[JM40Participant]

2003:
1st Round Busts-
Michael Sweetney-taken in the lottery, never produced like a top 10 pick or lasted in the league.
Zarko Cabarkapa-taken alongside many Euro “potentials” that year, never made an impact or blossomed.
Reece Gaines-taken as bench shooter who never scored much in his brief stint in the league.

2nd Round Steals-
Kyle Korver-has had a great career as a shooter/scorer, always in the rotation and a part-time starter.
Mo Williams-had some great years, even as an All-Star during one point at the highlight of his career.
Willie Green-nice long career as a serviceable combo guard.

2004:
1st Round Busts-
Rafael Araujo-never understood this pick, but have been taken on size alone.
Robert Swift-became a problem child and fizzled out after a few unproductive seasons.
Pavel Podkolzine-again, must have been taken on size/space eating alone. Not an NBA player.

2nd Round Steals-
Trevor Ariza-solid swing man has made a great career for himself as an athletic scorer.
Anderson Varejao-hard-working big is more valuable than all 3 1st Round busts combined.
Chris Duhon-played several years as a solid #2 PG option.

2005:
1st Round Busts-
Fran Vazquez-lottery pick who never stepped on an NBA floor. Enough said.
Yaroslav Korolev-big Russian wing had a game better suited for Europe, NBA career never took off.
Ike Diogu-had great promise as a double/double man, never came close to a fraction of that.

2nd Round Steals-
Monta Ellis-All-Star caliber career as a scoring machine at the combo guard spot.
Marcin Gortat-strong, skilled center with great stats and work ethic.
Louis Williams-long career as a scoring combo guard, consistent and effective.

2006:
1st Round Busts-
Adam Morrison-the “stache” never made much of an impact in NBA and fizzled out early in career.
Saer Sene-picked for athleticism/defensive potential. Never amounted to much.
Patrick O’Bryant-big C prospect never impacted the game much during his brief NBA career.

2nd Round Steals-
Paul Millsap-NBA All-Star whose game has improved much since being drafted.
Daniel Gibson-serviceable combo guard who has made great contributions to playoff teams.
PJ Tucker-carved out a nice career as an athletic wing/part-time starter at 2/3 spot.

2007:
1st Round Busts-
Greg Oden-yes, I went there. #1 overall pick simply has to do more, especially with Durant at #2.
Julian Wright-not skilled enough to play on the wing, too small to play inside.
Javaris Crittenden-enticing as a big PG, but never made an impact in the league.

2nd Round Steals-
Marc Gasol-All-Star C with great overall skillset and winning mentality.
Glen Davis-Big Baby has had a nice career as a part-time starter at the 4/5 spot.
Josh McRoberts-ultra athletic 4/5 has been a nice addition to rotation.

2008:
1st Round Busts-
Joe Alexander-never produced in the league as a combo forward.
Donte Greene-showed promise early on as a big forward, but faded after a brief career.
J.R. Giddens-drafted as an athletic wing, but skills must not have been enough to keep a spot.

2nd Round Steals-
Goran Dragic-crafty PG with nice career, playing great this season and leading Suns to playoffs.
Nikola Pekovic-skilled big with plays well alongside others and produces at a high level.
Mario Chalmers-ran the point for the Miami Heat during the championship titles.

2009:
1st Round Busts-
Hasheem Thabeet-drafted on size and defensive abilities, buried at end of the bench for most of career.
Terrence Williams-athletic wing has been in/out of league with both on/off court issues.
Christian Eyenga-Cavs surprise draft/stash pick has never made an impact in the league.

2nd Round Steals-
DeJuan Blair-serviceable under-sized big, played many years next to Tim Duncan.
Patrick Beverley-making an impact as a scoring combo guard after stint in Europe.
Danny Green-great shooter who made a huge impact on a 3 point specialist for Spurs.

2010:
1st Round Busts-
Craig Brackins-big man who never followed a great NCCA career in the NBA.
Daniel Orton-picked on potential, which we are still waiting to see.
Epke Udoh-decent big man, but not worthy of a top 10 pick.

2nd Round Steals-
Lance Stephenson-“Born Ready” is slowly becoming one of the best SG’s in the league.
Landry Fields-carving out a nice career as a wing scorer, who has had an impact since day 1.
Devin Ebanks-in the NBDL now, but showed early signs as a promising prospect with the Lakers.

