Worst #8 Picks since 1980
5. Lancaster Gordon, Los Angeles Clippers, 1984, from Louisville (201 games, 6 starts, 5.6 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.5 apg) - One of my favorite names on any of these lists, Gordon may have been the first in a long-line of Clipper mis-drafts. A shooting guard with a career 39% FG rate will not last long in the league. If the Clippers were looking for a big, they could have opted for Otis Thorpe or Kevin Willis in 1984. They weren't the only ones to bypass John Stockton as well. Instead, Gordon gave them 4 seasons of barely 13 minutes a game.
4. Shawn Respert, Portland Trail Blazers, 1995, from Michigan State (172 games, 5 starts, 4.9 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.0 apg) - Fortunately for Portland, Respert was dealt to Milwaukee on draft night for Gary Trent and a draft pick, not a staggering deal, but Trent turned out far more effective than Respert. The Spartan-product played for 4 teams in 4 seasons before playing internationally to round out his career. 10 years after he was drafted, he revealed he had stomach cancer diagnosed late in his rookie season. Brent Barry and Michael Finley were the best guards taken after Respert in the 1st round in 1995.
3. Bo Kimble, Los Angeles Clippers, 1990, from Loyola Marymount (105 games, 5.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.9 apg) - His collegiate career will always be remembered for his tribute to friend Hank Gathers, but unfortunately, his professional career will not be remembered for much. Injuries plagued his brief NBA stint and Kimble was left to finish out his professional career in the CBA. The Clippers selected Loy Vaught 5 picks later, so picking Tyrone Hill at 8 would have doubled up at power forward. The 1990 draft was very weak at guard, so the Clippers are less at fault here than usual. Let's just keep that lasting image of the Kimble's left-handed free throw and just forget about the NBA.
2. Rafael Araujo, Toronto Raptors, 2004, from BYU (139 games, 2.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.3 apg) - Araujo was the first senior selected in the 2004 draft, so maybe all that college seasoning is not what it is cracked up to be. Araujo flamed out after 3 seasons with stints in Toronto and Utah, claiming he never got a fair chance. When he played, he almost averaged more fouls (2.2) than points. He competed internationally after his NBA career like many on these lists. Andre Iguodala, Al Jefferson and Josh Smith were all drafted after Araujo in 2004.
1. Joe Alexander, Milwaukee Bucks, 2008, from West Virginia (67 games, 0 starts, 4.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.7 apg) - Alexander vaulted up the draft boards after his pre-draft athletic testing was off the charts. That never translated to the NBA and Alexander was somewhat mysteriously out of the league after 2 seasons and not much of an opportunity. In 2011, he did average over 20 ppg in the D-League, but he has never made his way back to the A-League. He was selected before Brook Lopez and Roy Hibbert, but unfortunately for Milwaukee, they already had Andrew Bogut at center.
Sports Blog specializing in Bracketology
Friday, May 31, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
NBA Draft - Worst #7 Picks Since 1980
Worst #7 Picks since 1980
3. Tim Perry, Phoenix Suns, 1988, from Temple (8 seasons, 6.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.9 bpg) - Perry's inclusion on this list is a reflection that the #7 picks in the draft have actually been pretty solid, as Perry was not awful and actually played for a good amount of time. Alas, a list of 2 is not a great list, so I give you Perry, a man who flashed potential, averaging 10.1 ppg for the Suns over a 3-year span, but didn't maintain it, averaging just 3.4 ppg over the other half of his career. The names that followed Perry...Rex Chapman, Rony Seikaly, Willie Anderson, Will Perdue, Harvey Grant...none would have been substantial upgrades for Phoenix, who at #14, took "Thunder" Dan Majerle, one of the best picks of the 1988 draft.
