Ericsson
06-27-2006, 08:48 PM
Most disappointing top draft picks...
June 3, 2006
EVEN THOUGH IT'LL COME DOWN TO EITHER ANDREA BARGNANI or LaMarcus Aldridge, speculation is rampant about who might be the consensus top pick in the NBA draft. But being selected No. 1 overall isn't a guarantee of success. Just as an example, Glenn 'Big Dog' Robinson was the first overall pick of the 1994 NBA draft and his up-and-down career is testament to the fact that No. 1 picks are a crap shoot. But then, Big Dog is far from the most disappointing No. 1 in recent NBA memory. So who is?
2001 Kwame Brown (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?411), C, Washington Wizards
The hype at the time: Thanks to Kevin Garnett (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?130)'s success straight out of high school, all the rage was to grab tall prep prospects. Kwame was going to be the next Big Ticket, only bigger.
How things turned out: Brown has had the occasional promising moment, but he continues to be a disappointment after four years of pro ball. Of course, Tyson Chandler (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?412) and Eddy Curry (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?414)--also taken with high picks that year--haven't fared significantly better. Granted, all three might still become solid pro players.
Who they could have had: Pau Gasol (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?413) (who went third overall to the Vancouver Grizzlies). Just imagining what the Wiz would be like with Gasol, Gilbert Arenas (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?440) and Larry Hughes (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?170) must give team brass cold sweats.
(http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?277) 1998 Michael Olowokandi (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?277), C, Los Angeles Clippers
The hype at the time: With the Kandi Man in tow, the Clippers were going to put their history of sad-sack losing and ridicule behind them and challenge Shaq for L.A. supremacy.
How things turned out: Olowokandi was really just a very big, somewhat coordinated guy who just wasn't much of a basketball player. In fact, as a British citizen his friends convinced Olowokandi--who was a soccer player--that athletic seven-footer could be millionaires in America, so he made his way to Pacific where scouts flocked to see him. He still has yet to develop an inkling of consistency.
Who they could have had: Dirk Nowitzki (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?272) (who went 9th overall to the Milwaukee Bucks). Not that the curse of the Clips would have avoided Big Dirk, but they might be one of the West's best right now if they'd scouted Nowitzki (who most teams missed because he was in Germany).
(http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?340) 1995 Joe Smith (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?340), PF, Golden State Warriors
The hype at the time: The energetic, shot-blocking Smith would help the Warriors get back into contention after the team's meltdown following Chris Webber (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?391)'s exit.
How things turned out: Smith was always expected to be a superstar, and never managed to be more than an average power forward.
Who they could have had: Kevin Garnett (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?130) (who went fifth overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves). Ironically, it Smith showed up in Minnesota years later, and eventually was part of the a deal that violated league rules and caused the team to lose several top draft picks.
(http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?324) 1994 Glenn Robinson (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?324), SF, Milwaukee Bucks
The hype at the time: The 'Big Dog' would help the Bucks escape the NBA's basement and become a star in the process.
How things turned out: Robinson was indeed a star for a few years, and under coach George Karl he teamed with Ray Allen (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?6) and Sam Cassell (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?65) to put a scare into the Eastern powers. It didn't last, as Robinson clashed with teammates and began to have off-the-court legal problems. Now 'Big Dog' is barking up the Spurs' tree as a late-season flier pick-up.
Who they could have had: Jason Kidd (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?196) (who went second overall to the Dallas Mavericks). Probably the best big point guard since Magic Johnson, Kidd continues to make his teams contenders.
1991 Larry Johnson, F, Charlotte Hornets
The hype at the time: Coming off his big years as part of the UNLV juggernaut, Johnson would be the next Charles Barkley.
How things turned out: No one but Barkley will ever be Barkley, but 'Grandmama' Johnson did become a major force for a few years. Back problems sapped his renowned strength and explosiveness, and he eventually because an undersized jump shooter for the Knicks.
Who they could have had: Dikembe Mutombo (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?262) (who went fourth overall to the Denver Nuggets). 'Mount Mutombo' became a classy winner who was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year twice. He still contributes with his board-cleaning, finger-wagging talents to the Houston Rockets.
(http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?75) 1990 Derrick Coleman (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?75), F/C, New Jersey Nets
The hype at the time: Coleman was simply going to revolutionize the power forward position with his outside shooting and passing abilities.
How things turned out: After the New Jersey team of Coleman flanked by guards Kenny Anderson (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?10) Drazen Petrovic broke up and coach Chuck Daly left, Coleman quickly lost his edge. He became a sort of hired gun, a guy who was hard to get along with but whose talents were too tantalizing to pass up. Recently he was released by the Pistons.
Who they could have had: Gary Payton (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?291) (who went second overall to the Seattle SuperSonics). 'The Glove' will probably be a Hall of Famer, while Coleman probably will not. Payton is also still playing for a title ring, while Coleman is out of the NBA.