2011:
1st Round Busts-
Jan Vesely-big Euro with multiple positions, but has not produced and is buried on bench.
JaJuan Johnson-was considered a safe pick, but maybe does not have NBA skillset.
Donatas Motiejunas-might become a decent back-up 4/5, verdict is still out.

2nd Round Steals-
Chandler Parsons-athletic wing who produces and shows great promise.
Isaiah Thomas-producing All-Star numbers as the last pick in the draft.
Kyle Singler-serviceable bench F who is versatile and works hard.

2012:
1st Round Busts-
Royce White-chances are his pro career never takes off due to mental health issues.
Meyers Leonard-big C prospect who has not found his way into the regular rotation.
Arnett Moultrie-big shooting PF who may eventually find his way overseas.

2nd Round Steals-
Draymond Green-making an impact as a combo forward, capable of stepping in at the 3 or 4.
Jeffrey Taylor-athletic wing who scores and defends off the bench or as a starter.
Robert Sacre-modest numbers, but gets minutes as a hard-working last pick of the draft.

2013:
1st Round Busts-
Anthony Bennett-starting to show some promise, but must do much more to warrant #1 overall.
Otto Porter-another #1 candidate option buried on Washington’s bench with limited minutes.
Solomon Hill-surprise first rounder not showing any justification for the flier Indiana took on him.

2nd Round Steals-
Nate Wolters-scoring PG who gets nice minutes, looks like another Steve Blake/Luke Ridnour
Ryan Kelly-shooting 4/5 actually starting for Lakers and putting up decent numbers.
Glen Rice Jr.-proving that drafting NBDL can eventually pay off, modest numbers but improving.

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 The heck is going on with Otto Porter?????????

[Taylor Gang MikeParticipant]

 The heck is going on with Otto Porter?????????

[JordoParticipant]

 Trevor Ariza and Martell Webster get all the playing time at SF. Likely won’t see Porter play meaningful minutes til next year.

[JordoParticipant]

 Trevor Ariza and Martell Webster get all the playing time at SF. Likely won’t see Porter play meaningful minutes til next year.

[ChewyParticipant]

 I enjoyed reading your lists. It was hilarious to see all the bust names that no one has talked about in 4-5 years! 

But, shame on you for puting Oden on the bust list. It’s not like he was out dancing/bowling like Bynum has been while being injured. The fact that he is even on the floor for the Heat is a testimate to how hard he has works.

My own personal take on the word "bust" shouldn’t include hard working players who ran into injuries. It should just be for lazy knuckleheads and potential picks that didn’t reach their potential; not injury prone.

 

 

[ChewyParticipant]

 I enjoyed reading your lists. It was hilarious to see all the bust names that no one has talked about in 4-5 years! 

But, shame on you for puting Oden on the bust list. It’s not like he was out dancing/bowling like Bynum has been while being injured. The fact that he is even on the floor for the Heat is a testimate to how hard he has works.

My own personal take on the word "bust" shouldn’t include hard working players who ran into injuries. It should just be for lazy knuckleheads and potential picks that didn’t reach their potential; not injury prone.

 

 

[TenSecondTomParticipant]

 The only one I would disagree with is Donatas I think he will turn out to be a fine player. Also it’s too early to critique if the 2013 draft players are "busts" in my opinion although Porter and Bennett are struggling. Solomon Hill was a late first round pick in a weak draft, most of those picks don’t hit anyway, plus he got drafted by an extremely deep team so I wouldn’t fault him yet. A lot of the time it’s not about skill, it’s about matter of circumstance and opportunity.

[TenSecondTomParticipant]

 The only one I would disagree with is Donatas I think he will turn out to be a fine player. Also it’s too early to critique if the 2013 draft players are "busts" in my opinion although Porter and Bennett are struggling. Solomon Hill was a late first round pick in a weak draft, most of those picks don’t hit anyway, plus he got drafted by an extremely deep team so I wouldn’t fault him yet. A lot of the time it’s not about skill, it’s about matter of circumstance and opportunity.

[kazamParticipant]

 I have a hard time considering some of the guys you listed as first round busts simply because of where they were drafted. A guy like JaJuan Johnson isnt really a bust in my opinion because he was selected 27th. Most teams wouldnt expect an immediate impact from a kid they pick 27th. I often associate the label of ‘bust’ to guys in the lottery. 

