Swati Bhatia

8 Worst First Round Picks in the NBA Draft

www.totalprosports.com

At the start of every NBA season, there is no greater amount of pressure on anyone than the player who was taken with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. 

Unfortunately, not every top pick lives up to the hype. Let’s look at the eight players who turned out to be flops.

Joe Smith

8

Joe Smith, selected as the first overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft, had his career trajectory fell short. Smith ended up being nothing more than a role player.

Greg Oden

7

The Portland Trail Blazers’ picked Greg Oden over Kevin Durant in the 2007 draft, which remains a regretful decision. Oden battled injuries throughout his career.

Pervis Ellison

6

Sacramento Kings used the first overall pick to draft Pervis in 1989.  However, he failed to find success in team due to consistent injuries.

Michael Olowokandi

5

The Los Angeles Clippers drafted Michael Olowokandi first overall in 1998. Despite his imposing size, Olowokandi struggled to make an impact.

John Lucas

4

John Lucas, chosen by the Houston Rockets in the 1976 draft, showed promise initially. But his career took a hit due to personal struggles with illegal substances.

Kwame Brown

3

Kwame Brown, selected by the Washington Wizards in 2001, faced immense pressure as the top pick. Unfortunately, he never lived up to the hype.

Anthony Bennett

2

The Cleveland Cavaliers shocked everyone by taking Anthony Bennett as the top pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, Bennett’s career was plagued by injuries and poor performance.

LaRue Martin

1

LaRue Martin is considered the worst first overall pick ever. The Portland Trail Blazers selected him in 1972, passing up on future legends.