Projections | TOP 10 BUSTS

July 23, 2016November 28, 2017

Potential Not T10B: Brandon Ingram (2016 NBA Draft)

With the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Ben Simmons. After years of tanking, the Sixers "earned" the right to select one of the highest profile phenoms since LeBron James. Despite conventional wisdom, Brandon Ingram made a legitimate case to be the first pick instead. During his "one-and-done" season at Duke, Ingram averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. It's hard to question Phildelphia's decision. However, the organization has been a complete embarrassment for over a decade. Would you be surprised if 2016 becomes a repeat of 2007 when the Trail Blazers passed on Kevin Durant? Based on Ingram's upside, you shouldn't be.

Potential (Not) T10B: Ben Simmons (2016 NBA Draft)

Going into the 2016 NBA Draft, most experts predicted that Ben Simmons would be the #1 overall pick. During his "one-and-done" season at LSU, Simmons averaged 19 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals per game. Given that production, the young phenom justified the hype which began while he still played in high school. Considered by some to be a "can't-miss" prospect, Simmons regularly has drawn comparisons to LeBron James. Clearly, Simmons has a long way to go to match the best player on the planet. Sorry Steph, but the King still holds the crown. As of now, Simmons has a blank canvas upon which to paint his career. The odds are greater that Simmons will be a Not Top 10 Bust (i.e. an all-time great) than a Top 10 Bust (i.e. an all-time failure). Yet, I'm still not completely sold on him.

Projected 2015 NBA Draft Busts (Overall)

Since starting this site one year ago, I have analyzed the production of all NBA players drafted over the last 40+ years. Based on my research, I'm ready to offer my evaluation of players taken in the 2015 NBA Draft. Specifically, I have identified potential Top 10 Busts from this year's draft. As of now, my early favorites include Mario Hezonja, Kristaps Porzingis, and Willie Cauley-Stein.