Fun list to read nonetheless!

 

 

[kazamParticipant]

 I have a hard time considering some of the guys you listed as first round busts simply because of where they were drafted. A guy like JaJuan Johnson isnt really a bust in my opinion because he was selected 27th. Most teams wouldnt expect an immediate impact from a kid they pick 27th. I often associate the label of ‘bust’ to guys in the lottery. 

Fun list to read nonetheless!

 

 

[The QParticipant]

 Putting Moultrie on there (who was really good when on the court as a rookie) instead of Fab Melo is kind of silly IMO. 

I still think it’s far too early for most of the 2012 and 2013 classes. 

 

 

[The QParticipant]

 Putting Moultrie on there (who was really good when on the court as a rookie) instead of Fab Melo is kind of silly IMO. 

I still think it’s far too early for most of the 2012 and 2013 classes. 

 

 

[MorseWillParticipant]

 Amazing PJ Tucker has turned himself into an "athletic 2/3" after what he was at Texas. Great college player, but mainly playing an undersized 4 spot. Goes to show how hard he’s worked on his game, to find a spot and help an overachieving Suns team this year.

[MorseWillParticipant]

 Amazing PJ Tucker has turned himself into an "athletic 2/3" after what he was at Texas. Great college player, but mainly playing an undersized 4 spot. Goes to show how hard he’s worked on his game, to find a spot and help an overachieving Suns team this year.

[DolanCareParticipant]

I love it when 2nd rounders and undrafted kids make an impact in the league. If the NBA expands to a few more teams, I think a lot of these under appreciated prospects would find a team more easily….. In my books thats a good thing. 

[DolanCareParticipant]

I love it when 2nd rounders and undrafted kids make an impact in the league. If the NBA expands to a few more teams, I think a lot of these under appreciated prospects would find a team more easily….. In my books thats a good thing. 

[zolaParticipant]

 I really can not understand some of this picks. A guys like Araujo, Podkolzin, Korolev don’t have a quality to play even in some medium European leagues

Cabarkapa was ruined by injuries

I believe that Fran Vasquez could be on Omer Asik’s level if he came in NBA few years ago

Pekovic was a second round because he signed a 3-years deal with Panathinaikos few days before draft 

I will never get over that my favorite team, Grizzlies, pick Thabeet instead of Harden

 

 

 

 

[zolaParticipant]

 I really can not understand some of this picks. A guys like Araujo, Podkolzin, Korolev don’t have a quality to play even in some medium European leagues

Cabarkapa was ruined by injuries

I believe that Fran Vasquez could be on Omer Asik’s level if he came in NBA few years ago

Pekovic was a second round because he signed a 3-years deal with Panathinaikos few days before draft 

I will never get over that my favorite team, Grizzlies, pick Thabeet instead of Harden

 

 

 

 

[The QParticipant]

 You must’ve forgot the hype Podkolzin had before the draft. 

IIRC he had some kind of medical thing that dropped him like a rock on draft night. 

 

 

 

[The QParticipant]

 You must’ve forgot the hype Podkolzin had before the draft. 

IIRC he had some kind of medical thing that dropped him like a rock on draft night. 

 

 

 

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

As much as I love him you gotta put T-Rob in the 2012 busts, he could turn it around but never warrant a top 5 pick

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

As much as I love him you gotta put T-Rob in the 2012 busts, he could turn it around but never warrant a top 5 pick

[drice4life1753Participant]

Another player who has had a very interesting career and teeterd between 1st round bust territoty…Gerald Green.  He makes me feel old, becasue I have been coming to this site since he was coming straight out of high school to the NBA in 2005.  Had insane hype, compared to T-Mac leading up to the draft, supposed top 5 lock, only worked out for first 6 teams drafting.  It pretty much all fell aprat from there.  He fell to being drafted #18 by the celtics, continuely passed around the NBA w/ every team praying they picked up an athletic scorer who still had crazy untapped potential, b/c he is so young due to coming out right from H.S.

I remember being so perplexed when I was younger why this guy never panned out.  He is one of my favoirte players to watch right now…actually Phoenix in general.  Supreme confidence, and has added a really (nice?) streaky 3-point shot to his game where he can just catch fire.  