1989 Pervis Ellison, F/C, Sacramento Kings
The hype at the time: 'Never Nervous Pervis' wowed the nation in leading Louisville to a national title as a freshman. Once he was chosen in the NBA draft he was expected to be the league's next great versatile player.
How things turned out: Ellison had some nice moments, but he was so skinny he was often manhandled and injuries shortened a very average NBA career. He retired with a points-per-game average of 9.5.
Who they could have had: Vlade Divac (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?100) (who went 26th overall to the L.A. Lakers). Stars Tim Hardaway and Glen Rice were both also available, but Divac is the only first rounder from the '89 draft who is still playing in the NBA. While he may not have much left, Divac is considered by some as one of the greatest team leaders ever and possibly the best-passing center in NBA history.
1988 Danny Manning, F/C, Los Angeles Clippers
The hype at the time: Much like Ellison, Kansas U's Manning was a versatile and skilled big man who would revolutionize the forward position after winning an NCAA title.
How things turned out: Manning was an excellent pro--when he played, which was sporadically. Chronic knee injuries sapped Manning of much of his quickness and athleticism. He finished his career with solid numbers, but not as the Hall of Famer many expected.
Who they could have had: Rod Strickland (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?358) (who went 19th overall to the New York Knicks). Like Divac above, Strickland is the only one of this bunch who played in the NBA this season (with the Rockets before he was released).
1983 Ralph Sampson, C, Houston Rockets
The hype at the time: At 7-4 and with small forward skills, Sampson--like his Biblical namesake--was expected to be the next irresistible irresistible force.
How things turned out: Sampson posted three excellent seasons to start his career, and then--like the Biblical Sampson--eventually succumbed to his Achilles heel (which for Big Ralph was his knees).
Who they could have had: Clyde Drexler (who went 14th overall to the Portland Trail Blazers). Also notable about Drexler: Portland was so pleased with his rookie season that the next year, they passed on a pretty good little shooting guard named Michael Jordan (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?488) with the second-overall pick and instead grabbed center Sam Bowie, who is best known for, well, not being Michael Jordan.
1980 Joe Barry Carroll, C, Golden State Warriors
The hype at the time: Carroll was seen as potentially the NBA's next great center.
How things turned out: After six very solid NBA campaigns, Carroll's career went in sharp decline.
Who they could have had: Kevin McHale (who went 3rd overall to the Boston Celtics). McHale--now the head coach of the Timberwolves--finished his career as one of the NBA's greatest power forwards of all time and was a cornerstone of Boston's three NBA titles in the 1980's.
June 3, 2006
EVEN THOUGH IT'LL COME DOWN TO EITHER ANDREA BARGNANI or LaMarcus Aldridge, speculation is rampant about who might be the consensus top pick in the NBA draft. But being selected No. 1 overall isn't a guarantee of success. Just as an example, Glenn 'Big Dog' Robinson was the first overall pick of the 1994 NBA draft and his up-and-down career is testament to the fact that No. 1 picks are a crap shoot. But then, Big Dog is far from the most disappointing No. 1 in recent NBA memory. So who is?
2001 Kwame Brown (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?411), C, Washington Wizards
The hype at the time: Thanks to Kevin Garnett (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?130)'s success straight out of high school, all the rage was to grab tall prep prospects. Kwame was going to be the next Big Ticket, only bigger.
How things turned out: Brown has had the occasional promising moment, but he continues to be a disappointment after four years of pro ball. Of course, Tyson Chandler (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?412) and Eddy Curry (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?414)--also taken with high picks that year--haven't fared significantly better. Granted, all three might still become solid pro players.
Who they could have had: Pau Gasol (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?413) (who went third overall to the Vancouver Grizzlies). Just imagining what the Wiz would be like with Gasol, Gilbert Arenas (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?440) and Larry Hughes (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?170) must give team brass cold sweats.
(http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?277) 1998 Michael Olowokandi (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?277), C, Los Angeles Clippers
The hype at the time: With the Kandi Man in tow, the Clippers were going to put their history of sad-sack losing and ridicule behind them and challenge Shaq for L.A. supremacy.
How things turned out: Olowokandi was really just a very big, somewhat coordinated guy who just wasn't much of a basketball player. In fact, as a British citizen his friends convinced Olowokandi--who was a soccer player--that athletic seven-footer could be millionaires in America, so he made his way to Pacific where scouts flocked to see him. He still has yet to develop an inkling of consistency.
Who they could have had: Dirk Nowitzki (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?272) (who went 9th overall to the Milwaukee Bucks). Not that the curse of the Clips would have avoided Big Dirk, but they might be one of the West's best right now if they'd scouted Nowitzki (who most teams missed because he was in Germany).
(http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?340) 1995 Joe Smith (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?340), PF, Golden State Warriors
The hype at the time: The energetic, shot-blocking Smith would help the Warriors get back into contention after the team's meltdown following Chris Webber (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?391)'s exit.
How things turned out: Smith was always expected to be a superstar, and never managed to be more than an average power forward.
