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The Cleveland Cavaliers have faced mixed fortunes this decade. They have reached the finals and won the championship during the LeBron James era and then struggled as a lottery team. However, when presented with an opportunity to improve with a good pick, the franchise's management has made more poor decisions than good ones in multiple NBA Drafts.
On that note, let us take a look at the five worst draft mistakes the Cleveland Cavaliers have made since the turn of the century.
5 NBA Draft mistakes made by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 21st century
#5 Jae Crowder (2012 NBA Draft)
The Cleveland Cavaliers made a howler in the 2012 NBA draft. They picked up small forward Jae Crowder with their 34th overall pick but then immediately dealt him to the Dallas Mavericks; the player later made his name with the Boston Celtics.
However, what makes this move even worse is the fact that the Cavaliers could’ve actually drafted a standout prospect out of Michigan State, who came to the league to become a nightly triple-double threat and a top 3 defender; his name is Draymond Green.
The amusing bit in this saga is that Crowder actually came back to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers when the franchise made a run at the NBA championship with LeBron James as their leader.
#4 Tristan Thompson (2011 NBA Draft)
The Cleveland Cavaliers picked Tristan Thompson with the 4th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, but the move was heavily criticized from the get go.
Thompson is an elite offensive rebounder, but he’s not actually a dominant presence in the paint, and there isn’t much room for improvement in any area of his game. He was poor in the initial years and gave an average output during Cleveland Cavaliers' title run.
Of course, he’s been a very productive player for the Cavaliers and was a key piece during their Championship run. But the franchise could’ve done a lot better at number 4, passing on Jonas Valanciunas, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler and even Kawhi Leonard.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Bogdan Bogdanovic might snub contract talks with Sacramento Kings amidst interest from championship contenders.
#3 Dion Waiters (2012 NBA Draft)
In the 2012 NBA draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers front office picked Dion Waiters out of Syracuse with their 4th overall pick as a second scorer, hoping to form a very dynamic and terrific backcourt with Kyrie Irving, who was acquired as the 1st overall pick a year earlier.
However, Waiters turned out to be a bust. He was effective only as a bench player, and the Cleveland Cavaliers had to flip him a few years later. Waiters has proved to be just a streaky shooter, and the Cavaliers could have drafted Damian Lillard instead.
#2 Andrew Wiggins (2014 NBA Draft)
After scintillating performances for the Kansas Jayhawks, the Cleveland Cavaliers decided to roll the dice on Andrew Wiggins with their first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. However, Wiggins was immediately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the Cavaliers getting Kevin Love in return.
Wiggins proved to be a poor signing, as his performances dipped every year since winning the Rookie of the Year award after the first season. He was then traded to the Golden State Warriors last season as a trade chip in the D'Angelo Russell move.
#1 Anthony Bennett (2013 NBA Draft)
Arguably the worst 1st overall pick in the history of the NBA Draft, Anthony Bennett was picked first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013.
This pick took everyone by surprise at the time. Bennett seemed lost and desperate during his entire rookie season. To summarize how poor the decision was, there is an interesting nugget: he’s not even part of an NBA roster anymore despite being drafted 1st overall.
What makes the move even worse is the fact that the Cleveland Cavaliers could have landed Otto Porter, Alex Len, Nerlens Noel, CJ McCollum, Rudy Gobert and even Giannis Antetokounmpo with this pick.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have made some shocking decisions with their draft picks, but drafting Bennett was easily their worst.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Paul Pierce suggests that LeBron James could be on a recruiting mission following his dinner with Tristan Thompson.
