NBA Draft: Every NBA team’s worst draft pick

20. Atlanta Hawks – Marvin Williams (2005)

Marvin Williams is a player who has done a lot of things by the book, and has served the Atlanta Hawks well over the years, but when looking back at the 2005 draft class, Hawks fans will never be satisfied with their second overall pick because of who got drafted two spots later: Chris Paul.

Sure, they played different positions, but drafting is always about getting the best player available. You’re telling me that, with a starting backcourt of Royal Ivey and Joe Johnson, they couldn’t make room for Chris Paul on that roster? And it’s not like Marvin Williams has been an awful player, or that the decision to draft the Tar Heel was dumb, but when you look at what could’ve been for Atlanta, it’s hard not to criticize this pick.

While Williams only averaged single digits in points per game in his rookie year with the Hawks, his production has trailed off considerably since he left the team. However, being on a playoff team for the first time since 2012, he’s undergone a bit of a career resurgence in Charlotte.

And since Atlanta was a perennial playoff contender during Williams’ time there — he played in the playoffs for five straight seasons — they clearly had most of the tools in place to make a championship run. Chris Paul likely would’ve gotten them over the hump.

Next: 19: Philadelphia 76ers