Who they could have had: Kevin Garnett (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?130) (who went fifth overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves). Ironically, it Smith showed up in Minnesota years later, and eventually was part of the a deal that violated league rules and caused the team to lose several top draft picks.
(http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?324) 1994 Glenn Robinson (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?324), SF, Milwaukee Bucks
The hype at the time: The 'Big Dog' would help the Bucks escape the NBA's basement and become a star in the process.
How things turned out: Robinson was indeed a star for a few years, and under coach George Karl he teamed with Ray Allen (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?6) and Sam Cassell (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?65) to put a scare into the Eastern powers. It didn't last, as Robinson clashed with teammates and began to have off-the-court legal problems. Now 'Big Dog' is barking up the Spurs' tree as a late-season flier pick-up.
Who they could have had: Jason Kidd (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?196) (who went second overall to the Dallas Mavericks). Probably the best big point guard since Magic Johnson, Kidd continues to make his teams contenders.
1991 Larry Johnson, F, Charlotte Hornets
The hype at the time: Coming off his big years as part of the UNLV juggernaut, Johnson would be the next Charles Barkley.
How things turned out: No one but Barkley will ever be Barkley, but 'Grandmama' Johnson did become a major force for a few years. Back problems sapped his renowned strength and explosiveness, and he eventually because an undersized jump shooter for the Knicks.
Who they could have had: Dikembe Mutombo (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?262) (who went fourth overall to the Denver Nuggets). 'Mount Mutombo' became a classy winner who was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year twice. He still contributes with his board-cleaning, finger-wagging talents to the Houston Rockets.
(http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?75) 1990 Derrick Coleman (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?75), F/C, New Jersey Nets
The hype at the time: Coleman was simply going to revolutionize the power forward position with his outside shooting and passing abilities.
How things turned out: After the New Jersey team of Coleman flanked by guards Kenny Anderson (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?10) Drazen Petrovic broke up and coach Chuck Daly left, Coleman quickly lost his edge. He became a sort of hired gun, a guy who was hard to get along with but whose talents were too tantalizing to pass up. Recently he was released by the Pistons.
Who they could have had: Gary Payton (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?291) (who went second overall to the Seattle SuperSonics). 'The Glove' will probably be a Hall of Famer, while Coleman probably will not. Payton is also still playing for a title ring, while Coleman is out of the NBA.
1989 Pervis Ellison, F/C, Sacramento Kings
The hype at the time: 'Never Nervous Pervis' wowed the nation in leading Louisville to a national title as a freshman. Once he was chosen in the NBA draft he was expected to be the league's next great versatile player.
How things turned out: Ellison had some nice moments, but he was so skinny he was often manhandled and injuries shortened a very average NBA career. He retired with a points-per-game average of 9.5.
Who they could have had: Vlade Divac (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?100) (who went 26th overall to the L.A. Lakers). Stars Tim Hardaway and Glen Rice were both also available, but Divac is the only first rounder from the '89 draft who is still playing in the NBA. While he may not have much left, Divac is considered by some as one of the greatest team leaders ever and possibly the best-passing center in NBA history.
1988 Danny Manning, F/C, Los Angeles Clippers
The hype at the time: Much like Ellison, Kansas U's Manning was a versatile and skilled big man who would revolutionize the forward position after winning an NCAA title.
How things turned out: Manning was an excellent pro--when he played, which was sporadically. Chronic knee injuries sapped Manning of much of his quickness and athleticism. He finished his career with solid numbers, but not as the Hall of Famer many expected.
Who they could have had: Rod Strickland (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?358) (who went 19th overall to the New York Knicks). Like Divac above, Strickland is the only one of this bunch who played in the NBA this season (with the Rockets before he was released).
1983 Ralph Sampson, C, Houston Rockets
The hype at the time: At 7-4 and with small forward skills, Sampson--like his Biblical namesake--was expected to be the next irresistible irresistible force.
How things turned out: Sampson posted three excellent seasons to start his career, and then--like the Biblical Sampson--eventually succumbed to his Achilles heel (which for Big Ralph was his knees).
Who they could have had: Clyde Drexler (who went 14th overall to the Portland Trail Blazers). Also notable about Drexler: Portland was so pleased with his rookie season that the next year, they passed on a pretty good little shooting guard named Michael Jordan (http://www.forecaster.ca/cbc/basketball/player.cgi?488) with the second-overall pick and instead grabbed center Sam Bowie, who is best known for, well, not being Michael Jordan.
1980 Joe Barry Carroll, C, Golden State Warriors
The hype at the time: Carroll was seen as potentially the NBA's next great center.
How things turned out: After six very solid NBA campaigns, Carroll's career went in sharp decline.
Who they could have had: Kevin McHale (who went 3rd overall to the Boston Celtics). McHale--now the head coach of the Timberwolves--finished his career as one of the NBA's greatest power forwards of all time and was a cornerstone of Boston's three NBA titles in the 1980's.