| TOP 10 BUSTS

February 28, 2016January 8, 2017

Patrick O’Bryant: Honorable Mention (NBA)

Taken with the 9th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, Patrick O'Bryant finished his career with fewer than 200 points and 150 rebounds. Based on a total 0f 0.5 career win shares, he ranks in the bottom 3% of all 6th-10th overall picks since 1970. As such, the former Bradley Brave failed on an absolute and relative basis. Worthy of being labeled an all-time bust, O'Bryant escapes the Hall of Shame given that Adam Morrison went earlier in the same draft. Without the same cachet, O'Bryant must settle for an Honorable Mention. Somehow, I'm sure he'll manage.

February 28, 2016January 14, 2017

Jameis Winston: Projected Top 10 Bust (Revisited)

Prior to the 2015 NFL Draft, I identified Jameis Winston as a potential Top 10 Bust. In particular, I labeled him as an interception-prone QB lacking the maturity needed to lead an NFL franchise. Winston proved me wrong by having a productive rookie year on the field and avoiding problems off of it. Of note, he earned a spot in the Pro Bowl and became the inspirational leader of the significantly improved Buccaneers. If his career stalls for whatever reason (e.g. over confidence, decline in work ethic), Winston still may end up being a bust. For now, however, it appears that Tampa Bay made a good choice with its #1 overall pick.

February 22, 2016January 21, 2017

Top 10 Busted: Peyton Manning on HGH?

In my lifetime, the most revered athlete to experience a fall from grace may be either Lance Armstrong or Tiger Woods. After seeing the downfall of the greatest cyclist and golfer of this generation (and perhaps ever), I wondered if any sports hero could survive heightened public scrutiny. Of note, I thought Derek Jeter and Peyton Manning might be the only superstars beyond reproach. Jeter rode off into the sunset with his reputation intact. On the other hand, Manning may not be as fortunate. In particular, the five-time NFL MVP allegedly used HGH when recovering from neck surgery several years ago. At the same time, we can't overlook the "mooning" incident. Whether true or not, these accusations may lead to his removal from the already-small list of "squeaky-clean" superstar athletes.