5 worst NBA Draft decisions by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 21st century

#3 Dion Waiters (2012 NBA Draft)

Miami Heat vs Charlotte Hornets

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.

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#2 Andrew Wiggins (2014 NBA Draft)

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Philadelphia 76ers

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.

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#1 Anthony Bennett (2013 NBA Draft)

Brooklyn Nets vs Cleveland Cavaliers

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.