A look at the often dubious history of NBA players taken with the second overall pick.
13 STRAIGHT PICKS, 2 STARS:
2012 -- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky, Charlotte Bobcats: Off to promising start in his rookie season.
2011 -- Derrick Williams, Arizona, Minnesota Timberwolves: Been in Rick Adelman's doghouse from the start. Shown flashes this season, but still inconsistent.
2010 -- Evan Turner, Ohio State, Philadelphia 76ers: After a rocky start has emerged as a valuable and versatile player this season.
2009 -- Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut, Memphis Grizzlies: A far cry from the Next Mutombo that he was advertised to be.
2008 -- Michael Beasley, Kansas State, Miami Heat: Discipline and focus continue to plague him five years later.
2007 -- Kevin Durant, Texas, Seattle SuperSonics: That seemed to work out OK for everyone except Seattle fans.
2006 -- LaMarcus Aldridge, Texas, Chicago Bulls: Legit cornerstone for Portland Trail Blazers.
2005 -- Marvin Williams, North Carolina, Atlanta Hawks: Was a bench player at UNC and has been a bench player, performance-wise, in NBA.
2004 -- Emeka Okafor, Connecticut, Charlotte Bobcats: Injuries have derailed a career that began as rookie of year.
2003 -- Darko Milicic, Serbia, Detroit Pistons: Ugh.
2002 -- Jay Williams, Duke, Chicago Bulls: Motorcycle accident ended promising career.
2001 -- Tyson Chandler, Dominguez High School, Compton, Calif., Los Angeles Clippers: After an uneven start, has asserted himself as a top-flight C for Dallas, New York.
2000 -- Stromile Swift, Louisiana State, Vancouver Grizzlies: Super athletic F never put it together.
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OTHER NOTABLE FAILURES:
1997 -- Keith Van Horn, Utah, Philadelphia 76ers: Hardly the next Larry Bird many were hoping for.
1993 -- Shawn Bradley, Brigham Young, Philadelphia 76ers: 7-foot-6 center stayed in league for 12 seasons but rarely was a factor.
1989 -- Danny Ferry, Duke, Los Angeles Clippers: Better executive than he was a professional player. Averaged more than 10 points per game twice in 13 seasons.
1986 -- Len Bias, Maryland, Boston Celtics: Died of drug overdose before playing for Celtics.
1984 -- Sam Bowie, Kentucky, Portland TrailBlazers: Well, you know.
1983 -- Steve Stipanovich, Missouri, Indiana Pacers: Big man played five solid if underwhelming seasons, averaging 13.2 points, 7.8 rebounds.
sign out Welcome,
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