2. Eddie Griffin, New Jersey Nets, 2001, from Seton Hall (303 games, 7.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.7 bpg) - The late Eddie Griffin let alcohol derail his NBA career and eventually take his life. The Nets escaped the drama by sending him to the Rockets on draft day. After two promising seasons in Houston, the alcoholism began to effect his status and he never reached his immense potential. Makes you wonder if 19 isn't too young for most individuals to enter the NBA. The Nets received Richard Jefferson as part of the trade and actually made out well from it. Obviously the Rockets would have been best served to stand pat and draft Jefferson or Troy Murphy.
1. Bobby Hurley, Sacramento Kings, 1993, from Duke (269 games, 3.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 3.3 apg) - Hurley was never the same after a serious car accident in his rookie season, as his points and assists both decreased in half during the 4 years he played after the accident. He was just shooting 37% in the 19 games he played as a rookie, so all was not perfect even then. Lindsey Hunter was the next PG taken 3 picks later, while Sam Cassell was the best PG taken at pick #24.
3. Tim Perry, Phoenix Suns, 1988, from Temple (8 seasons, 6.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.9 bpg) - Perry's inclusion on this list is a reflection that the #7 picks in the draft have actually been pretty solid, as Perry was not awful and actually played for a good amount of time. Alas, a list of 2 is not a great list, so I give you Perry, a man who flashed potential, averaging 10.1 ppg for the Suns over a 3-year span, but didn't maintain it, averaging just 3.4 ppg over the other half of his career. The names that followed Perry...Rex Chapman, Rony Seikaly, Willie Anderson, Will Perdue, Harvey Grant...none would have been substantial upgrades for Phoenix, who at #14, took "Thunder" Dan Majerle, one of the best picks of the 1988 draft.
2. Eddie Griffin, New Jersey Nets, 2001, from Seton Hall (303 games, 7.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.7 bpg) - The late Eddie Griffin let alcohol derail his NBA career and eventually take his life. The Nets escaped the drama by sending him to the Rockets on draft day. After two promising seasons in Houston, the alcoholism began to effect his status and he never reached his immense potential. Makes you wonder if 19 isn't too young for most individuals to enter the NBA. The Nets received Richard Jefferson as part of the trade and actually made out well from it. Obviously the Rockets would have been best served to stand pat and draft Jefferson or Troy Murphy.
1. Bobby Hurley, Sacramento Kings, 1993, from Duke (269 games, 3.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 3.3 apg) - Hurley was never the same after a serious car accident in his rookie season, as his points and assists both decreased in half during the 4 years he played after the accident. He was just shooting 37% in the 19 games he played as a rookie, so all was not perfect even then. Lindsey Hunter was the next PG taken 3 picks later, while Sam Cassell was the best PG taken at pick #24.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
NBA Draft - Worst #6 Picks Since 1980
Worst #6 Picks since 1980
Somehow, for some reason, the 6th pick in the NBA Draft is by far the worst out of the Top 13. Take a look...
10. Joe Kleine, Sacramento Kings, 1985, from Arkansas (15 seasons, 4.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.6 apg) - Kleine is an anomaly on this list playing in 15 NBA seasons with 7 different teams, but like his twin Jon Koncak, being really tall never hurt. Kleine makes this list purely on production, or lack thereof over those 15 years. In his last 11 seasons, he started all of 82 games. He never averaged double figures. He was selected before Chris Mullin, Karl Malone and Joe Dumars.
9. Dajuan Wagner, Cleveland Cavaliers, 2002, from Memphis (103 games, 9.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.9 apg) - In defense of Wagner, his career was shortened due to a serious medical illness, so this is more of a bad luck pick for Cleveland, although if he had been any good in his one season, they might never have had the opportunity to draft LeBron James.
8. DerMarr Johnson, Atlanta Hawks, 2000, from Cincinnati (344 games, 6.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.9 apg) - A career that had promise was sidetracked by a horrible car accident and subsequent comeback attempts that could never justify a pick as high as #6. Part of it is just the curse of the number. The 2000 draft did not yield much, so this goes down as just a wasted pick for the Hawks.
7. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota Timberwolves, 2009, from Syracuse (163 games, 9.2 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 3.9 apg) - Flynn has quickly played himself out of the NBA, disposable to the Timberwolves when Ricky Rubio was ready to join the NBA. He tried to latch on with Houston and Portland but is currently playing abroad. The pick after Flynn in 2009 was Stephen Curry.
6. Doug Smith, Dallas Mavericks, 1991, from Missouri (296 games, 8.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.4 apg) -
Smith is one of those players that wasn't terrible in his NBA career, but had a short career and could never make his way back. After leaving the NBA, Smith played for 10 seasons in the CBA, ABA and IBL. The 1991 draft turned out to be very mediocre, but Stacey Augmon would have been a better selection going 3 picks later to the Hawks.
5. Stacey King, Chicago Bulls, 1989, from Oklahoma (438 games, 6.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.9 apg) - I remember Stacey King as a monster in college and I even remember him as part of the Bulls first Championship teams. What he wasn't was a monster for those Bulls teams and was actually worse when he moved on. The Bulls won 6 championships, so the pick did not cripple them, and you have to go to Shawn Kemp at 17 to find an impactful big man from the 1989 draft. King is now a popular announcer for the Bulls.
4. Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee Bucks, 2007, from China (272 games, 7.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 0.7 apg) - Yi could never fully translate his skills from the Chinese league to the NBA, flaming out and returning to China after 5 uninspiring seasons. There were moments of potential being realized, but a 40% shooting stroke could not keep him in the league for long. Joakim Noah was selected three picks later by the Bulls.
3. Robert Traylor, Dallas Mavericks, 1998, from Michigan (438 games, 4.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0.7 apg) - The late 'Tractor" was dealt on draft night for Dirk Nowitzki and the career comparisons stop there. Traylor's minutes and production could never match some of his immense talents and eventually after 5 teams in 7 seasons he was out of the league. He played for 7 more seasons abroad before his untimely death due to an apparent heart attack. The Bucks had no intention of drafting Nowitzki, but maybe they would have drafted Paul Pierce if the Mavericks weren't such a willing trade partner.
2. William Bedford, Phoenix Suns, 1986, from Memphis State (238 games, 4.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.5 apg) - This wikipedia reference of his post-NBA life basically sums up the career of one William Bedford...Bedford has had drug problems ever since he left the NBA. He was arrested for drug possession twice between 1996 and 1997. In 2001, Bedford was accused of transporting 25 pounds of marijuana in Michigan. After the Michigan arrest, he was arrested two more times for marijuana, and in 2003 was given a 10-year prison sentence. Bedford was released from prison in November of 2011 and is currently coaching basketball in Memphis.
1. Russell Cross, Golden State Warriors, 1983, from Purdue (45 games, 3.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.5 apg) - Russell Cross, the crown for worst on this list is quite an achievement. Beating out William Bedford for this spot is quite an achievement. Playing in only 45 NBA games after being the #6 pick is quite and achievement. He was selected before Thurl Bailey, Dale Ellis, Jeff Malone, Derek Harper, and Clyde Drexler, another worthy achievement. Maybe Russell Cross is an over-achiever.
Somehow, for some reason, the 6th pick in the NBA Draft is by far the worst out of the Top 13. Take a look...
10. Joe Kleine, Sacramento Kings, 1985, from Arkansas (15 seasons, 4.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.6 apg) - Kleine is an anomaly on this list playing in 15 NBA seasons with 7 different teams, but like his twin Jon Koncak, being really tall never hurt. Kleine makes this list purely on production, or lack thereof over those 15 years. In his last 11 seasons, he started all of 82 games. He never averaged double figures. He was selected before Chris Mullin, Karl Malone and Joe Dumars.
9. Dajuan Wagner, Cleveland Cavaliers, 2002, from Memphis (103 games, 9.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.9 apg) - In defense of Wagner, his career was shortened due to a serious medical illness, so this is more of a bad luck pick for Cleveland, although if he had been any good in his one season, they might never have had the opportunity to draft LeBron James.
