When it comes to the biggest NBA busts, players who are drafted high but don’t deliver are the main offenders. As top NBA picks in their respective drafts, expectations for these players are high.
While some players rise up to the challenge and thrive, others aren’t so fortunate. This can be attributed due to injuries, lack of development, or other factors.
With that in mind, here’s the top 10 biggest NBA busts based on draft position, expectations, and overall impact in the league:
10. Sam Bowie
Draft Pick: 2nd overall, 1984 NBA Draft
Career Stats: 10.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.1 APG; 45.2 FG%, 30.2 FG3%
Sam Bowie is a former NBA player whom the Portland Trail Blazers drafted second overall in the 1984 NBA Draft.
During the 1984 Draft, Bowie was selected ahead of Michael Jordan, who went third overall to the Chicago Bulls. Jordan went on to become a six-time NBA champion and widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. Meanwhile, Bowie’s career couldn’t compare.
Throughout his career, Bowie struggled with major injuries, particularly to his legs. He had several foot and knee problems, which severely limited his ability to stay on the court and develop into the dominant player the Blazers hoped he would be.
Despite being drafted as a talented center with the potential to be a defensive anchor, Bowie never fully realized his potential. His career averages of 10.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game were solid for his 10-year career. Sadly, Bowie didn’t live up to the hype surrounding him as the second overall pick.
The Blazers’ decision to draft Bowie over Jordan is often criticized because it directly impacted the team’s future. Portland passed on a generational talent like Jordan, whose addition would have likely changed the trajectory of the franchise.
9. James Wiseman
Draft Pick: 2nd overall, 2020 NBA Draft
Career Stats: 9.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.7 APG; 56.0 FG%, 26.2 FG3%
*Still Active
James Wiseman is a highly touted NBA player who was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 2nd overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Despite high expectations, he is often considered a potential NBA bust.
Wiseman played only three games for the University of Memphis before being suspended due to eligibility issues. This limited his college experience, which is crucial for developing his skills and adjusting to the higher competition level.
Despite his raw athleticism and physical tools (standing at 7 feet tall with a good frame), Wiseman’s basketball skills, especially in terms of basketball IQ, defensive awareness, and offensive polish, were underdeveloped when he entered the NBA. He struggled to make a significant impact right away.
Wiseman’s time with the Warriors was marked by inconsistency. While he showed flashes of potential (especially as a shot-blocker and finisher around the rim), he struggled with basic concepts like pick-and-roll defense, spacing, and playing in the Warriors’ system, which relies heavily on ball movement and off-the-ball action.
He tore his meniscus during his rookie season, which kept him sidelined for much of the 2021-2022 season. This injury further hindered his development, especially in his crucial early years.
In February 2023, Wiseman was traded to the Detroit Pistons as part of a deal to free up space for the Warriors’ pursuit of a championship window. This quick exit from a championship-contending team reflected concerns about his fit and development on a team gunning for a championship.
8. Darko Miličić
Draft Pick: 2nd overall, 2003 NBA Draft
Career Stats: 6.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 0.9 APG; 46.0 FG%, 00.0 FG3%
Darko Miličić is a former NBA player from Serbia, drafted 2nd overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. He is often considered one of the biggest NBA busts for a combination of reasons. Namely, his bust status is related to his draft position, expectations, and lack of impact during his career.
Miličić was considered a highly skilled 7-footer with good size, athleticism, and potential as a versatile big man. He was seen as a future star in the making. However, his selection during the 2003 Draft became a point of criticism for the Pistons. Miličić was chosen 2nd overall over other future stars like Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
Despite being drafted high, Miličić barely played in his rookie season (2003-2004). He only got minimal minutes behind established veterans like Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace on the Pistons’ team. While Detroit won the 2004 NBA Championship, Miličić’s lack of playing time resulted with his early development becoming significantly hindered.
As his career progressed, Miličić struggled to find consistency in his game. He had flashes of brilliance, but his overall development stalled. His lack of basketball IQ, limited offensive moves, and inability to make an impact on the defensive end hurt his potential.
Miličić is considered one of the biggest NBA busts due to the combination of factors. Namely, his struggles to make an impact, poor development, and inability to capitalize on his talent during his playing career. These resulted in his lasting reputation as one of the biggest draft mistakes in NBA history.
