- Here’s the list of the top five worst NBA draft classes, led by the 2000 class.
- Eddie House was the only player in the 2000 to win an NBA title.
- The 2006 NBA Draft class only had three players to win an NBA title.
NBA draft busts are a constant topic in the basketball communities because there are always top-of-head names like Anthony Bennett, Greg Oden, and Michael Olowokandi. However, aside from individual flops, the league also experienced a collective failure from the specific classes because they fell short of producing elite-level talents.
Today, let’s look back at the worst draft classes in NBA history, which were unsuccessful in generating league-altering stars and failed to add excitement to NBA betting at BetMGM’s online sportsbook. Here are the top five worst NBA draft classes of all time.
Top 5 Worst Draft Classes of All Time
| Rank | Draft Class |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2000 Draft Class |
| 2 | 2013 Draft Class |
| 3 | 2006 Draft Class |
| 4 | 1988 Draft Class |
| 5 | 2002 Draft Class |
1. 2000 Draft Class
The 2000 NBA Draft Class is the consensus worst batch of players who came into the league because outside of Kenyon Martin, Jamal Crawford, and Michael Redd, there weren’t many notable names who made significant impacts.
The 2000 NBA Draft did not quite have the same output as 2003. pic.twitter.com/IzZpwYhqFY
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 26, 2024
Furthermore, only three players in the class became NBA All-Stars: Martin, Redd, and Jamaal Magloire. Mike Miller was the only known player in the class to win an NBA title. He played an important role in the Miami Heat’s back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.
2. 2013 Draft Class
Although the 2013 NBA Draft produced one of the most dominant players in league history, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and one of the best rim protectors in recent memory, Rudy Gobert, it wasn’t enough to salvage what has become one of the worst classes ever.
2013 NBA Draft Class ⬇️
Is this the worst NBA Draft Class ever?
Thank God some Greek dude named Giannis saved this entire class 😂 pic.twitter.com/aQvcr5ik1L
— Matty Chucks⚡️ (@MattyChucks) February 20, 2024
Only four lottery picks (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, CJ McCollum, Steven Adams, and Otto Porter Jr.) became solid contributors in the league. Also, almost half of the players in the class are out of the NBA and are now playing overseas.
3. 2006 Draft Class
Like the 2013 class, the 2006 NBA Draft Class failed to meet the high expectations of its lottery picks, especially the number one overall pick, Andrea Bargnani. Other top picks who faded in the bright lights of the NBA were Adam Morrison, Tyrus Thomas, and Shelden Williams.
Five players from the batch were named to the All-Star Game (Kyle Lowry, Rajon Rondo, LaMarcus Aldridge, Paul Millsap, and Brandon Roy), and only three captured championships (Rondo, Lowry, and P.J. Tucker).
4. 1988 Draft Class
The 1988 class may have tough players from its batch, but this group produced only 15 combined NBA All-Star Games appearances, led by Mitch Richmond and Dan Majerle, who had six All-Star Games and three All-Star Games, respectively, during their careers.
One player who stood out from the class was Steve Kerr. He was a very productive player and won five NBA championships. He’s one of the best tacticians in the league and has made the Golden State Warriors a favourite in basketball betting by winning four NBA titles as their head coach.
5. 2002 Draft Class
The 2002 draft class paved the way for a big wave of big men to the league as Yao Ming, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Caron Butler entered the NBA. However, most of the lottery picks became relatively unknown until the end of their careers.
To be fair, the class produced solid role players like Tayshaun Prince, Matt Barnes, and Luis Scola, but it wasn’t safe from criticism as one of the worst draft classes in league history because the class was only combined for 18 NBA All-Star appearances.