8. DerMarr Johnson, Atlanta Hawks, 2000, from Cincinnati (344 games, 6.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.9 apg) - A career that had promise was sidetracked by a horrible car accident and subsequent comeback attempts that could never justify a pick as high as #6. Part of it is just the curse of the number. The 2000 draft did not yield much, so this goes down as just a wasted pick for the Hawks.
7. Jonny Flynn, Minnesota Timberwolves, 2009, from Syracuse (163 games, 9.2 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 3.9 apg) - Flynn has quickly played himself out of the NBA, disposable to the Timberwolves when Ricky Rubio was ready to join the NBA. He tried to latch on with Houston and Portland but is currently playing abroad. The pick after Flynn in 2009 was Stephen Curry.
6. Doug Smith, Dallas Mavericks, 1991, from Missouri (296 games, 8.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.4 apg) -
Smith is one of those players that wasn't terrible in his NBA career, but had a short career and could never make his way back. After leaving the NBA, Smith played for 10 seasons in the CBA, ABA and IBL. The 1991 draft turned out to be very mediocre, but Stacey Augmon would have been a better selection going 3 picks later to the Hawks.
5. Stacey King, Chicago Bulls, 1989, from Oklahoma (438 games, 6.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.9 apg) - I remember Stacey King as a monster in college and I even remember him as part of the Bulls first Championship teams. What he wasn't was a monster for those Bulls teams and was actually worse when he moved on. The Bulls won 6 championships, so the pick did not cripple them, and you have to go to Shawn Kemp at 17 to find an impactful big man from the 1989 draft. King is now a popular announcer for the Bulls.
4. Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee Bucks, 2007, from China (272 games, 7.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 0.7 apg) - Yi could never fully translate his skills from the Chinese league to the NBA, flaming out and returning to China after 5 uninspiring seasons. There were moments of potential being realized, but a 40% shooting stroke could not keep him in the league for long. Joakim Noah was selected three picks later by the Bulls.
3. Robert Traylor, Dallas Mavericks, 1998, from Michigan (438 games, 4.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0.7 apg) - The late 'Tractor" was dealt on draft night for Dirk Nowitzki and the career comparisons stop there. Traylor's minutes and production could never match some of his immense talents and eventually after 5 teams in 7 seasons he was out of the league. He played for 7 more seasons abroad before his untimely death due to an apparent heart attack. The Bucks had no intention of drafting Nowitzki, but maybe they would have drafted Paul Pierce if the Mavericks weren't such a willing trade partner.
2. William Bedford, Phoenix Suns, 1986, from Memphis State (238 games, 4.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.5 apg) - This wikipedia reference of his post-NBA life basically sums up the career of one William Bedford...Bedford has had drug problems ever since he left the NBA. He was arrested for drug possession twice between 1996 and 1997. In 2001, Bedford was accused of transporting 25 pounds of marijuana in Michigan. After the Michigan arrest, he was arrested two more times for marijuana, and in 2003 was given a 10-year prison sentence. Bedford was released from prison in November of 2011 and is currently coaching basketball in Memphis.
1. Russell Cross, Golden State Warriors, 1983, from Purdue (45 games, 3.7 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.5 apg) - Russell Cross, the crown for worst on this list is quite an achievement. Beating out William Bedford for this spot is quite an achievement. Playing in only 45 NBA games after being the #6 pick is quite and achievement. He was selected before Thurl Bailey, Dale Ellis, Jeff Malone, Derek Harper, and Clyde Drexler, another worthy achievement. Maybe Russell Cross is an over-achiever.
NBA Draft - Worst #5 Picks Since 1980
Worst #5 Picks since 1980
5. Jon Koncak, Atlanta Hawks, 1985, from SMU (11 seasons, 4.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg) - Unlike most of the players who have decorated these lists, Koncak hung around for a considerable amount of time. 7-footers in the NBA are like lefties in baseball, someone will want them even if their talent does not warrant it. Koncak never averaged in double figures in any of his 11 seasons and managed to start almost half his games played. He signed a big contract with the Hawks that actually surpassed the superstars of the time like Michael Jordan, earning the nickname "Jon Contract". While none of them were centers, the Hawks missed out on Chris Mullin, Charles Oakley and Karl Malone in the 1985 draft.