7. Hasheem Thabeet
Draft Pick: 2nd overall, 2009 NBA Draft
Career Stats: 2.2 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.1 APG; 56.7 FG%, N/A FG3%
Hasheem Thabeet is a former NBA player from Tanzania who was drafted 2nd overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite being a highly regarded prospect, Thabeet is widely considered one of the biggest NBA busts due to a combination of underperformance, lack of development, and inability to adapt to the NBA level.
Thabeet entered the NBA as a 7-foot center from the University of Connecticut, known for his shot-blocking ability, size, and defensive presence. He was seen as a player who could make an immediate impact on defense, especially as a rim protector.
Being selected 2nd overall in the 2009 draft created massive expectations. The players selected ahead of him were Blake Griffin (1st overall), who was a proven scorer and star at the time, but the expectation was that Thabeet could become a dominant defensive force to rival other NBA centers.
Thabeet’s greatest strength in college was his shot-blocking ability, but he struggled to adapt to the NBA game. His offensive game was extremely limited, and his defense, while solid at times, was inconsistent. He had trouble keeping up with the pace of the game and adjusting to the speed and athleticism of NBA players.
While he had size, Thabeet lacked an offensive game, and his low basketball IQ made it difficult for him to fit into an NBA system. Thabeet finished his NBA career with averages of just 2.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game over 6 seasons. While he had some decent performances in limited minutes, his inability to evolve into a reliable NBA starter or rotation player made him one of the biggest busts of the 2009 draft.
6. Markelle Fultz
Draft Pick: 1st overall, 2017 NBA Draft
Career Stats: 10.8 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 4.5 APG; 47.1 FG%, 27.4 FG3%
*Still Active
Markelle Fultz is a professional basketball player who was drafted 1st overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Fultz is often considered a potential NBA bust due to a combination of injury struggles, career setbacks, and his failure to meet the high expectations placed on him. However, his story is more nuanced than just being labeled a bust, and he’s had a bit of a resurgence in recent years.
Fultz entered the 2017 draft as the consensus top pick after a stellar season at the University of Washington. He was considered a versatile, high-scoring guard with elite shooting, ball-handling skills, and athleticism. Many believed Fultz would be the future leader of the Philadelphia 76ers’ post-process rebuild, alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
Fultz’s career quickly derailed due to a mysterious shoulder injury that severely affected his shooting form. The 76ers and Fultz’s camp initially suggested it was a physical issue. However, it was revealed that Fultz’s issue was related to mental and confidence in his shooting mechanics. Due to his injuries and struggles to regain confidence in his shot, Fultz played only 14 games in his rookie season.
After two seasons in Philadelphia, Fultz was traded to the Orlando Magic in February 2019. While Fultz’s career with the Magic started slowly, he showed signs of development, particularly in his shooting and playmaking. He finished his 2019-2020 season with improved stats (12.9 points, 5.4 assists per game).
While Fultz’s early struggles were certainly disappointing, for a first overall pick, he still has time to prove himself. His performances with the Orlando Magic showed his potential to be a contributing point guard to sway the NBA odds.
5. Michael Olowokandi
Draft Pick: 1st overall, 1998 NBA Draft
Career Stats: 8.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.7 APG; 43.5 FG%, N/A FG3%
Michael Olowokandi is a Nigerian former professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the biggest NBA busts. He was selected as the #1 overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers.
However, despite being the top pick, Olowokandi’s career was largely underwhelming. Over his 8-year NBA career, he averaged only 8.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. These numbers were far below what would be expected from a #1 overall pick, especially in the center position.
Olowokandi’s biggest issue was his reputation for being inconsistent and lacking the work ethic needed to reach his potential. Despite his raw athleticism and physical tools, he never developed into a top-tier center. His lack of refinement in key areas, like footwork and basketball IQ, hindered his growth as a player.
There were also questions about his attitude and commitment to improving his other skills. This was a lingering issue which led to frustrations both within his teams and among fans.
4. Greg Oden
Draft Pick: 1st overall, 2013 NBA Draft
Career Stats: 8.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 0.5 APG; 57.4 FG%, N/A FG3%
Greg Oden is a former professional basketball player who was the #1 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. He was acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers and was regarded as one of the most promising Centers. However, due to a series of devastating injuries, Oden’s career was derailed. This is why he is often considered one of the biggest “busts” in the NBA.
