NBA Draft: Every NBA team’s worst draft pick
By David Rouben
25. New York Knicks – John Wallace (1996)
John Wallace was a player who boosted his draft stock after his senior year at Syracuse. He had put up decent numbers before then, but like any draft hopeful, his eligible year was when he shone brightest. Averaging 36 minutes a game, he put up 22.2 points per game to go along with 8.7 assists. In the tournament, Syracuse beat Paul Pierce’s Kansas before eventually losing to Kentucky in the championship game. It was a hell of a run, and Wallace’s contributions were enough to make him a second-team All-American.
It wasn’t a bad decision on the Knicks’ part to draft him, but heading into the draft, they had picks at the 18th, 19th, and 21st spots. In a draft class that had transcendent talents such as Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Steve Nash, and Kobe Bryant, it’s a wonder why the Knicks never thought of trading up. Until the 13th pick rolled around, Kobe was still available. They should’ve moved up the board, but they stayed put and picked John Wallace.
The decision has hardly paid off. Wallace averaged double digit points only once in seven NBA seasons, and his two seasons with the Knicks sandwiched two seasons spent with the Raptors. Wallace must’ve been excited at the opportunity to play for his hometown team, but his success at Syracuse hardly translated over to the NBA.
He could’ve shown some promise, but all he does is represent what could’ve been for the Knicks.
Next: 24: New Orleans Pelicans