11 Biggest NBA Draft Busts, Ranked

Teams with bad records or unfavourable championship basketball odds at a sportsbook generally have a chance to select future All-Star talent at the top of the NBA Draft.

Some come in and immediately help teams win, thus improving their NBA odds of winning a title. However, some simply don’t live up to expectations.

With that said, who is the biggest draft bust in NBA history? Let’s find out.

11 Biggest Draft Busts in NBA History, Ranked

Who Are the Biggest Ever NBA Draft Busts?

1. Anthony Bennett — Cleveland Cavaliers 

Anthony Bennett lasted just four years in the league, never playing more than 57 games in a season or averaging more than 5.2 points per game.

The Toronto native was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal that sent Kevin Love to the Cavaliers after just one season in Cleveland.

2. Greg Oden — Portland Trail Blazers

Greg Oden drew comparisons to Bill Russell for his absolute dominance in the paint, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to draft him ahead of Kevin Durant in 2007.

Unfortunately, multiple knee surgeries took their toll on the Ohio State product, as he played just 105 games in the league.

3. Hasheem Thabeet — Memphis Grizzlies

Hasheem Thabeet was highly regarded for his defence, but his lack of offensive skill forced him out of the league after just five years.

The UConn product was drafted over several stars, including James Harden (No. 3 overall), Stephen Curry (No. 7 overall), and DeMar DeRozan (No. 9 overall) in 2009.

4. James Wiseman — Golden State Warriors

James Wiseman was supposed to help anchor the Golden State Warriors’ defence and feast inside with his power and athleticism, but injuries have severely limited his ability to stay on the court.

5. Darko Miličić — Detroit Pistons

Selected after LeBron James (No. 1 overall) and before Carmelo Anthony (No. 3 overall), Chris Bosh (No. 4 overall), and Dwyane Wade (No. 5 overall) in 2003, Darko Miličić was mostly relegated to a backup role and never averaged double-digit points or rebounds despite being part of the Detroit Pistons’ 2004 championship team.

6. Adam Morrison — Charlotte Bobcats

Adam Morrison finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting after a standout collegiate run at Gonzaga.

Though he won two rings alongside Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, he could never build off his solid rookie campaign.

7. Kwame Brown — Washington Wizards

Though he lasted 12 years in the league, Kwame Brown struggled to stay in shape and played more than 60 games in a season just four times.

Brown was the first high schooler to go No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft. 

8. Michael Olowokandi — Los Angeles Clippers

Michael Olowokandi showed promise in his first five years with the Los Angeles Clippers, but he never lived up to the hype and regressed considerably after leaving Hollywood.

He was chosen over the likes of Vince Carter (No. 5 overall), Dirk Nowitzki (No. 9 overall), and Paul Pierce (No. 10 overall) in 1998. 

9. Sam Bowie — Portland Trail Blazers

Sam Bowie was infamously selected before Michael Jordan (No. 3 overall).

While he posted solid numbers throughout his decade-long stay with the association, it’s safe to say the Trail Blazers would love a redo of the 1984 NBA Draft.

10. Markelle Fultz — Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers traded up two spots for the rights to draft Markelle Fultz, who has struggled to stay healthy.

They could’ve paired Jayson Tatum (No. 3 overall), De’Aaron Fox (No. 5 overall), or Donovan Mitchell (No. 13 overall) with Joel Embiid instead.

11. Marvin Bagley III — Sacramento Kings

Marvin Bagley III has posted solid numbers when healthy, but he’s had trouble staying on the court.

The Duke product was drafted before Luka Dončić (No. 3 overall), Trae Young (No. 5 overall), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (No. 11 overall) in 2018.

Who Is the Biggest Draft Bust in NBA History?

Bennett is the biggest draft bust in NBA history.