The Biggest Draft Busts over the Last Five Years

2003 NBA Draft

With the second pick of the NBA draft, the Detroit Pistons selected 7’0 Serbian Darko Milicic with high hopes of him turning into an All-Star. Darko was chosen over Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Chris Kaman, Kirk Hinrich, T.J. Ford, and many other elite players.

Now when was the last time you heard about Darko? That is right, you have not!

Darko was never a part of the Pistons system. He averaged no more than seven minutes per game in his first two and a half seasons with the Pistons.

In the '05-06 season, Darko was traded to the Magic with Carlos Arroyo for a first-round selection and Kelvin Cato. Darko’s numbers increased slightly during the '06-07 season, where he averaged 23.9 MPG (a career-high to this day), along with just 8 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 1.8 BPG.

Darko signed with the Memphis Grizzlies in '07 and never made much of an impact as a starter. He is now a back-up in Memphis and plays just around 20.6 MPG. Rumors have circulated around the league that Darko wants to return back to his home and play basketball in Europe. He blames the NBA for making him into what he has become. Darko specifically stated that he does not want to be a defensive player for the rest of his career and rather build back his confidence on the offensive end.

While players like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Bosh have become super-stars in the league throughout the past years, Darko Milicic has accomplished absolutely nothing.

Darko is one of the biggest draft busts in the history of the NBA. He has been an embarrassment since stepping foot onto the NBA court and will probably never return to the NBA after the '09-10 season.

2006 NBA Draft

With the first pick of the 2006 NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors selected Italian seven footer Andrea Bargnani over outstanding players like LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay, Rajon Rondo, Randy Foye, and Paul Millsap.

Thinking about it now, you can bet General Manager Bryan Colangelo regrets choosing Andrea Bargnani as his first pick.

Bargnani is in his third season in the NBA and has not done much compared to other first round picks throughout the years.

Andrea’s career averages are a lousy 24.7 MPG, 10.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 1.0 APG. He is a waste of height, lacking in strength and aggression. Bargnani has a great three-point shot, but cannot do much of else.

First round draft picks of the last few years.

2003- LeBron James- Career Averages- MPG-40.8 PPG-27.3 RPG-6.9 APG-6.6 SPG-1.8

2004- Dwight Howard- Career Averages- MPG- 36.0 PPG-16.8 RPG-12.4 APG-1.4 BPG-1.9

2005- Andrew Bogut- Career Averages- MPG-32.3 PPG-11.9 RPG-8.7 APG-2.5 BPG-1.0

2008- Derrick Rose- Career Averages- MPG-37.7 PPG-17.2 RPG-3.7 APG-6.0 SPG-1.0

Will Darko give the NBA another chance? Can Bargnani turn into a player that was worth getting drafted first pick? Comment back with your opinions and we can discuss them!