5 biggest warning signs for an NBA Draft bust

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo (6) celebrates after dunking against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 131-103. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

Biggest warning signs for an NBA Draft bust: 2. Athleticism as the lone primary trait

It’s not overtly common, but some prospects are known primarily for their athleticism. No, I’m not talking about Ja Morant, Derrick Rose, or Russell Westbrook. Those players were all standout playmakers and finishers. I’m referring to players who still need to develop the rest of their game.

Athleticism alone is usually not enough to get a player selected towards the top of the draft, but it can convince teams to take a flier on them late in the first round or the second round. Supreme athletes rise up draft boards during the pre-draft combine, as they make big impressions during the combine and pre-draft workouts. The returns on these picks are underwhelming.

Here are the three best performers in the vertical leap in combine history: Keon Johnson, Jericho Sims, and Hamidou Diallo. All three of them were drafted, and none of them have become quality rotation players in the NBA. They each carried negative Box Plus-Minus last season.

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