Also how about Randy Foye vs. Kyle Lowry….love that one.

[drice4life1753Participant]

Another player who has had a very interesting career and teeterd between 1st round bust territoty…Gerald Green.  He makes me feel old, becasue I have been coming to this site since he was coming straight out of high school to the NBA in 2005.  Had insane hype, compared to T-Mac leading up to the draft, supposed top 5 lock, only worked out for first 6 teams drafting.  It pretty much all fell aprat from there.  He fell to being drafted #18 by the celtics, continuely passed around the NBA w/ every team praying they picked up an athletic scorer who still had crazy untapped potential, b/c he is so young due to coming out right from H.S.

I remember being so perplexed when I was younger why this guy never panned out.  He is one of my favoirte players to watch right now…actually Phoenix in general.  Supreme confidence, and has added a really (nice?) streaky 3-point shot to his game where he can just catch fire.  

Also how about Randy Foye vs. Kyle Lowry….love that one.

[jmarg25Participant]

 Add Mike Scott to steals, he has been nice for Atlanta!

[jmarg25Participant]

 Add Mike Scott to steals, he has been nice for Atlanta!

[r377Participant]

I will throw in a few more busts….

2006 Ty Thomas (4th) Sheldon Williams (5th)

2007 Yi (6th) Acie Law (11th)

2009 Jonny Flyn (6th)

2010 Cole Aldrich (11th)

2011 Biyombo (7th) Jimmer (10th)

 

[r377Participant]

I will throw in a few more busts….

2006 Ty Thomas (4th) Sheldon Williams (5th)

2007 Yi (6th) Acie Law (11th)

2009 Jonny Flyn (6th)

2010 Cole Aldrich (11th)

2011 Biyombo (7th) Jimmer (10th)

 

[The Scare Crow RisesParticipant]

 Ricky Rubio is starting to enter bust territory IMO, I think he’s going to cash in on that old hype he had coming into the league, I think The Lakers are a perfect candidate to over pay him to take over D’Antoni’s system

[evangelion79Participant]

 Lol Rubio at the 5th pick is far from a bust. He certainly wasn’t a steal either but I can’t label a guy who is leading the league in steals, one of the best play makers in the league and is a strong rebounder at his position as a bust. Sure his fg % sucks which is a big issue but he’s still young enough to improve and hopefully have a better shooting career than its looking like. He really needs to improve on finishing at the basket the most because his 3 PT % isn’t all that bad.

[evangelion79Participant]

 Lol Rubio at the 5th pick is far from a bust. He certainly wasn’t a steal either but I can’t label a guy who is leading the league in steals, one of the best play makers in the league and is a strong rebounder at his position as a bust. Sure his fg % sucks which is a big issue but he’s still young enough to improve and hopefully have a better shooting career than its looking like. He really needs to improve on finishing at the basket the most because his 3 PT % isn’t all that bad.

[The Scare Crow RisesParticipant]

 Ricky Rubio is starting to enter bust territory IMO, I think he’s going to cash in on that old hype he had coming into the league, I think The Lakers are a perfect candidate to over pay him to take over D’Antoni’s system

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 Not really fair to call anyone from this past draft a bust yet.

[kg_2_kpParticipant]

Don’t forget about DeAndre Jordan in 2008 who fell to the 2nd round. Im still upset the Celtics drafted Giddens instead of him that year after they won the ship. Imagine him under KG’s tutelage for a few seasons….smh

[kg_2_kpParticipant]

Don’t forget about DeAndre Jordan in 2008 who fell to the 2nd round. Im still upset the Celtics drafted Giddens instead of him that year after they won the ship. Imagine him under KG’s tutelage for a few seasons….smh

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 Not really fair to call anyone from this past draft a bust yet.

[qDizzle32Participant]

I’ll never forget about when my Kings passed on Rajon Rondo for Quincy Douby. My Kings have had quite a few in recent years. Drafting Jimmer over Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson in 2011, taking T-Rob over Lillard and Drummond. People are already calling McLemore a bust which I don’t find very fair at all. Yeah he has been a little disappointing but he has at least shown some promise so far. My Kings have to be pretty high up there for the amount of bust picks in the past 10 years.

