots to win the game, in fact I was court side when he came here and played against Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge and drained a shot in OT to win it. LaMarcus would have been the other option, but I do not think Andrea is that bad at all compared to the guys I listed. Lastly, Kent Benson was definitely an oversight, and very well could have made the list.

[Author]

Posts