2000 NBA Draft Rated Worst in League History

The NBA Draft is a critical event for franchises seeking future stars, but it also produces many notable misses, with some draft classes and picks failing spectacularly. The 2000 NBA Draft is widely regarded as the worst in league history, highlighted by a lack of star power and depth despite a few exceptions like Kenyon Martin, Michael Redd, and Jamal Crawford, while many high picks struggled with injuries or inconsistency. Analysis of over 3,300 NBA draft picks reveals that player size and draft position significantly impact career performance and longevity, with taller and heavier players excelling in scoring and rebounding, and earlier draft picks generally enjoying longer careers. Specific team lottery selections have been identified as some of the worst in NBA history, such as the Atlanta Hawks choosing Marvin Williams over future stars like Chris Paul and Deron Williams in 2005, illustrating how teams can err despite the high stakes of early picks. These insights underscore the unpredictability and high-risk nature of the draft, where even highly touted prospects may not meet expectations, while others from later rounds can carve out successful careers.