The NBA Draft is a high-stakes affair, and every general manager's decision can have a significant impact on a team's future. While some teams have overcome draft mistakes and still achieved success, others have been set back for years, sometimes even decades. This article delves into some of the biggest NBA Draft mistakes, focusing on early first-round picks and draft-day trades. From the pre-1976 ABA-NBA merger era to recent years, these blunders have shaped the league in unexpected ways. Here are some of the most notable examples, with a heavy emphasis on personal commentary and analysis.
Hornets Trade Pick Used on Kobe Bryant to Lakers: The Charlotte Hornets' decision to trade the 13th pick, which they used to select Kobe Bryant, to the Lakers for Vlade Divac was a significant mistake. While Divac played decently in Charlotte, it's hard to justify trading for a player who only played two seasons and then considering passing on potential stars like Peja Stojaković and Steve Nash. The Hornets' GM, Bob Bass, should have stuck with the original plan.
Pacers Trade Pick Used on Kawhi Leonard to Spurs: The Indiana Pacers' decision to trade the 15th pick, which they used to select George Hill, for Kawhi Leonard was a risky move. Leonard, who was in the top six of their draft board, became a two-time Finals MVP known for his defense. The Pacers' GM, David Morway, admitted that the trade was influenced by the presence of wings Paul George and Danny Granger, but this doesn't excuse the mistake.
Bucks Trade for 'Tractor' Traylor: The Milwaukee Bucks' decision to trade up for Robert Traylor, who played just seven seasons and averaged 4.8 points per game, was a significant blunder. The Bucks could have taken Paul Pierce, who was the 10th pick, and Dirk Nowitzki, who was the 6th pick, instead. GM Larry Harris' decision to pass on Nowitzki is a major regret.
Bobcats Take Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: The Charlotte Bobcats' selection of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with the 2nd overall pick was a mistake. Kidd-Gilchrist's perimeter shot never developed, and he averaged just 8.4 points per game in his eight-year career. GM Rich Cho could have taken Bradley Beal, who was the 3rd pick, and became a three-time All-Star.
Clippers Take Michael Olowokandi: The Los Angeles Clippers' decision to take Michael Olowokandi with the 1st overall pick was a significant mistake. Olowokandi, who shot just 43.5% for his career, was a bust. The Clippers could have taken any of the next four players, including Mike Bibby, Raef LaFrentz, and Antawn Jamison.
Cavs Take Anthony Bennett: The Cleveland Cavaliers' selection of Anthony Bennett with the 1st overall pick was a shocking and objectively worse player. Bennett played just four NBA seasons and averaged 4.4 points per game. GM Chris Grant's decision to take him, despite not wanting him, was a rare case where the franchise should have listened to its GM.
76ers Take Shawn Bradley Over Penny Hardaway: The 76ers' decision to take Shawn Bradley with the 2nd overall pick, despite concerns about his thin frame and LDS mission, was a mistake. Penny Hardaway, who was still on the board, became an immediate sensation and a two-time Finals MVP. The Sixers' GM, Jim Lynam, should have taken Hardaway instead.
Raptors Take Andrea Bargnani Over LaMarcus Aldridge: The Raptors' selection of Andrea Bargnani with the 1st overall pick was a significant mistake. Bargnani, who made 400 more threes than Aldridge, was a better player in every other way. Aldridge's combination of low-post and high-post scoring was devastating for defenses.
Hawks Take Marvin Williams Over 2 All-Stars: The Atlanta Hawks' decision to take Marvin Williams with the 2nd overall pick, despite having long-term needs at every position, was a mistake. Deron Williams and Chris Paul, who were taken directly after him, became three-time and 12-time All-Stars, respectively.
Bucks Take Jabari Parker Over Joel Embiid: The Milwaukee Bucks' selection of Jabari Parker with the 2nd overall pick was a mistake. Embiid, who missed his first two seasons due to injuries, became an All-Star during Parker's fourth season. The gap between them widened, and Embiid finished in the top two of MVP voting three years in a row.
76ers Trade Up for Markelle Fultz: The Philadelphia 76ers' decision to trade up for Markelle Fultz, giving up an extra first-round pick, was a major gaffe. Fultz, who spent two injury-riddled seasons with the 76ers, has been a major disappointment. Jayson Tatum, who was taken by the Celtics, has already been named an All-Star six times and won a title.
