Ranking the NBA's last 24 first overall picks: 20-16

Leading up to the 2024 NBA Draft, we are looking at the careers of the No. 1 overall picks of the last 24 years. While one is in the conversation for the greatest player of all time, others are in the conversation for biggest busts of all time.

As we continue the series, we look at a series of top selections that played nice roles in the NBA but were unworthy of their lofty ranking.

20. Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors (2006)

The Italian gave the Raptors seven years and did flash as a scorer. He started his career off slow, but he did manage to finish second in Rookie of the Year voting and proved a key part of the franchise while he was there. Still, we are talking about a seven-footer that averaged 4.6 rebounds per game and was a poor defender. However, this was a poor draft, and LaMarcus Aldridge, Rajon Rondo, and Kyle Lowry are really the only other members of the class with notable careers.

19. Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee Bucks (2005) 

Unlike Bargnani, who was compared to Dirk Nowitzki, Bogut entered the league as someone expected to be a good, All-Star-caliber center. While his career fell short of that, he was not as far off the mark. Bogut was a better-than-average starter for the Bucks before becoming a role player with the Warriors and helped Golden State win a championship. 

18. DeAndre Ayton, Phoenix Suns (2018)

Unable to help the Suns transcend, Ayton played his first season with the Trailblazers last year. He’s never averaged less than 10 rebounds per game, and he’s a solid scorer. However, he’s never been able to take all the compelling attributes about his game and skill set to be able to become a dominant basketball player. There’s still time for the 25 year-old, but the rebuilding Blazers are unlikely to provide an opportunity to shine.

17. Kenyon Martin, New Jersey Nets (2000)

Martin was part of a very athletic draft class with a lot of prospects who just did not pan out. He had an All-Star season and made a trip to the NBA Finals in his early years with the Nets. Martin had a long career and was a solid contributor for more than a decade, and he was known for high energy, good defense, athleticism, and being a good rebounder. Never in his career, though, was he the best player on his team.

16. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers (2016)

It is hard to fathom how Simmons has fallen this low. He possesses incredible length and athletic ability, is a three time All-Star, and came into a situation where he was supposed to be part of an elite duo that could rule the NBA for years to come. That, unfortunately, is a faded memory. Plagued by injuries, a poor attitude, a tendency to fail in high pressure situations, as well as a lack of an outside shot, Simmons has been a non-factor with the Nets after the 76ers decided they had to move on.