[qDizzle32Participant]

I’ll never forget about when my Kings passed on Rajon Rondo for Quincy Douby. My Kings have had quite a few in recent years. Drafting Jimmer over Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson in 2011, taking T-Rob over Lillard and Drummond. People are already calling McLemore a bust which I don’t find very fair at all. Yeah he has been a little disappointing but he has at least shown some promise so far. My Kings have to be pretty high up there for the amount of bust picks in the past 10 years.

[qDizzle32Participant]

I don’t like to call Andrea Bargnani a bust but he was nowhere near worthy of a #1 pick. 2006 may have not been a great draft class but he wasn’t even worth a Top 5 pick in a very average class. 

[qDizzle32Participant]

I don’t like to call Andrea Bargnani a bust but he was nowhere near worthy of a #1 pick. 2006 may have not been a great draft class but he wasn’t even worth a Top 5 pick in a very average class. 

[The QParticipant]

 some picks that never made sense: 

2012: Anyone not named the Brow over Drummond

2006: Bargs over Aldridge

2011: Jimmer in the lottery

2006: Adam Morrison over Rudy Gay and Brandon Roye

2005: Both Felton and Sean May over Danny Granger (lets not even get into Fran Vasquez…)

 

On a side note, I really liked Cedric Simmons in 06, I thought he’d have a good career. But man did he stink. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[220Participant]

 I think you’re forgetting Damian Lillard. Lillard along eith Anthony Davis were certainly worth taking over Andre Drummond.

[220Participant]

 I think you’re forgetting Damian Lillard. Lillard along eith Anthony Davis were certainly worth taking over Andre Drummond.

[The QParticipant]

 By saying this you are saying that Lillard was worth the #2 pick on draft day 2012. Is that what you’re saying? 

[The QParticipant]

 By saying this you are saying that Lillard was worth the #2 pick on draft day 2012. Is that what you’re saying? 

[220Participant]

 What I’m saying is that Damian Lillard is a good enough player to have been taken over Andre Drummond. On that note if 2012 was redrafted Charlotte probably would take Drummond over Lillard because they already had a point guard in Kemba Walker, but if Portland or some other team who needed a poinr guard had the second pick I could see them taking Lillard over Drummond. 

[220Participant]

 What I’m saying is that Damian Lillard is a good enough player to have been taken over Andre Drummond. On that note if 2012 was redrafted Charlotte probably would take Drummond over Lillard because they already had a point guard in Kemba Walker, but if Portland or some other team who needed a poinr guard had the second pick I could see them taking Lillard over Drummond. 

[The QParticipant]

 My comment was picks that didn’t make sense at the time. 

Drummond clearly had the highest ceiling basically of anyone in the draft (but a much lower floor than AD). 

None of these guys were the kind of prospect Drummond was, even Lillard. 

you might have a small case in hindsight but I still think Portland would’ve been better off with Drummond and another pick (lets not forge they easily could’ve moved up to get a PG since they had a 2nd lotto pick in 2012 and could’ve moved back up for Lillard anyway…probably once Drummond came off the board and Dumars had no shot at him). 

 

 

 

 

[The QParticipant]

 My comment was picks that didn’t make sense at the time. 

Drummond clearly had the highest ceiling basically of anyone in the draft (but a much lower floor than AD). 

None of these guys were the kind of prospect Drummond was, even Lillard. 

you might have a small case in hindsight but I still think Portland would’ve been better off with Drummond and another pick (lets not forge they easily could’ve moved up to get a PG since they had a 2nd lotto pick in 2012 and could’ve moved back up for Lillard anyway…probably once Drummond came off the board and Dumars had no shot at him). 

 

 

 

 

[The QParticipant]

 some picks that never made sense: 

2012: Anyone not named the Brow over Drummond

2006: Bargs over Aldridge

2011: Jimmer in the lottery

2006: Adam Morrison over Rudy Gay and Brandon Roye

2005: Both Felton and Sean May over Danny Granger (lets not even get into Fran Vasquez…)

 

On a side note, I really liked Cedric Simmons in 06, I thought he’d have a good career. But man did he stink. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[benny15Participant]

 just to add a little infor on some of the players you mentioned..

2003

Zarko Cabarkapa: combo forward with the sense of having a pf body with a small forwards shooting and coordination. put a nice string of games in his rookie year, got injured by danny fortson in it and was never the same after.