4. Shelden Williams, Atlanta Hawks, 2006, from Duke (361 games, 4.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.5 apg) - If the Hawks select you 5th, you will average 4.5 ppg for your career. Williams had promise coming out of Duke, but that never materialized with any of the 7 teams he played with in his 6-year career. The 2006 draft was not strong and you actually have to go to the 47th pick and Paul Millsap to find a power player who has had much of an impact. Williams is married to collegiate and WNBA star Candace Parker, so all is not bad.
3. Jonathan Bender, Toronto Raptors, 1999, from Picayune HS (262 games, 5.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.6 apg) - Bender is an exhibit for those who are against the High School-to-NBA path. He never played for the Raptors as he was traded to the Pacers for Antonio Davis, so the Raptors actually came out ok with this pick. For a high school player, it was a bit surprising that injuries were the reason his career ended with unfulfilled promise.
2. James Ray, Denver Nuggets, 1980, from Jacksonville (103 games, 3.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.7 apg) - Ray had a brief NBA career, all with the Nuggets, only starting 7 games in his 3 seasons with the team. Taken ahead of Mike Gminski and Kiki Vandeweghe (whom the Nuggets acquired anyway on draft day), Ray was another bust who has faded from memory.
1. Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Denver Nuggets, 2002, from Italy (172 games, 2.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.7 apg) - Tskitishvili is the foreign equivalent to a bad high school pick like Bender, drafted at 19 from Italy but never developed an NBA game, despite chances from 4 NBA teams. Let's keep in mind he was drafted after averaging 6.6 ppg for his Italian team. Amare Stoudemire was drafted 4 picks later. The Nuggets clearly do not do well with the 5th pick in the draft.
5. Jon Koncak, Atlanta Hawks, 1985, from SMU (11 seasons, 4.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 bpg) - Unlike most of the players who have decorated these lists, Koncak hung around for a considerable amount of time. 7-footers in the NBA are like lefties in baseball, someone will want them even if their talent does not warrant it. Koncak never averaged in double figures in any of his 11 seasons and managed to start almost half his games played. He signed a big contract with the Hawks that actually surpassed the superstars of the time like Michael Jordan, earning the nickname "Jon Contract". While none of them were centers, the Hawks missed out on Chris Mullin, Charles Oakley and Karl Malone in the 1985 draft.
4. Shelden Williams, Atlanta Hawks, 2006, from Duke (361 games, 4.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.5 apg) - If the Hawks select you 5th, you will average 4.5 ppg for your career. Williams had promise coming out of Duke, but that never materialized with any of the 7 teams he played with in his 6-year career. The 2006 draft was not strong and you actually have to go to the 47th pick and Paul Millsap to find a power player who has had much of an impact. Williams is married to collegiate and WNBA star Candace Parker, so all is not bad.
3. Jonathan Bender, Toronto Raptors, 1999, from Picayune HS (262 games, 5.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.6 apg) - Bender is an exhibit for those who are against the High School-to-NBA path. He never played for the Raptors as he was traded to the Pacers for Antonio Davis, so the Raptors actually came out ok with this pick. For a high school player, it was a bit surprising that injuries were the reason his career ended with unfulfilled promise.
2. James Ray, Denver Nuggets, 1980, from Jacksonville (103 games, 3.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.7 apg) - Ray had a brief NBA career, all with the Nuggets, only starting 7 games in his 3 seasons with the team. Taken ahead of Mike Gminski and Kiki Vandeweghe (whom the Nuggets acquired anyway on draft day), Ray was another bust who has faded from memory.
1. Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Denver Nuggets, 2002, from Italy (172 games, 2.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.7 apg) - Tskitishvili is the foreign equivalent to a bad high school pick like Bender, drafted at 19 from Italy but never developed an NBA game, despite chances from 4 NBA teams. Let's keep in mind he was drafted after averaging 6.6 ppg for his Italian team. Amare Stoudemire was drafted 4 picks later. The Nuggets clearly do not do well with the 5th pick in the draft.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
NBA Draft - Worst #4 Picks Since 1980
Worst #4 Picks since 1980
3. Wesley Johnson, Minnesota Timberwolves, 2010, from Syracuse (7.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.2 apg) - Johnson is still active and only 3 years into his career, but those three years have been uneventful enough for him to be included on this list. He is already on his second team, so that is some indication of where his NBA career has gone thus far. The 2010 draft is turning out to be fairly mediocre, but I am sure the Timberwolves would love to have Greg Monroe or Paul George on their team right now.
2. Marcus Fizer, Chicago Bulls, 2000, from Iowa State (289 games, 9.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.2 apg) - Fizer never found his footing in the NBA, starting only 35 games in his career with 3 teams. The main problem for Fizer and the Bulls is that they already had Elton Brand manning his position and Fizer never got the chance. After leaving the NBA, Fizer has some interesting accomplishments, including being the MVP of the NBA Development League in 2006 and in his most recent stint in a foreign league, he averaged 17.2 ppg in Argentina. The Bulls also selected Chris Mihm 3 picks later and used him to get Jamal Crawford, who is arguably the best player drafted in the Top 15 of the 2000 draft.
1. Bill Garnett, Dallas Mavericks, 1982, from Wyoming (4 seasons, 5.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.3 apg) - Full disclosure...I had no idea who Bill Garnett was. Apparently, for good reason. After 4 uninspiring seasons with 2 teams, Garnett was out of the NBA. Interestingly, the better pick for Dallas if they wanted a big man would have been none other than Clark Kellogg, who averaged 18.9 ppg and 9.5 rpg in a career shortened by knee problems.
3. Wesley Johnson, Minnesota Timberwolves, 2010, from Syracuse (7.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.2 apg) - Johnson is still active and only 3 years into his career, but those three years have been uneventful enough for him to be included on this list. He is already on his second team, so that is some indication of where his NBA career has gone thus far. The 2010 draft is turning out to be fairly mediocre, but I am sure the Timberwolves would love to have Greg Monroe or Paul George on their team right now.
2. Marcus Fizer, Chicago Bulls, 2000, from Iowa State (289 games, 9.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.2 apg) - Fizer never found his footing in the NBA, starting only 35 games in his career with 3 teams. The main problem for Fizer and the Bulls is that they already had Elton Brand manning his position and Fizer never got the chance. After leaving the NBA, Fizer has some interesting accomplishments, including being the MVP of the NBA Development League in 2006 and in his most recent stint in a foreign league, he averaged 17.2 ppg in Argentina. The Bulls also selected Chris Mihm 3 picks later and used him to get Jamal Crawford, who is arguably the best player drafted in the Top 15 of the 2000 draft.
1. Bill Garnett, Dallas Mavericks, 1982, from Wyoming (4 seasons, 5.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.3 apg) - Full disclosure...I had no idea who Bill Garnett was. Apparently, for good reason. After 4 uninspiring seasons with 2 teams, Garnett was out of the NBA. Interestingly, the better pick for Dallas if they wanted a big man would have been none other than Clark Kellogg, who averaged 18.9 ppg and 9.5 rpg in a career shortened by knee problems.
Fanduel.com Guest Article - Top Three Rookie Fantasy Football Quarterback Prospects
Top Three Rookie Fantasy Football Quarterback Prospects
It is a pretty universal thought that the NFL will not have an Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III or even Russell Wilson in 2013. With that being said, there is always a chance that a rookie quarterback finds himself in the right situation to produce at a high fantasy level. Here’s a look at the three best options to pick. Use this guide either for this season in deep leagues, or possible in dynasties.
