The 2023 NBA draft is just a couple of weeks away, and it has the chance to be one of the best in recent years. That is usually said every June, but this time it may actually be the case. This year’s class is headlined by Victor Wembanyama, a 7’4 French center with the offensive skill set of Kevin Durant. We don’t need Adrian Wojnarowski, or Shams Charania to tell us whether he will be the top pick by the San Antonio Spurs come draft night.
He may not be the only future star, however. Other players, such as Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson, project to be future NBA All-Stars. Additionally, if history is any indicator, there are often future All-Stars found in the second half of the first round and even in the second round of the draft.
The globalization of basketball has resulted in a dramatic increase in the draft talent pool and that raises the possibility of more draft-night steals. Even then, every year, several teams still find a way to make a big mistake on draft night that has a negative effect on the future of their franchise.
Just about every team has made at least one in recent years, some more painful than others, but all are mistakes. Nonetheless, with that in mind, here are 30 of the most painful NBA draft mistakes since 2002.