Reece Gaines: Was seen more as a shooting guard who can play some point guard like Doug Christie thus could be paired with a scoring point guard to defend the SG while playing PG and vice versa. proof that not all tall points last in the league outside of their rookie deals.

2004

Rafael Araujo: was taken because he was seen as a safe pick player. he had a very productive season in college before being drafted and was regarded as the second best center in college right behind Emeka Okafor. he averaged 18 and 10 the year he got taken and was seen as an enforcer bruiser bigman to be paired next to the slender, but athletic and skilled Chris Bosh 

2005

Fran Vazquez: a player and post prospect the magic scouted 8 times and was happy with their selection on draft night. orlando wanted him to come over but he decided he would be happier back home in Spain. was never really a big city kid and was surprised with how it was in new york for the draft. the fact that he was offered more money, made the choice to remain in spain easier for him. 

Ike Diougo: my warriors drafted him and was initially happy to finally have a true post scorer on the team. and although he was capable of creating and shooting in the low block, he was a major defensive liability both in one on one scenarios and rotating as a help side defender. he wasnt also a dominant rebounder nor a good fit for don nelson’s high tempo game and was soon dealt.

2006

Patrick O’Bryant: another of my warriors’ search for a top quality big man. POB wasnt only big, but he had a very good athletisicm and mobility for his height. problem was that he couldnt pair it up with any usefull basketball skills or iq for that matter. he will always be my perfect example of center prospects who have all the physical tools that they need but dont could still bust out if their interest or passion isnt in the game.

2007

Julian Wright: he had the height ro be an NBA wing plus decent athletisicm and ball handling you would be comfortable with a small forward. his passing ability though was overrated due to his team’s set plays. never really refined his jump shot to the point of making it a weapon in the league and didnt have the right mental approach to find success in the league

Javaris Crittinton: had intriguing prospects due to his size and length as well as athletic capabilities, but too many red flags got raised one after another after that whole gun incident with Gilbert Arenas

2008

Joe Alexander: a draft combine marvel. nicknamed vanilla sky, recorded a vert of 38.5 but had the second best sprint time(2.99), max touch (12 1/2") and bench reps(24). he proved himself to have great physical atrributes with these but failed to make the transition to the small forward position. he couldnt improve his outside shot to a point that he could make it a weapon and never had the fluidity in his game youd expect from a wing player. he may never make it back to the league, but with what he’s shown in the d’league in the past, i wouldnt put it past him if he gets another shot as a hustle high energy power forward

Dante Greene: this long and lanky forward has had some high scoring games in the d’league and summer league games. he has great length with a smooth outside shot and NBA level athletic abilities. in the nba though, he’s relegated himself as a 3 and d guy to get minutes. he has the length and speed for it, but i would say that his technique isnt quiet there yet. having said so, i expect him to get another shot in the league and could one day become who is Gerald Green is today.

2009

Terrence Williams: first and formost, i believe Terrence Williams’ game is at the NBA level. he may not be a star level type player, but his defense and talent is on par with NBA standard. he’s a play making small forward who got a tripple double in his rookie year. he also averaged a tripple double at a short stint with the dleague when he was assigned there. even last season he played well for the celtics and even dropped 50 points in the dleague this season. the only thing holding him back is his attitude bagage and bad rep. if it wasnt for that, he could even be a starter in the PJ Tucker mold.

 

 

 

 

 

[benny15Participant]

 just to add a little infor on some of the players you mentioned..

2003

Zarko Cabarkapa: combo forward with the sense of having a pf body with a small forwards shooting and coordination. put a nice string of games in his rookie year, got injured by danny fortson in it and was never the same after.

Reece Gaines: Was seen more as a shooting guard who can play some point guard like Doug Christie thus could be paired with a scoring point guard to defend the SG while playing PG and vice versa. proof that not all tall points last in the league outside of their rookie deals.

2004

Rafael Araujo: was taken because he was seen as a safe pick player. he had a very productive season in college before being drafted and was regarded as the second best center in college right behind Emeka Okafor. he averaged 18 and 10 the year he got taken and was seen as an enforcer bruiser bigman to be paired next to the slender, but athletic and skilled Chris Bosh 

2005

Fran Vazquez: a player and post prospect the magic scouted 8 times and was happy with their selection on draft night. orlando wanted him to come over but he decided he would be happier back home in Spain. was never really a big city kid and was surprised with how it was in new york for the draft. the fact that he was offered more money, made the choice to remain in spain easier for him. 

