Golden State Warriors: Ranking the last 10 first-round picks
By Drew Taylor
Festus Ezeli (Pick #30 in the 2012 NBA Draft)
Although Festus Ezeli only played three seasons for the Warriors in an abbreviated career, he was a solid role player on dominant teams.
As a rookie in 2012-13, Ezeli started many games for the team in place of injured Andrew Bogut. He then missed the 2013-14 season after surgery on his right knee.
Though injury-prone, Ezeli finally made his mark in the 2015 playoffs, winning his first and only ring with the team.
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After more knee problems and a devastating loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 Finals, Ezeli signed with the Portland Trail Blazers. He never appeared in a game for them, however, after a series of treatment, injections, and procedures on both of his knees.
After a year of more painful knee issues, the Blazers cut Ezeli, and he subsequently retired.
As the 30th pick, Festus had little expectations and still had a nice role on historical Warriors teams. Though a role player his entire career, he filled in the necessary voids for the Warriors to be successful.
He would never be an All-Star or one of the better players in the league, but he could’ve had another couple years of stellar play.
Unfortunately, Ezeli’s knees gave way, but he had a respectable career nonetheless.