2017 NBA Draft Busts: Top 5 Biggest Whiffs

The 2017 NBA Draft was hyped as one of the deepest in recent memory, boasting potential franchise cornerstones and All-Star talents. While several players from this class have lived up to expectations, some highly touted prospects have fallen far short, becoming what many consider draft busts. In this article, we'll delve into the five worst whiffs from the 2017 NBA Draft, examining why these players didn't pan out and the impact their selections had on their respective teams.

1. Dennis Smith Jr. (No. 9 Overall Pick)

Dennis Smith Jr., selected ninth overall by the Dallas Mavericks, entered the league with immense athleticism and scoring potential. His highlight-reel dunks and impressive scoring performances during his freshman year at NC State fueled the hype surrounding him. The Mavericks envisioned Smith as their point guard of the future, a dynamic playmaker who could lead their offense for years to come. However, Smith's NBA career has been plagued by inconsistency, poor decision-making, and defensive deficiencies. While he's shown flashes of brilliance, his inability to consistently contribute on both ends of the floor has made him a journeyman in the league. Dallas traded him to the Knicks after just one and a half seasons, and he's since bounced around several teams, never quite finding a permanent home. His career averages of around 10 points and 4 assists per game are underwhelming for a top-10 pick. The Mavericks undoubtedly regret passing on players like Donovan Mitchell and Bam Adebayo, who were selected shortly after Smith and have become All-Stars. The pressure of being a high draft pick in a team rebuilding its franchise proved too much for Smith Jr., who struggled with consistency and adapting his game to the NBA level. His flashy athleticism never fully translated into consistent on-court production, and his defensive liabilities made it difficult for teams to rely on him in crucial moments. Despite multiple opportunities with different organizations, Smith Jr. has yet to establish himself as a reliable NBA player, making him a significant draft disappointment.

2. Zach Collins (No. 10 Overall Pick)

Zach Collins, drafted tenth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, was seen as a versatile big man with the potential to stretch the floor and protect the rim. His combination of size, shooting touch, and defensive instincts made him an intriguing prospect. The Trail Blazers hoped Collins could become a key contributor off the bench or even a future starter. Unfortunately, Collins' career has been derailed by injuries. He suffered numerous shoulder injuries, as well as ankle and foot problems, which limited his playing time and hindered his development. When he was on the court, Collins showed flashes of promise, but he never fully realized his potential due to his inability to stay healthy. Portland ultimately traded him to San Antonio, and he's currently trying to revive his career with the Spurs. However, his injury history remains a major concern. Collins' struggles highlight the unpredictable nature of the draft and the importance of health in a player's long-term success. His inability to stay on the court prevented him from developing the consistency and experience needed to thrive in the NBA. While injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, Collins' case serves as a reminder of the risks associated with drafting players with pre-existing health concerns or a history of injuries. Collins had the skills but not the health.

3. Luke Kennard (No. 12 Overall Pick)

Luke Kennard, selected twelfth overall by the Detroit Pistons, was lauded for his shooting prowess. His reputation as a sharpshooter made him an attractive prospect for a Pistons team in need of perimeter scoring. While Kennard has proven to be a capable shooter in the NBA, his overall impact has been less than expected. He's a one-dimensional player who doesn't offer much beyond his shooting ability. His lack of athleticism and defensive limitations have made it difficult for him to be a consistent starter. Detroit traded him to the Clippers, where he's become a solid role player, but he hasn't lived up to the expectations of a lottery pick. Kennard's career illustrates the limitations of being a specialist in the modern NBA. While shooting is a valuable skill, players need to offer more to be considered a true impact player. Kennard's lack of versatility has prevented him from becoming the star many envisioned, highlighting the importance of well-rounded players in today's game. The Pistons needed Kennard to be more, but he couldn't.

4. Malik Monk (No. 11 Overall Pick)

Malik Monk, drafted eleventh overall by the Charlotte Hornets, was a scoring dynamo in college. His explosive athleticism and scoring ability made him one of the most exciting prospects in the draft. However, Monk's transition to the NBA has been rocky. He's struggled with consistency, shot selection, and defense. While he's shown flashes of his scoring potential, he hasn't been able to put it together on a consistent basis. The Hornets eventually let him walk in free agency, and he's currently trying to find his footing with the Lakers. Monk's struggles highlight the challenges of translating college success to the NBA. The NBA game is faster, more physical, and requires a higher level of skill and decision-making. Monk's inability to adapt to these differences has hindered his development, making him another example of a player who hasn't lived up to his draft billing. Monk had the tools, but the consistency was missing.

5. Justin Jackson (No. 15 Overall Pick)

Justin Jackson, selected fifteenth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers (then traded to the Kings), was a highly decorated college player. His smooth offensive game and experience at North Carolina made him a seemingly safe pick. However, Jackson's NBA career has been underwhelming. He's a decent role player, but he lacks the athleticism and explosiveness to be a significant contributor. He's bounced around several teams and hasn't been able to carve out a consistent role. Jackson's case illustrates the importance of athleticism in the NBA. While skill and experience are valuable, players need a certain level of athleticism to compete at the highest level. Jackson's lack of athleticism has limited his ceiling, making him a player who hasn't lived up to his draft position. While Jackson has carved out a respectable NBA career as a role player, his selection at No. 15 overall represents a missed opportunity for the Kings. The draft is full of risks, and Jackson didn't pay off as they hoped.

Final Thoughts on the 2017 NBA Draft Whiffs

The 2017 NBA Draft, while rich in talent, also serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of the draft process. These five players, all selected in the lottery or the mid-first round, highlight the risks associated with drafting on potential and the importance of evaluating a player's fit within a team's system. While some of these players may still carve out respectable NBA careers, their selections represent missed opportunities for their respective teams and serve as reminders that even the most highly touted prospects are not guaranteed success. Guys, it's tough to predict the future, but these picks definitely didn't pan out as expected. Remember, the NBA draft is a gamble, and sometimes you just roll the dice and come up snake eyes. It's all part of the game! And hey, that's what makes it so exciting, right? You never know who's going to be the next superstar or who's going to fade away. That's why we keep watching, keep debating, and keep hoping that our team makes the right choice. So, what do you think, guys? Who do you think was the biggest whiff of the 2017 draft? Let's get the conversation going!