Ike Diougo: my warriors drafted him and was initially happy to finally have a true post scorer on the team. and although he was capable of creating and shooting in the low block, he was a major defensive liability both in one on one scenarios and rotating as a help side defender. he wasnt also a dominant rebounder nor a good fit for don nelson’s high tempo game and was soon dealt.

2006

Patrick O’Bryant: another of my warriors’ search for a top quality big man. POB wasnt only big, but he had a very good athletisicm and mobility for his height. problem was that he couldnt pair it up with any usefull basketball skills or iq for that matter. he will always be my perfect example of center prospects who have all the physical tools that they need but dont could still bust out if their interest or passion isnt in the game.

2007

Julian Wright: he had the height ro be an NBA wing plus decent athletisicm and ball handling you would be comfortable with a small forward. his passing ability though was overrated due to his team’s set plays. never really refined his jump shot to the point of making it a weapon in the league and didnt have the right mental approach to find success in the league

Javaris Crittinton: had intriguing prospects due to his size and length as well as athletic capabilities, but too many red flags got raised one after another after that whole gun incident with Gilbert Arenas

2008

Joe Alexander: a draft combine marvel. nicknamed vanilla sky, recorded a vert of 38.5 but had the second best sprint time(2.99), max touch (12 1/2") and bench reps(24). he proved himself to have great physical atrributes with these but failed to make the transition to the small forward position. he couldnt improve his outside shot to a point that he could make it a weapon and never had the fluidity in his game youd expect from a wing player. he may never make it back to the league, but with what he’s shown in the d’league in the past, i wouldnt put it past him if he gets another shot as a hustle high energy power forward

Dante Greene: this long and lanky forward has had some high scoring games in the d’league and summer league games. he has great length with a smooth outside shot and NBA level athletic abilities. in the nba though, he’s relegated himself as a 3 and d guy to get minutes. he has the length and speed for it, but i would say that his technique isnt quiet there yet. having said so, i expect him to get another shot in the league and could one day become who is Gerald Green is today.

2009

Terrence Williams: first and formost, i believe Terrence Williams’ game is at the NBA level. he may not be a star level type player, but his defense and talent is on par with NBA standard. he’s a play making small forward who got a tripple double in his rookie year. he also averaged a tripple double at a short stint with the dleague when he was assigned there. even last season he played well for the celtics and even dropped 50 points in the dleague this season. the only thing holding him back is his attitude bagage and bad rep. if it wasnt for that, he could even be a starter in the PJ Tucker mold.

 

 

 

 

 

[the I in winParticipant]

2009 Eyenga to the Cavs was hard to deal with, the pick was dejuan blair and that was clear as day even at the time.

[the I in winParticipant]

2009 Eyenga to the Cavs was hard to deal with, the pick was dejuan blair and that was clear as day even at the time.

[The QParticipant]

 The Cavs might’ve been one of the few teams that didn’t work for. 

Don’t forget that Mike Brown’s vision was a lot like what Miami is doing now (which is why I’ve kinda thought his offensive reaming gets kind of a bum rap). Getting Lebron a lot of stretch the floor shooters and letting him attack the basket and create open 3s. 

It’s why they gave big money to Mo Williams and traded for Anthony Parker and those types. Blair really didn’t fit on that kind of team. 

 

 

 

[The QParticipant]

 The Cavs might’ve been one of the few teams that didn’t work for. 

Don’t forget that Mike Brown’s vision was a lot like what Miami is doing now (which is why I’ve kinda thought his offensive reaming gets kind of a bum rap). Getting Lebron a lot of stretch the floor shooters and letting him attack the basket and create open 3s. 

It’s why they gave big money to Mo Williams and traded for Anthony Parker and those types. Blair really didn’t fit on that kind of team. 

 

 

 

[TarkParticipant]

 Shoulda stopped at 2010, "the jury is still out on Motiejunas", could say the same about Vesely imo (don’t look good though). Last couple years are waaaay to early to draw real strong conclusions.

[TarkParticipant]

 Shoulda stopped at 2010, "the jury is still out on Motiejunas", could say the same about Vesely imo (don’t look good though). Last couple years are waaaay to early to draw real strong conclusions.

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