Coming out of college, Greg Oden was seen as a generational talent. He had a rare combination of size (7 feet tall), strength, and athleticism, along with impressive defensive and rebounding abilities. Many experts believed Oden would be the next dominant center in the NBA, drawing comparisons to legends like Shaquille O’Neal. Oden was the consensus #1 overall pick in the 2007 draft. He was ahead of other notable players like Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Mike Conley, and Joakim Noah.
Unfortunately, Oden’s career was plagued by injuries almost from the start. Shortly after being drafted, he underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee before playing a single game in the NBA. The knee issues didn’t stop there; Oden went through multiple knee surgeries throughout his career.
Oden played 52 games during his rookie year, averaging 8.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. However, his rookie season was cut short by another knee injury, limiting his development.
Over the next few years, Oden was rarely able to stay healthy. He missed large chunks of several seasons, and when he did play, he struggled maintaining a consistent level of performance. Oden played just 82 games in his entire NBA career (roughly one full season’s worth of games).
3. Kwame Brown
Draft Pick: 1st overall, 2001 NBA Draft
Career Stats: 6.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 0.9 APG; 49.2 FG%, 11.1 FG3%
Kwame Brown is a former professional basketball player who was the #1 overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft. He was drafted by the Washington Wizards, and is often cited as one of the biggest NBA busts in history. This is largely due to his underwhelming performance compared to the expectations that come with being the top pick.
The Washington Wizards, led by Michael Jordan at the time, were looking for a future cornerstone player to build around. Despite his physical tools—standing at 6’11” with athleticism and a strong frame—Brown’s performance in the NBA was consistently disappointing. He lacked the refined skills and basketball IQ necessary to succeed at the professional level. Brown’s inability to develop a reliable post game, and jump shot were major reasons he was seen as a bust.
His offensive game was raw, and he struggled to score consistently. Over his 12-year NBA career, he averaged just 6.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. This led to coaches and media harshly criticizing his game.
One notable example was Michael Jordan’s harsh criticism of Brown and his lack of skill and drive. Jordan’s critique added to the narrative that Brown wasn’t living up to his potential. Additionally, Brown became a target of jokes and insults from NBA players and commentators. This includes the infamous comments made by Stephen A. Smith and others.
2. LaRue Martin
Draft Pick: 1st overall, 2013 NBA Draft
Career Stats: 5.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 0.7 APG; 41.6 FG%, N/A FG3%
LaRue Martin is a former professional basketball player who was a #1 overall pick in the 1972 NBA Draft. He is considered one of the biggest busts in NBA history.
Martin was a 6’9″ Forward/Center out of Loyola University in Chicago and had a reputation as a highly skilled and athletic player. Many saw his potential to become a dominant force in the NBA, including the Portland Trail Blazers.
They expected LaRue would be a franchise cornerstone and elevate the team to become competitive in the NBA. Unfortunately, Martin never came close to living up to those expectations.
Martin’s time in the NBA was largely uneventful. He only played 5 seasons in the league, spending all of them with the Trail Blazers. Over that time, he averaged just 5.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Moreover, he had a limited skill set and he struggled to find a consistent role on the court. He also had trouble establishing himself as a key contributor for the Blazers. While he was athletic and could block shots, his offensive game was rudimentary.
Martin also didn’t have the ability to become a key scorer or rebounder. His lack of impact on both ends of the floor contributed to his short and forgettable NBA career.
1. Anthony Bennett
Draft Pick: 1st overall, 2013 NBA Draft
Career Stats: 4.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.5 APG; 39.2 FG%, 26.1 FG3%
In terms of overall performance and impact, Anthony Bennett holds the distinction of the biggest NBA bust. The NBA betting consensus wasn’t high on Bennett when he was drafted 1st overall by Cleveland in 2013.
Bennett came to the Cavs who were rebuilding after LeBron James left for Miami. Alongside Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, and Tristan Thompson, Bennett had the unenviable task of making an impact for the team.
Unfortunately, he didn’t fit with the Cavs. With Thompson as their starting Power Forward, Bennett struggled to get playing time. He averaged only 4.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, shooting a disappointing 35.6% from the field. He also had problems with conditioning, and his performance never seemed to improve significantly.
Bennett played for several teams over his short NBA career, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, and Brooklyn Nets. However, he never found a consistent role or significant success in the league. He bounced around the league before eventually being out of the NBA after 4 years.
2013’s draft included Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Oladipo, Rudy Gobert, and CJ McCollum, Bennett’s 1st overall pick is certainly a head-scratcher.