Re-grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 28: (L-R) Anthony Davis, head coach John Calipari and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist of the Kentucky Wildcats pose during the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at Prudential Center on June 28, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Jan 24, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters (11) reacts after fouling LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at American Airlines Arena, Grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading the top 10 picks of the 2012 NBA Draft: 4. Dion Waiters – C+

Dion Waiters is a player I always forget was picked so high in the draft. While Waiters was certainly never anything more than a role player, he was pretty solid for the majority of his career.

In eight seasons in the NBA, Waiters averaged 13.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 41 percent from the field and 34 percent from three. Efficiency was definitely never Waiters’ strong suit, but he was still a solid scorer for a couple of years.

Waiters never provided much outside of scoring during his career, however, with the role he played, he was never asked to do much outside of that.

Sadly, it seems as if Waiters’ time in the NBA has come to an end, as his last stint in the league was with the Lakers in 2020 after he signed with the team for their championship run. At least he went out as a champion at the end of his career.

Obviously, Waiters was nowhere near worth the fourth overall pick, but that does not mean he wasn’t a solid NBA player at the peak of his career., And as you’re about to see, it could’ve been much worse.