Warriors Take Joe Smith Over 4 All-Stars: The Golden State Warriors' selection of Joe Smith with the 1st overall pick, passing on Antonio McDyess, Jerry Stackhouse, Rasheed Wallace, and Kevin Garnett, was a significant mistake. Garnett, who was taken 5th, finished 6th in Rookie of the Year voting as a 19-year-old.
Wizards Take Kwame Brown Over Tyson Chandler, Pau Gasol: The Washington Wizards' decision to take Kwame Brown with the 1st overall pick, despite concerns about his potential, was a mistake. Tyson Chandler and Pau Gasol, who were taken 2nd and 3rd, respectively, became one-time All-Stars and six-time All-Stars, respectively.
Warriors Take James Wiseman: The Golden State Warriors' decision to take James Wiseman with the 2nd overall pick, despite having played only three games at Memphis, was a mistake. Wiseman had a decent rookie season but suffered a season-ending injury. The Warriors could have taken LaMelo Ball or Tyrese Haliburton, who were rumored targets.
Mavs Take Sam Perkins Over Charles Barkley: The Dallas Mavericks' selection of Sam Perkins with the 4th pick, despite Charles Barkley being available, was a significant mistake. Barkley, who was taken 5th, became a Hall of Famer. The Mavericks could have formed a strong core with Mark Aguirre, Rolando Blackman, and Derek Harper.
Warriors Gift Celtics Hall of Fame Frontcourt: The Boston Celtics' decision to trade up for Joe Barry Carroll, who made one All-Star team, was a mistake. The Warriors could have kept Robert Parish and the 3rd pick, which they used to take Kevin McHale. McHale became a seven-time All-Star and a Hall of Famer.
Grizzlies Take Hasheem Thabeet Over James Harden: The Memphis Grizzlies' selection of Hasheem Thabeet with the 2nd overall pick, despite his lack of offensive skill, was a mistake. James Harden, who was taken 3rd, became an 11-time All-Star and one-time MVP. The Grizzlies' GM, Chris Wallace, could have taken Harden instead.
Blazers Take LaRue Martin Over Bob McAdoo: The Portland Trail Blazers' decision to take LaRue Martin with the 1st overall pick, despite Bob McAdoo being available, was a significant mistake. McAdoo, who was taken 2nd, won scoring titles and was named league MVP. The Blazers' GM, Harry Glickman, made amends by taking Bill Walton two years later.
Sonics Trade Pick Used on Scottie Pippen to Bulls: The Seattle SuperSonics' decision to trade Scottie Pippen to the Bulls for Olden Polynice and other picks was a major gaffe. Pippen, who won six titles and made seven All-NBA teams, was a better choice than Polynice. The Sonics' GM, Bob Whitsitt, should have kept Pippen.
Suns, Kings Pass on Luka Dončić: The Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings' decision to pass on Luka Dončić, who was the EuroLeague MVP in 2018, was a significant mistake. Dončić, who averaged 29.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, has become a six-time first-team All-NBA selection.
Pistons Take Darko Miličić Over 3 Hall of Famers: The Pistons' decision to take Darko Miličić with the 2nd overall pick, despite him being nowhere ready to play in the NBA, was a mistake. Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade, who were taken 3rd, 4th, and 5th, respectively, became dominant, multi-time All-Stars.
Blazers Pass on Kevin Durant: The Portland Trail Blazers' decision to pass on Kevin Durant, who was widely accepted as the best choice for the 1st overall pick, was a significant mistake. Durant, who won an MVP and earned Finals MVP twice, is considered one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
Wolves Take 2 PGs Over Stephen Curry: The Timberwolves' decision to pass on Stephen Curry, who was often projected to go ahead of Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn, was a mistake. Curry, who was taken 7th, has won four championships and is considered the greatest shooter of all time.
Royals Pass on Bill Russell: The Rochester Royals' decision to pass on Bill Russell, who was the best defensive center in NBA history, was a significant mistake. Russell, who was taken 2nd, won five MVPs and led the Celtics to 11 championships. The Royals' GM, Lee Harrison, should have taken Russell.
Blazers Pass on Michael Jordan: The Portland Trail Blazers' decision to pass on Michael Jordan, who was taken 3rd, was a significant mistake. Jordan, who is often considered the greatest player of all time, won six championships with the Chicago Bulls. The Blazers' GM, Stu Inman, resigned a year after making this pick.
