9 NBA Lottery Picks Who Didn’t Last Their Rookie Deals

Every NBA team dreams of landing a franchise-altering player in the lottery. But sometimes, those dreams go up in smoke before a rookie contract even hits its final year.

These lottery picks didn’t stick around long enough to prove the doubters wrong, whether due to injuries, poor performance, or getting lost in the shuffle. Here are players who entered the league with hype and exited before their first deal even wrapped.

9. Anthony Bennett

The No. 1 overall pick in 2013 barely made it through year three. He bounced around multiple teams, but none could figure out how to unlock his potential—or if it was ever really there.

8. Joe Alexander

Drafted eighth overall in 2008, Alexander was more of an athlete than a basketball player. Injuries and inconsistency doomed his NBA run before he even had a shot to improve.

7. Jimmer Fredette

Jimmer came into the league with deep range and big-time college credentials. Unfortunately, his game never quite translated to the NBA’s speed or defensive demands.

6. Hasheem Thabeet

Taken second overall in 2009, Thabeet was supposed to be a shot-blocking menace. Instead, he struggled to stay on the court and was out of the league after just a few years of bouncing from bench to bench.

5. Jan Veselý

The Wizards hoped the sixth overall pick in 2011 would be their European star. He brought energy but lacked the skill to stick in the modern NBA.

4. Kendall Marshall

Marshall had an excellent feel for the game but couldn’t keep up physically. He never gained a steady role, and injuries didn’t help his cause either.

3. Thomas Robinson

Royce White hook shot over Thomas Robinson — Royce White’s hook shot over Thomas Robinson/SD Dirk, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

A top-five pick in 2012, Robinson had all the physical tools but couldn’t carve out a consistent role. He bounced from team to team before fading out of the league entirely.

2. Nikoloz Tskitishvili

Drafted fifth overall in 2002, Tskitishvili was the ultimate international mystery box. There wasn’t much inside once he hit an NBA floor.

1. Jonny Flynn

Jan 7, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jonny Flynn (10) drives to the basket in the first half against the Portland Trailblazers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports — Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Flynn was famously picked right before Steph Curry, which only worsens things. He showed flashes early but quickly fell off due to injuries and a poor fit.