The 10 Biggest Reaches in NBA Draft History

The NBA draft is not an exact science.

Each year is filled with surprises that leave some fans excited and others wondering what on earth their team was thinking.

In 2012, there are a few players, such as Jared Sullinger and Meyers Leonard, that could prove to be either great pickups or major busts for their new squads.

As we get closer to draft day, here's a look at 10 of the biggest reaches in NBA draft history.

10. Adam Morrison, Charlotte Bobcats (2006)

Michael Jordan decided to draft Adam Morrison in 2006 with the No. 3 pick overall.

In his final year at Gonzaga, Morrison led the nation in scoring averaging 25.9 PPG.

Despite his ability to put up big numbers at a collegiate level, scouts noted that he lacked good lateral movement and the quickness necessary to create shots for himself at the next level. His defense was an even bigger worry.

His career averages of just 7.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game were nothing more than a major let down as he left for Europe after just three seasons in the NBA.

Other available options at the time included Brandon Roy, Randy Foye, Rudy Gay and Rajon Rondo.

9. Marvin Williams, Atlanta Hawks (2005)

Marvin Williams was the No. 2 selection by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2005 NBA draft.

Williams decided to leave North Carolina after his freshman year to enter the draft, despite scouts' beliefs that he could significantly benefit from at least one more season at the collegiate level.

The Hawks determined that his potential at this point outweighed the risks, passing on players such as Deron Williams, Chris Paul and Andrew Bynum—who were all still on the board.

He hasn't had a bad career thus far, averaging 10.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game over his seven seasons with the Hawks. It doesn't quite compare to the big-time numbers of the players they passed up, however.

8. Kedrick Brown, Boston Celtics (2001)

Kwame Brown was the No. 1 pick of the 2001 NBA draft and never really amounted to much as a professional, averaging just 6.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game to date.

Kedrick Brown was the eleventh pick and was far worse, averaging just 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game over his four-year NBA career.

The Boston Celtics could have had their hands on either Zack Randolph or Tony Parker at No. 11, but they instead decided to take a major risk on a junior college player who was unproven against quality competition.

7. Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Denver Nuggets (2002)

The 7'0" Georgian center was one of the worst European draft picks in recent memory.

The Denver Nuggets took him with the fifth overall pick in 2002 and passed on players such as Amar'e Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer in the process.

It was evident to scouts that he was undersized and underdeveloped in comparison to other European prospects, but the Nuggets took their chance regardless.

Tskitishvili averaged just 2.9 points and 1.8 rebounds per game over his four-year NBA career.

6. Shawn Bradley, Philadelphia 76ers (1993)

The No. 2 overall selection in the 1993 NBA draft was the 7'6" Shawn Bradley by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Bradley was a very risky choice this early in the draft.

He had led the nation in blocks his freshman year at BYU, but then took two years off to serve as a missionary in Australia. The 76ers decided to take a chance on the big man anyway.

Despite being one of the tallest players of all time, Bradley only averaged 8.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game over the course of his career.

Both Penny Hardaway and Jamal Mashburn came out of this draft class after Bradley was off the board.

5. Dennis Hopson, New Jersey Nets (1987)

Here's a pick that the New Jersey Nets wish they could have back.

At the time it wasn't clear what the future would hold for Dennis Hopson, who was second in the nation in scoring his senior year at Ohio State University.

The Nets, who were in desperate need of a scoring threat, took a chance on Hopson at No. 3 overall.

The former OSU standout lasted just five seasons in the NBA before moving overseas.

Unfortunately, the Nets passed up the likes of Scottie Pippen and Reggie Miller in favor of Hopson—a move that the team and fans will never forget.

4. Robert Traylor, Milwaukee Bucks (1998)

Robert "The Tractor" Traylor was initially drafted No. 6 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 1998.

He was shipped off to the Milwaukee Bucks before ever playing a game in a Mavs uniform, all in exchange for Pat Garrity and a young German prospect by the name of Dirk Nowitzki.

Nowitzki, as we all know, went on to win an NBA championship and an MVP Award. 

Traylor was an overweight player in college whose weight issues threw up a red flag entering the 1998 Draft.

He played at close to 300 pounds during his seven professional seasons, averaging 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

3. Darko Milicic, Detroit Pistons (2003)

The 2003 NBA draft class was one of the most talented of all time.

LeBron James was the clear-cut No. 1 choice out of high school for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all made their leap to the NBA that year as well.

But before any of those other guys were chosen, however, the Detroit Pistons selected Darko Milicic at No. 2.

As is true with all European draft picks, you can never be too sure as to what you're going to get. The transition from Europe to the NBA is a drastic one which bares witness to some successful athletes and some big-time busts.

Milicic is certainly one of those risks that did not pay off, especially with the talent available in 2003.

2. LaRue Martin, Portland Trail Blazers (1974)

LaRue Martin's basketball career never amounted to much, averaging just 5.3 points per game over his four-year tenure in the NBA.

He was selected No. 1 overall by the Trail Blazers in 1974 in favor of both Bob McAdoo and Julius Erving.

Both of these players have now found a home in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Experts believe that a stellar performance at Loyola against UCLA and the great Bill Walton seemed to propel Martin to the top of the draft in 1974.

His 6'11", 208 pound frame at draft day certainly should have warranted more concern.

1. Sam Bowie, Portland Trail Blazers (1984)

Easily the biggest reach of NBA history was the selection of Sam Bowie in 1984.

He was selected second overall behind Hakeem Olajuwon, who happened to have a Hall of Fame career.

Bowie missed two seasons with a severe shin injury prior to his senior year at Kentucky, a major red flag that the Portland Trail Blazers brushed off.

The third, fifth and 16th selections of 1984 draft all outshined this No. 2 pick and have joined Hakeem "The Dream" in the Hall.

They go by the names of Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and John Stockton.