The NBA has been home to some of the most legendary athletes in sports history. Players like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant have left indelible marks on the game. However, not every player drafted into the league lives up to expectations. Some players, despite their high draft picks or potential, fail to make a significant impact. This list highlights ten of the most underwhelming players in NBA history, factoring in their draft positions, expectations, and career performances.
Here Are The Top 10 Worst Players in NBA History
1. Michael Olowokandi
- Drafted: 1st overall in 1998 by the LA Clippers
Michael Olowokandi entered the NBA with immense hype but failed to deliver. Drafted ahead of future stars like Dirk Nowitzki and Paul Pierce, he struggled with consistency and work ethic throughout his career. Despite a nine-year stint in the league, his career averages of 8.3 points and 6.8 rebounds were underwhelming for a top pick. His best season saw him average just over 12 points and nine rebounds.
2. Anthony Bennett
- Drafted: 1st overall in 2013 by the Cleveland Cavaliers
Anthony Bennett is widely regarded as one of the biggest draft busts in NBA history. Despite his potential at UNLV, he struggled with conditioning and adapting to the NBA’s pace. He averaged just 4.4 points and 3.1 rebounds over four seasons before exiting the league. His rookie season was particularly disastrous, cementing his place as a cautionary tale for scouting errors.
3. Darko Miličić
- Drafted: 2nd overall in 2003 by the Detroit Pistons
Darko Miličić was selected ahead of future Hall of Famers like Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. While he won a championship with Detroit during his rookie season, he contributed little on the court. Over a ten-year career, he averaged just 6 points and 4 rebounds per game. His failure to live up to expectations makes him one of the most infamous draft busts ever.
4. Sam Bowie
- Drafted: 2nd overall in 1984 by the Portland Trail Blazers
Sam Bowie will forever be remembered as the player drafted ahead of Michael Jordan. While injuries derailed his career, his selection remains one of the most criticized decisions in draft history. Bowie had a respectable career average of 10.9 points and 7.5 rebounds but failed to justify being picked over Jordan.
5. Kwame Brown
- Drafted: 1st overall in 2001 by the Washington Wizards
Kwame Brown entered the league as a high school phenom but never lived up to expectations as a top pick. Despite a lengthy career spanning over a decade, he was often criticized for his lack of development and low basketball IQ. He averaged just 6.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
6. Brian Scalabrine
- Drafted: 35th overall in 2001 by the New Jersey Nets
While Brian Scalabrine became a fan favorite for his personality and role as a benchwarmer during Boston’s championship run in 2008, his on-court production was minimal. Nicknamed “White Mamba,” Scalabrine averaged just 3 points per game over his career but remains beloved for his charisma rather than skill.
7. Robert “Tractor” Traylor
- Drafted: 6th overall in 1998 by the Dallas Mavericks (traded to Milwaukee)
Robert Traylor was known for his size and physicality but failed to make an impact on the court. He struggled with conditioning issues throughout his career and averaged just 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Tragically, Traylor passed away in 2011 due to a heart attack.
8. Greg Oden
- Drafted: 1st overall in 2007 by the Portland Trail Blazers
Greg Oden’s career was derailed by injuries before it even began. Touted as a generational talent after dominating at Ohio State, Oden played only sporadically due to chronic knee problems. While he showed flashes of potential when healthy, being drafted ahead of Kevin Durant has made him one of the biggest “what ifs” in NBA history.
9. Jimmer Fredette
- Drafted: 10th overall in 2011 by the Sacramento Kings
Jimmer Fredette was a college sensation at BYU known for his scoring prowess, but his skills did not translate to the NBA level. His lack of athleticism and defensive ability limited him severely, leading to an unremarkable career where he averaged just 6 points per game.
10. Nikoloz Tskitishvili
- Drafted: 5th overall in 2002 by the Denver Nuggets
Nikoloz Tskitishvili is often cited as one of the worst draft picks ever due to his inability to adapt to NBA competition despite being highly touted internationally. Over four seasons, he averaged just 2.9 points per game on poor shooting percentages. His selection was emblematic of teams overvaluing unproven international prospects.
While some players like Greg Oden were victims of injuries rather than lack of talent, others like Anthony Bennett and Darko Miličić failed due to poor performance or inability to adapt to professional basketball standards.
