Hey, basketball fans! Of course, if you write about the best NBA draft of all-time, you should follow-up by discussing the worst.
Today, let’s dive into one of the most talked-about topics in NBA history—the worst draft ever. Yep, we’re talking about the infamous 2000 NBA Draft. While drafts are usually filled with future stars and game-changers, the 2000 draft is often remembered for its lack of standout talent. Let’s take a closer look at why this draft is considered the worst and see what went wrong.
The Top Picks and Their Struggles
1. Kenyon Martin (1st Overall Pick)
Kenyon Martin was the first overall pick, selected by the New Jersey Nets. Now, Martin had a solid NBA career, making one All-Star appearance and being known for his defensive skills and intensity. However, compared to other first overall picks, his career stats of 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game weren’t exactly Hall of Fame material. Lastly, University of Cincinnati basketball fans probably remember him most for getting hurt right before the Big Dance and crushing their championship hopes. Oh well, there's all ways next year (not really for UC, 😂).
2. Stromile Swift (2nd Overall Pick)
Next up was Stromile Swift, picked second by the Vancouver Grizzlies. Swift was known for his athleticism and highlight-reel dunks, but he never quite lived up to the expectations of a number two pick. He averaged 8.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in his career, which are decent numbers, but not what you’d hope for from a high lottery pick.
3. Darius Miles (3rd Overall Pick)
Darius Miles went third to the Los Angeles Clippers. Miles showed flashes of potential early on but struggled with injuries and consistency throughout his career. He ended up averaging 10.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, which again, are not numbers you’d expect from a top-three pick.
The 2000 NBA Draft’s Impact Players
While the 2000 draft is mostly remembered for its lack of star power, a few players did manage to carve out respectable careers.
1. Hedo Türkoğlu (16th Overall Pick)
Hedo Türkoğlu, selected 16th by the Sacramento Kings, had a solid NBA career. He was known for his versatility and playmaking ability, especially during his time with the Orlando Magic. Türkoğlu averaged 11.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game over his career, and he even won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2008.
2. Michael Redd (43rd Overall Pick)
Michael Redd was a rare gem in this draft, picked 43rd overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. Redd became an All-Star and one of the league’s top scorers in his prime, with career averages of 19.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His career was unfortunately hampered by injuries, but he remains one of the best players to come out of the 2000 draft.
Infographic: Career Averages of Top Picks
Kenyon Martin: 12.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.2 BPG
Stromile Swift: 8.4 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.2 BPG
Darius Miles: 10.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG
Hedo Türkoğlu: 11.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.8 APG
Michael Redd: 19.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.1 APG
What Went Wrong?
So, what made the 2000 NBA Draft so lackluster? A few factors contribute to its reputation:
Lack of Superstar Talent: Unlike other drafts that produce multiple All-Stars and Hall of Famers, the 2000 draft didn’t have those standout talents. The top picks didn’t live up to expectations, and the draft lacked depth overall.
Injuries and Inconsistencies: Many players from this draft class struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Darius Miles and Michael Redd, for example, both had their careers derailed by injuries.
High Expectations: Every draft carries high expectations, but the 2000 draft had the misfortune of following some particularly strong drafts from the late ’90s. Comparisons were inevitable, and the 2000 class simply didn’t measure up.
Wrapping It Up
The 2000 NBA Draft might be remembered as the worst, but it’s also a reminder that not every draft can produce superstars. While it lacked the star power of other years, it still brought us some memorable players and moments. And hey, sometimes it’s the unpredictability of the draft that makes the NBA so exciting.
So, what do you think? Was the 2000 NBA Draft really the worst? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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