2018 NBA Draft: 5 potential busts

The 2018 NBA Draft class might be as special as last year’s, but still expect to see some players struggle to make an impact.

The 2017 rookie class drew comparisons to that of 2003 as one of the most loaded drafts in recent NBA history. Guards Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr. were featured in a backcourt-heavy lottery and dominated headlines throughout the season, for both good and bad reasons.

Donovan Mitchell, Lauri Markkanen and Jayson Tatum all set records and took the league by storm. Kyle Kuzma and OG Anunoby were both nice surprises.

With point guard Ben Simmons having missed the entire 2016-17 season due to a foot injury, he would also join in one of the most compelling and competitive Rookie of Year races in the modern era.

With that being said, there were still players that failed to live up to the hype. Malik Monk, taken No. 10 overall by the Charlotte Hornets, averaged 19.8 points per game at Kentucky. That number dropped to 6.7 points in his rookie season, however.

The 2018 NBA Draft class has also been filled with talented players all around. However, it’s most intriguing for it’s unstoppable frontcourt players, not just the guards. Big men Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Mohamed Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. were all drafted in the top seven.

Although there will be loads of rookie talent this upcoming season, here are some players that may have underwhelming seasons, whether it be due to the situation they enter or their inability to adjust to the next level. With that in mind, here’s a look at five potential busts from the 2018 NBA Draft class.