5 biggest warning signs for an NBA Draft bust

Biggest warning signs for an NBA Draft bust: 1. Landing in the wrong situation

Being selected by the wrong organization can severely affect a player’s NBA career.

For example, Doc Rivers was both the president of basketball operations and head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers from 2014 to 2017. This dual role was very unsuccessful for the Clippers. Rivers was known for his hesitancy to play rookies and younger players. So, when Rivers drafted a prospect, they would sit on the bench and eventually be traded/cut.

Under Rivers, first-round picks Reggie Bullock, C.J. Wilcox, and Brice Johnson each played less than 70 games for the franchise. Without a legitimate shot to develop as NBA players, they had to restart from the bottom. In the case of Bullock, he proved himself to be a capable wing, logging 294 starts for other teams. Unfortunately, Wilcox and Johnson were not afforded as many opportunities.

Over the years, many talented prospects have landed in poor situations, due to coaching, playing time, culture, or other factors. Many draft “busts” tend to have similar circumstances. That is not a coincidence.

Check out The Step Back for more news, analysis, opinion and unique basketball coverage. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our daily email newsletter, The Whiteboard.