Enough time has passed, it's time that we look at the some of the disappointments from a very underwhelming draft class.
Photo By: Dustin Satloff (Getty Images North America)
There were really high hopes for this draft class. In my opinion, it had potential to be one of the best classes of all-time. Boy was I wrong. Maybe the pandemic threw something off. But there are a lot of guys who just didn't live up to their potential. And even the 2nd round has like no notable guys who have made a big impact yet. Which is really rare. But let's get into the real draft "busts" who didn't pan out for one reason or another.
1. James Wiseman, GSW
Lately, the Warriors have not been able to develop draft talent. James Wiseman is no different. Wiseman was selected 2nd overall out of Memphis, and has only played 50 NBA games so far in his career. The 7 foot center is currently in the G-League, and has been underwhelming through 5 games. He's only averaging 15 PPG with a total +/- of -35. I've actually taken some time to watch condensed versions of his games. And he doesn't look comfortable. Like he's not dominating the way he should be.
He's fallen out of a Warriors rotation that only has one other big man, Kevon Looney. Coming out of college, Wiseman was touted as a player similar to prime Chris Bosh. His 2022 averages have been extremely disappointing, with 6.8 PPG and 3.8 RPG in 13 minutes per game. Now he didn't play during the 2021-22 season with a torn meniscus. But other than that, he really doesn't have any other excuse. His rookie year was also very bad. Hope he turns it around, but so far, James Wiseman is a bust.
2. Killian Hayes, DET
This may be a bad time to write this, as yesterday Hayes dropped a career-best performance in an OT win vs. the Mavericks. But nonetheless, Killian Hayes has had a terrible career so far. He was drafted 7th overall by the Pistons, in front of guys like Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Vassell, and teammate Saddiq Bey. His rookie year was littered by injuries, as he only played 26 total games. Then he got the Dennis Smith Jr. treatment, as the Pistons drafted Cade Cunningham with the 1st pick a year later. His development has been pushed to the backseat for the Detroit franchise, and it's been evident with his play.
His career averages are nothing spectacular. He sports a 6.9 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 4.5 APG through 3 years as a 7th pick. Some would consider him (and myself included) one of the worst players in the NBA this season. Which is actually a pretty impressive feat for an association that employs Evan Fournier. Once Cade comes back from injury, his Linsanity run should stop.
3. Patrick Williams, CHI
Everyone was shocked when the Bulls took Patrick Williams 4th overall back in 2020. I had him mocked 11th in my draft board, so safe to say I didn't see it coming. While playing for Florida State in college, Williams didn't start a single game, but he was the ACC 6th Man of the Year. So of course he quickly drew Devin Booker comparisons from fans. Similar to the other guys on the list, "The Paw" has had some injury problems, as he missed most of his 2022 campaign with a left wrist injury.
Patrick Williams isn't a bad player by any means. He's pretty good defensively and has the tools to be a threat offensively. But he isn't worth the 4th pick. He isn't aggressive enough on offense and lacks what some like to call "a bag". His offensive game is so reliant on others that he can't be trusted on that side of the ball. It's tough, but he's a bust.
Other "Busts": Deni Avdija (WAS), Isaac Okoro (CLE), Jalen Smith (PHX/IND), Onyeka Okongwu (ATL), Aaron Nesmith (BOS/IND), and Kira Lewis Jr. (NOP)
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