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The NBA Draft serves as the introduction of fresh talent to the NBA. It is an exciting annual event where teams get to choose members of the draft to join their franchise.
While this is an event in the NBA that franchises and fans alike look forward to, it can also be disappointing, in the sense that some of these players never live up to the hype or expectations.
However, the 2018 NBA draft class has produced several superstars, with a few of them in the 2021 conference finals. Some notable players in this class are Trae Young, Luka Doncic, DeAndre Ayton, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, to name a few.
Exceptional talents like Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal were all members of draft classes in different years. Although at least one superstar is expected from each class, there are occasions when even the No. 1 overall pick ends up being a mediocre talent.
On that note, here are the five worst draft classes in NBA history.
#5 1990 NBA Draft class
The 1990 NBA Draft class was headlined by Gary Payton of the Seattle Supersonics even though he was the second overall pick. Payton is still considered by many to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA's history.
We have seen first overall picks take the league by storm, which begs the question: what happened to the 1990 NBA Draft class' first overall pick? Derrick Coleman was the No. 1 pick but did not leave the NBA community with any memorable moments. His highest point was a first-round exit when he was 35.
Although there were players that had decent runs in their careers, this draft class did not provide special talents. Regardless, Toni Kukoc, Dennis Scott, and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf enjoyed nice spells in the NBA.
#4 2002 NBA Draft class
Although injuries are to blame for hampering the development of the first and second picks, the rest of this draft class were average at best. While the top five picks did not play up to their draft status, the bottom five rallied to save this class from being the worst in the league's history.
Yao Ming (1) was a sensation, making the NBA popular in his home country, China. His career was cut short to only eight seasons, which was plagued by injuries. Jay Williams was the second overall pick but had his career cut short after he suffered a motorcycle accident.
However, Amare Stoudemire (9), Nene Hilario (7), and Carlos Boozer, who was the 35th pick, are the names that tried to save this draft class. In its entirety, they managed 18 All-Star appearances despite none of them reaching 100 career wins.
#3 1986 NBA Draft class
The 1986 NBA draft class had a lot of potential which was cut short by tragedies. Len Bias, who was the overall second pick, passed away within 48 hours after he was drafted by the Boston Celtics. A lot was expected of the forward as he was pegged to be the next big thing to hit the NBA.
Drazen Petrovic started his career on a high note and was one of the league's most lethal 3-point shooters. However, his career was also cut short after he was involved in a fatal car accident four years after the draft.
Despite the gloom that surrounded this draft class, Dennis Rodman was a beacon of hope as he alone was responsible for not making this class the absolute worst. He joined the hard-nosed Detroit Pistons and soon became one of the faces of the franchise.
Rodman single-handedly prevented this draft class from being the worst with his five NBA championships and two All-Star appearances. He was also the rebounding champion on seven different occasions, the Defensive Player of the Year twice, and was part of the NBA All Defensive First Team seven times.
#2 1973 NBA Draft class
The 1973 NBA draft class came very close to toppling the 2000 class as the worst in NBA history. Many of the names in this class had more note-worthy performances playing in the ABA before they made the transition.
Outside of Doug Collins, who was the No.1 pick, other names worth mentioning are George McGinnis and perhaps Kermit Washington. If Collins was not a part of this draft class, there would be nothing worth remembering from them.
The only reason why this draft class is not considered the worst is because of some accomplishments a few players made in the ABA. Collins made four All-Star appearances and made it to the NBA playoffs three times in his career. Caldwell Jones had the most career win shares in this draft class, which was still below 45.
#1 2000 NBA Draft class
The 2000 NBA draft class produced the weakest crop of talent in the league's history. Not one talent stood out in the 20+ years of being active.
Kenyon Martin was the No. 1 pick in the 2000 NBA draft, who broke his leg before he made his NBA debut. As a result, he never played at the level that was expected of the No.1 draft pick. Of the top ten picks in this draft class, only two can be said to have had success in the league.
Mike Miller won two NBA championships with the Miami Heat (2012 & 2013) in his 20-year stint. He also won the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award in 2006.
Jamal Crawford was also impressive in his two-decade run. He added the most value in the entire 2000 NBA draft class. It was an all-round horrible spell from the entire draft class, making only three All-Star appearances combined.
Guess the Lakers players!
