Not every top pick becomes a superstar. In fact, some of the most hyped NBA draft prospects completely fell apart—whether it was injuries, attitude, or just not being built for the league. These are the 3 worst NBA draft prospects ever, where the hype was sky high… but the crash was even harder.
1. Anthony Bennett – 2013, No. 1 Pick (Cavaliers)
🧯 The ultimate “how did that happen?” pick.
Coming out of UNLV, Bennett was solid—but NO ONE thought he should go first overall. Yet Cleveland shocked the world. The result? A disaster. Bennett averaged just 4.4 PPG in his rookie season, bounced around four teams in four years, and was out of the league by 2017. No major injuries, just… not NBA material. A pick that defined a lost era for the Cavs.
2. Hasheem Thabeet – 2009, No. 2 Pick (Grizzlies)
🧱 7’3″ height, zero impact.
Thabeet was supposed to be a shot-blocking beast. He was a standout at UConn and looked like the next great rim protector. But in the NBA? He was too slow, lacked touch, and had no offensive feel. He averaged 2.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in his career and spent more time in the D-League than on a real roster. The Grizzlies picked him over James Harden, Steph Curry, and DeMar DeRozan.
3. Kwame Brown – 2001, No. 1 Pick (Wizards)
💣 Drafted by MJ. Doomed by pressure.
Kwame had all the tools—size, strength, and footwork. But at 18 years old, the pressure of being Michael Jordan’s first pick ever ruined him. Kwame lasted 12 years in the league (which is wild), but he never averaged more than 11 PPG and was constantly ridiculed for his hands, confidence, and inconsistency. He’s now more famous for being a bust than for anything he did on the court.
Dishonorable Mentions:
- Darko Miličić (2003): Taken over Wade, Melo, and Bosh.
- Greg Oden (2007): Career destroyed by injuries.
- Nikoloz Tskitishvili (2002): Who???
- Michael Olowokandi (1998): The “Kandi Man” didn’t deliver.
- Dragan Bender (2016): International stretch 4 with no stretch.
Final Word:
Some draft picks look like future stars… until the lights come on. These guys weren’t just misses—they became cautionary tales. When the stakes are this high, the busts are unforgettable.
