NBA Draft: Biggest Busts of All-Time
By Josh Hill
Jay Williams – 2nd Overall (Chicago Bulls)/2002 Draft
He was a star at Duke and the promise of his career had teams buzzing around Jay Williams. The Bulls rejoiced when they got the second pick and selected Williams. He had a so-so rookie campaign but it set up the promise that the Bulls would have their point guard of the future and their next big star post-Jordan. But that all changed when Williams was nearly killed in a motorcycle accident so severe that many initially feared he may never walk again. Williams destroyed his legs, breaking one and tearing multiple ligaments in both. He proved everyone wrong and walked again but he never balled, retiring soon after. It was one in a string of draft busts for the Bulls in the early 2000’s.
Revised Selection: Amare Stoudemire (9th Overall)
Joe Smith – 1st Overall Pick (Golden State Warriors)/1995 Draft
Smith went first overall and proceeded to bomb in his NBA career. He played 15 years but he barely averaged 10.9 ppg and just over 6 rebounds per game. He’ll be perhaps best remembered for being involved with a salary cap scandal during his stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Smith was promised a big multi million dollar contract if he took a below market salary on his contract until then so the Wolves could add other players. Ironically the Timberwolves got busted and lost their first round pick in 2001.
Revised Selection: Kevin Garnett (5th Overall)