Best: Shawn Kemp (1989)
Kemp was the first American player to be drafted without playing college basketball since 1975. He committed to Kentucky but was unable to qualify academically. He was only 19 and extremely raw during his rookie season, but eventually developed into one of the best pf’s in the game. Along with Gary Payton, he was the cornerstone of some very successful Seattle teams during the 90’s, including the team that made the Finals in 1996.
Other contenders: Jrue Holiday (2009) Roy Hibbert (2008) Danny Granger (2005) Josh Smith (2004) Jermaine O’Neal (1996) Richie Guerin (1954)
Worst: Ronnie Murphy (1987)
We’re getting to the stage in the draft when expectations are lowered and it becomes somewhat harder to identify bad picks. Murphy was about the worst I could come up. He struggled to keep himself in shape and was waived by the Spurs after playing just one season and 89 total mins. He never played in the league again. Mark Jackson (18th), Ken Norman (19th) and Reggie Lewis (22nd) would have clearly been much better selections.
Other contenders: Wade Baldwin (2016) James Young (2014) Michael Bradley (2001) Cal Bowlder (1999) Johnny Taylor (1997) Uwe Blab (1985)
