The NBA Draft is full of surprises, but some picks have left fans, analysts, and even teams completely stunned. From unexpected selections to players who had no business being picked so high (or low!), let’s take a look at the weirdest draft picks in NBA history! ππ₯
1. Anthony Bennett (#1 Pick, 2013) – The Biggest Bust Ever? π¬π
The Cleveland Cavaliers shocked the world when they selected Anthony Bennett as the first overall pick in 2013. Many expected players like Victor Oladipo or Nerlens Noel to go first, but the Cavs went with Bennett, who was barely on anyone’s radar as a top pick. The result? He averaged just 4.4 PPG in his NBA career and was out of the league within four seasons. Easily one of the most shocking #1 picks ever! π¨π
2. Darko MiliΔiΔ (#2 Pick, 2003) – Passing on Legends? π³π
The 2003 NBA Draft was stacked with LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, but somehow, the Detroit Pistons chose Darko MiliΔiΔ at #2. While the others went on to have Hall of Fame careers, Darko became a role player at best. Imagine passing on three NBA legends for a player who barely contributed! π±π€¦♂️
3. Sam Bowie (#2 Pick, 1984) – The Jordan Mistake π΅π
Speaking of bad draft decisions, the Portland Trail Blazers picked Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan in 1984. While Bowie was a talented big man, injuries derailed his career, and he never lived up to expectations. Meanwhile, Jordan became the GOAT. Portland’s reasoning? They already had Clyde Drexler and thought they didn’t need another shooting guard. π¬π¨
4. Hasheem Thabeet (#2 Pick, 2009) – A Defensive Project Gone Wrong ⛔π
When the Memphis Grizzlies drafted 7'3" Hasheem Thabeet at #2, they believed he would become an elite rim protector. Instead, he barely played in the NBA and was out of the league by 2014. To make matters worse, the Grizzlies passed on James Harden, Stephen Curry, and DeMar DeRozan! π΅π«π
5. Nikoloz Tskitishvili (#5 Pick, 2002) – Who? π€π§
In 2002, the Denver Nuggets took a huge gamble on Nikoloz Tskitishvili at #5, believing he was the next European superstar. However, he struggled from day one, averaging just 2.9 points per game in his NBA career. The Nuggets passed on Amar’e Stoudemire and Caron Butler for a player who barely played! π³π
6. Marvin Williams (#2 Pick, 2005) – Over Chris Paul?! π²π
The Atlanta Hawks selected Marvin Williams at #2 in 2005, despite already having a stacked frontcourt. The biggest issue? They passed on Chris Paul and Deron Williams, two future All-Star point guards who could’ve changed the franchise! CP3 went on to become an NBA legend, while Williams had a solid but underwhelming career. π€¦♂️π‘
7. Jonny Flynn (#6 Pick, 2009) – Minnesota’s Point Guard Disaster π❌
The 2009 NBA Draft saw the Minnesota Timberwolves select Ricky Rubio at #5, then shockingly draft Jonny Flynn at #6—right before Stephen Curry was picked at #7! While Curry became the greatest shooter ever, Flynn lasted only three seasons in the NBA. Minnesota’s double-point guard experiment was an absolute disaster! π΅π«π₯
8. Michael Olowokandi (#1 Pick, 1998) – The Kandi Man Bust π¬π
The Los Angeles Clippers had the #1 pick in 1998 and selected Michael Olowokandi, a 7-footer with raw talent but limited skill. He never developed into the superstar they hoped for, while other draftees like Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, and Paul Pierce became NBA legends. Another Clippers draft disaster! π
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π Conclusion: The Draft is Always a Gamble!
The NBA Draft has given us some legendary players, but it has also delivered mind-blowing mistakes. Whether it was passing on future superstars or taking risky, unproven players too high, these draft picks remain some of the weirdest and most shocking in NBA history! π€―π
Which draft pick shocked you the most? Drop your thoughts below! ππ₯
