Best: Giannis Antetokounmpbo (2013)
There are 3 obvious contenders here in Giannis, Kawhi, and Steve Nash. I could see an argument for all 3. Nash was picked by the Suns in 1996 but didn’t really develop into an impact player until being traded to Dallas in 1999. However, it was after signing back with the Suns that he really took his game to another level and won back to back MVP’s. Kawhi was actually drafted by Indiana but traded to the Spurs for George Hill on draft night. He spent his early years in San Antonio in more of a supporting role, before gradually shouldering more offensive load and eventually breaking out as a complete superstar. Still, I’m going with Giannis here, as he has completely changed the trajectory of the Bucks’ franchise. He is still just 25 years old, already has one MVP award under his belt and is steadily improving at an alarming rate every season.
Other notables: Al Jefferson (2004) Brent Barry (1995) Matt Harpring (1998) Dell Curry (1986) Mike Mitchell (1978)
Worst: Frederic Weis (1999)
This one is fairly obvious. The Knicks are a franchise that has notoriously drafted awfully in the Dolan years, and this may have been their most egregiously terrible pick. With Ron Artest sitting there for them at 15, the Knicks took Weis instead, much to the dismay of the audience. He never signed with them or suited up in the NBA. The most memorable play of his’ career was getting dunked over by Vince Carter in the 2000 Olympics.
Other notables: Austin Daye (2009) Cedric Simmons (2006) Reece Gaines (2003) Dave Jamerson (1990) Howard Carter (1983) Pickles Kennedy (No idea who he was but great name, 1960)
dmo21 6 years, 2 months ago.
