- Here’s a list of the biggest draft busts in NBA history, led by Anthony Bennett.
- Bennett, Michael Olowokandi, and Greg Oden were the top picks in the draft.
- Sam Bowie and Darko Miličić were No. 2 picks during their draft class.
NBA draft prospects’ collegiate and overseas performances don’t necessarily guarantee they will be league stars. In fact, we’ve seen several lottery picks become bench warmers and eventually crash out of the NBA.
These draft busts derailed an NBA team’s chance to improve their roster and be in a top position at BetMGM’s online sportsbook through the NBA odds. Find out the list of players who were the biggest busts in NBA history and became the reason their teams had bad basketball betting odds to lift the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy.
Who Is the Biggest Draft Bust in NBA History?
| Rank | Player | Overall Pick | Year Drafted | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Bennett | 1st pick | 2013 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2 | Sam Bowie | 2nd pick | 1984 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 3 | Michael Olowokandi | 1st pick | 1998 | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 4 | Greg Oden | 1st pick | 2007 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 5 | Darko Miličić | 2nd pick | 2003 | Detroit Pistons |
1. Anthony Bennett – Cleveland Cavaliers
Bennett was the top overall pick in the 2013 Draft, and the Cleveland Cavaliers had high hopes that he would be the perfect pair for their star point guard, Kyrie Irving, to contend in the Eastern Conference potentially. But he didn’t live up to expectations and became a second-string power forward.
On this day: The 2013 NBA Draft
1. Anthony Bennett
2. Victor Oladipo
3. Otto Porter
4. Cody Zeller
5. Alex Len
6. Nerlens Noel
7. Ben McLemore
8. KCP
9. Trey Burke
10. CJ McCollum
11. Michael CW
12. Steven Adams
13. Kelly Olynyk
14. Shabazz Muhammad
15. Giannis Antetokounmpo pic.twitter.com/5nWGCwfEue— Andscape (@andscape) June 27, 2019
During his rookie season, he produced 4.2 points, three rebounds, and 0.3 assists in 52 games. After his subpar first season, Bennett was immediately shipped to the Minnesota Timberwolves and played three more seasons in the NBA before he was finally let go and never signed again. He averaged 4.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 151 career games.
2. Sam Bowie – Portland Trail Blazers
During the 1984 Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers used the second overall pick to select 7-foot-1 center Sam Bowie. He was a solid addition to the team and quickly became a starter. In his first year in the league, he averaged 10 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
This Day In 1984: Olajuwon goes No. 1 in the NBA Draft.
The Blazers are up next.
Their GM Stu Inman said he can’t draft Michael Jordan at the No. 2 spot.
"We need a center."
Bobby Knight tells him: "Then draft Jordan and play him at center!"
Portland takes Sam Bowie. pic.twitter.com/NBC3iLGuWH
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 20, 2022
But injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential. What makes this an awful and regrettable pick for Portland is that they picked Bowie over Michael Jordan. Bowie only played 511 games in 10 seasons, where he racked up career numbers of 10.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
3. Michael Olowokandi – Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers were high on taking Michael Olowokandi as their top pick during the 1998 Draft because they thought he’d be the face of the franchise for the next decade. His double-double output in his last year in college was enough for the Clippers to justify this choice.
However, Olowokandi failed to meet the team’s expectations, as he never averaged a double-double and only had two double-digit scoring averages in five seasons with Los Angeles. Additionally, despite playing three full seasons with the Clippers during his five-year tenure, his number never significantly improved.
“The Kandi Man” averaged 8.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 500 career games across nine seasons. His most notable achievement in the league was being named to the All-Rookie Second Team in 1999.
4. Greg Oden – Portland Trail Blazers
Greg Oden was touted as the next dominant big man inside the paint due to his sheer superiority during his collegiate career at Ohio State. This persuaded Portland to pick him as the No. 1 pick in the 2007 Draft.
The 2007 NBA Draft took place on this day 16 years ago. Some notable names:
🏀 Greg Oden (1st pick)
🏀 Kevin Durant (2nd pick)
🏀 Al Horford (3rd pick)
🏀 Mike Conley (4th pick)
🏀 Jeff Green (5th pick)
🏀 Marc Gasol (48th pick)How would you re-draft the 2007 draft class? pic.twitter.com/gTUtbmfbhz
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 29, 2023
However, things quickly changed when Oden missed his first season due to an injury. More injuries plagued his promising career from there, and he could only play 105 career games in the league. He put up a career average of eight points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in three seasons.
5. Darko Miličić – Detroit Pistons
Darko Miličić was part of the stacked 2003 NBA Draft Class, and many were surprised when the Detroit Pistons selected him as the No. 2 pick over other young prospects like Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade.
Although he won an NBA title during his rookie season, Miličić never had a career anywhere near Anthony and Wade. Instead, he became a journeyman who played for six teams in 10 seasons. The Serbian big man averaged six points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.9 assists during his career.