The Worst NBA Draft Picks from 2014 to 2020: Missed Opportunities That Could Have Changed NBA History
Between 2014 and 2020, the NBA draft saw teams make selections that, in hindsight, proved to be massive miscalculations. These decisions didn’t just lead to players underperforming or being labeled busts—they were lost opportunities that could have altered the NBA landscape and even established dynasties. This article explores seven of the worst draft decisions during this period, highlighting what teams could have achieved with different selections.
1. Jabari Parker (2014 Draft, 2nd Pick) – Milwaukee Bucks
Jabari Parker entered the NBA with a wealth of promise, showcasing his talents with a 20.1 points-per-game average during the 2017 season. Unfortunately, injuries, particularly his ACL tears, derailed his career, and by 2021, Parker was averaging just 5.5 points per game, ultimately playing overseas. His defensive struggles and attitude, famously stating, “They don’t pay players to play defense,” only solidified his inability to become a franchise cornerstone.
What could have been for the Bucks? Instead of Parker, they could have paired Giannis Antetokounmpo with Joel Embiid, a defensive force and MVP-caliber player. This duo would have created an imposing frontcourt, possibly building a dynasty in Milwaukee. Parker contributed little to the Bucks’ eventual 2021 championship, and the team missed out on a transformative player in Embiid.
2. Jahlil Okafor (2015 Draft, 3rd Pick) – Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers took a significant gamble by selecting Jahlil Okafor, a traditional post scorer, in the 2015 draft. Okafor, despite his success in college, quickly became an outdated fit for the modern NBA. His lack of defensive versatility and inability to adapt to a league that required big men to stretch the floor doomed his career early. Off-court issues, including street fights, further tarnished his tenure in Philadelphia.
The 76ers’ biggest mistake was passing on Kristaps Porzingis, who could have formed a dynamic duo with Embiid. Okafor’s rapid decline, from averaging 17.5 points per game as a rookie to just 5.4 points by 2021, cemented his place as a bust, and the Sixers’ decision to select him remains a costly error.
3. Ben Simmons (2016 Draft, 1st Pick) – Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons, once hailed as the next Magic Johnson or LeBron James, was drafted first overall by the 76ers in 2016. Early in his career, he showed flashes of brilliance, particularly as a defender and playmaker. However, his refusal to develop a jump shot and his eventual collapse during the 2021 playoffs shattered any belief that he could be the centerpiece of a championship team.
Philadelphia’s real mistake was missing out on Jaylen Brown, the 3rd pick by the Celtics, who has since become an NBA champion, Finals MVP, and perennial All-Star. Pairing Brown with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey could have made the 76ers a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference. Simmons, once regarded as a generational talent, ultimately became a liability, while Brown has thrived as a key player in Boston.
4. Thon Maker (2016 Draft, 10th Pick) – Milwaukee Bucks
Thon Maker was viewed as a potential unicorn—a seven-footer with perimeter skills and the ability to protect the rim. Unfortunately, Maker never developed into the player Milwaukee had hoped. His biggest impact on the league was the conspiracy surrounding his age, as rumors circulated that he was older than he claimed.
In selecting Maker, the Bucks missed the opportunity to draft Domantas Sabonis, a versatile All-Star who would have perfectly complemented Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee’s frontcourt. Sabonis has been a key player for the Sacramento Kings, ending their 16-year playoff drought and becoming a dominant force. Maker, on the other hand, quickly faded out of relevance, and the Bucks were left wondering what might have been.
5. Markelle Fultz (2017 Draft, 1st Pick) – Philadelphia 76ers
The 2017 draft saw the 76ers make yet another costly mistake by selecting Markelle Fultz. Fultz was projected as a superstar point guard, but a mysterious shoulder injury and struggles with confidence derailed his development. While Fultz has shown flashes of potential, he has yet to live up to the expectations of a No. 1 pick.
Philadelphia’s decision to trade up for Fultz looks even worse in hindsight, as they passed on Jason Tatum, who was selected 3rd by the Boston Celtics. Tatum has become one of the league’s brightest stars, already a five-time All-Star and NBA champion. The 76ers, who desperately needed a wing player to pair with Ben Simmons, could have formed a dynasty with Tatum. Instead, they traded up for a player who never reached his potential, while Boston thrived with Tatum at the helm.
6. Deandre Ayton (2018 Draft, 1st Pick) – Phoenix Suns
Deandre Ayton has been a solid player for the Phoenix Suns, but he pales in comparison to the player they passed on: Luka Dončić. Luka, selected 3rd by the Mavericks after a draft-day trade, has become one of the most dominant young players in NBA history. A five-time All-NBA First Team selection in his first six seasons, Dončić has led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals, despite a less-than-stellar supporting cast.
7. James Wiseman (2020 Draft, 2nd Pick) – Golden State Warriors
James Wiseman, selected 2nd overall by the Warriors, seemed like the perfect fit for a team in need of a center. Standing at 7’1” with elite athleticism, Wiseman had the potential to be a game-changing big man. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent play prevented him from making an impact, and by 2023, Wiseman was traded after failing to live up to expectations.
The Warriors’ decision to pass on LaMelo Ball, who was selected 3rd by the Charlotte Hornets, will be remembered as a monumental mistake. Ball has emerged as one of the league’s brightest young stars, with his playmaking, scoring, and versatility elevating him to All-Star status. The Warriors, who were searching for a player to complement Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, missed out on a player who could have accelerated their return to championship contention.
Conclusion
The NBA draft is filled with uncertainty, but the picks from 2014 to 2020 represent some of the most significant missed opportunities in recent memory. Teams like the 76ers, Bucks, and Suns could have built dynasties with better draft decisions, and the legacies of players like Tatum, Dončić, and Brown show just how costly those mistakes were. While some players were derailed by injuries, others simply failed to live up to the lofty expectations placed on them. These seven draft picks serve as stark reminders that even one misstep can have lasting consequences for a franchise.