Geno Smith
There were times when Geno Smith was considered a possible #1 overall pick, but he lasted all the way to the second round during the draft. Despite his slip, he finds himself in a situation with the Jets that could have him playing right away. Mark Sanchez is the returning quarterback for the team, and the Jets have very little offensive talent to surround any passer, but Smith has the skills to make an instant impact. If given the opportunity, he seems like the only possible quarterback who could match the production, and daily fantasy sports numbers, of any of the top three last season.
EJ Manuel
The Buffalo Bills surprised quite a few people when they took EJ Manuel as the first quarterback in the draft. Smith is probably further along right now, but Manuel is just as smart of a long-term investment. It appears as though the Bills intend to start him right away, which means he will have a leg up on the rest of the class. With Manuel and CJ Spiller on the team, the Bills could form a dynamic offense with the both passing and running threats.
Matt Barkley
If this was last season, Barkley would be getting nearly the same amount of hype as Luck and Griffin. Instead, struggles at USC and injuries knocked Barkley way down in the draft. Former Oregon coach Chip Kelly finally took a shot on the former Trojan to possibly get some playing time in Philadelphia.
For now, Michael Vick is still the quarterback for the Eagles. However, if he continues to struggle, or get injured, in 2013, Barkley could fight with Nick Foles to possibly get some reps in year one. He is not going to be drafted in any single season fantasy league this year, but many feel that he can become a solid NFL quarterback in the future.
NBA Draft - Worst #3 Picks Since 1980
Worst #3 Picks since 1980
3. Dennis Hopson, New Jersey Nets, 1987, from Ohio State (5 seasons, 10.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.0 spg) - The #3 pick has generally been solid, so it may be a surprise to see Hopson appear on the list. He could always score, but his NBA career fizzled out after 5 seasons and he played overseas from that point on. The Nets were looking for a shooter in their backcourt in 1987 and the correct answer would have been Reggie Miller from UCLA.
2. Adam Morrison, Charlotte Bobcats, 2006, from Gonzaga (161 games, 7.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.4 apg) - The next Larry Bird? Well, we are still waiting on that. When he fell to the floor in tears after his last collegiate game, we did not realize he was crying about his upcoming NBA career. Morrison shot an un-Bird like 37% from the field and shot himself right out of the league. Rudy Gay of Connecticut would have been the better selection in hindsight.
1. Chris Washburn, Golden State Warriors, 1986, from North Carolina State (72 games, 3.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.3 apg) - The 1986 NBA Draft was chalk full of troubled individuals - Len Bias, Washburn, William Bedford, Roy Tarpley - all selected in the Top 7. Washburn's career started off with knee problems and cocaine abuse manifested itself and took him straight out of the league when he was banned for life in 1989 after a 3rd failed drug test. The positive news is that Washburn is now clean and owns Washburn's Wings and More in Hickory, North Carolina.
3. Dennis Hopson, New Jersey Nets, 1987, from Ohio State (5 seasons, 10.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.0 spg) - The #3 pick has generally been solid, so it may be a surprise to see Hopson appear on the list. He could always score, but his NBA career fizzled out after 5 seasons and he played overseas from that point on. The Nets were looking for a shooter in their backcourt in 1987 and the correct answer would have been Reggie Miller from UCLA.
2. Adam Morrison, Charlotte Bobcats, 2006, from Gonzaga (161 games, 7.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.4 apg) - The next Larry Bird? Well, we are still waiting on that. When he fell to the floor in tears after his last collegiate game, we did not realize he was crying about his upcoming NBA career. Morrison shot an un-Bird like 37% from the field and shot himself right out of the league. Rudy Gay of Connecticut would have been the better selection in hindsight.
1. Chris Washburn, Golden State Warriors, 1986, from North Carolina State (72 games, 3.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 0.3 apg) - The 1986 NBA Draft was chalk full of troubled individuals - Len Bias, Washburn, William Bedford, Roy Tarpley - all selected in the Top 7. Washburn's career started off with knee problems and cocaine abuse manifested itself and took him straight out of the league when he was banned for life in 1989 after a 3rd failed drug test. The positive news is that Washburn is now clean and owns Washburn's Wings and More in Hickory, North Carolina.
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