We break down the worst lottery classes since 1990.
1.) 2000
Best pick: Kenyon Martin, No. 1 to New Jersey
Worst pick: Jerome Moiso, No. 11 to Boston
Martin was the only All-Star in this lottery and injuries hampered his career. You can’t help but feel sorry for the Bulls who struck out twice with Marcus Fizer at No. 4 and Chris Mihm at No. 7. Darius Miles (No. 3 to the Clippers) made the All-Rookie team out of high school but he proved too immature for the league.
2.) 2001
Best pick: Joe Johnson, No. 10 to Boston
Worst pick: Kwame Brown, No. 1 to Washington
Brown will go down as perhaps the worst No. 1 pick ever. No. 4 Eddy Curry and No. 7 Eddie Griffin could be the worst at their respective spots, too. We bet Boston wishes it picked Zach Randolph at No. 11 instead of Kendrick Brown.
3.) 2010
Best pick: Derrick Favors, No. 3 to New Jersey
Worst pick: Cole Aldrich, No. 11 to New Orleans
The Hornets dodged a bullet, shipping Aldrich to the Thunder, who demoted him to the NBDL. Favors is raw, but he should blossom into an All-Star in Utah, where he was traded midseason. No. 1 pick John Wall is incredibly quick, but the NBA is not a place to learn how to shoot a jump shot. Too bad for the Wiz.
4.) 2006
Best pick: Brandon Roy, No. 6 to Portland
Worst pick: Adam Morrison, No. 3 to Charlotte
Andrea Bargnani is a serviceable player in Toronto, but he’s not flashy. Tyrus Thomas (No. 4) and Shelden Williams (No. 5) have been flops, while 7-footer Patrick O’Bryant (No. 9) has only started three games.
5.) 2011
Best pick: Derrick Williams, PF, Arizona
Worst pick: Jonas Valanciunas, PF, Lithuania
We know it’s harsh, but this 2011 class will be loaded with unprepared early entrants and a crew of unproven international players. Kyrie Irving figures to go No. 1 to the Cavs, but beyond him and Williams, this weak lottery class rivals 2000.
