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Grading every NBA team’s highest draft pick in the last five years

By Ari Schwartz

Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver (middle) poses with the draftees before the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver (middle) poses with the draftees before the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors: F

2. James Wiseman

While Wiseman was clearly the best positional fit for the Warriors at the time of the 2020 draft, clearly a then 19-year-old who had barely played in college wasn’t going to work out on a team looking to compete for a championship. After two seasons of both injuries and on-court struggles, Wiseman was flipped to the Detroit Pistons for Gary Payton ll. This pick could’ve helped the Warriors dynasty continue for several more years, but all it got them was a role player.

Los Angeles Clippers: F

13. Jerome Robinson

Robinson’s career has fizzled out due to injuries and his jumper not quite translating to the NBA level. He missed significant time, only playing 75 games with Los Angeles throughout two seasons. Even when he was on the court though, he struggled to score at an efficient rate both from within and beyond the arc. Eventually, he was moved to Washington, where he faced similar struggles, and he is now playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the G League.

Los Angeles Lakers: D

25. Moe Wagner

Wagner has blossomed into a solid role player for the Orlando Magic but never did much for the Lakers. He played ten minutes per game in his rookie year, before being sent to the Wizards as part of the Anthony Davis trade. Obviously, Los Angeles benefited from the trade, but the pick itself wasn’t great. Wagner on the other hand, has blossomed into a good rotation player for the Orlando Magic.

Phoenix Suns: B

1. Deandre Ayton

Coming into the league, Ayton was projected to be a future superstar and the Suns’ franchise player. Five years later, it seems he’s plateaued as an all-star caliber starting center, with career averages of 16 points and 10 rebounds per game. Still, that’s not a bad outcome, as he’s contributed to multiple playoff series wins and could be a key contributor in a potential finals run next season.

Sacramento Kings: F

2. Marvin Bagley lll

Bagley was viewed as the second-best player in the 2018 draft Ayton, as he dominated at the college level. In hindsight, the Kings should’ve been more aware that despite his success in College, Bagley’s game wouldn’t quite translate to the NBA. He wasn’t a good perimeter player on either end of the court and didn’t make up for it with elite paint protection. After four years with Sacramento, he was flipped to the Detroit Pistons for Donte DiVincenzo.