NBA Draft: Every team’s least popular pick ever

Brooklyn Nets – Dennis Hopson (1987)

Harken back to the 1987 draft with the then New Jersey Nets occupying the No. 3 overall selection. At the time, the Nets were in the market for a high quality small forward that could develop into a star and help return the franchise to their former glory. A young player whose stock was rising rapidly out of Central Arkansas by the name of Scottie Pippen was on the board still—but instead, the Nets selected Dennis Hopson out of Ohio State.

Just the simple fact that any team took any player not named David Robinson ahead of Scottie Pippen in the 1987 draft isn’t a good look at all. However, it’s a particularly egregious error for the Nets considering how little Hopson did in his brief career with New Jersey and in the NBA.

Hopson only played three full seasons with the Nets before bolting elsewhere—where it’s worth noting that he only lasted two more seasons before being out of the league for the rest of his career. While he showed some flashes in his final two years with the Nets, it wasn’t anything on the level of Pippen or that made anyone feel great about him being taken at No. 3. It was just a messy situation regarding Hopson all around and one that everyone was none too happy about it.

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